It's that time of year again! The newest iPhones are here, but if you're not quite sold on if Apple's 2017 phones are the devices for you, we're here to help.
We're pitting Apple's iPhone X up against its toughest competition: Samsung's newly-announced Galaxy Note 8. If you're undecided on iOS vs. Android, read on for a side-by-side comparison of each device.
Side by side
| iPhone X | Galaxy Note 8 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Display | 5.8-inch, 458 ppi | 6.3-inch, 521ppi |
| Display tech | Super Retina HD | Quad HD+ Super AMOLED |
| Operating system | iOS 11 | Android 7.11 Nougat |
| Camera | 12 megapixel rear cameras 7 megapixel front camera | 12 megapixel Dual Pixel rear camera 8 megapixel front camera |
| CPU/Chipset | Hexa-core A11 Bionic Chip | Octa-Core 2.3GHz + 1.7Ghz Exynos 9 |
| RAM | 3GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 64GB 256GB | 64GB |
| MicroSD slot? | No | Up to 256GB |
| USB | 3.0 | 3.1 Type-C 1.0 |
| WiFi | 802.11 ac with MIMO | 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Battery | Li-Ion battery | Li-Ion 3300mAh battery |
| 4G LTE | 4G LTE Advanced | Cat.16 |
| Dimensions | 143.6 mm x 70.9 mm x 7.7 mm | 162.5mm x 74.8mm x 8.6mm |
| Weight | 174g | 194g |
| Water/dust resistant? | Yes - IP67 certified | Yes - IP68 certified |
| Digital assistant | Siri | Bixby |
Best features
iPhone X
The premium iPhone X features an edge-to-edge screen, cutting away the bezels and Home button of previous models. This gives Apple room for its biggest ever, 5.8-inch display, which includes a pixel density of 458ppi and a vivid OLED panel. As with the iPhone 8, you’ll also get True Tone white-balance screen technology, for perfect viewing both day and night.
Swiping the screen has replaced the Home button, so users will need to be comfortable with solely using gestures and touch to navigate the X’s interface. As the fingerprint scanner has been removed in order to incorporate the iPhone X’s all-screen design, you can now unlock your device via Face ID: an Apple-first feature that scans your face with the new TrueDepth front camera. You can use Face ID to unlock your device, authenticate Apple Pay, and much more.
The new facial recognition sensors also mean users can create animated emojis (or ‘Animojis’) based on your facial expressions. You’ll also get all the features of iOS 11, plus Qi wireless charging, water and dust resistance, and ultra-powerful processing, thanks to the new, superfast A11 Bionic chipset (which offers an upgrade in performance speed of up to 25%, compared to last year's A10 Fusion).
Galaxy Note 8
The Note 8 sees the return of the gorgeous 'Infinity' display found in the S8 and S8+, this time in a larger 6.3-inch screen. The supersized, edge-to-edge screen means the fingerprint reader is found in back, but as the Note 8 features facial and iris recognition to unlock in addition to fingerprints (plus passcode and pattern unlock), this isn't a huge deal.
The S-Pen stylus is again water-resistant and highly pressure sensitive, and allows for easy note-taking anytime via the Samsung Notes and screen-off memo features. Internally, the Note 8 is fast and furious, offering a 10nm processor for powerful performance and more efficient battery life.
Like the S8 and S8+, the Note 8 maximises audio with its included AKG earphones (and three months of free Google Play Music). It's screen size and fast internals make it an ideal device for on-the-go gaming, streaming and media, and like the S8 series, the Note also supports gigabit WiFi and LTE.
Camera comparison
iPhone X
The iPhone X features dual 12-megapixel cameras in front, with larger, faster sensors, deeper pixels, and an all-new colour filter. You’ll find both wide-angle and telephoto cameras with up to 10x digital zoom, plus Optical Image Stabilisation, for amazing, crisp shots even at a distance.
Portrait Mode has also been given a front facelift, with improved detail and better low-light performance. You’ll also enjoy all the filters and settings you’ve already come to love in the iPhone camera, such as Panorama, Slo-Mo, and 4K video.
Apple’s new front-facing TrueDepth camera is designed to not only authenticate your face (as part of its Face ID biometric security), it also delivers next-level selfies with its improved depth-of-field capabilities. Faces appear sharply in focus, while the new Portrait Lighting uses algorithms to create the perfect light effects for your facial structure.
Galaxy Note 8
The Note 8 includes two rear-facing cameras, both of which feature Optical Image Stabilisation. The second telephoto camera allows up to 2x optical zoom for clear close-ups, and with 12-megapixels, a bright f/1.7 lens, and features such as Live Focus and Dual Camera, bright images are guaranteed even in low light.
In front, the Note 8 packs an 8-megapixel selfie cam with Smart Auto Focus. If filters and advanced settings are important to you, the Note 8 offers specialised modes for a variety of shots - including Panorama, Food Mode, Pro Mode, and Slow Motion.
Prices and plans
iPhone X
Although we dwon't have official iPhone X price info from Telstra, Optus, Vodafone or Virgin until pre-sales begin on October 27, our guesses as to what you'll pay with each telco are outlined here.
You probably won't be able to pick up the iPhone X outright from any Australian telco, but the phone should available on a standard mobile contract, on upgrade or lease plans, and on payment plans over 12, 24, or 36 months. Full retail prices are as follows:
64GB: $1,579
256GB: $1,829
Galaxy Note 8
The Note 8 is available on contract, on upgrading or leasing plans from Telstra, Virgin Mobile and Optus, and on interest-free payment plans from Vodafone. Unfortunately, there's no outright purchasing options from any Aussie telcos, but you can pay off your phone in as little as 12 months with Vodafone.
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