Yes! While Apple has always pushed the iPhone camera with each new model and the current ones are top-of-the-line, iPhone XR and iPhone XS still have decent cameras. In this article, you’ll read specifically about iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. We’ll compare these iPhone models and show you just how well each stacks up.

iPhone XR vs. iPhone XS vs. iPhone XS Max: The camera comparison

A comparison between any of these models and the current lineup will reveal many similarities in camera capabilities. All three of these iPhones have familiar features like Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, True Tone flash, and Smart HDR (introduced in this line of iPhones). And although iPhone XR only has a wide lens, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have dual-rear cameras with wide and telephoto lenses.

Here’s a quick overlook of the camera specs in each model:

iPhone XR

• Single 12MP Wide camera: ƒ/1.8 aperture
• Digital zoom up to 5x
• True Tone flash
• Portrait mode
• Portrait Lighting (3 effects)
• Smart HDR for photos

iPhone XS/iPhone XS Max

• Dual 12MP Wide and Telephoto cameras
  • Wide: ƒ/1.8 aperture
  • Telephoto: ƒ/2.4 aperture
• 2x optical zoom in / Digital zoom up to 10x
• True Tone flash
• Portrait mode
• Portrait Lighting (6 effects)
• Smart HDR for photos

Does iPhone XR have dual camera and Portrait mode?

Despite not having a dual camera, iPhone XR is capable of Portrait mode, but it’s somewhat different. Because it only has a single rear camera, iPhone XR relies on software and facial detection to achieve the effect, meaning the effect only works when taking a photo of someone’s face. This may not sound like a huge deal; after all, the feature is called Portrait mode. But on iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, you can use Portrait mode on photos of objects like a coffee mug, flowers, or, most notably, your pets.

The size and storage differences between iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max

Of course, when choosing your next iPhone, you should consider a couple of other factors that could impact your mobile photography: physical size and storage. The latter is a bit more obvious because you want to make sure you have enough space to store your pictures and videos. But when it comes to physical size, you’re going to want a phone you can comfortably travel with.

The iPhone size comparison

When making an iPhone size comparison, the most notable difference is screen size. Here is a breakdown of each model’s physical and screen dimensions:

iPhone XR

• Height: 5.94 in.
• Width: 2.98 in.
• Depth: 0.33 in.
• Weight: 6.84 oz.
• Screen size: 6.1 in.

iPhone XS

• Height: 5.65 in.
• Width: 2.79 in.
• Depth: 0.30 in.
• Weight: 6.24 oz.
• Screen size: 5.8 in.

iPhone XS Max

• Height: 6.20 in.
• Width: 3.05 in.
• Depth: 0.30 in.
• Weight: 7.34 oz.
• Screen size: 6.5 in.

Comparison of 2018 iPhone models by storage options

Storage space is always an important consideration when you buy a new iPhone, especially if you plan on using it to capture pictures and videos. The iPhone XR has smaller options (at 64 GB and 128 GB), while iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have 64 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB options.

iPhone XS vs. XR vs. XS Max: Which is the best choice?

Between these three models, we believe it’s a tie between iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Both have identical camera specs. That being said, iPhone XS Max has a bit of an advantage because it features a larger screen, which is nice to have when you’re taking pictures. But if it makes the phone too big and unwieldy in your hands, then the trade-off for a bigger display isn’t worth it.

There’s a lot to love about the 2018 iPhone lineup and their cameras. Of course, if you conduct a thorough comparison of newer iPhones, you’ll see some all-new features and improved specs. Still, that doesn’t mean iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max can’t hold their own.

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Keep reading to learn what distinguishes each of these models from the rest — and determine which one will work best for you.

What are the latest iPhone models?

You have no shortage of options with the new Apple iPhone launch, and all four versions all come in various sizes and colors.

• iPhone 12 mini
  • 5.4-inch display
  • Available in Blue, Green, Red, White, and Black
• iPhone 12
  • 6.1-inch display
  • Available in Blue, Green, Red, White, and Black
• iPhone 12 Pro
  • 6.1-inch display
  • Available in Pacific Blue, Gold, Graphite, and Silver
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • 6.7-inch display
  • Available in Pacific Blue, Gold, Graphite, and Silver

iPhone 12 release date and prices

To help keep up with demand, Apple is staggering its new iPhone release dates. In other words, not only does each model start at a different price point, but they also have different releases dates. 

When is the new iPhone coming out?

Here’s a quick rundown of release dates of the next iPhones:

• iPhone 12: October 23, 2020
• iPhone 12 Mini: November 13, 2020
• iPhone 12 Pro: October 23, 2020
• iPhone 12 Pro Max: November 13, 2020

How much are the iPhone 12 models?

