The iPhone XS, released on September 21, 2018, was Apple’s flagship smartphone and a successor to the groundbreaking iPhone X. Positioned as a premium device, it aimed to refine the bezel-less design and Face ID technology introduced in 2017 while while delivering top-tier performance. This review explores the iPhone XS’s hardware and software specifications in detail, evaluates its performance, and compares it with contemporary smartphones in the same price range to assess its standing in a highly competitive market.
Hardware Specifications
Physical Design and Build
The iPhone XS retains the iPhone X’s design language, featuring a stainless steel frame sandwiched between glass panels for wireless charging. It measures 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm and weighs 177 grams, making it slightly heavier than the iPhone X (174g) but compact for a 5.8-inch device. The glass is described by Apple as the most durable glass ever used on a smartphone at the time, though it remains prone to scratches and drops without a case. It is available in Space Gray, Silver, and a new Gold finish, the latter offering a subtle, elegant tone.
The device boasts an IP68 rating (up to 2 meters for 30 minutes), an improvement over the iPhone X’s IP67, and was tested in various liquids like water, wine, and beer. However, durability tests by Consumer Reports showed mixed results: it scored excellent in scratch resistance but only fair after 50 drops and poor after 100, with a cracked display and non-functional camera, indicating a need for a protective case.
Display
The iPhone XS features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display (2436 x 1125 resolution, 458 ppi), supporting HDR10, Dolby Vision, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. True Tone adjusts white balance to ambient lighting, and the display covers DCI-P3 and sRGB color gamuts for vibrant, accurate colors. At 625 nits brightness, it’s readable in sunlight, though some Android competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S9 offered higher peak brightness. The notch houses the TrueDepth camera and sensors, reducing usable screen space slightly (80.7% screen-to-body ratio).
Processor and Performance
Powered by the A12 Bionic chip (7nm process), the iPhone XS was among the first smartphones with a 7nm SoC, featuring a 6-core CPU (2x Vortex performance cores, 4x Tempest efficiency cores), a 4-core GPU, and an 8-core Neural Engine capable of 5 trillion operations per second. With 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM, it delivers exceptional performance for gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven tasks like Face ID and Smart HDR. Benchmarks like AnTuTu (~690,980) and Geekbench (Single-core: ~4,800, Multi-core: ~11,500) showed it outperforming most 2018 Android flagships, though the gap narrowed with devices like the Huawei Mate 20 Pro.
Storage
Available in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants, the iPhone XS offered ample storage, though the base 64GB model was criticized for being insufficient for 4K video recording and heavy app usage at its $999 starting price.
Battery
The 2,658mAh battery supports up to 14 hours of video playback or 60 hours of audio. Real-world tests showed 6–7 hours of screen-on time, sufficient for a day of moderate use. It supports 7.5W wireless charging and 15W fast charging (50% in 30 minutes with a 18W charger, sold separately). Battery life was slightly better than the iPhone X due to A12 efficiency but lagged behind Android competitors like the Galaxy Note 9 (4,000mAh).
Cameras
The iPhone XS sports a dual 12MP rear camera system: a wide-angle lens (f/1.8, 1.4μm pixels, OIS) and a telephoto lens (f/2.4, 2x optical zoom, OIS). Smart HDR enhances dynamic range by combining multiple exposures, improving detail in bright and low-light conditions. Portrait Mode with Depth Control allows post-shot bokeh adjustment. It records 4K video at 60fps with stereo audio and extended dynamic range up to 30fps. The 7MP TrueDepth front camera (f/2.2) supports Smart HDR, Portrait Mode, and 1080p video at 60fps, powering Face ID and Animoji/Memoji.
Camera performance was excellent, with natural colors and sharp details, though low-light shots trailed the Google Pixel 2’s computational photography. The “Beautygate” controversy arose from Smart HDR smoothing skin tones in selfies, which Apple addressed in iOS 12.0.1.
Connectivity
The iPhone XS supports dual SIM (nano-SIM + eSIM, or dual nano-SIM in China), LTE Cat.16 (up to 1,024 Mbps), Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC (read-only). It uses Intel modems, with improved 4×4 MIMO antennas, but early users reported LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity issues, partially fixed in iOS 12.0.1. GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS ensure accurate navigation.
