If you’ve been alive and well these last few months, you’re aware Apple released two new phones on Nov. 3. If you’ve paid any attention to the phones, you’d see they’re pretty similar to every other phone they’ve released in the past.
Ask yourself, why do you want this new iPhone? Is it because of the amazing new features compared to the one released last year? If this is the case, someone probably lied to you. The truth is the iPhone 8 doesn’t differ much from the iPhone 7. Aesthetically, the iPhone 8 returns to glass like the iPhone 4 had once upon a time, but otherwise it is near exactly the same.
With the iPhone 8, the greatest thing Apple is introducing is a new A11 Bionic chip that allows for quicker task performance, causing it to be a bit more power efficient. Though it sounds great, the iPhone 7 is pretty efficient already. Comparatively, the 8 is probably not lightspeed ahead of the 7. The only other real thing Apple has added is wireless charging. Regardless of this, Apple has stated the battery life is about the same.
This year, they’ve chosen to release two different models: the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X, which celebrates the 10th year of iPhones. It has been advertised as a phone that is going to change the way we view phones. Apple has stated they want the iPhone X to be the start of a new generation of iPhones rather than just a variation of previous phones. However, it doesn’t live up to those expectations.
The iPhone X is indeed a bit more advanced than the iPhone 8. However, according to Tom’s Guide, a site dedicated to modern technology, a majority of buyers won’t even be able to receive their phones until December. It may turn out to be a good sales tactic due to the anticipation of these far-fetched features, but they won’t be here as soon as people thought. Thankfully, it still allows for buyers to learn more of the new things that make this iPhone so advanced.
The iPhone X has removed the home button, something that is certainly new to iPhones. It’s allowing Apple to introduce Face ID, which would be the first of its kind. A review by David Pierce of wired.com has noted the Face ID is a sleek addition to the iPhone, but considering everything else in the phone is basically the same as it has been, it probably isn’t worth the $1000 they’re expecting for it.
The greatest thing that has hooked buyers is the increasingly improved camera. However, the iPhone 8 and iPhone X still have the same 12 MP camera as the iPhone 7. I’m sure it’s something people are probably unaware of, considering Apple buyers look forward to an updated camera every year. It will serve as a disappointment when people compare the cameras and come to see the cheaper phones produce the same quality photos.
As a business, it is a good thing Apple chooses to release something new every year. It adds to their sales and it gives people something new to await. However, the hype surrounding these phones is unnecessary and just causation for overspending on a phone that is comparatively similar. It’s a great marketing tactic, but it has disappointing results.
Chantelle Baker is a 20-year-old communication studies senior from Waipahu, Hawaii.