iPhone XS Used Review: Is It Still Worth Buying in 2024?

1. Introduction

The iPhone XS, released in 2018, was once Apple’s flagship model, representing the pinnacle of smartphone technology at the time. Fast forward to 2024, and the smartphone market has seen significant advancements, with newer models boasting cutting-edge features and performance enhancements. Despite the introduction of these newer devices, the iPhone XS remains a popular choice in the used phone market, offering a combination of premium design, powerful performance, and a relatively affordable price point.

But with the rapid pace of technological change, you might wonder if the iPhone XS still holds its own today. Is it worth investing in a device that’s six years old? This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the iPhone XS in 2024, covering aspects such as design, display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value. Whether you’re looking for a reliable second-hand smartphone or simply curious about how well the iPhone XS has aged, this review will help you make an informed decision.

2. Design and Build Quality

The iPhone XS still impresses with its premium design and build quality, even in 2024. Crafted from surgical-grade stainless steel and durable glass, the phone exudes a luxurious feel that stands the test of time. The 5.8-inch OLED display is seamlessly integrated into the slim frame, offering a compact yet immersive experience. Despite being a few generations old, the iPhone XS remains aesthetically pleasing with its minimalistic design and smooth, rounded edges.

The device’s build quality is particularly notable, with many users finding that it holds up well against daily wear and tear. Its water and dust resistance (IP68 rating) add to its durability, ensuring that the iPhone XS can handle accidental spills and exposure to the elements. Although newer models may offer more advanced materials or design tweaks, the iPhone XS continues to be a solid option for those who appreciate a device that feels both elegant and sturdy in hand.

3. Display Quality

The iPhone XS features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display that continues to deliver impressive visuals in 2024. With a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels and a pixel density of 458 ppi, the screen remains sharp and vibrant, offering deep blacks, rich colors, and excellent contrast. This makes it ideal for watching videos, browsing photos, or simply enjoying the smoothness of iOS animations.

The display supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, enhancing the viewing experience with more dynamic range and true-to-life colors. Even by today’s standards, the iPhone XS screen competes well with newer models, especially in terms of color accuracy and brightness. Whether you’re outdoors in direct sunlight or indoors in a dimly lit room, the display adapts well to different lighting conditions, maintaining clarity and detail. While larger or higher-resolution screens are available on more recent devices, the iPhone XS’s display remains one of its standout features, offering a quality vi

4. Performance and Speed

Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, the iPhone XS still delivers strong performance in 2024. Despite being several generations behind the latest processors, the A12 Bionic remains highly capable, handling everyday tasks with ease. Whether you’re multitasking between apps, playing graphics-intensive games, or streaming high-definition videos, the iPhone XS maintains a smooth and responsive experience.

The phone’s six-core CPU, four-core GPU, and advanced Neural Engine work together to optimize performance and efficiency. This allows the device to execute complex tasks, such as photo editing or augmented reality applications, without significant lag. While newer models may offer faster processors, the difference in day-to-day use is often minimal for most users.

The iPhone XS also benefits from regular iOS updates, which help keep the software running efficiently and securely. In real-world usage, the device continues to perform admirably, making it a viable option for those who don’t require the absolute latest in smartphone technology but still want a reliable and powerful device.

5. Camera Capabilities

The iPhone XS features a dual-camera system with 12MP wide and telephoto lenses, which still performs admirably in 2024. The wide lens, with its f/1.8 aperture, captures detailed and vibrant images, even in low-light conditions. The telephoto lens, offering 2x optical zoom, allows for closer shots without sacrificing image quality. Together, these lenses produce sharp and well-balanced photos with natural colors and good dynamic range.

The iPhone XS also supports Smart HDR, which enhances photos by combining multiple exposures to create images with better highlights and shadows. Portrait Mode remains a standout feature, enabling users to take photos with a pleasing depth-of-field effect, which is particularly effective for portraits and close-ups. The 7MP front-facing camera, while not as advanced as those on newer models, still delivers clear and flattering selfies.

While the iPhone XS may not match the latest flagships in camera performance, it continues to be a strong contender in the used market, offering reliable and high-quality photography for most users.

6. Battery Life and Charging

The iPhone XS, despite its age, offers a battery life that can still meet the needs of many users in 2024. Equipped with a 2,658 mAh battery, it provides a full day of usage under typical conditions, such as browsing the web, streaming media, and using apps. However, heavy users who engage in gaming or extensive video recording may find themselves needing to recharge by late afternoon or early evening.

