[dheelus]

The entire Apple universe is bizarre. I've not used an Apple product except for the first gen iPhone but I did love it when I did. Since then, Apple has been behind the curve on every thing. I want to go back to using Apple since I really like their stance on privacy and security but feature wise they're usually 2-3 years behind a Samsung or a Microsoft. And now, this...

[FreakyT]

In terms of their computers, there has absolutely been a decline in quality, but in terms of their other product lines (and you specifically mention phones), I don't really think this is correct.

I mean in terms of phones, the iPhone X is pretty much top of the line -- are there other phones that exceed it in a meaningful capacity? Bezel-free design, face recognition, fake-DLSR like camera effects, etc.

[seabird]

There's plenty of phones on par with the iPhone that blow it away in the cost department. Android hardware has had good screens, good cameras, good specs, and plenty of screen unlock gimmicks (face recognition unlock was introduced ~3 years ago if my memory is correct), and all of that usually well before an iPhone ever did; the iPhone's only compelling feature is that the stock software is kept pretty slim (but even that is slowly slipping away as Apple loses focus).

What Android hardware severely lacks is manufacturers that aren't bound and determined to destroy their products with shitware. It doesn't help that the platform isn't obnoxiously marketed as a social/economic statement, either.

[toomuchtodo]

None of those features on the X are what I’d call flagship, and is likely what is contributing to their lackluster sales numbers at that price point.

Just provide a decent battery and screen, TouchID, and the best camera you can with the remaining space.

[bashinator]

I loathe faceID. I cannot use my phone at a table without having to pick it up every five minutes.

[aroman]

> Since then, Apple has been behind the curve on every thing.

There are many examples to the contrary. Apple's mobile chips are still way ahead of the competition. AirPods are the gold standard for that product category. FaceID had a substantial lead on the Android world for about a year.

[whatever_dude]

I don't think that's fair to say. Their hardware is consistently top of the line. They make mistakes like this, but they've been doing it since _forever_ once they get cocky (remember the cube? the puck?). But usually they get back on track after a while.

To me, other than raw specs (like, say, screen density), they're still winning more frq8 then not.

(And I say this as someone who avoids Apple like the plague).