In an odd turn of events, Apple has decided to come out with three new iPhones this fall. They announced the releases of the iPhones 8 and 8 Plus, which were expected. However, they also released the iPhone X, a phone with a new design.

There are many key features that are identical between the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. The rear camera is the same: the same number of megapixels, a new wider color gamut, less noise pick-up, better low light performance, an improved portrait mode, among other features. The processors, which determine how fast the phones work, are the same. The new concept of wireless charging is featured in both of these phones. Also, the glass designs and resistance against splash, water, and dust are the same.

The key differences with the iPhone 8 and X are the price differences since the 8 is $699, the 8 Plus is $799, and the X is $999. The main question is: What makes it worth it to pay for a thousand-dollar phone?

Although pricier, there are reasons one would pay the extra money for the iPhone X. The X has a bigger screen with a better display. The X also has a more secure way of unlocking it, with the new feature of face-identification. There is a better front-facing camera as well. Some  consumers argue the rear camera is better, but reception of this is mixed as the megapixels are the same. It is also expected that if you were to sell the X in the future, there would be a larger profit.

There is also some notion that the iPhone 8 isn’t that much different from previous phones Apple has released, according to Caroline Angelini ’18, who just purchased the iPhone 8.

“I don’t think it’s any different than my old phone which was the [iPhone] 6. I wish I got the 8 Plus so I had the portrait mode camera,” she said.

There have been significant findings that Apple hurt their business by launching three new iPhones at once. The 8 and 8 Plus sales only made up 16 percent of the total sales for Apple in their third quarter, compared to the 43 percent of sales that the iPhones 7 and 7 Plus made last year. Cell phone companies have also reported slow customer upgrades to the iPhones 8 and 8 Plus. The word “anemic” has even been used concerning interest in the iPhones 8 and 8 Plus due to the announcement of the iPhone X happening at the same time.

Since the iPhone 8 release, people have shared their thoughts on it, through online Apple forums to discuss consumers thoughts on products. There has been positive feedback on the wireless charging, the comfort of holding a phone with a glass rear, and the useful portrait mode. However, it was noticeable that there were very big similarities between the 8 and the iPhone 7S.

Overall it is up to the consumer to will decide which is best for them. Pricing, features, and availability all remain a factor when it comes to what will make the sale of any of these.