79
Category Scores
A compact premium iPhone with a strong OLED display and capable cameras, but aging battery life and limited long-term value.
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Specifications
Display 1
Value
5.8-inch Super Retina HD OLED, 2436 x 1125 pixels, 458 ppi, HDR, True Tone and 625 nits typical brightness
Processor 1
Value
Apple A12 Bionic with second-generation Neural Engine
GPU 1
Value
Apple 4-core GPU
Memory 1
Value
4GB RAM
Storage 1
Value
64GB, 256GB or 512GB
Battery 1
Value
Apple-rated up to 14 hours video playback; battery capacity not officially disclosed
Charging 1
Value
Fast charging up to 50% in around 30 minutes with an 18W or higher adapter; Qi wireless charging
Camera 1
Value
Dual 12MP wide and telephoto cameras with optical image stabilization and 2x optical zoom
Front Camera 1
Value
7MP TrueDepth camera
Video 1
Value
Rear camera up to 4K at 60 fps; front camera up to 1080p at 60 fps
Connectivity 1
Value
4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS, Lightning, nano-SIM and eSIM
Sensors 1
Value
Face ID, three-axis gyro, accelerometer, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor and barometer
Dimensions 1
Value
143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm
Weight 1
Value
177 g
Materials 1
Value
Glass front and back with stainless-steel frame
Colors 1
Value
Space Gray, Silver and Gold
Operating System 1
Value
Launched with iOS 12
AI Features 1
Value
Neural Engine processing, Smart HDR, Face ID and computational photography; no Apple Intelligence
Security 1
Value
Face ID, Secure Enclave, encrypted storage and iOS security protections
Expert Review
Design
The iPhone XS uses a stainless-steel frame with glass on the front and rear. Its compact 5.8-inch form is comfortable to hold, while the polished frame and precise construction still feel premium.
Display
The 5.8-inch Super Retina HD OLED display has a 2436 x 1125 resolution, 458 ppi density, HDR, True Tone and wide-color support. It remains visually impressive, though the 60Hz refresh rate is dated.
Performance
The A12 Bionic chip remains responsive for messaging, browsing, streaming, navigation and light productivity. Demanding games and modern editing workloads reveal its age.
Gaming
Many popular games remain playable, but sustained gaming can produce heat and rapid battery drain. The 60Hz display also limits responsiveness compared with newer devices.
Camera
The dual 12MP rear system includes wide and telephoto cameras with optical image stabilization and 2x optical zoom. Daylight photos remain good, but the lack of Night mode and an ultra-wide camera limits versatility.
Battery
Battery endurance was average when new and is now highly dependent on battery health. Many used units may require battery replacement for reliable daily use.
Software
The iPhone XS launched with iOS 12 and received many years of major iOS updates. It remains useful for core apps and services, though its remaining update period is limited.
Ai
The second-generation Neural Engine supports computational photography, Face ID and older machine-learning features. The device does not support Apple Intelligence.
Connectivity
The phone supports Gigabit-class LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS, dual SIM through nano-SIM and eSIM, and Lightning. It does not support 5G.
Pros
- Premium stainless-steel design
- Excellent OLED display
- Compact and comfortable size
- Useful 2x telephoto camera
- Face ID
- Qi wireless charging
- IP68 water resistance
Cons
- Aging battery life
- No 5G
- No Night mode
- No ultra-wide camera
- 60Hz display
- No Apple Intelligence
- Discontinued
The iPhone XS refined the iPhone X formula with improved performance, camera processing and durability. Its 5.8-inch Super Retina HD OLED display has a 2436 x 1125 resolution, HDR support, True Tone and wide color. The A12 Bionic chip uses a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU and second-generation Neural Engine for fast everyday performance and computational photography. The dual-camera system includes 12MP wide and telephoto cameras with optical image stabilization, 2x optical zoom and Portrait mode. The 7MP TrueDepth camera supports Face ID, Portrait selfies and 1080p video. The stainless-steel and glass body is rated IP68, while charging options include Lightning fast charging and Qi wireless charging.
Verdict
The iPhone XS remains appealing for its compact OLED design, premium materials and capable dual cameras. However, limited battery life, aging performance, no 5G and restricted remaining software support mean it should only be purchased at a compelling refurbished price.
Product Intelligence
5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display
Apple A12 Bionic chip
Dual 12MP rear cameras
2x optical zoom
Face ID
Stainless-steel frame
IP68 water resistance
Qi wireless charging
Who Should Buy
Buyers who want a compact premium iPhone with an OLED display, Face ID and dual cameras at a very low used or refurbished price.
Who Should Avoid
Users who need long battery life, 5G, Night mode, an ultra-wide camera, Apple Intelligence or long remaining software support.
Key Takeaways
- The compact OLED design still feels premium
- The A12 chip remains usable for basic daily tasks
- Battery health is critical when buying used
- There is no 5G, Night mode or Apple Intelligence
- Its long-term value is limited by age
Upgrade Path
Downgrade Path
Pricing & Price Intelligence
In Stock
Current
$0 – $1,349
Lowest
$999
Highest
$1,349
Historical Low
$999
Launch
$999
Average
$1,166
Savings
$999
Confidence
40%
Trend
Stable
Price Analytics
Stability
High
Buy Timing
Good time to buy
Current price is near its historical low. top retailers offers the best deal right now.
Store Comparison
Retailer offers will appear as stores are added. Legacy specs pricing is used until database offers exist.
Variant Pricing
Colors
- Space Gray $999
- Silver $999
- Gold $999
Storage
- 64GB $999
- 256GB $1,149
- 512GB $1,349
Ram
- 4GB $0 – $1,349
Carrier
- Unlocked $0 – $1,349
- Carrier Models $0 – $1,349
Price History
Historical data will populate as prices are tracked.
Track Price
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The compact OLED design still feels premium
See full review and specs for details on this device.
The A12 chip remains usable for basic daily tasks
See full review and specs for details on this device.
Battery health is critical when buying used
See full review and specs for details on this device.
There is no 5G, Night mode or Apple Intelligence
See full review and specs for details on this device.
Its long-term value is limited by age
See full review and specs for details on this device.
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