Everything you need to know about the iPhone XS.
The iPhone XS in a nutshell
- Release date: 21 September 2018
- Price at launch: from £999
- 5.8-inch OLED multi-touch display
- Dual 12MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras
- Supports Apple Pay and Face ID
- Operating system: supports iOS 17.4
MoneySuperMarket’s expert rating: 2.5/5
Although no longer the new model in town, there’s a lot still to love about 2018’s iPhone XS. As well as a similar all-screen design as newer models, it sports a perfectly capable dual-lens camera.
The XS is still compatible with the latest version of Apple’s iOS software, so you can expect to get a suite of new features, as well as performance and security improvements.
It offers about ten hours of battery life on a single charge, with a fast-charge mode for when you need to power-up in a hurry.
Is the iPhone XS worth buying in 2024?
The iPhone XR still supports the latest iOS 17.4 software and, as such, remains up to date. Apple will likely stop offering support in 2025, though, so you may wish to consider a more recent model.
Cheap iPhone XS deals
If you’re after a new handset but don’t want to fork out for the latest model, the iPhone XS could be a good choice for you.
However, the iPhone XS has been discontinued by Apple, and networks that offer it are few and far between. Your best luck is to get it as a refurbished handset – and get a cheap SIM-only deal to go with it.
The iPhone XS’s design and display
The iPhone XS has a 5.8-inch screen as well as an OLED display, giving it a clear, bright picture. It's available in gold, space grey and silver.
The iPhone XS’s camera
With its dual 12MP camera system, the iPhone XS delivers pleasing snaps for capturing your everyday life.
However, keen camera enthusiasts will want to plump for one of the latest models. That’s because the iPhone XS falls short of more modern innovations, such as improved low light photography and features like Cinematic Mode.
iPhone XS full review
For more on the iPhone XS, read our full review.
More iPhone handsets
Is now a good time to buy the iPhone XS?
You can get a refurbished iPhone XS for a very affordable price. You can also see if there are any contract deals available using our comparison tool at the top of the page.
Is the iPhone XS waterproof?
The iPhone XS has an IP67 rating for water resistance, which means it’ll survive being dunked in one metre of water for up to 30 minutes.
Models from the iPhone 11 onwards have the better IP68 rating, with the ability to withstand being submerged in 1.5 metres of water for up to 30 minutes.
iPhone XS specs
| Manufacturer | Apple |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS |
| Sim Card Type | Nano |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
|---|---|
| Proximity | Yes |
| Compass | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes |
| GPS | No |
| Form Factor | Candy Bar |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 7.7 mm |
| Size | 70.9mm x 7.7mm x 143.6mm |
| Weight | 177 g |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2658 mah |
| Standby | hours |
| Talktime | 20 hours |
| Display Size | 5.8 inches |
|---|---|
| Screen Type | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1125 x 2436 inches |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 ppi |
| Touch Screen Type | Capacitive |
| CPU | 2490 mhz |
|---|---|
| Processor Cores | 6 Cores Cores |
| Memory | 4000 MB |
| Internal Storage | 64, 256, 512 |
|---|---|
| External Storage | No |
| Primary Camera | 12 MP |
|---|---|
| Flash | Yes |
| LED Flash | |
| GEO Tagging | Yes |
| Auto Focus | Yes |
| Fixed Focus | Yes |
| Touch Focus | |
| Face Detection | Yes |
| Smile Detection | |
| Image Stabilisation | Yes |
| Video Quality | 2160p |
| 2nd Camera | 7 MP |
| Generation | 4G |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Dual-band |
| NFC | No |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| Wi-Fi Direct | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| USB | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
|---|
