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iPhone XR I upgraded from the X to the XR !!
- Thread starter colonelbutt
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I consider it a big upgrade. There are quite a few people who don't even notice the difference between OLED and LCD, especially when they're just using their phone for pictures, facebook and some messaging. And it's not like the XR has a terrible screen, far from it. I didn't see any difference between the XS (which is even better than the normal X) and the XR. Same for my husband.
You also get a better battery, a better main camera (which is what most people use...), better night time portraits (because the XR is using the main camera instead of the zoom, which isn't great for night time), better processor, faster FaceID, etc. I don't know about you, but I consider that an upgrade. Still don't understand why people would spend the extra money just to have an OLED screen....but to get a inferior battery/main camera/processor/etc.
You also get a better battery, a better main camera (which is what most people use...), better night time portraits (because the XR is using the main camera instead of the zoom, which isn't great for night time), better processor, faster FaceID, etc. I don't know about you, but I consider that an upgrade. Still don't understand why people would spend the extra money just to have an OLED screen....but to get a inferior battery/main camera/processor/etc.
Well I went from X to XS Max to XƦ and would never go back. Camera does fine for me. I look at the Max everyday and truly don't miss it.
The battery life Trumps all for me personally.
It’s not a complete upgrade but I would say two steps forward and one step back
The step back bit about the bigger bezel and larger size is very minimal and comes with a larger screen and battery, which has to work less due to the lower resolution.
The main step down is the telephoto lens, but I have found digital zoom where I am using the sweet 50% of the centre of the sensor, which has upgraded pixel sizes and image processing vs the X, a fair compromise
Otherwise it’s all a big upgrade and the aluminium bezel is lighter (the phone is heavier for other reasons) and much more micro scratch resistant then stainless steel.
The step back bit about the bigger bezel and larger size is very minimal and comes with a larger screen and battery, which has to work less due to the lower resolution.
The main step down is the telephoto lens, but I have found digital zoom where I am using the sweet 50% of the centre of the sensor, which has upgraded pixel sizes and image processing vs the X, a fair compromise
Otherwise it’s all a big upgrade and the aluminium bezel is lighter (the phone is heavier for other reasons) and much more micro scratch resistant then stainless steel.
People act like the A12 destroys the A11 lol. I’d argue that you’ll see less of a day to day difference in these two processors vs the difference between the displays (OLED + higher PPI vs LCD).
The A11 is still a beast of a chip with tons of headroom for future proofing.
The A11 is still a beast of a chip with tons of headroom for future proofing.
The A12 vs. A11 is what A8 was to the A7.
Sure A11 is rated for longevity but efficiency is what's driving A12 as well as A8 (HomePod, Mini 4 and ATV 3) to become the go-to processor for future products (most notably iPad Mini 5).
My XR's battery is amazing precisely because of the mix of screen tradeoff and processor efficiency (as well as less RAM).
I'm also one of those who "upgraded" from X.
Im not following your point made here. How is the A11 any ‘less’ efficient than the A12? I mean, sure the A12 is more powerful, but does that really translate anything depending how one is actually using their phone and what for? I would counter your post and easily say the performance _and_ efficiency is on par with the A12 where the user would have a very difficult time expressing any day-to-day usage from both processors. The main advantage to the A12 is longevity in iOS updates.
^^^ THIS
I did the same thing. The XR may not have all the bells and whistles, but its a damn great phone! Does EVERYTHING the more expensive XS/Max does. Larger bezels... please! Its larger by the thickness of a glass screen protector. Have fun blowing more money... Meanwhile I'll enjoy my awesome cheap iPhone XR!
Honestly, this is the one (and only) thing that held me back. I don't even use it that in many apps; it's just the one that I do (WeChat, for direct access to the Wallet function) would add 3 steps every time i want to use it, and I use it quite a lot. Everything else I could probably live without, and/or add more widgets.
Actually, A12 is a significant upgrade over A11.
https://www.anandtech.com/show/13392/the-iphone-xs-xs-max-review-unveiling-the-silicon-secrets/4
The CPU got significantly better from the small CPU upgrade...PLUS the memory subsystem improvement is much better.
Then you add in the GPU improvement...which is probably the biggest thing that users can actually see. GPU of A11 was good, but sustained performance was not good. A12 still provides explosive performance, but where it really hits it is in SUSTAINED PERFORMANCE over a long gameplay.
And this is why Asphalt 9 and Fortnite now is at 60 FPS for XS/Xr. Because only with A12 sustained performance can you have 60 FPS without killing the game with lag, frame drops, and overheating.
And you ask about real world...60 FPS in these games is a SIGNIFICANT advantage for players/racers!!
And then you add in SMART HDR. Smart HDR is only possible due to powerful A12 (CPU, GPU, and Neural working together to provide real-time HDR).
So yeah, it’s huge.
I am so pleased 3D Touch has gone on the XR - what a nightmare ... I think Apple is looking to phase it out anyway
I would argue that A12 upgrade is much bigger than A7 —> A8. A12 is a big upgrade overall.
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Now I understand that you’re happy with new phone...but 3D Touch is superior to long press by a long shot.
So unless you’re gaming, it’s pretty much a wash for now until more future apps take advantage of the smart HDR/neural engine capabilities of the A12. Watching some of the side by side comparison videos, the A11 and A12 perform similarly.
However, I do think the extra 1GB RAM will have a noticeable impact in day to day use for the Xs/Xs Max phones.
Interesting on the smart HDR for pics taken. AR always feels like upcoming. AR was a big thing for the X too but it feels like nothing really came of it.
To be honest, i don’t care about AR. But Smart HDR is a game-changer. I love it. I actually upgraded my phone from X to XS solely for that. I do gaming...Asphalt 9 is one of my favorite. I don’t play Fortnite.
I’m up for anything that improves iPhone photography so smart HDR sounds great.
I don’t like touchscreen gaming at all so stopped doing that years ago on a 5s.
Your post is primarily focused on ‘gaming’ aspect, my post was comparing ‘efficiency’ standards to A11/A12 comment made by the above member I quoted. The gaming examples you provided is not translucent to an appropriate comparison for real world usage for every day users noticing the core differences between A11 and A12. I mean, let’s be realistic, generally smart phones are fast enough on a day-to-day basis where we use them for the same things over again, for things notifications, emails, camera capabilities, etc.
I don’t think you’re going to have a very large demographic who will be able to differentiate the subtle differences of between these two processors. Do I think that the A12 processor is more ‘Future proof and offering ‘Different’ capabilities?’ Sure. Do I think the average consumer who uses their phone for the same practicality reasons every single day is going to notice the differences between the A11 and A12 in every iPhone related task? Not even close.
So, everyday folks won’t notice Smart HDR? 60 FPS gaming? So, gaming and camera capabilities are “niche” things?
So, everyone who buys smartphones just use it for emails and FB? Yeah ok....
Lots of X users defending their phones. Which I understand. Look, if you have the X, it's a great phone and very powerful. You don't need to switch phones this year and very capable for another few years to see what Apple has in store for the future.
Feel better now? lol
Feel better now? lol