iPhone XS, XS Max and XR: which is right for you?

Learn the features that are important for YOU and choose!

Apple finally released this year’s iPhones into the wild and all are ready to be purchased. Still in the gray area of which one to choose? We’re here to help you out!

Let’s get an overview of the specs again:

Check the table below or view Apple’s comparative matrix on their website HERE.

Now how on Earth will you choose?… how about some recommendations from the experts?

• The Verge’s Chris Welch suggests to mainly focus on features you need or want the most: display/screen preference, battery or camera, maybe? If you prefer the biggest screen possible with a dual camera, go for the iPhone XS Max. But if you want to have a dual camera that you can easily hold with one hand (especially for the quick photo shots) the iPhone XS is your best bet. However, if you’re mostly in favor of a good balance of specs (with Apple’s newest tech), camera and battery power (with a great display too), then the iPhone XR is the way to go for you.
• Macworld’s Michael Simon goes for the size of the phones plus the storage options in differentiating them. All of them display the now signature notches, so it mostly comes down to the physical size. The good news is these batch of iPhones are not as large as the iPhone 8 even with the larger screens thanks to the edge-to-edge designs. In regard to storage, all three have the same starting storage capacity but the second and third options are where they all differ with the XR having smaller options.
• Forbes’ Gordon Kelly discusses the different finishes or materials these devices have for hardware. The XS and XS Max have a stainless steel chassis similar to the iPhone X. The iPhone XR has an aluminum finish similar to the iPhones that came before the iPhone X. The range of colors is a sure win for the iPhone XR with a whopping 6 colors to choose from unlike the XS and XS Max that are only limited to 3.
• As for Tom’s Guide Henry Casey if you’re looking for a design that’s as Goldilocks would call “juuust right,” the iPhone XR is your best bet with a middle-ground size and an array of features from both Xs models. Plus, the price is right if budget is a consideration (hey, baseline $999 is a lot to cough up and we totally get it).
• Digital Trends’ Andy Boxall gives the win to the iPhone XS and XS Max when it comes to another feature which may be important for some: 3D Touch. Unfortunately, the iPhone XR does not have this due to the LCD screen composition. Plus, the former devices have 5 options in Portrait Lighting unlike the 3 from the iPhone XR.

Phew! A lot of info to take in… but hopefully quite helpful 😉

Have you finally found “the one?” Or maybe need some deeper thought? We totally understand maybe a few more minutes of contemplating might help. Either way you look at it… prices are no joke (starting at $749…starting). Once you’ve decided, the next immediate step is getting all the protection needed for your new iPhone… the last thing anyone would want to see is a horrifying crack that might become a bigger problem on the inside!

Not to worry as Tech Armor has your back!

Check out our different screen protectors for all 3 devices on our website! Other than the screen, let’s go 360 degrees on what you need by adding a power bank, an ultra tough MFi-Certified Lightning Cable, Chargers and Car Mount. Browse the website and arm your new device today!

We always take our slogan “You Play, We Protect” seriously!

Get the latest on everything and anything iPhone! Join our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest accounts to stay in the know! Join the TA Nation too!

Sources:

https://www.apple.com/iphone-xs/display/

https://www.apple.com/iphone-xr/display/

https://www.theverge.com/2018/9/13/17853544/iphone-xs-max-vs-xr-features-best-comparison-price-buy-apple

https://www.macworld.com/article/3305584/apple-phone/iphone-xr-vs-iphone-xs-max-specs.html

https://www.cnet.com/news/iphone-xs-specs-max-xr-compared-x-whats-new-and-different-all-features-2018-lcd/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2018/10/18/apple-iphone-xr-vs-iphone-xs-max-whats-the-difference-upgrade/#3aa021d04d5e

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/23/iphone-xr-iphone-xs-and-iphone-xs-max-spec-comparison.html

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-iphone-xs-vs-iphone-xs-max-vs-iphone-xr/

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/iphone-xs-vs-xs-max-vs-xr,news-28046.html

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max: reviews are in!

After the release, here comes the first impression reviews!

