Apple iPhone XS

Alright, let's talk about the iPhone XS. I've spent a good chunk of time with this phone as my daily driver, and while it's not the newest kid on the block, it still holds a certain allure. Launched back in 2018, it occupies an interesting space in the current smartphone landscape. At its initial price point, it was a premium flagship, but now, a few years down the line, it's become a more accessible option. After using it extensively, I've got a pretty clear picture of its strengths and weaknesses.

Looking back at when the iPhone XS hit the market, it was a significant step for Apple. It solidified their move towards OLED displays and refined the design language that we still see echoes of today. Apple's strategy with the 'S' year phones has often been about refining and improving upon the previous generation, and the XS was no exception. It arrived at a time when premium smartphone competition was fierce, and Apple was aiming to maintain its position at the top. Now, in the current market, it sits as a solid second-hand option, providing a taste of the premium Apple experience without the flagship price tag of the latest models. Whether that price point is justified today is something we’ll delve into.

Picking up the iPhone XS, the first thing that strikes you is how well it fits in the hand. The 5.8-inch display hits a sweet spot – large enough for comfortable media consumption but compact enough for one-handed use. As someone who often juggles a coffee or a bag, that one-handed usability is a real plus. The build quality is undeniably premium. The glass back and stainless steel frame feel substantial and exude quality. It’s the kind of phone you appreciate just holding. Durability-wise, it's a glass sandwich, so a case is definitely advisable for peace of mind, but the materials themselves feel high-end. At 177 grams, it’s got a reassuring weight without feeling overly heavy in your pocket.

The "Super Retina" OLED display lives up to its name. I've genuinely enjoyed watching videos and browsing photos on this screen. The colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the HDR support makes compatible content pop. Binge-watching sessions have been immersive, and even everyday tasks like scrolling through social media are visually pleasing. While the refresh rate is the standard 60Hz, unlike some of the newer Android competitors pushing for higher rates, the overall smoothness is still excellent thanks to Apple's optimizations. In terms of brightness and visibility, I've had no issues using it outdoors, even in bright sunlight.

Under the hood, the A12 Bionic chip might be a few generations old now, but in my testing, it still delivers a smooth and responsive experience for most tasks. Everyday usage, like browsing, emails, and social media, is fluid and lag-free. Even when pushing it a bit with multitasking – switching between several apps or editing photos – it holds up well. While I'm not a hardcore mobile gamer, the casual games I've played run without a hitch, and the graphics look great on that OLED display. Temperature management is also decent; it can get slightly warm during intensive tasks, but I haven't experienced any concerning overheating. It’s worth noting that while it handles most things with ease, you might see slightly longer loading times compared to the latest iPhones when dealing with the absolute most demanding applications or games.

The camera system on the iPhone XS continues to impress. The dual 12-megapixel rear cameras – a wide-angle and a telephoto – offer a lot of versatility. I've taken some really pleasing photos in various scenarios. Outdoor shots, especially in good lighting, are crisp with excellent detail and accurate colors. The portrait mode is a standout feature; the background blur is natural and effectively isolates the subject. I’ve captured some great portraits of friends and family that I’m genuinely happy with. Even the front-facing camera holds its own for selfies and video calls. Video recording is also strong, with smooth footage and effective stabilization. Compared to some of the computational photography wizardry in newer phones, the XS might lack some of the cutting-edge features, but the image quality itself remains very good, and the overall shooting experience is enjoyable and intuitive.

Battery life is perhaps the biggest compromise with the iPhone XS. The 2658 mAh battery capacity is on the smaller side by today's standards. On a typical day with moderate use – checking emails, some social media, a bit of browsing – I find myself needing to top it up by late afternoon. For heavier usage, a power bank is often necessary. While it supports fast charging, the included charger is the standard 5W brick, which feels quite slow in 2024. Investing in a faster charger is definitely recommended. On the plus side, wireless charging is a convenient feature, and having a charging pad on my desk has been a lifesaver for keeping the battery topped up throughout the day. Power management seems decent enough; there aren't any obvious battery-draining culprits in the background, but the underlying capacity simply isn't the greatest.

The software experience is pure iOS, which for many, is a significant draw. It’s a clean, intuitive, and user-friendly operating system. Everything just works, and the app ecosystem is excellent. The iPhone XS launched with iOS 12 and is expected to receive the upcoming iOS 18 update, which is impressive for a phone of this age. This long-term software support is a major advantage of being in the Apple ecosystem. The interface is familiar and easy to navigate, and the features are generally well-thought-out and useful in daily life. Face ID remains a secure and convenient way to unlock the phone and authenticate apps.

Now, let's talk about value. The iPhone XS isn't a flagship phone anymore, and its price on the secondary market reflects that. For someone looking for a reliable and well-built iPhone experience without breaking the bank, it presents an interesting proposition. If you prioritize a great screen, a capable camera, and a premium design, and you’re willing to manage the somewhat average battery life, then the iPhone XS could be a good fit. However, if you're a heavy gamer, need all-day battery life without compromise, or crave the absolute latest camera technology, you might be better served by looking at newer or even some high-end Android alternatives in the same price range. In the competitive landscape, there are Android phones offering similar performance with better battery life or more advanced camera features at comparable prices.

In conclusion, my time with the iPhone XS has been largely positive. It's a well-rounded smartphone that still holds its own in many key areas. The premium design, beautiful display, and capable camera system are definite highlights. The A12 Bionic chip continues to offer smooth performance for everyday tasks. However, the battery life is a noticeable drawback. Ultimately, the iPhone XS is a compelling option for users who prioritize the Apple ecosystem, appreciate a refined user experience, and don't necessarily need the absolute cutting-edge features of the latest models. If you can find it at a good price, and the battery life limitations aren't a deal-breaker, the iPhone XS is a solid and reliable smartphone that offers a taste of the premium iPhone experience.