As is its habit, Apple has introduced its new 2019 phones with an appropriately high-visibility event. And as happens every year, the question many people are asking is: which one should I get?
One thing, at least, should be easier than in the past: telling which phone is which. Apple has tweaked its naming convention somewhat, and so last year’s lower-priced (but popular) iPhone XR is making way for the more reasonably named iPhone 11. The iPhone XS and XS Plus have, in their turn, been replaced by the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max.
In the end, though, you still have three phones to choose from. Which do you want?
The most touted and interesting new feature in this year’s phones is, first and foremost, the new triple-camera system that the 11 Pro and the 11 Pro Max will be sporting: a 12-megapixel, 26mm f/1.8 wide-angle camera, a 12-megapixel 52mm f/2.0 telephoto camera and a 12-megapixel, 13mm f/2.4 ultra wide camera. Located in a square on the back of the phone, these cameras will, according to Apple, present all sorts of advantages to those who want precise, high-end photography. There are also a number of new apps coming out that will use the triple-camera system, such as the Deep Fusion app that will analyze nine photos to create an optimal final work.
The ultra-wide camera offers a very cool feature: it allows you to capture more of your surroundings; when you look through the viewfinder, you’ll see both what the main camera sees and a preview of what would be in the ultra-wide shot.
The iPhone 11 also includes a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, along with its “normal” 12-megapixel wide-angle camera. In addition to the two cameras, there are a few other improvements. For example, A new Night mode uses the wide sensor to improve shooting in night and low-light environments. And since both cameras support 4K video and increased video stabilization, most day-to-day photographers should be very happy with what they end up with.
But if you’re a photo professional, or an enthusiast, or simply want the best photo tech possible, then there’s no contest: You’re going for the iPhone 11 Pro or 11 Pro Max.
Like last year’s iPhone XS and XS Max, the OLED displays on the 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max measure 5.8 inches and 6.5 inches, respectively. Also like last year’s XR, the iPhone 11 will have a 6.1-inch display. So if you want something that’s nice and big, then the 11 Pro Max is going to be your choice.
Be aware that you’re going to be dealing with a little more drag in your pocket this year, probably because of the phones’ additional battery power. While the iPhone 11 is no heavier than its predecessor at 6.84 ounces, the 11 Pro is 6.63 ounces (as opposed to the XS’s weight of 6.24), and the large 11 Pro Max is a hefty 7.97 ounces (instead of the XS Max’s 7.34 ounces).
The iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max have a few features in common.
There are a number of higher-end features that are available in the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max.
This, actually, is a question that we can’t answer for you — at least, not until we have a chance to do some hands-on reviewing of the new phones. If price is an issue, then you’re going to want to see if you can trade in your old phone: the iPhone 11 Pro starts at $999, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at $1,099 and the iPhone 11 can be had for a starting price of $699.
Interestingly, Apple has kept a couple of its older phones available, just in case you’re more conscious of your budget than of the latest and greatest features: the iPhone 8 will still be available starting at $449, while the XR will be on sale starting at $599. (If you’re already an iPhone owner, you might get a good trade-in discount, depending on the phone you’ve got.)
If price isn’t an issue, and you’re in the market for the latest iPhone, then the telling features will be, inevitably, the new triple-camera system coming in the Pro lines of iPhones. Otherwise, as in last year’s models, size and display will probably be your deciding factors.