Using the iPhone XS in 2024 - Review!

Summary

In this tech review, Josh from 91 Tech examines the longevity of the iPhone Xs and Xs Max, launched in 2018, which still receive iOS updates up to iOS 18. Despite their age, these iPhones offer a premium design, full iOS support, and capable cameras. However, battery life is a significant drawback, with degraded performance over time. The video discusses whether these devices remain viable options in 2024, comparing them to newer models and considering them as potential budget choices in the used market.

Takeaways

• 📱 The iPhone Xs and Xs Max were released in 2018 as successors to the iPhone X, offering improvements such as a third color option in Gold and camera enhancements.
• 🔋 One of the main drawbacks of the iPhone Xs and Xs Max is their battery life, which has been a consistent issue even when the devices were new.
• 📲 The iPhone Xs series is still capable of running the latest iOS 18, which extends its lifespan and keeps it relevant, unlike the iPhone X which is stuck on iOS 16.
• 📱 The iPhone Xs and Xs Max offer a premium design with glass and stainless steel, similar to newer iPhone models, and come in larger sizes compared to the iPhone X.
• 📸 Despite being released in 2018, the iPhone Xs and Xs Max can still take decent photos, although they struggle in low light conditions compared to newer models.
• 🔌 The iPhone Xs lacks some modern features like 5G and 120Hz ProMotion display but still offers wireless charging and fast charging capabilities.
• 💾 Storage options for the iPhone Xs start at 64GB, which might be limiting for users with high media consumption, suggesting the need for cloud storage solutions.
• 📶 The iPhone Xs series supports 4G LTE but not 5G, which might be a consideration for users seeking the latest connectivity options.
• 💰 The iPhone Xs can be found at a lower price on the used market, making it an attractive budget option for those looking for an older but still capable device.
• 🔄 The video suggests that while the iPhone Xs and Xs Max are aging, they are still usable and can be considered for those who do not require the latest technology or are budget-conscious.

Q & A

When were the iPhone Xs and Xs Max released?

The iPhone Xs and Xs Max were launched in late 2018.

What significant design changes were introduced with the iPhone Xs compared to the iPhone X?

The iPhone Xs introduced a third color option in Gold and some basic camera and speed improvements. It also offered a larger size option with the Xs Max.

How many years of software updates has Apple provided for the iPhone Xs and Xs Max?

As of the script's recording, the iPhone Xs and Xs Max have received at least 6 years of software updates, being updatable to iOS 18.

What is the primary concern for iPhone Xs owners regarding the device's performance after several years?

The primary concern for iPhone Xs owners is the battery life, which has been a significant flaw even at the time of its release.

What is the minimum price range for an iPhone Xs with 64GB storage on eBay, according to the script?

The iPhone Xs with 64GB storage can be found for under 150 US Dollars on eBay.

What feature does the iPhone Xs Max have that the standard iPhone Xs does not, in terms of physical size?

The iPhone Xs Max has a larger physical size with a 6.5-inch display compared to the standard iPhone Xs, which has a 5.8-inch display.

What is the potential issue with the iPhone Xs when running resource-intensive tasks like gaming or video streaming?

The iPhone Xs may experience repeated issues and rapid battery drain when running resource-intensive tasks due to its aging battery.

What is the advantage of the iPhone Xs over newer models in terms of size?

The iPhone Xs has a smaller form factor, which some users may prefer for better one-handed usability.

What camera features did the iPhone Xs introduce in 2018, and how do they compare to newer models?

The iPhone Xs introduced a 12-megapixel main wide sensor and a 12-megapixel telephoto 2x zoom lens. While it was a significant improvement in 2018, newer models like the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro introduced night mode and an ultra-wide camera lens, offering better low-light performance.

What is the script's recommendation for users considering purchasing an older iPhone model?

The script suggests that users might consider buying an iPhone 11 or 11 Pro for better battery life and camera improvements, or even a 13 Pro for a more recent model.

