Compared: iPhone XS Max video quality trounces iPhone X

Posted:
in iPhone edited September 2018
Of the major additions to this year's iPhone lineup, Apple paid closest attention to the camera, with changes like a larger sensor on the wide angle lenser, a brand new depth control feature and Smart HDR functionality. This all amounts to a tangible upgrade in video quality over iPhone X.






Apple's improvements go beyond the rear-facing dual-camera array. The new XS and XS Max have an updated front camera sensor that can shoot 1080p video at 60 frames per second.

Recording in 1080p at 30fps, the XS Max achieves much better dynamic range compared to the iPhone X thanks to internal component buffs. The increased dynamic range is available as long as users are not shooting at 60fps.

iPhone XS Max Selfie


Switching to 1080p at 60fps on the XS Max drops dynamic range a bit, but the result is still better than 1080p at 30fps on iPhone X.

Turning to the rear camera, shooting 4K 30fps on iPhone XS Max's wide lens produced an image with stunning detail. As expected, dynamic range is also much improved from iPhone X, with better color reproduction most apparent in the sky.

iPhone XS Max Video


A shot of a lake's shoreline provides exquisite detail in the trees. The iPhone X is not able to reproduce the same level of fidelity as the XS Max, nor can it compete on color accuracy.

iPhone XS Max vs iPhone X


Switching to the telephoto lens, the additional detail offered by XS Max is immediately apparent.

iPhone XS Max Telephoto


Testing autofocus capabilities, both phones are incredibly quick when transitioning focus between background content and a nearby object. However, there is a very noticeable difference between the two devices when a face enters the scene.

Panning between the background and a face -- making sure the phone locks in focus each time -- the iPhone XS Max focused at an impressive rate, much faster than its predecessor. While not confirmed, we believe the ultra-fast face detection is thanks to synergy between the iPhone XS and XS Max's new Neural Engine and updated Image Signal Processor.

iPhone XS Max Video Focus


Both the XS and XS Max can now record audio in stereo, which adds another layer of depth to recordings. By contrast, all iPhone models up to 2018, including the iPhone X, recorded sound in mono.

Interestingly, Apple appears to have improved upon the optical image stabilization system included in iPhone X. Still attached to both wide and telephoto lenses, the new version on iPhone XS Max delivers silky smooth video even while walking at a fast pace.

The stabilization on XS Max is evident when reviewing stills from previously captured footage, as seen below in the highly detailed leaves. There's also a huge difference in the color reproduction of the grass. The XS Max is the clear winner here.

iPhone XS Max OIS


Comparing slowed down footage captured at 4K 60fps and 1080p 240fps, the XS Max again displays better dynamic range and a noticeable difference in detail.

iPhone XS Max Slo-mo


Moving into a low-light environment with some bright lamps in the background, the dynamic range improvement is just as noticeable. The iPhone X blows out brightly lit subjects, while the XS Max is able to keep every detail looking balanced and colorful. Noise was also reduced on the XS Max, again thanks to the new ISP.

iPhone XS Max Low Light


On the front-facing camera, we noticed the XS Max had better white balance and detail when indoors. It also seemed to be zoomed in a bit more than the iPhone X.

iPhone XS Max Selfie Indoor


Our final nighttime shot exhibited the largest gap in dynamic range performance between the two handsets. The iPhone X completely blows out a brightly lit Comfort Inn sign positioned against a nearly pitch black background. The XS Max, on the other hand, is able to accurately portray the sign's blue background, red/yellow logo and white text. The blue lights that trim the building are actually blue on the XS Max, whereas they look washed out and white on the X.

Looking at the darkest areas of the scene, the XS Max is able to keep it just as bright as the iPhone X, further showing off Apple's efforts to improve dynamic range.

iPhone XS Max Dark


Based on the observed video quality differences, it's obvious that the XS and XS Max received a pretty serious camera upgrade that not only assists in still photography, but video as well. We were expecting some change in quality, but not to this extent. Apple truly upped the mobile videography ante with iPhone XS and XS Max.

Deals on the iPhone XS Max

If you haven't already ordered Apple's iPhone XS Max, wireless carriers are incentivizing the purchase. Want to get your hands on a new device asap? eBay sellers are also shipping units now.

Carrier deals:

  • AT&T Wireless: Buy one iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max, get a second $700 off when you add a line.
  • Verizon Wireless: Buy one iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max, get a second $700 off when you add a line. Or save $100 with an eligible trade.
  • Sprint: Get the 64GB iPhone XS for $0 per month with eligible trade-in and Sprint Flex lease.
  • T-Mobile: Save up to $300 on the iPhone XS with an eligible iPhone trade.
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 24
    Wowser! Great video of videos!   B)
    magman1979kschoed
  • Reply 2 of 24
    wood1208wood1208 Posts: 2,905member
    Why not compare video quality between iPhone X and XS since iPhone XS and XS MAX camera should be same. OR XS and XS MAX camera is not same despite Apple says so ?
    minicoffee
  • Reply 3 of 24
    mike1mike1 Posts: 3,275member
    It might be the quality of my monitor, but while the differences I see are noticeable, but do not 'trounce' the X.
    GeorgeBMac
  • Reply 4 of 24
    Rayz2016Rayz2016 Posts: 6,957member
    mike1 said:
    It might be the quality of my monitor, but while the differences I see are noticeable, but do not 'trounce' the X.
    "trounce" will always be a subjective word.

