The brand-new Apple iPhone XS line of smartphones is now on sale and the newest iOS 12 is available to download and update your existing iPhone. I have been testing the new iOS 12 for two weeks and the iPhone XS handset on the AT&T Mobility network over the last week. Let me share with you some initial key findings and thoughts.
First, once again I think Apple hit the ball out of the park with these new devices and the new iOS 12. If you want to purchase a new iPhone, you have two choices. One, which device? Will you want the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max or iPhone XR? Two, which wireless carrier?
Apple iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR
It’s important to realize that simply by upgrading to the newest iOS 12, you will see improvement to the way your existing iPhone works. However, if you want the newest hardware like camera, screen and other features, an upgrade in devices is the way to go.
Choosing the right wireless network is an important piece of this puzzle. Choose the carrier you have confidence in based on your location and history with them. Each one of us will find one carrier is far better than another, but which is best is always up to you.
I regularly test and use iPhones and Androids on all major wireless networks. Like you, I have my favorites based on the quality of the connection in the places I spend time. Signal strength and speed where you spend time is always key.
iPhone XS on AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile or Sprint
Based on my usage and testing, I have consistently found AT&T Mobility is best of the big four. Whether I am at home, around town, in stores or travelling, I get strong signal and strength compared to the competition in the areas I find myself.
Verizon Wireless is next best with a great network. It’s just the connection is not always as strong as I test the devices. They are followed by T-Mobile, Sprint which have various strengths and weaknesses.
Plus, there are also other smaller carriers and MVNO companies that resell services of the big four. Example, Comcast Xfinity Mobile and Charter Spectrum Mobile are both use Verizon Wireless. Next year Altice Mobile will enter the scene and resell Sprint.
Kagan initial review of the new iOS 12
First, iOS 12 is a great improvement. Apple finally fixed their battery-gate problem users have been dealing with over the last year. This is the problem with the last update that sucked the life out of the iPhone battery leaving it dead as a doornail after a few hours.
Finally, that seems to be fixed with iOS 12, plus there are countless other features that improve this operating system. It’s not perfect. There are issues that need to be fixed in upcoming updates. Let’s hope Apple acts quicker this time.
Generally speaking, I would recommend upgrading to iOS 12 on all your iPhones. There may be a hiccup or two, as there always are, but in my opinion the fixes and improved security are more important than things that don’t work perfectly yet.
Kagan initial review of new iPhone XS, XS Max and XR
Apple still sells the iPhone 8, which looks and works like the traditional device we’ve been using for the last decade. However, it looks like they are moving away from that familiar design. Too bad. This will force every user to make the leap to the new iPhone model.
Not every user wants to deal with learning a new device. Example, while I love the facial recognition and not having to enter my code each time I use the device, what is the point behind changing the Siri button to the side of the iPhone? Why is there is no longer a home button? That’s another annoying change Apple is forcing on its customers.
If you have an iPhone X, moving up to the iPhone XS will be a piece of cake. You have already dealt with the headaches of learning this new design last year. As soon as you open the box and insert your SIM card, you should be off to the races.
However, if you currently use an iPhone 8 or earlier version, let me warn you, there is a learning curve. You will have to get over this hump before you can fully enjoy your new device. It is supposed to make life easier and more intuitive. And it does, but only after you learn it’s idiosyncrasies.
Ask Google for help with iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR
Here’s a helpful bit of advice. When you are stumped wondering how to do something on the new iPhone, simply ask Google search from your device. You will get an answer and it will help you continue to learn how to do what you want.
Sooner or later, everyone will have to make this leap to the newer device. You can’t get around it unless you keep using the older models forever that is.
Once you get over that hump, you will very likely enjoy this new device. However, don’t expect to have your new iPhone be as intuitive for a while longer. It takes time to re-fresh your brain from something Apple trained it to do for the last decade.
If you want something new, just not as expensive, iPhone XR may be perfect
If you want a new device, but don’t want to pay so much, the iPhone XR is a brand-new design from Apple. It is a beautiful new device with the same brand-new iOS 12. It’s just that the features like the screen, camera and other technology, while new and better that previous versions, are less intricate and less expensive.
This is the economy version of the new hardware. It won’t be out for a few weeks. Is has less expensive technology like the screen and camera, but the savings in cost will make this a very popular choice for many.
This saves users several hundred dollars yet still gives them an upgraded experience. Features on the iPhone XS are upgraded even further compared to the iPhone XR. The XS is worth it, if money is no object. If it is, the XR is a great new device at a lower cost.
iPhone XS and iOS 12 are home runs
So, both the new iOS 12 and the new iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and I assume the new iPhone XR are all home runs. As always, you can get many new features and improved usability from the upgraded iOS 12 operating system. When you do this, the device itself is still very familiar to you.
Why Apple had to screw around with the operating system is a mystery. They could have continued to update the device, as always, and still include the new technology. What is it? Do Apple engineers get bored? Is that why they mess around with a winning recipe.
Bottom line, these new iPhones are all excellent in quality. They are up to Apple standards. Just remember, there is a learning curve. There’s no way around it. So just grit your teeth and deal with it. It’s not like they give you an alternative.
Once you do, you will love these new devices. One thing however, I do miss the home button!
