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 one of its biggest competitors: Samsung's flagship Galaxy S8. 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 S8 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Display | 5.8-inch, 458 ppi | 5.8-inch, 570 ppi |
| Display tech | Super Retina HD | Quad HD+ Super AMOLED |
| Operating system | iOS 11 | Android 7.0 Nougat |
| Camera | 12 megapixel rear cameras 7 megapixel front camera | 12 megapixel rear camera 8 megapixel front camera |
| CPU | A11 Bionic chip | Octa-Core 2.3GHz + 1.7Ghz |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB 256GB | 64GB |
| MicroSD | No | Up to 256GB |
| USB | 3.0 | Type-C 1.0 |
| WiFi | 802.11 ac with MIMO | 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Battery | Li-Ion | Li-Ion 3000mAh |
| 4G LTE | 4G LTE Advanced | Yes, Cat.16 |
| Dimensions | 143.6 mm x 70.9 mm x 7.7 mm | 148.9 mm x 68.1 mm x 8 mm |
| Weight | 174g | 155g |
| Water/dust resistant? | Yes, IP67 certified | Yes - IP68 certified |
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 458 ppi 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 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).
Samsung Galaxy S8
Like the iPhone X, the Galaxy S8 is chock full of features we love. One of the first you'll notice is the stunning, high-res, edge-to-edge 'Infinity' display, encased in a seamlessly designed glossy body. But the S8 isn't just pretty on the outside - it also packs serious power under the hood, featuring an advanced 10nm processor for faster performance and longer battery life.
The S8 is Samsung's first smartphone capable of downloading at 1Gbps, and offers ultra-fast gaming, easy streaming, and amazing audio, with specifically-designed AKG earbuds included with purchase. The device is also water and dust resistant (up to 1.5 metres, for up to 30 minutes), features wireless fast charging, and includes a microSD card slot for up to 256GB of extra memory.
We're also loving the S8's biometric security features, especially the 'face to unlock' option. In addition to facial recognition, other security options include iris scanning, fingerprint unlock, plus the standard password, PIN or pattern unlock features - as well as Samsung's in-built Knox chip-level security.
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, and the new Portrait Lighting uses algorithms to create the perfect light effects for your facial structure.
Galaxy S8
It's no secret that the S8 features one of the best smartphone cameras on the market. In front, you'll get perfect selfies every time with a 8-megapixel camera, f/1.7 lens and Smart Auto focus, giving you clear and concise shots both day and night.
In the rear, you'll find a 12-megapixel Dual Pixel sensor camera, with a f/.17 lens for bright snaps in low light. You'll get auto-focus, enhanced image processing, and the options to adjust settings such as shutter speed, exposure, white balance and colour tone thanks to Pro Mode.
Prices and plans
iPhone X
Although we won't have official iPhone X price info from Telstra, Optus, Vodafone or Virgin until the October 27 pre-sale, 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 S8
The S8 is available on contract, on upgrading or leasing plans, and on interest-free payment plans. 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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