Sensors
Includes Face ID (faster than iPhone X), accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, ambient light, and barometer. Face ID remains secure but lacks Touch ID as a fallback.
Audio
Stereo speakers deliver wider soundstages than the iPhone X, ideal for media consumption. No 3.5mm headphone jack, but includes EarPods with Lightning connector.
Software Specifications
Operating System
The iPhone XS shipped with iOS 12, emphasizing performance improvements, even on older devices. Key features included:
- Siri Shortcuts: Custom voice commands for app actions.
- Screen Time: Usage tracking for digital wellness.
- Grouped Notifications: Improved notification management.
- ARKit 2: Enhanced augmented reality with shared experiences.
- Photos: Smarter search and sharing suggestions.
As of 2025, the iPhone XS supports iOS 18, the latest version compatible with the device, offering features like customizable home screens, RCS messaging, and Apple Intelligence (on supported models). However, it will not receive iOS 26 due to hardware limitations, providing seven years of updates—an impressive lifespan compared to most Android devices, though Samsung’s 2025 promise of seven years matches it.
Software Issues
Early iOS 12 bugs included “Chargegate” (failure to charge via Lightning when locked) and Bluetooth connectivity problems, both fixed in iOS 12.0.1. iOS 18.5 connectivity issues were reported by some users, indicating occasional Wi-Fi instability.
Performance and User Experience
The iPhone XS excels in daily use, with smooth animations, fast app launches, and reliable multitasking. Gaming performance is stellar, handling titles like PUBG and Asphalt 9 at max settings without thermal throttling. Face ID is faster and more reliable than on the iPhone X, though it struggles in extreme angles or low light. The display is immersive for videos, and stereo speakers enhance the experience, though Samsung’s AMOLED panels edged out in brightness and contrast.
Battery life is adequate but not class-leading; heavy users may need a top-up by evening. The camera system produces consistent, high-quality photos, though Google’s Pixel 2 and 3 outperformed in low-light scenarios due to superior software processing. iOS 12 (and later updates) integrates tightly with hardware, offering a polished experience, though some Android devices provided more customization.
Comparison with Smartphones in the Same Range
The iPhone XS launched at $999 (64GB), placing it in the premium flagship segment. Below is a comparison with key 2018 competitors in a similar price range: Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus ($839), Google Pixel 3 XL ($899), Huawei P20 Pro (~$900), and OnePlus 6T ($549, included for value context). Prices reflect 2018 MSRP for base models.
| Feature | iPhone XS | Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus | Google Pixel 3 XL | Huawei P20 Pro | OnePlus 6T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Base) | $999 (64GB) | $839 (64GB) | $899 (64GB) | ~$900 (128GB) | $549 (128GB) |
| Display | 5.8″ OLED, 2436×1125, 458 ppi, HDR10 | 6.2″ AMOLED, 2960×1440, 529 ppi, HDR10 | 6.3″ OLED, 2960×1440, 523 ppi, HDR | 6.1″ OLED, 2240×1080, 408 ppi, HDR | 6.41″ AMOLED, 2340×1080, 402 ppi, HDR |
| Processor | A12 Bionic (7nm, 6-core) | Snapdragon 845 (10nm, 8-core) | Snapdragon 845 (10nm, 8-core) | Kirin 970 (10nm, 8-core) | Snapdragon 845 (10nm, 8-core) |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB | 4GB | 6GB | 6GB/8GB |
| Storage | 64/256/512GB | 64/128/256GB + microSD | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | 128/256GB |
| Battery | 2,658mAh, 15W fast, 7.5W wireless | 3,500mAh, 15W fast, 9W wireless | 3,430mAh, 18W fast, 10W wireless | 4,000mAh, 22.5W fast, no wireless | 3,700mAh, 20W fast, no wireless |
| Rear Camera | Dual 12MP (f/1.8 wide, f/2.4 tele, 2x zoom) | Dual 12MP (f/1.5-2.4 wide, f/2.4 tele) | Single 12.2MP (f/1.8 wide) | Triple 40MP (f/1.8) + 20MP + 8MP (3x zoom) | Dual 16MP (f/1.7 wide) + 20MP (f/1.7) |
| Front Camera | 7MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/1.7) | Dual 8MP (f/1.8 wide, f/2.2 ultra-wide) | 24MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.0) |