Just a week after the release, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have first impression reviews from several top media sources! While most of you may have already got your hands on the new flagship device from Apple, there are those who may still be waiting or (thinking of getting one)… Not to worry, we’ve collected some first impression reviews to help you out!

Pros of the new phones

Overall, the XS and XS Max share the same internal / external specs (with the Xs Max having a larger screen to differentiate itself). Similar to the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, and 7 and 7 Plus.

The Super Retina OLED screen is definitely a hit! If you don’t mind the notch, just as Raymond Wong from Mashable, you’ll appreciate the “really sharp screen” where colors really pop and viewing the screen from different angles is great!

If you want a larger screen than your current iPhone, you’re in for a treat with the iPhone XS Max as it has the 6.5-in OLED screen! This is the largest screen Apple has placed on an iPhone and currently the biggest on the market. They’re able to do some landscape views too but only with certain Apple apps like Messaging where you get two-column views.

They’ve also added stereo speakers, the HDR10 and DolbyVision for this line, in addition to Apple’s signature True Tone display on both devices. If you’re looking for a software upgrade, the Xs line shipped with iOS 12, which according to Chris Velazco of Engadget is the most pleasant version of Apple’s mobile operating system in a long time. Raymond Wong also added AR apps are more responsive and capable with greater detail too.  

Looking for excellent photos? The iPhone X camera was a pretty massive upgrade from previous models and the new iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max continue to build on that hardware. Sure it looks like the same camera as the iPhone X, but CNET says “Trust us, it’s NOT!” Read their full review for complete specs and image examples.

Cons of the devices

If you didn’t upgrade to the iPhone X last year, these devices may take some time getting used to as there’s no home button. Don’t worry, the swipe-centric user interface actually becomes second nature in no time… and Face ID is pretty seamless to setup for device security.

No, Apple didn’t decide to retrograde the device and add the headphone jack back into the iPhone Xs or iPhone Xs Max. Plus, they axed the included dongle! The headphone jack dongle not part of the box anymore, unlike previous devices (and the jack is never coming back… sorry, folks). Not to worry, as we’ve got an easy solution for that with our Talk n Charge Lightning Earbuds! You can also choose to use these on your other Apple gadgets.

The iPhone XS Max screen is not as maximized as it should be in other apps with limited screen display / multitasking views. Although this might change soon hopefully as developers begin adding features that utilize this new display.

BOTH phones are VERY expensive with a starting price of $999 for the iPhone XS and a whopping $1,099 intro price for the iPhone XS Max. That means you will want to keep these screens protected!! YouTuber TechSmartt gave the new phones a series of drop tests and the results were not pretty, despite the claims of more durable glass used in the new iPhone series.

We can help you out… our iPhone X Ballistic Glass screen protector also fits the iPhone Xs device and we have rolled out our iPhone Xs Max Ballistic Glass screen protector on Amazon.com as well! Both include 3 screens, so you can keep a spare on hand or share with friends and family!

Bonus: iPhone XR heads up and a little more info…

The iPhone XR release may still arrive on October 26 and you might want to look at it according to Jessica Dolcourt: it still has some advantages you want to check out like its 6.1-inch LCD screen, the same speedy processor and fun, fashionable colors too. Not to mention, a bit cheaper than the Xs models.

We’ll be covering the iPhone XR reviews too once they’re out!

Or you can try the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus with a discounted price for some old school feels. Plus a home button if you prefer that! 😉 Price starts at $599 and $699 respectively. Then you can even get greater savings (upto $525) with Apple Giveback.

Whichever you choose, we got those all covered!

From Screen Protectors, Cases, MFi-Certified Lightning Cables and car mounts for the ultimate device set!

Check out our website and Amazon Storefront page for everything and anything that you’d need!

