7 ways the iPhone X copies Android phones
And three original Apple innovations.
I've said it before: the new iPhone X nets a lot of firsts for Apple devices. That makes sense; it represents the tech giant's boldest, priciest handset yet.
The thing is, many of these additions have been floating around on Android phones; some new, some years old. That's not a bad thing. Device makers borrow ideas all the time, and when they do, we all get a lift. Instead of only having two choices for dual-lens cameras, for example, we now have well over a dozen.
So who cares if Apple's playing catch-up to Android phones? iPhone X owners will benefit either way. Here's where Apple's following, and also where it's taking the lead.
1. No home button
After the original iPhone introduced the iconic home button, other phone makers of the day followed suit. Since then, many Android phones moved away from a central home button, using three physical or capacitive navigation buttons instead. Some shifted to completely onscreen controls.
So while it's a shock to see Apple so dramatically change course, there's nothing astounding about a phone without a home button getting in the way of a fuller screen.
2. Slim bezels and edge-to-edge screen
Plucking out the home button makes it possible for the iPhone to up its screen-to-body ratio and get a glorious edge-to-edge display. In this, Apple is fully on trend. Xiaomi, Samsung and LG are some of the first phone makers to maximize the phone face and shave down unsightly bezels. (Though the iPhone X still has one. We call it the "notch.")
3. Larger screen size
As a result of bezel-slimming and screen-stretching, Apple could squeeze a larger screen into a space that's actually smaller than the iPhone 8 Plus body. A larger display gives you more room to read, cram in apps, watch videos and play games.
The iPhone X is the first time Apple's cracked a 5.5-inch screen size (measured diagonally, as you do). Jumbo Android phones passed that threshold long ago, and stayed there. (Fun fact: The 6.4-inch Sony Xperia Z Ultra from four years ago is the largest phone I've ever held.)
Both those lenses have optical image stabilization now, and that's great.
4. OLED display
In the phone world, Samsung equals OLED, OLED equals Samsung. Also called AMOLED, the screen technology is prized for deep blacks, vivid colors and some energy savings compared to LCD panels. Samsung phones have used AMOLED screens for years, along with a handful of other devices. In fact, Samsung Display is one of the few manufacturers to make the material -- and it's widely believed to provide the iPhone X's OLED display.
Apple may be new to this type of material, but already in our short time with the iPhone X, the improvement shows.
5. Wireless charging
Apple follows Samsung again. And Nokia/Lumia phones. And the LG-made Google Nexus 5 . All three new iPhones will adopt the feature, and that's great. Apple's uptake of wireless charging will put some real momentum behind the technology, which could energize the two standards bodies to help wireless charging achieve its full potential.
6. Unlock the phone with your face
Microsoft beat everyone to unlocking the phone with some part of your face when it launched Windows Hello on the Lumia 950 and 950 XL. Then came Samsung with iris scanning, and then again with face unlock (face unlock isn't secure enough for mobile payments). The iPhone X's take is different (see below), but Apple didn't dabble with the concept first.
7. OIS on two rear cameras
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 has optical image stabilization (OIS) on both its rear cameras, which will help reduce shaking when you shoot video and photos, and help improve low-light photography. Hopefully this is something we'll start seeing on all dual-lens phones. It's a welcome addition on the iPhone X that the iPhone 8 Plus doesn't have.
Three iPhone X 'innovations'
Apple has a long history of popularizing features already out there in the wide phone world, but it also leads the way. Here's what the iPhone X brings to the table. Interestingly, they're all courtesy of that front-facing 7-megapixel "TrueDepth" camera that scans your mug.
1. Surface notifications when you look at the phone
The iPhone X's front-facing camera can show you notifications after it verifies that you're really you.
2. Making payments with your face
Samsung's Face Unlock feature isn't secure enough to safeguard you mobile payments, but Apple's Face ID is. Whether you find this appealing or ridiculous, look for Samsung and others to puzzle out sophisticated biometrics to do the same in their future phones
Here's how Apple's Face ID works.
3. Animated poop that mimics your expressions
Need I really say more? OK, OK. In iMessage, you can call up the Animoji app to layer one of a dozen emoji onto your real-life face, including our friend the cowpie. You make expressions and turn your head, the animoji mimics your moments. The main use is to record messages as an animoji, and plop them into your message thread, a totally new way to communicate with your friends.
Because who doesn't want to see themselves as a living, breathing turd?