Facetime

FaceTime is a preinstalled messenger and a voice/video communication app by Apple, meant for all actual Apple devices. You only need to download Facetime if you have once deleted it; otherwise, you already have it.

Functionality — 5/5

The app is meant for phone communication in all its forms, including audio and video calls, private and group talks. Its quality depends on your Internet, but generally, it’s slightly better than other VoIP apps offer, due to better integration with iOS. It stores your history, backs it up in iCloud, and integrates with the history in the Phone app.

Design — 5/5

It’s as simple as can be, absolutely Apple-styled. It may be not so obvious to start calls by adding people, but if you create a favorite list, you will call your most frequent interlocutors easier.

While you’re talking on video, your entire screen shows your interlocutors’ camera broadcasts. To see your own, just tap your avatar. And if you want to add Animoji or stickers, tap on the screen to expose the menu and select those you’d like to apply.

Last but not least: the calls are stored in Phone logs, so you can track the story of your calls or call back from your Phone app.

Usability — 4/5

As we said, the way you make a call is a bit complicated, when compared to WhatsApp or Messenger. Instead of selecting the contact and then the way to get in touch, you first start your call and then select who to invite. Way too complicated for regular one-on-one calls, it’s quite useful for group conversations.

If you want to make your image more vivid, there is a whole lot of tools for that, based on augmented reality technologies, and it doesn’t take a new iPhone 11 or MacBook Pro. Even older devices handle this AR weaponry easily. This is one of the most attractive things about FaceTime.

Right when you’re talking on video, you can switch between your front and rear cameras, to alter your face and the perspective before you. It hardly makes sense to write a new FaceTime review for iPhone 11 Pro and its triple camera system, as well as for its iOS 13 final version, but probably FaceTime will make use of their potential too.

Cross-Platform Use — 2/5

That’s the strength and weakness at the same time. FaceTime is only available on Apple devices. There isn’t a decent port of FaceTime for Android or PC (unless you’re willing to try Hackintosh). On the other hand, the service is available for all Macs, iPhones, iPads, and even Apple Watch models, and is free across all of that park. Features are also the same on mobiles and desktops.

In-App Purchases

Though many services and apps are FaceTime-friendly, there is nothing to purchase within the app. If you have bought at least one device by Apple and activated your Apple ID, your FaceTime is free for unlimited speaking on the phone or on video.

The Bottom Line

If you and your friends or colleagues are all on iPhones and Macs, FaceTime (along with iMessage) is a perfect choice. You don’t even have to download and install FaceTime: chances are you already have it. But if not, you better opt for WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger as the default way to communicate.

• Graphics 5
• Gameplay 5
• Controls 4
• Replay Value 2

Pros

Absolutely free;
Available across all Apple devices;
Group audio and calls;
Stickers and AR elements.

Cons

Only compatible with Apple devices.