What is the script's opinion on the longevity and usability of the iPhone Xs and Xs Max in 2024 and beyond?

The script posits that despite their age, the iPhone Xs and Xs Max still feel like premium smartphones with the latest software, suggesting they can be used for a longer period if the user is not significantly inconvenienced by the battery life or other aging factors.

Outlines

00:00

📱 iPhone Xs and 10s Max: A Look Back

In late 2018, Apple released the iPhone Xs and 10s Max as successors to the iPhone X, which introduced major changes such as the removal of the home button and the introduction of the notch. The Xs series offered improvements in color options (Gold), camera capabilities, and a larger Max version. Notably, the Xs remains updatable to iOS 18, extending its lifespan beyond the iPhone X, which is stuck on iOS 16. This longevity makes the Xs still relevant today, prompting discussions on its performance six years later.

05:01

🔋 Battery Life: The Major Drawback

One of the biggest issues with the iPhone Xs has always been its mediocre battery life. Even back in 2018, the iPhone XR, with its lower power display, outperformed the Xs in terms of battery endurance. The problem is exacerbated over time as batteries degrade, especially after years of use. Many Xs and Xs Max owners have experienced slowdowns, random battery drain, and shorter battery life. While battery replacements are an option, frequent users of apps, video streaming, and gaming may struggle with the Xs's power performance today, especially with iOS 18 pushing the hardware further.

10:03

📷 The Premium Design and Cameras of the Xs

Despite being six years old, the iPhone Xs still feels like a flagship device due to its premium design, featuring a stainless steel frame and glass back. The iPhone Xs Max offers more variety with its larger screen and Gold color option, while the Xs maintains a sleek, one-handed usability with its smaller 5.8-inch screen. Though missing some modern features like the 120Hz ProMotion, the Xs remains fluid and performs well under iOS 18. Its hardware, including 3D Touch, Face ID, and decent camera quality, holds up, even as newer models like the iPhone 11 surpass it in low-light performance.

💻 Performance and Storage: Still Capable

The iPhone Xs remains capable of performing most tasks without major lag. With 4GB of RAM and Apple's A12 chipset, it handles iOS 18 decently. The Xs supports wireless charging and fast charging via a lightning port but is limited to 4G LTE, lacking 5G support. The phone also includes IP68 water resistance and is available in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. While 64GB may feel limiting today, Apple’s iCloud service offers a way to manage storage effectively. The Xs camera, with 12MP wide and telephoto lenses, still holds up but struggles in low light compared to modern devices.

📸 iPhone Xs: The Camera in 2024

When released, the iPhone Xs's camera was considered a significant improvement, though it was quickly overshadowed by the iPhone 11’s introduction of night mode and an ultra-wide lens. Today, the Xs still produces solid photos in good lighting, though it struggles in low-light conditions. The 12MP main and 2x zoom telephoto lenses offer decent results, with features like 4K video and portrait mode still in use. However, for those seeking better photography, especially in challenging conditions, newer iPhone models like the 11 Pro or beyond would provide a superior experience.

📈 Should You Buy or Upgrade?

While the iPhone Xs and Xs Max are still premium-feeling devices in 2024, they are aging, and battery life is a major concern. Buying a used iPhone Xs is possible at a relatively low price, but the XR or iPhone 11 models offer better value with improved battery life and cameras. For those already using an Xs, the phone remains functional for everyday tasks, and with full iOS support, there may be little need to upgrade unless battery issues or performance slowdowns become too problematic. For those considering an upgrade, newer models provide better longevity and enhanced features.

📊 Conclusion: Longevity and the iPhone Xs

The iPhone Xs and Xs Max, despite their age, remain capable smartphones with the latest iOS support, offering a premium design and satisfactory performance. However, issues like battery life and outdated camera features may push users to consider upgrading. Apple’s commitment to long-term iOS support makes the Xs usable for a bit longer, but for those seeking better battery life, improved cameras, or more modern features like 5G, newer models like the iPhone 13 or 15 are the better choices. Ultimately, if you’re content with your Xs and its battery holds up, it’s worth holding onto a little longer.

