The iPhone 11, which Apple announced in September, is an impressive and relatively affordable handset with a fantastic camera and a fast processor. But those with an iPhone XS from 2018 may wonder if it’s time for an upgrade. After all, the iPhone 11 has some great new hardware and a bevy of fun enticing colors to choose from.
In short, the iPhone XS is still worth holding onto, and if you want an upgrade, I’d wait to see what the 2020 iPhone 12
has in store first, or consider the iPhone 11 Pro or Pro Max instead. But if it comes down to the iPhone XS or iPhone 11, the better choice is the iPhone 11. Note that while Apple discontinued the iPhone XS, you can still nab the device from various retailers and carriers.
Angela Lang/CNET
Starting at $699, £729 and AU$1,199, the iPhone 11 is affordable as far as iPhones go. Despite its LCD screen not being as high-resolution as the iPhone XS’ OLED display, the iPhone 11’s updated camera setup includes Night Mode and an ultra wide-angle lens for dramatic, sweeping shots. The phone is also faster, has a longer-lasting battery and subtle upgrades like a U1 chip keep it in tip-top shape for the near future
Don’t get me wrong — the iPhone XS is still a capable and reliable phone. The updates you’ll get from updating to the iPhone 11 aren’t worth dropping the iPhone XS if you already have it. But if you’re deciding between which of the two to get, the iPhone 11 is the easy choice. In addition to all the benefits I previously mentioned, the iPhone XS also isn’t any cheaper than the iPhone 11, despite launching in 2018. Depending on whether you get it new from carriers and retailers such as Best Buy, or purchase a refurbished model from Apple, the iPhone XS costs somewhere between $699 and $899.
iPhone XS has a ‘better’ screen, but it’s barely noticeable
Compared to the iPhone 11’s 6.1-inch screen, the iPhone XS has a 5.8-inch display and is smaller, thinner and lighter. The screen is technically better on paper too, as in it has a sharper resolution and a higher pixel density (for specific numbers, scroll to the spec chart below).
The iPhone XS also has an OLED display, whereas the iPhone 11 has an LCD screen. But when it comes to watching videos on YouTube or scrolling through your Instagram feed, you won’t notice much a difference with daily use. As CNET editor Scott Stein noted, “Apple does a great job with its LCD Liquid Retina display in the iPhone 11. It doesn’t feel like a compromise except when looking at dark images with subtle light details.”
The iPhone 11 comes in a handful of vibrant colors that include red, yellow, green and purple (the last of which caught the attention of many people on Twitter), on top of the standard black and white. The iPhone XS on the other hand, launched in only black, white and gold — and even then some of those colors might not be available from retailers given their lower inventory. While phone colors may be a superficial feature to consider, especially when most people slap cases over their devices anyway, there’s no shame in deriving joy from a fun color.
Winner: I’m a big fan of the iPhone 11’s candy-colored looks, but the iPhone XS has the edge due to its display.
iPhone 11’s cameras offer Night Mode, ultra-wide and more
Unsurprisingly, the iPhone 11 has a better camera setup. Though both have dual rear cameras, Apple swapped the iPhone XS’ telephoto lens for the iPhone 11’s ultra-wide lens. That means you won’t have that 2X telephoto zoom that the iPhone XS had, but you’ll be able to take dramatic wide-angle shots for sweeping landscapes or creative closeups.
Another camera upgrade on the iPhone 11 is Deep Fusion, which improves photo quality and optimizes details for pictures taken in medium-light settings, like inside a building or room. (To see this in action, read CNET’s iPhone 11 vs. iPhone XR comparison.) Video quality is smoother and more stabilized on the iPhone 11 as well, and its 12-megapixel front-facing camera is better too, compared to the iPhone XS’s 7-megapixel shooter. You can also capture slow-motion video on the iPhone 11’s selfie camera, which Apple has regrettably branded as “slofies.”