| OS | iOS 12 (up to iOS 18) | Android 8.0 (up to Android 10) | Android 9.0 (up to Android 12) | Android 8.1 (up to Android 10) | Android 9.0 (up to Android 11) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (2m, 30 min) | IP68 (1.5m, 30 min) | IP68 (1.5m, 30 min) | IP67 (1m, 30 min) | None |
| Connectivity | Dual SIM (eSIM), LTE Cat.16, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0 | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.18, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0 | Single SIM, LTE Cat.16, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0 | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.18, Wi-Fi ac, BT 4.2 | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.16, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm, 177g | 158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5mm, 189g | 158 x 76.7 x 7.9mm, 184g | 155 x 73.9 x 7.8mm, 180g | 157.5 x 74.8 x 8.2mm, 185g |
| Additional Features | Face ID, stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack | Fingerprint, iris scanner, 3.5mm jack | Squeeze for Assistant, stereo speakers | Fingerprint, IR blaster, no 3.5mm jack | In-display fingerprint, no 3.5mm jack |
Analysis
- iPhone XS: Excels in performance (A12 Bionic), software longevity (7 years), and camera consistency. Its compact design and premium build appeal to iOS loyalists, but the 64GB base storage, smaller battery, and lack of a 3.5mm jack or fast charger in-box were drawbacks at $999.
- Galaxy S9 Plus: Offers a larger, brighter AMOLED display, expandable storage, and a 3.5mm jack. Battery life is superior, but software updates stopped at Android 10, and the Exynos/Snapdragon 845 trails the A12 in efficiency.
- Pixel 3 XL: Stands out for computational photography, delivering unmatched low-light performance with a single camera. However, its 4GB RAM struggles with multitasking, and battery life is average. Software support (up to Android 12) is shorter than iPhone XS.
- Huawei P20 Pro: Pioneers triple cameras with 3x zoom and excellent low-light performance, plus a large battery. However, the Kirin 970 is less powerful, and US availability was limited due to trade restrictions. Software updates capped at Android 10.
- OnePlus 6T: A value champion with flagship specs, a larger battery, and fast charging at a lower price. Its cameras and IP rating lag, and software support (up to Android 11) is shorter than Apple’s.
The iPhone XS’s premium price was justified by its ecosystem, build quality, and long-term support, but Android alternatives offered better value or specific advantages (e.g., battery, display, or cameras).
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful A12 Bionic chip with excellent performance.
- Stunning OLED display with HDR support.
- Reliable dual cameras with Smart HDR and Depth Control.
- IP68 water resistance and premium build.
- Seven years of iOS updates (up to iOS 18).
- Fast and secure Face ID.
- Stereo speakers with wide soundstage.
Cons
- Expensive starting price ($999 for 64GB).
- Average battery life compared to Android flagships.
- No fast charger included.
- Early connectivity issues (LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
- Notch reduces screen real estate.
- No 3.5mm headphone jack or microSD slot.
- Camera low-light performance trails Pixel 2/3.
Conclusion
The iPhone XS was a refined evolution of the iPhone X, offering cutting-edge performance, a polished iOS experience, and a premium design. Its A12 Bionic chip, long software support, and versatile cameras made it a strong contender in 2018, though its high price, modest battery life, and incremental upgrades over the iPhone X drew criticism. Compared to contemporaries like the Galaxy S9 Plus, Pixel 3 XL, Huawei P20 Pro, and OnePlus 6T, it excelled in ecosystem integration and longevity but faced stiff competition in battery, display, and value.
For iOS users or those invested in Apple’s ecosystem, the iPhone XS was a compelling choice, especially for its seven-year update commitment, a rarity in smartphones. However, Android alternatives provided more features or better value for budget-conscious buyers. In 2025, the iPhone XS remains viable for users on iOS 18, though newer models like the iPhone 16 offer significant advancements for those upgrading.