Source:

https://www.engadget.com/2018/09/21/apple-iphone-xs-and-xs-max-review/

https://mashable.com/feature/apple-iphone-xs-max-review/#INxwd0TDAaq2

https://www.cnet.com/news/iphone-xs-vs-xs-max-vs-xr-2018-iphone-buying-guide/

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-iphone-xs-vs-iphone-xs-max-vs-iphone-xr/

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/iphone-xs-vs-xs-max-vs-xr,news-28046.html

https://www.apple.com/us_kiosk_5000012/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-8

https://www.apple.com/us_kiosk_5000012/shop/trade-in

https://unsplash.com/photos/kylL5DcscOA

https://www.pexels.com/photo/space-gray-iphone-6-193004/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/computer-device-earphones-electronics-583842/

The Wait is OVER! New iPhones are HERE!

Plus a lot more from the recent Apple Event in Cupertino.

Apple finally got to announce the new hardware at the Apple Event in from the Steve Jobs Theater. Did you miss it? No worries, you can watch it here. After several leaks in the weeks leading up to the event, 9to5Mac was able to call 2 of the 3 of the iPhones correctly…

Let’s get to it with the new iPhones!

With exterior specs like last year’s iPhone X, the new iPhone XS has a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED Display sporting 2.7 million pixels and 458 ppi. Apple considers this as a plus-size display with smaller design.  The iPhone XS Max on the other hand, has a 6.5” Super Retina OLED Display with 3.3 million pixels and 458 ppi. Now THAT’s a serious screen…

Both devices have HDR displays plus with Dolby vision, HDR10, True Tone Display and wider stereo sound. Plus, there’s an updated Face ID (yes, the notch stays) with faster algorithms and secure enclave to keep your data secure.

For all of the budding photographers, there’s also a better camera with a 12MP telephoto and 12MP wide-angle lens and improved True Tone flash on the rear. You’ll enjoy the improved RGB and IR camera on the front along with Smart HDR to get the best selfie possible. There’s also a new way of adjusting a Bokeh photo with the depth of field slider through computational photography to name one of the new perks. This alone is a breakthrough in mobile device camera technology.

Apple.com image

Both phones will be powered by the new A12 bionic — the first 7 nanometer chip that promises lightning fast performance never seen in a mobile device. The A12 Bionic chip paired with performance updates from iOS 12 (coming September 17) will also unlock the power of real time machine learning which can be used on camera like Animoji, portrait photos, AR experiences and clips app (launching in fall). Also, you can get more done with Siri Shortcuts.

Another big spec for the iPhone XS models is the Dual Sim Dual Standby with eSim technology for the world (2 physical sims in China). The iPhone XS family will be available in the colors: Gold, Silver and Space Gray with 64GB, 256GB and 512GB storage sizes.

Now, the sad news… The iPhone XS starts at $999, while the iPhone XS Max starts at $1,099. With all the bells and whistles of Apple’s newest offering, this is a serious investment!! Not to worry, Tech Armor is here to arm these devices with premium screen protection and more.

Plus, starting today, you can get 30% OFF our signature Ballistic Glass screen protector if you pre-order from Amazon.com by 9/21. Next week, when our first shipment arrives, we’ll send one off to you, so you can be ready for anything! Check it out HERE!

Fortunately, you don’t have to wait long to get your hands on one of these new flagship devices. You can start to order TODAY (September 14) and it will be available by September 21.

A 3rd iPhone? Indeed…

Apple clearly recognized that the hefty price tag of the iPhone XS could be a deal-breaker for some folks, so they found a way to pack some of the most important features into a less-costly model. The iPhone XR has a 6.1″ LCD display Apple dubbed the  Liquid Retina LCD Display with 1.4 million pixels and 326 ppi. If you’re looking for speed, this model is also powered by the A12 Bionic chip with the real time machine learning.

Similar to the other “X” models, the iPhone XR has no home button and 3D Touch was replaced by Haptic Touch to wake and swipe. The signature notch exists here too offering Face ID for the budget device.

Photographers rejoice! The iPhone XR will have a single-lens 12MP wide-angle camera on the rear with Quick LED TrueTone flash, advanced Bokeh depth control and smart HDR like the XS and XS Max. Selfie fans will enjoy the TrueDepth camera available on the front and travelers can utilize the Dual Sim tech for this device.

