The iPhone X is one of the most anticipated products of the year. Wired got their hands on one and wrote down some initial impressions for anyone who might be considering buying the new and (supposedly) improved phone.
The first thing that Wired talks about, oddly enough, is the new “Animojis” in its iMessage app. When writing a text, you can choose one of 12 characters. You then record your message with audio and video. The iPhone X picks up on your facial expression and voice and morphs them into the Animoji. Though this seems pretty weird at first, Wired writes that this shows some of the very sophisticated technology that the iPhone X has, like facial recognition, exotic sensors, an advanced camera, and powerful chips that drive graphics and machine learning. Wired writes that it’s these sophisticated aspects that make the device so unique.
Tim Cook calls the iPhone X the “future of the smartphone,” Wired reports. The company is pushing for something more than just the best version of the phone they already have. Wired writes that in general, there is a lot to admire on the device. The screen is a “big screen in a compact form factor.” It is only slightly bigger than the standard iPhone 8, but its screen is roughly the same size of the iPhone 8 Plus. It has “Super Retina” capabilities. Because the screen is so big some of the sensors, camera lenses, microphones and speakers need to be forward facing, so Apple lined them up on a notch on the top of the screen.
There is also no long a home button, which is jarring for anyone who is a longtime iPhone user. But Wired says it’s not necessarily bad, you now just swipe upwards to get to the home screen.
Plus, the Touch ID fingerprint identification has been replaced with Face ID, where the characteristics of your face become your password. Wired says that it seems to work, though there have been times where it hasn’t unlocked for the Wired author (Apple says he needs to make better eye contact).
The camera also underwent a major upgrade. The images are sharp and clear, Wired reports. There is increased battery life (allegedly two extra hours of power between charges compared to an iPhone 7).
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