iPhone XS Max – How to Use Slow Motion

The cameras featured on the iPhone XS Max are among the most impressive ever seen on an iOS-powered smartphone. Two are nestled on the back panel, while the third sits in the front. The ones in the back have 12 megapixels each, while their front-oriented sibling boasts a respectable 7 megapixels.

While it can capture detailed, quality photos and high resolution video (4k/60fps in the back, 1080p/60fps in the front), the iPhone XS Max also lets you film some pretty cool slow motion videos. Let’s see how the slow motion feature works on this phone.

Switch to Slo-Mo Mode

In order to record a video in slow motion, you will first have to change the camera settings. You can access the settings panel easily. Here’s how to do it:

1. Tap the “Settings” app icon on the Home screen of your phone.
2. Once you’re in the main section of the menu, tap the “Camera” tab.
3. Next, tap the “Record Slo-mo” tab.
4. Choose between the offered options – 1080p at 120fps and 1080p at 240fps.

It is worth noting that the offered frame rate options seriously lag behind the rates offered by some of the premium Android phones, as some models support rates up to a jaw-dropping 960fps. However, in terms of the slow motion video quality, the iPhone XS Max is among the best phones out there.

Also, have in mind that the videos taken at 240fps will take up almost three times as much space as those taken at 120fps. For example, a 30-second video at 240fps will take up 240MB, while the same video shot at 120fps will take only 85MB.

Record a Slow Motion Video

Now that the camera is adjusted, you’re ready to capture your first slow-motion video with the iPhone XS Max.

To access your camera, unlock your phone and tap the “Camera” app button. Alternatively, you can just swipe left on the locked screen.

Once the camera app is on, there are two ways to record a slow motion video. You can tap on the screen and choose the slow motion option from the menu or you can swipe left twice. The Slo-mo screen will then open. Tap the record button to start filming. Tap it again to stop.

Open and Edit a Slow Motion Video

Apart from filming, the iPhone XS Max offers you some basic tools to edit your slow motion masterpiece. There are two ways to open the video. For one, you can tap the preview thumbnail which pops up in the bottom-left corner of the screen when the filming is done. Alternatively, tap the “Photos” app icon on the Home screen, then select the Slo-mo folder and pick the video that you want to edit. Tap on the video you want and tap the “Edit” button located in the top-right corner.

You will see the slow motion slider and video timeline below the video preview. With the slow motion slider, you can select which parts of the video you want in slow motion and which at regular speed. Use the video timeline to crop the video. Once you’re done editing, tap the “Done” button in the lower-right corner.

Final Thoughts

While not the best in terms of frame rate, the iPhone XS Max offers remarkable picture quality in the slow motion mode. Aside from filming, it also lets you do some basic editing.