Storage sizes for the iPhone XR are a little more modest at 64GB, 128GB and 256GB (no half-TB juggernaut here). However, the color options here are much more exciting than the XS family with white, black, blue, coral, yellow and Product Red options.

Just because this is the “budget” option, doesn’t mean it’s cheap… pricing for the iPhone XR starts at $749 and you’ll have to wait a little while for this one: pre-order will start October 19 and availability for the devices are on October 26. 

Apple Watch Series 4

The latest Apple smartwatches have new and thinner designs, but 35% and 32% larger displays at 40mm and 44mm respectively. The Series 4 also offers brand new watch faces and a Digital Crown with haptic feedback. Its speaker and microphone are on opposite sides to reduce echoing and increase volume, so your calls will sound better. Radio-waves coming from front and back promise a better connection too! Both sizes are powered by a faster 94-bit Dual-Core processor.  

Image courtesy of Apple.com

Another new spec is the Accelerometer Gyroscope which now provides a new feature Apple calls “Fall Detection”. If you’re immobile for one minute (post fall), the watch will automatically call emergency services. The California tech-giant also added electrodes for this series so users can get Electrocardiogram/ECG readings! A first for any watch wearable of its kind, the entire process will just take 30 seconds and results will be saved on the Health App. This has been given clearance by the FDA will be available later this year in the US.

The Apple Watch Series 4 will be available in these colors: Silver, Gold and Space Gray aluminum finishes plus the stainless collection: polished in Spack Black and Gold Stainless.

The starting cost will be $399 with GPS, $499 cellular.  You can start to order TODAY as well and it will be available by September 21 (just like the iPhone XS models). Bonus: the Series 3 which is obviously available right now will have new price starting at $279. The new watchOS 5 software will be available on September 17, just in time for launch!

Another something new: Apple Giveback

You can trade-in your old device and get an Apple Store Gift card or a refund on your next purchase! You can get a refund on the next iPhone XS or Apple Watch Series 4 starting September 14. Here’s the catch: you can get this perk if your phone is still functional or can be used by another. If not, Apple will (responsibly) recycle the device for free. 

Business Insider took this process for a test run and it seems pretty easy. You can go through the motions on the Apple website or bring it into a store for an Apple Gift card or money off a new phone purchase. You just need to answer a series of questions like: does it turn on and boot up? Is the screen cracked? Here at Tech Armor we always advocate for screen protection and protective cases and this is one of the main reason right here! For the small investment in one of our Ballistic Glass screen protectors, you can even more back on the trade-in! Not to mention avoiding the dreaded shame of walking around with a cracked screen (don’t be that person).

That’s about it for the announcement round up!

As always, we’ll be ready with preorder for the accessories on these to keep your new almost or already $1,000 device safe from drops and scratches! Stay tuned on our website and Amazon Storefront Page for the latest and greatest Tech Armor accessories!

Get the latest on everything and anything Apple! Join our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+ accounts to stay in the know! Join the TA Nation too!

Sources:

https://www.apple.com/apple-events/september-2018/

https://9to5mac.com/2018/08/30/2018-iphone-xs-design-larger-version-gold-exclusive/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kQ-mWgyZSQ

https://www.apple.com/iphone-xs/

https://www.apple.com/iphone-xr/

https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-series-4/

https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2018/09/redesigned-apple-watch-series-4-revolutionizes-communication-fitness-and-health/

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2018/09/apple-introduces-iphone-xr/

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2018/09/iphone-xs-and-iphone-xs-max-bring-the-best-and-biggest-displays-to-iphone/

September 12: mark your calendars for the Apple Event!

We officially got word from Apple and we have a surprise of our own for you!

Apple Invitation; Source iMore

What’s official?

Apple officially sent invites for a September 12 event at the Steve Jobs Theater in their new campus at Cupertino, California at 10:00am PST. Head to the Apple site to add the event to your calendar.

What’s [soon to be] official? iPhones, iPad Pros and Apple Watches. Yep, that many!

First off: iPhones!