Keywords

💡iPhone Xs

The iPhone Xs is a smartphone model launched by Apple in 2018, succeeding the iPhone X. It introduced a new gold color option and improvements in camera and processing speed. In the video, the iPhone Xs is discussed as a device that has aged well, still receiving software updates and offering a premium design with modern features like Face ID and OLED display.

💡iOS

iOS is the operating system that powers Apple's mobile devices, such as the iPhone. The video discusses the iPhone Xs's capability to update to iOS 18, extending its lifespan and keeping it relevant. iOS updates are crucial as they bring new features and security patches, which is a significant point of discussion regarding the longevity of the iPhone Xs.

💡Battery Life

Battery life refers to the duration a device can operate before needing to be recharged. The script highlights battery life as a significant issue for the iPhone Xs, with degradation over time leading to poor performance and short battery duration, especially when the battery health drops below 80%.

💡Face ID

Face ID is Apple's facial recognition technology used for secure unlocking of iPhones and authorizing payments. The video mentions that the iPhone Xs, like newer models, features Face ID, indicating that despite its age, it offers a similar level of security and convenience.

💡OLED Display

OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diodes and is a display technology known for its high contrast ratios and energy efficiency. The iPhone Xs uses an OLED display, which is praised in the video for its vibrant colors and true blacks, contributing to a premium user experience.

💡iPhone XR

The iPhone XR is a more budget-friendly iPhone released in the same year as the iPhone Xs. It is mentioned in the video as having an LCD screen instead of OLED and being updatable to iOS 18, similar to the iPhone Xs, but with different color options and battery life performance.

💡Water Resistance

Water resistance is the ability of a device to withstand exposure to water without being damaged. The iPhone Xs has an IP68 water resistance rating, which is mentioned as a feature that helps protect the device in case of accidental water exposure, such as dropping it in a sink or toilet.

💡3D Touch

3D Touch is a feature that allows pressure-sensitive touch inputs on the iPhone's display. The video notes that the iPhone Xs was the last model to include 3D Touch, which has since been replaced by Haptic Touch in newer models. It was used for quick actions and added a layer of interactivity to the device.

💡Camera Improvements

Camera improvements refer to advancements in the quality and capabilities of smartphone cameras. The video discusses how the iPhone Xs improved upon the iPhone X's camera, but also how it was later surpassed by models like the iPhone 11, which introduced Night Mode and an ultra-wide lens.

💡5G

5G refers to the fifth generation of mobile networks, offering faster data speeds and lower latency. The video mentions that the iPhone Xs does not support 5G, which was introduced in the iPhone 12, implying that for users seeking the latest connectivity options, an upgrade would be necessary.

💡iPhone 11

The iPhone 11 is a model that succeeded the iPhone Xs and XR, released in 2019. The video compares the iPhone Xs to the iPhone 11, noting significant improvements in camera technology and battery life, suggesting that while the Xs is still capable, the 11 offers enhanced performance in these areas.

Highlights

iPhone Xs and 10s Max were launched in 2018 as successors to the iPhone X.

The iPhone Xs introduced a Gold color option and camera improvements.

The 10s Max offered a larger size option, which was missing in the iPhone X.

The iPhone X is stuck on iOS 16, while the 10s can be updated to iOS 18.

The 10s and 10s Max are expected to receive updates for at least 7 years.

The iPhone Xs has a premium design with glass and stainless steel.

The iPhone Xs and 10s Max still perform most tasks without significant lag.

Battery life is a significant issue for the iPhone Xs, even with a healthy battery.

Apple offers battery replacement services for a fee to improve battery health.

The iPhone Xs and 10s Max have a high-resolution OLED display.

The iPhone Xs lacks the 120Hz ProMotion display found in newer Pro iPhones.

The iPhone Xs supports wireless charging and has a lightning port.

