Let’s take a trip unhappy reminiscence lane to 2018, when Apple released the iPhone XS. It may seem like yesterday, but in the fast-moving world of tech, it’s almost ancient history. Still, for many, this phone has a special place. And if you’ve ever owned an iPhone XS, you might know why.
When the iPhone XS came out, it was a game-changer. At first glance, it looked a lot like its predecessor, the iPhone X. Apple was sticking with that sleek, minimalistic design that had caught everyone’s attention in 2017. But dig a little deeper, and the XS packed some serious power.
The First Time I Held It:
I remember unboxing my iPhone XS like it was Christmas morning. That smooth, cold glass back felt so premium, and the stainless steel edges gave it a classy, luxurious feel. It’s one of those things where you know you’ve paid a lot, but in that moment, it feels worth it. The gold version, which was new at the time, was stunning — subtle but with a touch of flair. If I had to pick a phone based on looks alone, the XS would still rank high on my list.
The Display That Made Me Say “Wow”:
One of the standout features of the iPhone XS was the display. Apple’s Super Retina OLED screen is still a joy to look at, even by today’s standards. The colors were vibrant, the blacks were inky deep, and everything looked sharp. I remember watching Netflix on that screen for the first time and being blown away by the detail. Movies and shows almost felt cinematic on such a small device.”iPhone 5C“
But it wasn’t just entertainment. Everyday tasks like scrolling through Instagram or editing photos were just… smoother. The responsiveness of the screen combined with the fluidity of iOS made the experience feel seamless.
The Camera:
More Than Just Megapixels
Now, let’s talk about the camera. The iPhone XS introduced a dual-camera system, with both lenses clocking in at 12MP. On paper, it didn’t sound like a huge jump from the previous iPhone, but in reality, the difference was noticeable.
I’m not a professional photographer by any means, but the iPhone XS made me feel like one. It was my go-to for vacations, birthday parties, and those spontaneous moments when you just want to capture something beautiful. The Portrait Mode was a game-changer too. Suddenly, I could take pictures that looked like they were shot on a DSLR. The bokeh effect (that beautiful blur in the background) was sharper and more refined. I remember taking a photo of my friend’s dog and thinking, “This could be on a magazine cover!”
Face ID:
Love It or Hate It
When Apple first introduced Face ID, I was skeptical. Touch ID had worked just fine, thank you very much! But once I got used to it, Face ID was a dream. It’s humorous how we adapt to new tech. At first, it felt a little weird to just stare at my phone to unlock it, but now, it’s second nature. Even in low light, the XS did a great job of recognizing my face, making those awkward “I forgot my passcode” moments a thing of the past.
Speed and Performance:
A Smooth Operator
The XS wasn’t just around looks and cameras, though. Apple packed it with the A12 Bionic chip, which at the time was one of the fastest processors in the market. Whether I was gaming, editing photos, or multitasking between apps, everything felt snappy. The phone could handle pretty much anything I threw at it without breaking a sweat.
In fact, even now in 2024, I know people who are still using their iPhone XS without any major issues. Sure, the battery life might not be as great as it was fresh out of the box, but it still holds up surprisingly well.
But It Wasn’t Perfect…
No phone is, right? If I’m being honest, the XS did have its flaws. One thing that bugged me was the cordless life. While it was better than the iPhone X, it still wasn’t amazing. If I used it heavily throughout the day, I’d find myself reaching for a charger by the evening. And in today’s world, where phones like the iPhone 14 Pro Max can last well over a day, the XS battery feels a little lacking.
Also, for a phone that cost as much as it did back then, I always found myself being extra careful with it. Dropping it felt like dropping a priceless artifact. Investment in a case and screen protector was a must.
Is the iPhone XS Still Worth It?:
Four years later, the iPhone XS is no longer Apple’s flagship, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great phone. If you have one lying around, or if you’re thinking of buying a second-hand unit, I’d say go for it! It’s still fast, the camera still takes solid photos, and the display is gorgeous.
For some, it might not have the latest bells and whistles, like 5G or the fancy camera system of newer models. But for a device that debuted in 2018, it holds its own remarkably well.
Conclusion:
The iPhone XS was more than just a phone — it was a statement. It represented Apple’s commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with premium design. For me, it was one of the most enjoyable iPhones I’ve ever used. It may not be the newest or the flashiest anymore, but it will always have a special place in my tech-loving heart.