A close-up look at the 'best iPhones yet'

By Liu Zheng (chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2015-10-14 20:35

Some people argue that Live Photos, the new feature that allows users to capture an extra 1.5 seconds of footage at the beginning and the end of the photo to enable mini animations, is little more than a gimmick as few people will hold the camera up for a couple of seconds after taking pictures.

In practice, I believe the feature is not designed for all-round photo shooting circumstances. It's better to shoot with Live Photos mode when moving objects are the main part of your pictures, such as a lyrical selfie, running pets or even family parties. Rather than filming a painting or building.

To share the Live Photos is another issue that needs to be considered, especially to share with a friend using a non-Apple device.

You'd better find an available video to Graphics Interchange Format transferring app to deal with the matter.

Unbearable weight?

The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus weigh 14 and 20 grams more than their predecessors, respectively.

The switch to 7000 series alloy aluminum, the same material used to build the Apple Watch, accounts for just 2 grams of the weight increase of the iPhone 6s Plus, while the aluminum for the iPhone 6s actually weighs a gram less.

If you are a male user who only carries your smartphone in your pocket, it seems the iPhone 6s Plus is a bit overweight, while if you are addicted to the 4K video and longer battery life, the 6s Plus is a nice option.

But then, nothing is perfect.

Apple said the new iPhones would be available in more than 40 additional countries from October 9, reaching more than 130 by years-end.

Apple relies heavily on sales of the iPhone, which generated nearly two-thirds of its revenue in the latest quarter, and during the first weekend of availability in 12 markets, Apple said it had sold more than 13 million iPhone 6s and 6s Pluses, setting a record for its marquee product.