    The difficulty I have with these comparisons is that the two pictures being compared always seem to be taken at different angles and distances.
    edited September 2018 mobirdmagman1979
  • Reply 5 of 24
    @Mike1 you're not looking at the right parts of the frame. At the very beginning of the video, look at the sky on the right — washed out white on the X, visibly detailed clouds on the XS. 

    It seems like most of the processing advantages are in highlights, in fact. I was particularly impressed by the night photo where the details in the blue street sign are visible.
    appleismymiddlenameStrangeDaysmagman1979kschoednetroxredgeminipawatto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 24
    tmaytmay Posts: 6,312member
    Rayz2016 said:
    mike1 said:
    It might be the quality of my monitor, but while the differences I see are noticeable, but do not 'trounce' the X.
    "trounce" will always be a subjective word.
    "Trounce" is a click bait word. 

    That's the world we live in.

    "Brutalized" would have been fine though    /s
    appleismymiddlenameGeorgeBMaccornchip
  • Reply 7 of 24
    mike1 said:
    It might be the quality of my monitor, but while the differences I see are noticeable, but do not 'trounce' the X.
    It's more noticeable when watching the video than looking at the photos.
    The dynamic range is considerably better on the XS.
    Also, the headline does mention that it's the video quality of the XS which trounces the video quality of the X.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 8 of 24
    Eric_WVGG said:
    @Mike1 you're not looking at the right parts of the frame. At the very beginning of the video, look at the sky on the right — washed out white on the X, visibly detailed clouds on the XS. 

    It seems like most of the processing advantages are in highlights, in fact. I was particularly impressed by the night photo where the details in the blue street sign are visible.
    This is correct -- probably the most noticeable is in highlights, where the X and previous completely blow out, but where the dynamic range of the Xs produces less blow outs and more detail.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 9 of 24
    FANTASTIC VIDEO!

    I primarily shoot with Canon 1-series pro bodies and lenses.  I own seven cameras at the moment.  I watch lots of side-by-side gear comparisons at multiple prices points; have for well over a decade.  IMO the word "trounce" has been appropriately used in this article.

    Thanks for the great work.
    friedmudappleismymiddlenameGeorgeBMacredgeminipawatto_cobra
  • Reply 10 of 24
    "the iPhone XS Max focused at an impressive rate, much faster than its predecessor."

    And just what is the XS Max predecessor actually?
  • Reply 11 of 24
    I’ve noticed it as well, the new smart hdr definitely has a “look” to it. It’s flattering but something feels a little unnatural because of the low contrast and that “hdr” look to it. I think most people will like it as it shows much more detail but it feels a little fake as your eye doesn’t see the same way. But that said I’m definitely digging it, I just don’t like the hdr aesthetic for portraits but landscapes it looks great. 
    edited September 2018
  • Reply 12 of 24
    Well done!

    I am pretty serious about my photography.  I use a Nikon DSLR normally - but have been using my iPhone more and more as the camera has improved (I currently have the X)/

    These improvements are pretty huge and are now making me want to upgrade.  I was on the fence about it before... but now I'll take the plunge!

    Thanks for the great video!
    bradchatelliermagman1979redgeminipawatto_cobra
  • Reply 13 of 24
    wigbywigby Posts: 692member
    mike1 said:
    It might be the quality of my monitor, but while the differences I see are noticeable, but do not 'trounce' the X.
    It depends what you're looking at. I think the Xs Max trounces the X in the highlights but not as much in the shadows. Smaller improvements like color, contrast and detail are only noticeable if you watch the video but this video is only about the video so that makes sense.
  • Reply 14 of 24
    mike1mike1 Posts: 3,275member
    I'll watch the video and look at the photos again on my iPad later. Probably a better reference than my monitor.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 15 of 24
    cpsrocpsro Posts: 3,192member
    Are file sizes basically the same at the same resolutions and frame rates, despite the greater detail?
  • Reply 16 of 24
    After watching this video review, I had to sign up so I could comment.  Thank you for this great, innovative comparison. Really enjoyed it.
    .
    Proud owner of iPhone Xs, Watch Series 4
    vadimyuryevredgeminipawatto_cobra
  • Reply 17 of 24
    Wow. The nighttime picture really shows how much better the XS camera is. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 18 of 24
    kschoed said:
    After watching this video review, I had to sign up so I could comment.  Thank you for this great, innovative comparison. Really enjoyed it.
    .
    Proud owner of iPhone Xs, Watch Series 4
    We appreciate the kind words!
    redgeminipawatto_cobra
  • Reply 19 of 24
    friedmud said:
    Well done!

    I am pretty serious about my photography.  I use a Nikon DSLR normally - but have been using my iPhone more and more as the camera has improved (I currently have the X)/

    These improvements are pretty huge and are now making me want to upgrade.  I was on the fence about it before... but now I'll take the plunge!

    Thanks for the great video!
    I'm into photography as well. I just spent the day up in Glacier National Park testing out the Xs Max camera. I also brought my Nikon D850 along with me. I was really impressed with the iPhone. It performed great with high contrast scenes I was shooting. For photography, the Xs Max is definitely worth the upgrade. I would post some pictures I took but not sure if you can do that. 
    redgeminipawatto_cobra
  • Reply 20 of 24
    Love these side by side video shots. It makes for such an easy comparison. Nice job. Happy owner of XS.
    watto_cobra
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