Apple iPhone XS Review: Is It Worth the Investment?

Apple iPhone XS – Comprehensive Review

As Black Friday approaches, we analyze the latest iPhone model, the iPhone XS, released in September 2018, to help you decide if it deserves a spot on your shopping list.

Since its launch in 2007, Apple's iPhone has dominated the smartphone industry, evolving through eleven major generations featuring hardware upgrades and iOS software advancements.

iPhone

iOS Versions

Release Dates

Here is a quick view of how iPhone screen sizes have changed over time:

iPhone | Screen Size | Release Year

iPhone, 3.5 inches, 2007

iPhone 5, 4 inches, 2012

iPhone 6 / 6S, 4.7 inches, 2014 / 2015

iPhone XS, 5.8 inches, 2018

iPhone XS Max, 6.5 inches, 2018

It's worth noting that Black Friday sales revenue is projected to increase by 15% in 2018 compared to 2017, highlighting the shopping potential for deals during this period.

Retailing at starting prices of $999 for the iPhone XS and $1099 for the XS Max, these models are among the most premium smartphones available. But are they worth their hefty price tags?

The iPhone XS introduces numerous new features and technological improvements over previous models. Here's a detailed overview:

Display: Both the iPhone XS and X have a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED screen with 2436x1125 resolution, offering HDR support for richer image quality. The display maintains a 9.5:9 aspect ratio, ensuring vivid visuals.

Design: While visually similar to the iPhone X, the XS is slightly lighter at 177g compared to 174g; dimensions remain unchanged at 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm.

Audio: The stereo speakers in the XS are 25% louder, enhancing audio experiences.

Dual SIM Support: Featuring an embedded eSIM, the XS supports dual SIM functionality, allowing two carriers on one device; a first for iPhones.

Touch Sensitivity: Improved responsiveness with a 120Hz touch sensing rate, offering faster interaction.

Face Recognition: Slightly faster Face ID system enhances unlocking speed.

Performance: Equipped with 4GB RAM and a 4-core GPU, the XS handles multitasking and graphics-intensive tasks smoothly.

Camera: Upgraded dual-camera system with Smart HDR, 6-piece lens, and larger 1.4µm pixels for better photos.

Charging & Battery: Wireless charging is faster, yet the battery capacity is slightly lower (2,658 mAh), but Apple claims longer overall battery life compared to X—about 30 minutes extra.

Water Resistance: Rated IP68, allowing immersion up to 2 meters for 30 minutes, an improvement over the X’s 1 meter.

Storage Options: Available in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants.

Pricing: The 64GB model is priced at $999, 256GB at $1149, and 512GB at $1349. During Black Friday, discounts may significantly reduce the cost.

Given its features, it’s worth considering whether the XS suits your needs, especially if you are an loyal iPhone user seeking an upgrade. However, some users report charging issues, such as difficulty recognizing the charger when the screen is off, which may be frustrating considering the high cost. Also, the design’s fragility makes it prone to damage from drops, which is a concern for many.

If you are exploring alternatives, several Android smartphones offer competitive features at lower prices, such as Samsung Galaxy S9, LG G7 ThinQ, or Huawei P20 Pro—each with unique strengths compared to the iPhone XS.

Considering a new device? Take advantage of Black Friday discounts to save on top-tier smartphones. The iPhone XS offers notable upgrades, but weigh your priorities before investing high sums.