Apple just released the 10th anniversary iPhone , the iPhone X, in today’s event (12/09/2017) in Steve Job’s theater !!! The iPhone X was launched alongside the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus , AppleWatch series 3 with LTE and a new 4k AppleTV.
This iPhone edition was probably the most hyped and rumored Apple device ever . The rumors about this iPhone started way back in late 2016, few moths after the iPhone 7 was released. Since then many controversial leaks and rumors surfaced. Some claiming that the touch id was embedded under the screen . Some others claimed it would be on the back of the iPhone , just like the Samsung Galaxy s8 and s8+ . The buzz was only getting bigger .A few months later images and videos started popping up revealing bit by bit the same (final) design of the upcoming iPhone .
Which rumors came out to be true ?
Lets break down the official Apple’s announcement and clear out all the confusion.
Specs
The iPhone X did follow many of the 2017 trends . It has a 5.8 inch edge-to-edge OLED Super Retina display (what a huge name). A gorgeous display that almost spills off the edges of the device with the resolution of 2436×1125 (458ppi) . The OLED panel has True Tone, Dolby Vision and is HDR10 capable. Under the hood the iPhone X is packed with the new Apple A11 Bionic processor . The A11 chip is equiped with 6 cores ,two performance cores and four high-efficiency ones. It also contains Apple designed GPU, Performance controller, isp and video encoder. The dual rear camera is 12 MP with dual optical image stabilization and Quad-LED true tone flash . The front camera system is called “TrueDepth” . This includes an infrared camera, a flood illuminator, the front camera and a dot projector. The iPhone X is also waterproof , features stereo speakers and Qi wireless charging(like the iphone 8/8plus and 7/7plus) .
Design
The iPhone X has a major redesign , as rumored. It is inspired from the iPhone 4/4s and the Samsung galaxy S8/S8+ and Note 8. It is shaped like a glass and aluminium sandwich . Apple went that direction in order to implement Qi wireless charging capabilities. The new iPhone X comes in two color variations , SpaceGray and Silver
The 10th aniversary iPhone is packed with many unique and exciting new features.
NO HOME BUTTON
First of all with the use of that gorgeous edge-to-edge display the home button is long gone. To unlock the phone , now, the user has to raise the phone and then slide up ! That easy. To go to the Home screen? Just slide up from the bottom! Simple. To multitask? Just slide up from the bottom , hold and release ! Apple didnt forget about Siri either. To enable Siri just say “Hey Siri” or press and hold the power button .
camera
Both the rear and front facing cameras on the iPhone X edition are simply amazing. The rear camera system features two 12MP cameras and a Quad-LED true tone flash. Both cameras have optical image stabilization, deeper pixels ,Larger and faster sensors , zero shutter lag and a new color filter. That simply means less blurry images , better low light performance and color accuracy. Apple also introduced a new feature called “PortraitLighting“. PortraitLighting uses the same principles as PortraitMode to depth analyse and light sense the picture and creates a studio lighting conditions in real time . Simply it makes the pictures look like they were taken using a professional studio lightning setup. PortraitLighting and PortraitMode are also available in the selfie camera by using the new TrueDepth camera system.
Face-ID
Apple took biometric secutity to a whole new level. They introduced “FaceID“. FaceID works using the new TrueDepth camera system found in the iPhone X. Apple explains that using a dedicated neural engine chip to execute a, rather complex, process and after a bunch of billions of calculations the phone is able to determine the user’s face with success instantly. Apple goes on to explain that FaceID is even more reliable that TouchID as it cannot be fooled using a photo or even a realistic looking mask (Samsung you should take notes here). FaceID doesnt stop there! FaceID adapts to the user’s face over time and it is even able to successfully recognize a face even after a new haircut, a hat or even glasses! (WOW). It also works with ApplePay and apps.
ANIMOJI
Apple also found an amusing way to implement the TrueDepth camera system in iMessage. The user can now send “Animoji“. Animoji is basically an animated emoji. The phone uses the TrueDepth system to track 50 different facial expressions and then to animate the selected emoji. The user can also record the animated emoji and send it via iMessage.
wireless charging & Battery Life
Apple has finally stepped into the wireless charging game. The iPhone X (also 8 and 8Plus) are Qi wireless charging capable. Apple has teamed up with Qi to provide Apple users the ability to charge using all the existing Qi wireless stations. Apple also launched their own wireless charging pad called “AirPower“. AirPower can charge the new iPhone, AppleWatch and AirPods, all at the same time . Lastly Apple claims that the iPhone X has improved battery life lasting 2 hours more than the iPhone 7.
Pricing & Availability
The new iPhone X will be available at two storage options, 64GB and 256GB, at a starting price of $999 (Yikes!). Pre-orders will start on October 27 and the phone will be available on November 3.
Conclusion
The new iPhone X seems like a product of the future! It looks very promising as it is packed with many new features , a stronger processor, an amazing camera system and an edge-to-edge Super retina display. Apple hopes to reinvent the phone like it did 10 years ago.
Iphone X Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW6hFttt_KE
You can find the full keynote and more details about the iPhone X on Apple’s website
Apple in today’s keynote also announced the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus , AppleWatch series 3 with LTE and a new 4k AppleTV.
P.s. here is a funny picture of Craig Federighi (Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering) demonstrating the Animoji feature :