The iPhone Xs has IP68 water resistance, which is beneficial for accidental drops.

The iPhone Xs features Face ID and 3D Touch, the last iPhone to include the latter.

Storage options for the iPhone Xs range from 64GB to 512GB.

The iPhone Xs camera setup includes a 12-megapixel main sensor and a 2x zoom lens.

The iPhone Xs camera performance is decent but struggles in low light conditions.

The iPhone Xs can be found for under $150 on the used market, but battery life may be a concern.

The iPhone XR might be a better budget option compared to the iPhone Xs due to better battery life.

Upgrading to a newer iPhone model will provide significant improvements in battery life and camera quality.

The iPhone Xs and 10s Max still feel premium and usable despite their age, running the latest software.

Transcripts

[Music]

launched in late 2018 and sold for only

a single year the iPhone Xs and 10s Max

came out as the successors to the widely

hyped iPhone 10 the phone that had

dropped the home button brought the

Notch and adopted the sort of style and

presentation that Apple has more or less

continued to refine to this day with

each passing year in iPhone the 10s did

a lot to sort of just fix what the

iPhone 10 had lacked it brought a third

color option in Gold some basic camera

and speed improvements that we see every

year and most importantly we got a

larger size option with the 10s Max

something that was missing from the 10 6

years later the iPhone 10 is stuck on

iOS 16 whereas the 10s is fully

updatable to iOS 18 extending its

lifespan and keeping the 10s still

relevant and this presents an

interesting conundrum in how these

iPhones hold up over a half decade later

hey how's it going I'm Josh from 91 Tech

and there's no question the longevity

has been very impressive with the 10s

and 10s Max as well as with the iPhone

10r the more mid-range option that Apple

released at the same time in 2018 having

more colors mainly the same specs but an

older LCD screen instead of OLED getting

iOS 18 means at least 7 years of updates

since assuming the phones don't get ios

19 you're looking at the latest versions

up until the fall of 2025 when iOS 19

would launch it could get ios 19 I think

it's pretty unlikely and even then most

apps do support phones a few versions

behind making for in theory many years

left before we can even remotely

consider the 10s and 10r anywhere near

obsolete on paper the 10s has a lot in

common with even the newest iPhones on

the market today it's got a premium

design with glass and stainless steel

two camera lenses on the back full iOS

support face ID and the edgo edge design

with only slightly thicker bezels than

what the 15 pro has and a beautiful high

resolution display with vibrant colors

and true blacks on paper the iPhone Xs

and 10s Max are every bit as capable as

the topof thee line iPhones still being

sold today and even in Practical terms

the 10s can download basically any app

and do basically anything that $1,000

plus pro iPhone would be able to do

there are however of course some Downs

signs that come with the age of these

phones and in this video I want to

discuss both the good and bad of using a

phone this old in 2024 and Beyond I

recently did a video on the 10r already

if you'd like to see that I'll link it

in the description but like with the 10r

it's not a bad time to upgrade from the

10s if you're considering it and along

with this there's also the Potential

Prospect of the 10s being an interesting

budget device to those looking at the

used market so let's start with the real

major issues that are going to crop up

with a phone like this and the

inconveniences being posed before we

look at the phone any further the

largest problem you'll hear from any

iPhone 10s owner that you're going to

find will be the battery life and this

is unfortunately always been one of its

biggest flaws even 6 years ago the 10r

with its lower power display always did

a better job at providing longer life

and even owners of the 10s Max with its

physically larger battery are not spared

from the mediocre at best power

performance and that's with a healthy

battery mind you once your battery

health is depleted around and even under

80% you're likely to notice significant

issues often with slowdowns and

seemingly random battery drain the

phones have been used over a half a

decade which means the batteries will

have inevitably degraded over time even

if they were replaced a couple years ago

they've degraded within those couple

years this is the same problem with any

older smartphone and it's potentially

even more noticeable here since it never

had great battery life to begin with I'm

speaking as a former owner of the 10s as

well as I had it from launch up to the

iPhone 11 Pro coming out a phone that

massively improved in this Department

Apple will replace batteries for a fee

and so that might be worth doing if

you've got poor battery health there

will even be a popup eventually once

your battery does need service but I

think at some point it may just be more

worth it to look to a different phone if

you're getting consistent issues iOS 18

is not going to be kind to even the

healthiest of batteries I'm on a beta

version at the moment but I can speak to

even older iOS versions not being much

better when it came to my past years

reviewing this device now all this being

said the battery is only going to be an

issue for those who use their phones a

moderate amount and are not solely doing

the lightest of tasks things like

texting maybe a little social media or

browsing the web that's not going to

drain the battery too fast assuming it's

healthy and the 10s could very well get

you a day if you're not using it too

much but if you do use it for more

things such as particularly video

streaming or gaming that's when you're

going to notice repeated issues and your

phone dying far too fast this is a phone

that on paper presents a lot of the same

experience as a current iPhone that

Apple sells but that battery is likely

to pose a very large issue for users and

going to something like the iPhone 15 is

going to be a Far and Away better

experience in this regard there are some

workarounds and caveats to all this of

course battery cases exist there are

portable battery Banks just keep a

charger in near buy and Juice It Up

whenever you need to for some people the

phone may just be working fine even with

a moderately unhealthy battery and if

that's you then hey more power to you

that pun was not intended but with full

iOS support there's little reason in

theory you'll actually need to upgrade

to a newer iPhone if you're not ready to

yet in my experience while the phone

isn't fast the 10s does perform

basically any task pretty handedly with

only occasional leg and slowdown this is

an iOS 18 beta version the full version

comes out in the fall 2024 but most

often if I'm going to get leg it's going

to be when the phone first boots up or

it's trying to do stuff in the

background something like low power mode

can also significantly affect things the

hardware here however is still extremely

premium and does feel like a flag ship

experience in spite of its age the glass

back with the curved stainless steel

frame feels fantastic in the hand and

having the max option as well as the

gold color offers some nice variety in

Choice which was notably lacking from

the 2017 iPhone 10 the smaller 10s is

5.8 in and the max is 6.5 in both are a

bit smaller than the current pro and pro

Max iPhones and the iPhone XR itself is

6.1 in which personally I feel like is a

pretty ideal size the smaller 10 and 10s

always did feel maybe a bit too small it

all just comes down to personal

preference and there's something to be

said for having a phone so usable with

one hand like the 10s is the smaller one

one although this here isn't actually a

10s it's an iPhone 10 I've only got a

10s Max but they're the exact same phone

apart from the size so having a 10 here

is just for showing the difference in

scale it also goes to show that yes

indeed the 10s is identical to the

iPhone 10 with the only real notable

difference cosmetically that I'm aware

of at least is on the bottom of the

phone there's an antenna band on the

iPhone XS that is notably absent on the

iPhone 10 easy way to tell them AP part

if for whatever reason you're ever in a

situation where you need to we don't

have the 120 HZ promotion of the newer

Pro iPhones but I don't think it's

something most users will really care

much about the phone still feels quite

fluid and smooth regardless assuming

you're not getting any leg from the

newer software thankfully gone are the

days of new iOS updates brutally slowing

down your phone so you can be confident

that the 10s as well as the 10r runs iOS

18 just fine even more so on the 10s

thanks to a little more RAM at 4 gigs

along with Apple's a12 chipset top- ofth

line specs for 2018 the hardware does

still hold up and while I would not

expect iOS 19 it's not completely

outside the realm of possibility either

on the bottom of the phone we have the

lightning ports and we also get wireless

charging thanks to the glass and fast

charging if you have the appropriate

power adapter we do only have up to 4G

LTE with the 10s 5G wouldn't come until

the iPhone 12 but I don't think that'll

really matter for most people the 10s

has ip68 water resistance which should

help in cases of dropping your phone

into the sink or toilet speaking of

cases you probably will want a case for

this phone since it is glass it is

relatively fragile face idea here is

really good and still feels quite fast

we also have 3D touch this was the last

iphone to have 3D touch a feature mainly

pointless now since a long press

accomplishes the same thing but it's

still pretty cool and I've always found

it a shame Apple never did more with it

for storage the 10s came in at 64 256 or

512 GB variations 64 gigs might feel a

little limiting today if you take a lot

of photos and video but I'd recommend an

iCloud photo subscription to not only

clear up space but also have your

pictures protected on the cloud in case

of your phone being being lost or

destroyed for only like a couple bucks a

month I actually think it's one of

Apple's best valued deals something kind

of rare from them these days so hey why

not take advantage let's talk about the

cameras which R touted is probably the

largest Improvement back in 2018 which

is a bit ironic given the 2019 iPhone 11

and 11 Pro sort of blew these devices

out of the water thanks to night mode

and the ultra wide camera lens but still

the 10s was no slouch at the time and

still takes decent photos today we've

got a 12 megapix main wide sensor and

another 12 megapixel telephoto 2x zoom

lens most of the photos you see here are

ones that I took with my year that I had

the phone back in 2018 to 2019 and there

were a lot of pictures I really liked I

thought it did a good job at the time

and I still think it did a good job and

that's the kind of nice thing about

having a relatively modern smartphone

even if it's 6 years old it still takes

pretty decent photos All Things

Considered you still got a lot of the

features you have today 4K 60 portrait

mode all these sorts of things and yeah

comparing it with like my 15 Pro the

newer phone is going to be significantly

better for sure but they still capture

the same image the 10s does hold up I

think pretty well at least until you get

into lower light situations that's where

it really starts to struggle with

graininess and blurriness becoming quite

common and again the iPhone 11 and 11

Pro really cleaned things up in that

regard only a year later but those

phones themselves are almost 5 years old

now so basically the camera considering

the age is pretty darn good on the

iPhone Xs and I really wouldn't worry

about it if you want a better camera if

you want something top the line then buy

a newer iPhone that's probably your

easiest solution and I would say that

you probably shouldn't buy the iPhone XS

or the 10s Max the smaller 10s at 64

gigs can be found for under 150 bucks on

ebay.com without too much difficulty

that's US Dollars and that's not too bad

right but the thing is the battery life

is not going to be very good even if

it's healthy and the phone is just older

I actually think the 10r might be a

better buy the battery life is not quite

as bad and it's around the same price as

the smaller 10s maybe even a little less

but I'd still at least go for an iPhone

11 or 11 Pro or something or even better

go up to like a 13 Pro if you get a

newer iPhone the biggest things you're

going to note is the much better battery

life as well as the camera improvements

everything else the speeds yeah it'll be

a bit faster a bit more reliable

consistent smooth fluid whatever but the

overall iOS experience doesn't change

significantly and that's what to me

makes the 10s and 10s Max still feel

like very usable and even premium

smartphones today they're gorgeous

phones for one thing that helps but

despite their age they just don't feel 6

years old yet running the latest

software ads a lot and if you're using

an iPhone XS right now now and you're

still happy with it battery life isn't

too much of an issue then I say hey why

not use it at least another year or at

least as long as you can stomach it get

as much life as you can out of your

phones I wouldn't recommend buying these

I'll link my iPhone buying guide in the

description if you're curious but in

terms of still using them unless the

inconveniences are so large that you

just need to upgrade I think the phones

can probably get you a bit longer and

hey Apple must as well giving them iOS

18 and so with that that's honestly

pretty much all I have to say a bit of a

shorter one today but you know these are

good phones that are just a bit older

that's thing and hopefully this helped

you out if it did maybe hit that like

button and consider subscribing for more

content just like this huge shout out to

the channel members you guys are the

absolute best thank you so much for

watching I'm Josh from 91 Tech and I

will see you all next time

[Music]