iPhone XS vs iPhone X

The iPhone XR, XS and XS Max all contain the second-generation face of Apple, an updated version of the biometric authentication system expected to be faster than the version introduced with the iPhone X. Is there a noticeable difference between the already fast and potentially faster versions in the real world?

The theory

Face ID uses automatic learning algorithms and the Neural Engine engine integrated with the iPhone's processor to analyze and recognize the user's face scans performed by the TrueDepth camera system, the iPhone and iPad. set of sensors located in the notch at the top of the screen. In the unlocking process, the iPhone must create a depth map of the user's face using the sensors, which is then compared to a mathematical representation of the registered user's face stored in the secure Enclave. This task can be greatly improved by increasing treatment performance.

In addition to the processor-related enhancements expected from the A12 chip in 2018 releases, the Neural engine has been upgraded from a dual-core design to an 8-core version, making it capable of running at 5 trillion. operations per second compared to the 600 billion operations offered by the version in the A11.

Just by this measure, face identity verification should take less time, but Apple also claimed that the face identification algorithms of new phones are also faster. The only way to find out is to compare the iPhone X from last year to the iPhone XS and see if there is a big difference.

The trial

In order for the tests to be as fair as possible, my face was scanned again on both phones under the same lighting conditions. Although the iPhone X has updated its depth map data stored over time, it would be best to conduct tests if both devices share data as identical as possible.

To determine the winner in each case, the sequences of the unlocking process were examined frame by frame to determine which had completed the animation of the home screen first. For the initial 15 rounds, the iPhone XS was the fastest 11 times, a tie was declared 4 times and the iPhone X did not finish first.

Although the test revealed that the second-generation facial identity is generally faster than the first-generation version, the fact that it had to be checked frame by frame strongly indicates that most users will not notice a sudden drop performs. by looking at him.

The same test was performed again, but in low light conditions. At this second try, not only was the iPhone XS won every time, but three times out of seven, it was very visible even without slowing down the video. It seems that darker conditions give an advantage to the new models.

Finally, it was decided to try to find problems with Face ID simply by trying to unlock strange angles to the face. In doing so, we discovered a weak spot for the iPhone X while keeping it close to the user's legs. While the iPhone XS was unlocked every time in this situation, the iPhone X had to be slightly raised to be unlocked.

Aside from this particular situation, both iPhones achieved the same results under virtually every angle tested.

The result

So, let's answer the initial question: is the second-generation facial identity on the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR faster than the first-generation version used on the iPhone X? Yes, that's the case, but in the majority of real-life situations, it will not make much difference to most people. There has been greater improvement in low light, but overall, it is not much faster.

It seems that facial identity is as usable as before, and probably just as safe, but only faster.

Other tests are planned for the iPhone XR, which AppleInsider I will try soon, but given the same specifications, the story will probably be the same as for the iPhone XS for Face ID.

Offers on the iPhone XS and XS Max

If you have not yet ordered the iPhone XS or XS Max from Apple, mobile operators encourage it to buy. Want to get your hands on a new device as soon as possible? EBay sellers are also shipping units now.

Carrier offers:

• AT & T Wireless: Buy an iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max and get a $ 700 discount when you add a line.
• Verizon Wireless: Buy an iPhone XS or XS Max and save up to $ 300 with an eligible exchange.
• Sprint: get half off the iPhone 64GB XS with eligible Sprint Flex exchange and rental.
• T-Mobile: Save up to $ 390 on the iPhone XS with an eligible iPhone exchange.

Follow the AppleInsider news by downloading the AppleInsider app for iOS and follow us on YouTube and Twitter. @appleinsider and Facebook for last-minute live coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos.