Apple iPhone Xs review
The Apple iPhone XS is a solid smartphone that still holds its own despite being six years old. While it may not be the most powerful device on the market today, it's a great option for those who don't need the latest and greatest features. One of the biggest drawbacks to consider is the battery life, which can be poor even when the phone is in good condition. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the 64GB model can be found for under $150 on eBay, but keep in mind that it's an older device with limited storage. The camera is another area where the iPhone XS falls short, particularly in low-light situations. While it still takes decent photos, it's no match for newer models like the iPhone 11 or 13 Pro. However, if you're not planning to take a lot of photos or videos, this may not be a major concern. On the other hand, the iPhone XS still has a lot going for it. It's a beautiful device with a sleek design and a premium feel. Running the latest iOS software also adds a lot of value, making it feel like a more modern smartphone than its age would suggest. Ultimately, whether or not to buy an iPhone XS depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that still has some nice features, this might be worth considering. However, if you need the latest and greatest camera capabilities or battery life, it's probably best to look elsewhere. Overall, the Apple iPhone XS is a solid choice for those who want a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. Just don't expect it to keep up with the latest models in terms of performance or features.
Build Quality and Design
The iPhone XS is a masterclass in build quality and design. The moment you hold it in your hand, you can feel the premium materials and attention to detail that has gone into its creation. The stainless steel frame provides a solid foundation for the device, while the glass front and back give it a sleek and luxurious look. The design of the iPhone XS is both timeless and modern at the same time. The rounded edges and curved shape fit perfectly in the palm of your hand, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The subtle camera bump on the back adds a touch of elegance, while the lack of buttons on the front gives the device a clean and minimalist look. One of the standout features of the iPhone XS is its build quality. The device feels solid and well-made, with no creaks or flexes when you press it. The glass on the front and back is scratch-resistant and durable, making it resistant to everyday wear and tear. The attention to detail in the design of the iPhone XS is also noteworthy. From the subtle curves and lines on the frame to the precise fit of the screen and camera lenses, every aspect of the device has been carefully considered to create a cohesive and polished look. Overall, the build quality and design of the iPhone XS are truly exceptional. It's a testament to Apple's commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail that this device feels like a luxury item, even years after its release.
Battery Life
The iPhone XS's battery life is a significant concern for anyone considering purchasing this device. While it may still be usable, the battery life has taken a hit over time. Even if the battery is healthy, you can expect subpar performance. The phone simply cannot hold its charge like newer models. In my experience, the iPhone XS struggled to last a full day with moderate use. Heavy users will likely find themselves needing to charge the device multiple times throughout the day. While this may not be a major issue for some, it's a significant drawback for others who rely on their phone for daily activities. If you're considering purchasing an iPhone XS, I would caution against it. The battery life is just one aspect of the phone that has shown signs of wear over time. If you want a phone with reliable battery life, I would recommend opting for a newer model like the iPhone 13 or 14. These devices offer significant improvements in this area. For those who already own an iPhone XS and are looking to upgrade, it may be worth holding off until your next planned upgrade cycle. If you're not heavily reliant on the latest features, there's no compelling reason to rush into a new purchase.
Display
The iPhone Xs' display is a notable aspect of its design. The 5.8-inch Super Retina HD screen boasts an impressive resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels, making for a crisp and vibrant visual experience. Colors are accurately represented, with deep blacks and rich hues that make images and video pop. One of the standout features of the Xs' display is its HDR (High Dynamic Range) support. This means that scenes with varying levels of brightness and color can be displayed in a more lifelike way, resulting in an immersive viewing experience. In terms of daily use, the Xs' screen holds up remarkably well. Whether you're browsing through social media feeds or watching videos, the display's clarity and responsiveness make it a pleasure to interact with. The touchscreen also responds accurately, making gestures and typing feel natural and intuitive. While the Xs' screen is undoubtedly impressive, it's worth noting that newer iPhone models have since surpassed its capabilities. For example, the iPhone 14 Pro features an even more advanced display with improved brightness, color accuracy, and a higher refresh rate. Considering its age, however, the iPhone Xs' display remains surprisingly good. It's a testament to Apple's commitment to delivering high-quality screens in their devices. While it may not be the best on the market today, it's still a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and feature-rich smartphone experience. Ultimately, if you're considering purchasing an older iPhone model like the Xs, its display is one of its strongest selling points.
Camera
The camera on the Apple iPhone XS is one of its most notable features, even six years after its release. The phone boasts a 12-megapixel main wide sensor and a 12-megapixel telephoto 2x zoom lens. At the time of its launch in 2018, this setup was considered impressive, and it still takes decent photos today. One of the strengths of the iPhone XS camera is its ability to capture sharp and detailed images in well-lit conditions. The phone's main wide sensor performs well in terms of color accuracy and exposure, making it ideal for capturing everyday moments and landscapes. Additionally, the telephoto lens provides a nice 2x zoom feature that allows users to get up close and personal with their subjects. However, the camera on the iPhone XS does struggle in lower-light situations. The images tend to become grainy and blurry, which is a common issue with older smartphones. While this may not be a major concern for casual photographers, it's worth noting if you plan on taking photos at night or in dimly lit environments. In comparison to newer iPhones, the camera on the iPhone XS feels like a relic of its time. The iPhone 11 and 11 Pro, released just a year after the iPhone XS, featured significant improvements in low-light photography with their introduction of Night mode. Similarly, more recent models have further improved upon this feature. If you're in the market for a new smartphone camera, it's worth considering newer options that offer superior performance in various lighting conditions. However, if you already own an iPhone XS and are happy with your current camera setup, there's no pressing need to upgrade solely based on camera capabilities. The camera on the iPhone XS remains a capable performer, especially considering its age. While it may not be as advanced as newer models, it still offers good image quality in well-lit situations. If you're looking for an affordable option that meets basic camera requirements, the iPhone XS might still be worth considering – especially if you can find one at a discounted price.
Price and Value
With the latest iPhones boasting improved cameras, faster processors, and sleeker designs, the older models seem like relics from a bygone era. However, if you're in the market for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank, the iPhone XS is worth considering. Priced under $150 on eBay, the iPhone XS may not offer the same level of performance as its newer counterparts, but it still packs a punch. The device's cameras, while not as impressive as those found on more recent models, are decent and capable of capturing stunning photos in good lighting conditions. One of the main concerns with older iPhones is battery life. Unfortunately, the iPhone XS doesn't fare well in this department, even if its battery is healthy. However, if you're willing to accept a slightly shorter lifespan, the price difference is substantial. In terms of value, the iPhone XS is an attractive option for those on a budget. With a starting price point under $150, it's hard to go wrong. Sure, newer iPhones offer improved cameras and battery life, but if these features aren't essential to you, the iPhone XS will still provide a smooth iOS experience. For those who already own an iPhone XS and are hesitant to upgrade due to budget constraints or minimal changes in iOS experience, continuing to use your device is a viable option. The latest software updates have done wonders for keeping older iPhones relevant. Ultimately, the iPhone XS represents good value at its current price point. While it may not be the best buy for those seeking cutting-edge technology, it's an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
Performance
The Apple iPhone XS is a solid device that still holds its own in terms of performance, even though it's been around for six years. When it was first released, the iPhone XS boasted a 12-megapixel main camera and another 12-megapixel telephoto 2x zoom lens, which were decent for their time. In reality, the cameras on the iPhone XS still take good photos today, with features like 4K video recording and portrait mode. While it may not be able to match the quality of newer models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro, it's still capable of capturing impressive images. However, low-light situations are where the camera struggles, resulting in graininess and blurriness. In terms of performance, the iPhone XS is also a reliable device that runs smoothly on iOS 18. It may not be as fast or responsive as newer iPhones, but it gets the job done. The A12 Bionic chip provides decent power for everyday tasks, and the phone's storage options are still adequate, with 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB variations available. If you're in the market for an older iPhone that won't break the bank, the iPhone XS is worth considering. With a price tag under $150 on eBay (US Dollars), it's a relatively affordable option. However, keep in mind that battery life may be a concern, even if the phone itself is healthy. Overall, while the Apple iPhone XS may not be the most powerful or advanced device on the market today, it's still a solid choice for those looking for an older model that can handle everyday tasks without any major issues.
Pros
1. Despite their age, the iPhone XS and XS Max still feel like premium smartphones today.
2. The camera on the iPhone XS is decent, taking good photos with features like 4K 60 and portrait mode. While it may not be as good as newer models, it still holds up well in bright lighting conditions.
3. Running the latest software (iOS 18) adds a lot to these phones, making them feel more modern and keeping them usable for longer.
4. The storage options on the iPhone XS are decent, with 64, 256, or 512 GB variations available.
Cons
1. Battery life is not good even when the phone is healthy, making it a significant drawback. The older battery technology and age of the device contribute to this issue.
2. The camera struggles in lower light conditions, producing grainy and blurry photos.
3. While the iPhone XS still has many features from newer iPhones, some users may find the overall iOS experience less smooth and faster compared to newer models.