The iPhone 12 lineup isn’t much different than previous models when it comes to price. Each model has a different starting price, which may increase depending on which storage capacity you choose. Here are the starting prices for each of the 2020 iPhones:

• iPhone 12: $799
• iPhone 12 Mini: $699
• iPhone 12 Pro: $999
• iPhone 12 Pro Max: $1,099

The best iPhone 12 features for photography and video

Apple has always found a way to continue to improve its cameras with each new iPhone model. iPhone 12 is no different, somehow loaded with an even more impressive camera than its predecessor. In addition to the camera, the following are some of the best iPhone 12 features to help you decide which model is for you.

Camera upgrades

On paper, the cameras for these models look very similar to their predecessors, but there are some noticeable improvements.

iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini both come with a dual-camera system, which includes Wide and Ultra-wide lenses. But the Wide-angle camera has an upgraded ƒ/1.6 aperture, allowing it to take better pictures in even lower light than iPhone 11.

The Pro models have all three lenses (Wide, Ultra-wide, and Telephoto), but iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max have slightly different Telephoto lenses. While iPhone 12 Pro has an upgraded 52mm ƒ/2.0 Telephoto, iPhone 12 Pro Max switches it up with a tighter 65mm ƒ/2.4 lens. This means iPhone 12 Pro’s Telephoto lens works better in lower light, but iPhone 12 Pro Max will give you a closer, more zoomed-in, image.

Of course, what’s a new iPhone lineup without a couple of video improvements as well? All of the 2020 models will be able to shoot in 4K Dolby Vision. iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini will be able to shoot in Dolby Vision up to 30 frames-per-second (or fps), while iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone Pro Max can shoot up to 60 fps. That said, most people only watch videos at 30 fps or below, so in reality, you’d only need iPhone Pro or iPhone Pro Max’s 60 fps if you wanted to slow a video down when you’re editing it.

Night mode on both cameras

There’s no denying that Night mode was a game-changer when it was introduced with iPhone 11. With the new A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 lineup, Night mode has been drastically improved and now works on both cameras. Yes, even the front camera, too!

Bigger screen sizes

Previously, only iPhone Pro models had Super Retina XDR displays, but all iPhone 12 models come with this super-sharp and vibrant display. And not only are your pictures brighter, but they’re bigger on iPhone 12, too. Except for iPhone 12 Mini, all of these models received a screen upgrade. iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro have a 6.1-inch display, and iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch display.

More storage

iPhone 11 Pro’s capacity started at 64 GB, but iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone Pro Max start at 128 GB, with the added option to go all the way up to 512 GB. This is great news if you like to keep your pictures and videos saved on your iPhone, as you now have more space to hold even more of the content you’ve captured.

Apple ProRAW

An exciting new feature that Apple announced — available only for iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone Pro Max — is Apple ProRAW. Admittedly, this feature is geared toward more serious iPhone photographers, but everyone will be able to enjoy the benefits of this new uncompressed format.

Shooting a picture in Apple’s RAW format means you’re capturing an uncompressed picture. Although this creates a larger file size, it’s better for manipulating or editing your image. In the past, if you wanted to take a photo using a feature like Portrait mode or Night mode, you wouldn’t be able to capture it RAW. But now, with Apple ProRAW, you can. When this feature is released, you’ll be able to edit RAW pictures in Lightroom and Photoshop that you took in Portrait and Night mode.

There are a ton of great new features on each of the latest iPhone 12 models. But which model should you get? Do you want the portability and ease of iPhone 12 Mini, or do you want to be able to take advantage of Apple ProRAW when it’s made available for iPhone 12 Pro? Hopefully, this article has helped you determine what you want from your next iPhone’s camera.

The post The new iPhone 12: What’s in it for photographers? appeared first on Backlight.

What is the best iPhone to buy in 2020?

It’s no secret that iPhones have incredible cameras that take both gorgeous pictures and videos. So, to help you figure out which model will work best for you in 2020, the iPhones you’ll read about in this article include:

• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone SE (2nd Generation)

The ultimate iPhone for photos: iPhone 11 Pro

There’s no denying that the best model to step up your iPhone photography in 2020 is iPhone 11 Pro. With three cameras, iPhone 11 Pro lets you seamlessly switch between the Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lens to capture the perfect image. The 12-megapixel camera is equipped with improved features like Smart HDR and new ones like Night mode to take stunning pictures even in low-light conditions.

The best iPhone for video in 2020: iPhone 11 Pro Max

As far as recording incredible videos, the best iPhone in 2020 is iPhone 11 Pro Max. Just like iPhone 11 Pro, it has a 12-megapixel camera with three lenses, but the Pro Max model has a massive 6.5-inch screen. Not only does that help you see your videos better, but it also makes it easier to adjust or edit your videos directly on your phone.

The cheapest new iPhone for photography: iPhone SE (2020)

If you’re looking for the cheapest option to upgrade your iPhone but still want to make sure you’re getting a great camera, look no further than iPhone SE. While it only has the one wide-angle camera, the second-generation iPhone SE is still a considerable upgrade. It has improved features like Smart HDR and is capable of both Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting. If your primary concern is finding a budget-friendly option, then iPhone SE — at almost half the price of iPhone 11 — is the clear winner.

