Every time I’ve gotten a new iPhone, I’ve done a review. So far, they have been some of my most popular posts. That means I couldn’t let you down when it comes to the newest Apple tech on the market– the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. If you’re wondering how I can upgrade so easily, I wrote a post 2 years ago on the Apple Upgrade Program and why it’s the best way to upgrade your phone. You work directly with the manufacturer, instead of the wireless provider. It keeps my payment the same (it’s like leasing a car), but allows me to have my phone under warranty, while having the newest iPhone.
There aren’t a ton of differences between iPhone XS Max (my phone before this one) and iPhone 11 Pro Max, but there were enough that were important to me that made me want to upgrade, especially since my payment stayed exactly the same this time (in the past, it has gone up a few bucks)!
So, what’s new and important to me? Let’s take a look at my hot takes:
The Camera
Anyone who knows me knows my pictures mean the world to me. I’m constantly snapping photos (and love to). Usually, I have my Canon Rebel or Sony A6000 in tow, but there are many places in which cameras with detachable lenses are not permitted. Womp, womp. To most, this isn’t a big deal, but I get serious anxiety thinking about all the great shots I’m missing (I know.. I’m a little crazy). The camera on the iPhone has evolved so much over the past few years especially and I was particularly impressed with the camera(s) on the 11 Pros.
This is the first iPhone to feature a “triple camera system.” I won’t bore you with the camera nerd specs, but this means there are three cameras working simultaneously to capture the perfect shot. The three cameras include a wide angle camera, an untra wide angle camera, and a telephoto camera. It allows you to get everything in the shot with the 120 degree wide angle camera. It also allows you to zoom up to 4x with the optical zoom without distorting or pixelating the photo.
Videos are now 4K and can be shot in wide angle, as well. Night mode is a cool new camera feature for low light settings, an area where the iPhone camera has previously performed poorly in comparison to other smartphone cameras. Portrait mode has more capabilities and shutter lag is nonexistent. Snapchat camera seems to be a little better. XS Max users had trouble with blurry photos when using Snap.
Oh, and there’s also a new “slofie” (slo-mo selfie) feature if you’re into that sort of thing. Haven’t tried it out yet..
In summary… wider shots, 40% more light capture, 36% truer tone, OIS (optical image stabilization), 2x more height for pano, greater detail , and smoother motion.
Camera is 100% Ashley-approved for a smartphone. And I’m a tough critic.
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Battery Life
Second most important feature to me: battery life. Five more hours of battery life with the 11 Pro Max, 4 more hours with the 11 Pro. Apparently, the battery inside is pretty large, but the phone isn’t heavy at all, at least noticeably. I did notice the power adapter (charging block) is different, as it has a USB-C port, instead of a USB port. So, the charging cable is now lighting/USB-C.
It definitely requires this 18W power adapter (or an iPad 12W one) for a more powerful and faster charge. The old 5W iPhone power adapter just doesn’t get the job done. My phone died while plugged into the old charger during use.
When you use the correct adapter, your phone will charge 50% faster. Win.
Processing Speed
New A13 Bionic chip! And thank goodness… Face ID is 30% faster. That annoying lag when unlocking your iPhone is a thing of the past. iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max have the fastest CPU and GPU in a smartphone– and it’s noticeable! My phone is so quick within apps and going between apps.
Other Takeaways
I’m loving the new iOS13. There were minimal major changes. It has a sleek new look and I find it to be more user-friendly and predictive.
More water/spill/dust resistant and up to 4m.
Stronger, tougher glass.
You can connect two pairs of Apple AirPods or wireless beats at once (perfect for watching movies on the airplane!!)
My Pink Sand silicone case is Apple (Available at Apple Store & Amazon).
xo,
Ashley
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