Just after Apple’s announcement date, 9to5Mac got an exclusive first look of what the iPhone XS will be (we also shared this article on our Facebook page with an exciting info added 😉 #giveaway). The site claims the iPhone XS (pronounced as 10-S) will both be the names of the 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch OLED iPhones— with the sizes differentiating them(and perhaps a “Plus” name on the larger version). A gold version might also be on the way!

However, CNET’s Jessica Dolcourt says if we follow the rumors, they might be called the iPhone X (5.8-inch), iPhone X (6.1-inch) and iPhone X (6.5-inch). Still, iMore’s Rene Ritchie is eyeing for the iPhone 9 name for the 6.1-inch LCD while iPhone X2 for the next gen from last year’s OLED iPhone while iPhone Plus (with pencil support) for the larger OLED device. So, right now the names for the 3 new devices are still quite up in the air, but we’re confident 9to5Mac will be proven right here.

For the 2 OLED display devices: they’re rumored to have an A12 processor and could carry 4GB of RAM, faster LTE with new Intel chips and camera upgrades. Previous rumors like dual-SIMs for both phones and Apple Pencil support for the larger screen is still uncertain.

Meanwhile, the cheaper LCD device (according to Bloomberg) will be available in multiple colors and boast aluminum edges that might not necessarily be the same as the glass back color of the device.

It appears all 3 will sport the Face ID feature and the edge-to-edge screen from last year’s iPhone X (along with everyone’s favorite “notch” at the top).

Ming-Chi Kuo estimates the price range for the following will be:

• Second-gen iPhone X: $800-$900
• 6.5-inch OLED device: $900-$1,000
• 6.1-inch LCD device: $600-$700

Wouldn’t it be nice if they just gave these away for free?? We already pay for the mobile service, right?

Well… here at Tech Armor, we’re doing JUST THAT! Stay tuned after the Apple Announcement to hear how you can win a FREE iPhone XS!

Just signup on our website and we’ll send instructions straight to your Inbox! 🙂  (we told you we had a surprise for you!)

This year’s Apple Watches (Series 4)

9to5Mac also got a leaked photo of this device. This batch of smartwatches will have an edge-to-edge display giving an estimated 15 percent bigger screen space (which Ming-Chi Kuo also claimed). The analyst added that the California tech-giant might either use smaller bezels or might increase the sizes from 38mm and 42mm to 40mm and 45mm respectively. Either way, it looks like a larger battery might be worked into the design as well.

Hello iPad Pro

Another device that might be launched could be an upgraded iPad Pro whose design (and lack of bezels) will be similar to the iPhone X. Wave goodbye to the home button as we say hello to Face ID on this one too. We might even see TWO new iPad Pros according to Bloomberg: an 11-inch and 12.9-inch model.

Phew! That’s it for this week’s Apple launch rundown!

As always, we’ll make sure to keep your Apple devices safe! Check out our Amazon Storefront Page and our website to get all the latest for your iPhone or iPad!

We’ll also be announcing soon new screen protectors and other accessories for the next iPhones and iPad Pros too! Stay tuned! 😉

Get the latest on everything and anything Apple! Join our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+ accounts to stay in the know! Join the TA Nation too!

Sources:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-27/apple-to-embrace-iphone-x-design-with-new-colors-bigger-screens

https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-sept-12-2018-event-new-iphones-expected/

https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/08/30/apple-gather-round-event-scheduled-for-september-12

https://9to5mac.com/2018/08/30/2018-iphone-xs-design-larger-version-gold-exclusive/

https://www.cnet.com/news/iphone-xs-iphone-x-plus-welcome-iphone-2018-naming-problem/

https://www.imore.com/iphone-xs-event

https://www.engadget.com/2018/08/31/what-to-expect-from-apple-gather-round-iphone-event/

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/08/28/2018-iphone-shipments-highest/

https://9to5mac.com/2018/08/30/exclusive-apple-watch-series-4/

https://www.engadget.com/2018/08/31/what-to-expect-from-apple-gather-round-iphone-event/

https://www.cnet.com/news/new-2018-iphones-ipad-pros-macs-and-more-everything-apple-could-announce-on-sept-12/

https://stocksnap.io/photo/XSA4UCSSR2

https://isorepublic.com/apple-watch/

https://isorepublic.com/wet-phone/

New iPhone 2018: devices leaked?

