Whoever switches from one of the current iPhone models to one of the now announced devices will not have to change over: The outer dimensions of the new smartphones match those of their predecessors - and they feel just as good in their hands. However, visually and technically, a lot has changed.
This is especially noticeable in the cameras, which seem to stand out from the case further than the iPhones XR, XS and XS Max. At least it looks like this on photos. In fact, the backs of the new iPhones 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max are made of a continuous piece of glass, which is slightly thicker in the cameras and does not protrude further out of the case than before. Nevertheless, exactly this impression arises, probably simply because the square camera mount is so large. With their backs on a table, the new iPhones wobble, just like the old ones.
How good the cameras really are, only a test can show. Based on the demo photos that showed Apple, you should not judge. However, the new possibilities of the ultra-wide-angle lens, especially for group photos, made an immediate impact.
Very useful here: In the camera app, the controls in the wide-angle mode are now underpinned by the image of the ultra-wide-angle mode, so you can see whether it would be worthwhile to shift the focus or to use the ultra wide-angle lens.
photo gallery
12 pictures
Tried and tested: These are the 11er iPhonesSelfie becomes Slofie
Another potentially practical innovation in everyday life is the possibility of swiping from the photo mode to the video mode and back using the shutter button. Interesting also look at the examples of shot in night mode photos that promise in extreme light extremely much better image results than before. Again, the practical review is missing.
The selfie camera of the new iPhones could soon also become known as Slofie camera, as it contains a slow motion mode, with which one can not only make beautiful self-portraits. I shake-my-head videos should thus briefly get boom.
The so-called high-key effect, which brightens up the background in portrait photos so that the people portrayed appear to stand in a white infinity, gave really nice results. Many users will be able to use this feature with the update to iOS 13, even on older iPhones.
Brightness vs. running time
My first try on the new devices indicated that the screens had gotten better. Demonstrated HDR movies and 4K videos look extremely sharp and rich in contrast, even in dark areas. But it remains to be seen whether the promised brightness of up to 1200 nits in everyday life can also be used to be able to read well from the screen in the sunshine.
It also remains to be seen to what extent such a screen brightness drives up the power consumption and thus shortens the runtime. After all, Apple has promised for the new iPhone up to five hours longer battery life.
The agony of choice
When it comes to the question of which iPhone you should decide in the future, of course, the price is still in the foreground: If you really just want to have any iPhone, you can always take the iPhone 8. Whose technology is already a bit dusty, but it is unbeaten at 529 euros up unbeaten. The iPhone XR for 699 euros is in comparison, but probably the better, because future-proof choice.
If it is one of the new models, you will not get past the iPhone 11. Apart from the zoom lens and screen technology (LCD instead of OLED), it basically offers the same technology and performance as its Pro variants. With a cost of 799 euros, however, it is much cheaper and even 50 euros cheaper than before the iPhone XR. The big question then remains which of the six colors you prefer: purple, green, yellow, black, white or red?
If you want to and can spend more, you must invest at least 1149 euros for an iPhone 11 Pro with 5.8-inch display. The iPhone 11 Pro Max with 6.5-inch screen costs in full, so with 512 GB of storage, 1649 euros. The prices are exactly the same as those of the predecessor models iPhone XS and XS Max. After all, the choice of colors is easier here: gold and white are joined by gold and the new night green. The new iPhones can be ordered from the 13th of September, in the shops they are from the 20th of September.
The first impressions of the new Apple Watch generation can be found in the following photo gallery.
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7 pictures
Smartwatch: This is the Apple Watch Series 5