Winner: The iPhone 11 serves up useful new camera tricks that elevate everyday photos.
iPhone 11 is faster and has a longer-lasting battery
Whether you’re hanging onto your iPhone XS or considering buying a new one, the XS won’t perform as well as the iPhone 11. That’s not to say it won’t be a reliable and fast phone in and of itself, and with day-to-day usage you might not experience any difference between the two. But even without nearly two years of use to slow it down, a brand new iPhone XS out of the box still has the older Apple A12 Bionic processor, whereas the iPhone 11 has the A13. Check out the benchmark tests below:
3DMark Slingshot Unlimited
Note:
NOTE: Longer bars indicate better performance
3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited
Note:
NOTE: Longer bars indicate better performance
The iPhone 11’s battery also lasts longer. Though Apple doesn’t disclose the battery capacity of its phones, third-party teardowns report that the iPhone 11 has a 3,110-mAh battery while the iPhone XS has a 2,658-mAh battery. And during our lab tests for continuous video playback on Airplane mode, the iPhone 11 clocked in 15 hours and 24 minutes, while the iPhone XS lasted 13 hours and 17 minutes. Streaming video tests, which we only conducted on the iPhone 11, lasted 13 hours and 52 minutes.
Winner: With its faster processor and bigger battery, the iPhone 11 is the clear winner.
iPhone 11 prepares you for future tech
Lastly, Apple’s newer iPhone packs a few things under the hood that, while not the “sexiest” things to tout, help futureproof the phone in anticipation of future technologies. These include:
iPhone 11
Angela Lang/CNET
A U1 chip helps the iPhone 11 with “spatial awareness” and enables it to find other iPhones more precisely in close proximity. The ultra wideband chip also lets AirDrop prioritize the other device so you can share files quicker. The U1 chip is also believed to be laying the groundwork for a long-rumored Apple tile tracker.
Wi-Fi 6 is the next generation of wireless networking. As CNET editor Ry Crist puts it, “Wi-Fi 6 supports faster top transfer speeds; lets devices send more information with each individual transmission… facilitates better, faster performance in dense, crowded environments,” and more. Keep in mind though that you probably won’t see any perks in your iPhone 11 anytime soon. Wi-Fi 6 was only certified in September 2019 and Wi-Fi 6 routers are expensive.
Haptic Touch, which replaces the iPhone XS’ 3D Touch. Apple phased out 3D Touch in 2018, starting with the iPhone XR. It allowed you to access additional menu options and commands by hard-pressing your finger against the screen. Haptic Touch works similarly, but instead of pressing down harder on the screen, you long-press on the item.
iPhone 11 vs. iPhone XS
iPhone 11
iPhone XS
Display size, resolution
6.1-inch LCD Liquid Retina; 1,792×828 pixels
5.8-inch Super Retina OLED; 2,436×1,125 pixels
Pixel density
326ppi
458ppi
Dimensions (Inches)
5.94×2.98×0.33 in
5.7×2.8×0.3 in
Dimensions (Millimeters)
150.9×75.7×8.3 mm
143.6×70.9×7.7 mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams)
6.84 oz; 194g
6.2 oz; 177g
Mobile software
iOS 13
iOS 12
Camera
12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide)
12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (telephoto)
Front-facing camera
12-megapixel with Face ID
7-megapixel with Face ID
Video capture
4K
4K
Processor
Apple A13 Bionic
Apple A12 Bionic
Storage
64GB, 128GB, 256GB
64GB, 256GB, 512GB
RAM
Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Expandable storage
None
None
Battery
Not disclosed, but Apple claims it will last 1 hour longer than iPhone XR
Not disclosed, but Apple claims it will last 30 min. longer than iPhone X
Fingerprint sensor
None (Face ID)
None (Face ID)
Connector
Lightning
Lightning
Headphone jack
No
No
Special features
Water-resistant (IP68); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wireless charging
Water-resistant (IP68); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wireless charging
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