The best iPhone for the money: iPhone 11 

Maybe you don’t mind spending a little more to get a great iPhone but don’t feel the need to splurge for iPhone 11 Pro Max. If that’s the case, then the best phone for your money is iPhone 11. It’s a step up from iPhone SE and has two lenses: Ultra Wide and Wide. And even though it doesn’t have the Telephoto lens, it actually has a bigger screen than iPhone 11 Pro and all the same great features, including Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, Smart HDR, and Night mode.

The iPhone with the best battery life: iPhone 11 Pro

If you like to travel or hike, or you simply find yourself outside of the house for long periods of time, then you’re going to want the iPhone with the best battery life. There’s nothing worse than trying to take pictures or record videos, only for your phone to die because you ran out of battery. The iPhone with the best battery performance is iPhone 11 Pro, partly because it has a smaller 5.8-inch screen and also because it has a slightly bigger battery than iPhone 11, allowing it to hold a longer charge.

What’s the best time to buy an iPhone?

In the past, Apple has announced its slate of new iPhones in September, aiming for release in October or early November. So, if you want to maximize the time you have with a new iPhone before Apple decides to release a new one, it’s best to purchase your phone toward the end of the year. 

There’s no shortage of great iPhone cameras, and with Apple improving them every year, they’re only getting better and better. When it comes to choosing the right model, it depends on what you’re looking for in both a phone and a camera. Hopefully, this article will help you figure out which iPhone will be the best for you to upgrade to, and help you kick your iPhone photography up a notch.

The post Which iPhone should I get? Best iPhones for photography in 2020 appeared first on Backlight.

So, how much better is the iPhone XR camera? Is it any better at all? Keep reading to find the answer to those questions, to learn the specific differences between the two phones, and to discover which one takes better pictures.

iPhone X vs. iPhone XR: The differences that matter

In terms of photography, the camera itself is certainly important, but there are other specs you’ll want to consider as well. For instance, how many videos and pictures will your phone be able to store? How long will the battery last while you’re taking pictures? Here are a couple of areas where iPhone X and XR differ:

• iPhone X has a telephoto camera.
• iPhone X has a smaller but higher-quality display.
• iPhone X has a larger storage capacity.
• iPhone XR’s battery lasts longer.

The camera in both iPhones

The most noticeable difference between the cameras on both models is the extra lens on iPhone X. It has both a wide-angle and a telephoto lens on the rear camera, whereas iPhone XR only has a single wide-angle lens. Here are some more technical specifications:

• Both have a 12-megapixel camera.
• Both wide-angle lenses have a ƒ/1.8 aperture.
• iPhone X’s telephoto lens has a ƒ/2.4 aperture.

Although iPhone XR doesn’t have the second lens, it includes plenty of software upgrades to make up for it, so you won’t miss out on many features. Some differences in settings between iPhone X and XR include:

• Digital Zoom: iPhone X has a 10x zoom, whereas iPhone XR only has 5x.
• Portrait Lighting: iPhone X has two more effects than iPhone XR.
• HDR: iPhone X has an AutoHDR while iPhone XR has the newer SmartHDR.
• Depth Control: This iPhone XR feature gives you even more control over the blur in Portrait Mode. 

iPhone X vs. iPhone XR: The display

Something that’s nearly as important as the camera is the screen you’re viewing and taking your pictures on. You want to ensure that the display can live up to the camera. And, believe it or not, the screen is probably where these two models differ the most.

The following are some more detailed specs to help break down those differences.

iPhone X display specifications

• 5.8 inches
• Super HD Retina OLED display
• 2436-by-1125-pixel resolution at 458 PPI

iPhone XR display specifications

• 6.1 inches
• Liquid Retina LCD display
• 1792-by-828-pixel resolution at 326 PPI

So, while iPhone XR has a larger screen, iPhone X has a sharper and more vibrant display overall.

Storage options for both iPhones

When considering your options for a new phone to take pictures with, you’ll want to make sure that your new device has plenty of storage space. Keep in mind that the storage capacity is also going to dictate the price of your phone, so you might want to consider a phone with less storage to help keep your cost down.

iPhone X comes in:

• 64 GB
• 256 GB

iPhone XR comes in:

• 64 GB
• 128 GB

It’s also important to note that Apple did offer a 256 GB iPhone XR in the past, so if you’re buying secondhand, it should be possible to find one for sale.

iPhone XR vs. iPhone X: Our choice for photo and video 

When it comes to these two phones, iPhone X is the best choice for mobile photography. Not only does it have a better camera with two lenses, but it also edges out iPhone XR in every other way. Plus, that screen is stunning. Seeing your photos on such a crisp and vibrant display will make you appreciate the camera even more.

iPhone X and iPhone XR are both great devices and have truly impressive cameras in their own right. Hopefully, this article has helped you see the bigger picture and think about the factors that go into your mobile photography. 

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