One of the advantages of the iPhone XS is its support for fast charging, allowing the battery to reach up to 50% in about 30 minutes when using an 18W charger or higher. Additionally, the device supports wireless charging, adding convenience for those who prefer a cable-free experience.

Over time, the battery’s health naturally degrades, so users considering a used iPhone XS should check the battery health percentage. Replacing the battery is always an option if needed, which can restore the device’s battery performance to near-new levels. While the battery life is no longer cutting-edge, it remains sufficient for most everyday tasks, especially with mindful usage and charging habits.

7. Software and Updates

As of 2024, the iPhone XS continues to run smoothly with the latest iOS updates, thanks to its A12 Bionic chip. Apple has a strong track record of providing software support for older devices, and the iPhone XS is no exception. The phone is currently compatible with iOS 17, offering users access to the latest features, security updates, and performance improvements.

iOS updates not only enhance the device’s functionality but also ensure it remains secure against the latest threats. Users can enjoy new features such as improved privacy controls, enhanced system stability, and updated app functionalities. While the iPhone XS may not receive the very latest features introduced in newer models, it still benefits from many of the enhancements brought by the newest iOS versions.

One potential consideration is that as the iPhone XS ages, future iOS updates might be more tailored to newer hardware, possibly leading to reduced performance over time. However, for the foreseeable future, the iPhone XS remains a well-supported device, capable of running current software efficiently.

8. Price and Value for Money

In 2024, the iPhone XS offers notable value for money in the used smartphone market. With its high-quality build, robust performance, and still-relevant features, it presents an attractive option for those seeking a premium device at a lower price point. Typically, you can find the iPhone XS priced significantly lower than newer models, making it a cost-effective choice for users who don’t require the very latest technology but want a reliable, high-performance phone.

The value proposition of the iPhone XS is enhanced by its continued support for the latest iOS updates, ensuring that users have access to current features and security improvements. Additionally, the device’s durability and solid build quality mean that it can offer many years of service if well-maintained.

However, it’s important to consider the potential for decreased battery life and future software support as the device ages. Despite these factors, the iPhone XS remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who appreciate its design, performance, and overall capability. For those looking for a high-quality smartphone without the premium price tag, the iPhone XS continues to deliver excellent value for money.

9. Comparison with Newer Models

When comparing the iPhone XS to newer models, several key differences become apparent. Newer iPhones, such as the iPhone 14 or iPhone 15, feature more advanced processors, improved camera systems, and enhanced display technologies. For instance, newer models offer faster A-series chips, which provide a noticeable boost in performance and efficiency, particularly for demanding applications and multitasking.

Camera advancements are also significant, with recent iPhones boasting higher resolution sensors, improved low-light capabilities, and advanced computational photography features that surpass those of the iPhone XS. Display technology has evolved too, with newer models featuring ProMotion displays with higher refresh rates and better color accuracy.

Battery life and charging speeds have also seen improvements, with newer iPhones offering longer battery performance and faster charging solutions. Additionally, newer models often support the latest connectivity standards, such as 5G, which the iPhone XS lacks.

While the iPhone XS remains a strong contender in the used market, those seeking the latest features and performance will find newer models offer substantial upgrades in technology and capabilities.

10. Pros and Cons Summary

The iPhone XS presents a range of pros and cons for potential buyers in 2024.

Pros:

Design and Build: The iPhone XS boasts a premium design with high-quality materials, including stainless steel and durable glass. Its sleek, compact form remains attractive and feels substantial.
Display Quality: The 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp resolution, providing an excellent viewing experience.
Performance: Despite being several years old, the A12 Bionic chip delivers robust performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
Camera Capabilities: The dual-camera system captures sharp, high-quality photos, and Portrait Mode continues to produce impressive results.
Value for Money: The iPhone XS is often available at a lower price than newer models, offering solid performance and features at a more affordable cost.

Cons:

Battery Life: The battery, while adequate for moderate use, may require more frequent charging compared to newer devices.
Outdated Features: Lacks the latest technological advancements such as 5G connectivity and more advanced camera systems.
Future Software Support: Future iOS updates may become less optimized for older hardware, potentially affecting performance.

Overall, the iPhone XS remains a solid choice for those looking for a high-quality used phone, but it does come with limitations compared to the latest models.

In conclusion, the iPhone XS remains a viable option for those seeking a high-quality used smartphone in 2024. With its premium design, solid performance, and impressive display, it offers good value for money. However, while it provides a reliable experience, it lacks some of the advanced features found in newer models, such as improved battery life and 5G connectivity. For budget-conscious buyers, the iPhone XS continues to be a practical choice, balancing performance with affordability.