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First Impressions From New iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max Users

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We've seen dozens of iPhone XS and XS Max reviews from media sites that Apple invited to test the new smartphones ahead of their release, but now that the new iPhones have officially launched in the United States and other countries around the world, iPhone XS and XS Max first impressions from regular Apple customers are now available.

New iPhone XS and XS Max users on reddit, Twitter, and the MacRumors forums have been sharing their opinions on the two new devices, and for those awaiting their own new iPhone or considering a purchase, the impressions from average consumers provide interesting insight.

MacRumors reader shooter03 said that the larger display of the iPhone XS Max is "amazing" and exactly what he's after. "I'm like WOW!!" he wrote.

iphonexsmax-1-800x531.jpg
Image via shooter03​
I had the 7+ then the X and I really missed the + size so that's why I went for the Xs+. Screen size is pretty mind blowing. As for hand size it fits me nicely ( I have sorta big hands ) feels a little lighter than the X which is weird. But all in all it's so nice.
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shooter03 shared some iPhone XS Max photos he took of his dogs using Portrait Mode and the new Depth Control feature that lets you adjust the depth of field after taking a photo, which came out great.

iphonexsmaxphotos-800x531.jpg
Image via shooter03​

Reddit user jtx660 who upgraded from an iPhone 7 said the display of the new iPhone is incomparable to the display of the iPhone 7, with vibrant, bright colors.

iphonexrgoldreddit-800x600.jpg
Image via reddit user jtx660​

jtx660 also put together a video of his iPhone and shared a photo gallery to show it off.

First thing I noticed was definitely that huge OLED 6.5" panel. Its vibrant, extremely bright and immerse a f. After using it for 2 hours and switching back to the 7 Plus, the 7 Plus's 16:9 rectangle display felt slightly dated. The OLED panel is what really stood out the most.

Ok the camera. Holy crap, the auto focus is ridiculously quick. Putting my hand in front of the camera and taking it away, it focuses INSTANTLY (nearly). I'm amazed at how they were able to make it faster than the already fast 7 Plus' camera. I am yet to test the video 4K at 60fps and all those other features.
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MacRumors reader sjperformance said he didn't notice a huge weight difference between the iPhone X and the iPhone XS Max, and that it didn't seem much bigger either. He also shared a photo of the iPhone XS Max next to the iPhone X.

iphonexsmaxandx-800x532.jpg
Image via MacRumors reader sjperformance​
I believe I'll be keeping the Max. Never liked how big the plus felt. Especially with those bezels and what not. To me X was perfect but after awhile I desired a bigger screen. With Max the weight difference doesn't bother me because X is heavy too.

The Max fits perfect inside my pockets. Didn't really feel a difference inside slim jeans I was wearing today. It does seem more faster smoother over my X running iOS12. I already use my X with 2 hands to text, emails, forums, etc. One handed only when viewing social media, reading something, an email. Barely use my X one handed. I'm used to 2 hands on my X therefore the Max feels normal to me. Having a huge screen with no bezels. No home button truly makes an immense difference. Y'all will enjoy it.
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Have an iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max? Feel free to share your first impressions and your photos in the comments below. We'll be sharing a hands-on video later today when the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max launch in the United States, so stay tuned to MacRumors.com.

Article Link: First Impressions From New iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max Users
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2018/09/21/iphone-xs-xs-max-first-impressions/
I think i might get the Xr, not really enough of a difference between X and XS imo.

I thought apple would blow us away, but sadly, looks like next year will be it.
 
Last year, I upgraded from the 5S to the X and those people who are upgrading from the 7-family to the XS/XS Max will definitely be overwhelmed by the display, like I was. The colors actually are more vibrant and they do certainly "pop" because of the OLED display. Staring at tried and true, and less vibrant LCD displays like from the previous series of phones and going to the OLED display for the 1st time is certainly a memorable experience. You get so captivated by the display. I am happy for those of you who decided to stave off from upgrading last year and are enjoying the more refined X-series experience this year. Enjoy your new phones!
 
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MacRumors said:
iphonexsmaxphotos-800x531.jpg

Image via shooter03​
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Those photos aren't bed per se, but something seems off to me. Not sure about the control you have but I think the depth of field on the left had dog is too shallow. And there is something weird about the depth in the image with that thing in the photo top right. it looks to me like it is behind the dog but has about the same sharpness as the dog.
 
Does the MAX work like a PLUS when holding it horizontally? I know this was missing from the X (and Xs?) even thou the display is bigger than the “normal” 6/7/8..
 
Wahlstrm said:
Does the MAX work like a PLUS when holding it horizontally? I know this was missing from the X (and Xs?) even thou the display is bigger than the “normal” 6/7/8..
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In another thread, someone said, "no.", which is ok with me. I always hated that my Plus phones would go into landscape when I rotated them just a bit to far.
 
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Cannot wait for tomorrow. Not that I hate my 7+.
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BvizioN said:
So where does it stop then? Hexa camera? Octa Camera? Full back of the phone covered with cameras? To be honest, even dual lens I find it a bit stupid. I would rather have one camera that works brilliantly, then multi mediocre cameras.
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There was some Zeiss phone thing covered in cameras. Trypophobic nightmare.
 
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BvizioN said:
So where does it stop then? Hexa camera? Octa Camera? Full back of the phone covered with cameras? To be honest, even dual lens I find it a bit stupid. I would rather have one camera that works brilliantly, then multi mediocre cameras.
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It'll probably stop at 100mm focal equivalent, since bigger telephoto lenses need thicker cases.

Multiple lenses are a perfectly viable design option with its own set of benefits compared to single lenses.
 
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HiRez said:
The edge detection for bokeh effect does seem improved. I think they can do better in the software, it still looks more like a simple blur than optical bokeh, particularly with respect to how specular highlights are processed.
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You’re right about the bokeh and I like it. Much of imaging is personal taste and I’m going to change the style of my dslr photography to blur rather than bokeh! Now if only my xs max order would move on, not to mention the watch!
 
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