Finally, a first look at the new iPhone models?

Ok folks, September is getting closer than ever and the Apple rumor mill is getting intense. Let’s get down to it!

We’ve already hinted at 3 possible models for the newest iPhone 2018 release, but now we’ve got rumored names! So far, this is the first time we’re getting potential names:

• iPhone 9: the budget/entry level
• iPhone XS (ten-S) or simply iPhone X (2018): the second gen iPhone X
• iPhone XS (ten-S) Plus: the larger version of the iPhone XS

There’s also hands-on videos going around. One video is from EverythingApplePro coming from another known leaker Venya Geskin… complete with unwrapping/unboxing of 2 dummy phones.  (Bonus note: the iPhone 9 might get dual-sim functionality but just in selected countries).

Marques Brownlee (2019 title but it’s 2018 iPhones for sure) also got his hands on the dummy phones. In his video, he talks about how colors for the premium phones are reported to be Black, White and Gold.

Both videos talk about the iPhone 9 having an LCD display, a single rear camera, and slightly larger bezels to differentiate it from the premium phone models. Going back to colors, 9to5Mac also talks about a Gold version for the premium versions of the iPhone 2018. Apple may have also accidentally leaked some info of the iPhone X Plus and the upcoming iPad Pro on their iOS 12.

For the iPhone 9, there are 2 versions of what the colors will be. Ming-Chi Kuo predicts Gold, Grey, White, Blue, Red and Orange, while Macotakara goes for White, Black, Flash Yellow, Bright Orange, Electric Blue and Taupe. There’s also a leaked image that corroborates with the iPhone 9 look.

The rumored screen sizes so far are still the same (and these might be the final ones) coming from our previous blog. For all phones, the notch will stick around… yeah, buckle up for notches for the next few years as other phone manufacturers are also embracing this look. There’s still no confirmed news about an in-screen fingerprint display, but Face ID is looking at some potential upgrades (the specifics are yet to be determined).

So… how much longer until the announcement?

CNET has estimated important dates with the announcement being on September 12 and release date on September 21. However, the budget friendly/cheaper iPhone 9 version may be released later around November due to manufacturing issues (said to be LED backlight leakage). While another delay we might be looking at is for the premium phones with the manufacturer of A12 chips is currently dealing with a virus.  

As for the price, recent estimates coming from USA Today are from $800 to $1,100. With the recent Galaxy Note 9 release, this price range is becoming the norm, so it’s a wise decision to protect these pricey investments with premium accessories from Tech Armor.

Get the latest on everything and anything iPhones! Join our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+accounts to stay in the know! Join the TA Nation too!

Sources:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/talkingtech/2018/08/07/you-ready-upgrade-your-iphone/881396002/

https://bgr.com/2018/08/06/iphone-x-plus-release-date-2018-iphones-delayed/

http://fortune.com/2018/07/25/apple-lcd-iphone-delay/

https://bgr.com/2018/08/08/iphone-x-release-date-coming-hands-on-video/

https://www.cnet.com/news/when-will-apple-announce-the-new-2018-iphones/

https://metro.co.uk/2018/08/07/apples-affordable-lcd-based-iphone-9-spotted-leaked-image-7809804/

https://mashable.com/2018/07/25/apple-iphone-colors/#TLfoD.IdZaqy

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/new-iphone-2018-9-latest-lineup-big-x-features-release-date-apple-code-ios-12-a8480036.html

https://9to5mac.com/2018/07/24/2018-iphone-new-colors/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sXvuUrJa0o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq_s_dIAFvo

https://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/apple-iphone-xs-plus-9-tipped-names-image-september-launch-1896758

https://www.forbes.com/sites/curtissilver/2018/08/08/apple-iphone-leaks-reveal-three-lame-names-for-new-iphones/#5bfb502f67ec

https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-iphone-7-on-brown-table-699122/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/silver-iphone-x-with-airpods-788946/

https://pixabay.com/en/iphone-iphone-x-mockup-mobile-2854327/