Can the iPhone XS Compete in 2025? A Deep Dive Into Its Legacy

The best phone isn’t the newest one, it’s the one that still works for you.

The iPhone XS hit the market in September 2018 as a top-tier device from Apple, bringing along some solid upgrades compared to the previous model. Now, in 2025, you might be curious if the iPhone XS is still a smart buy, especially with all the new models out there. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the specs, performance, and overall value of the iPhone XS from a 2025 viewpoint. Whether you’re thinking about snagging a used one or pondering if you should stick with your old device, this post will guide you in making a savvy choice. 

iPhone XS: A Quick Overview

Before we get into the specs, let’s quickly recap what the iPhone XS offered when it was first launched:

• Display: 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display.
• Processor: A12 Bionic chip.
• Camera: Dual 12MP rear cameras (wide and telephoto) and a 7MP front camera.
• Storage Options: 64GB, 256GB, 512GB.
• Battery: Up to 20 hours of talk time.
• Build: Stainless steel frame, glass front and back.
• Operating System: Initially shipped with iOS 12 but has since been updated to the latest iOS versions.

When it was released, it was a powerhouse in terms of performance and design, boasting a top-of-the-line display, camera, and processor. But what about now? Let’s break down the iPhone XS specifications in more detail and assess its performance in 2025.

iPhone XS Specifications: A Breakdown

1. Display: Still Stunning?

The iPhone XS features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED screen, which was hailed as one of the top displays back in 2018. It delivers sharp, vibrant colors and impressive blacks. Even today, the OLED tech is great for watching videos, gaming, or scrolling through social media. However, by 2025, the XS’s display lacks some of the advanced features found in newer models. For instance, the latest iPhones boast higher refresh rates of up to 120Hz and ProMotion technology, making scrolling and interactions feel super smooth. The XS’s 60Hz refresh rate might seem a bit slow compared to newer options, but it still works just fine for everyday tasks.

Verdict: The display is still good, but it’s not the most advanced compared to newer iPhones.

2. Processor: A12 Bionic Chip – Still Fast?

At the heart of the iPhone XS is the A12 Bionic chip, a 64-bit processor that was incredibly powerful when it was first released. It can handle most tasks, including gaming, multitasking, and editing photos or videos, with ease. The A12 chip has a 6-core CPU, a 4-core GPU, and an 8-core Neural Engine, which was a significant leap forward for Apple at the time.

Now, in 2025, the A12 chip might not be the fastest available, with newer models featuring the A14, A15, and even A16 chips. However, the A12 is still more than capable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, watching videos, and even some light gaming.

Verdict: The A12 Bionic chip is still fast enough for most users but will show its age when dealing with intensive tasks or newer apps.

3. Camera: Is the Dual Lens Setup Enough?

 The iPhone XS comes with a dual 12MP rear camera setup, featuring a wide lens and a telephoto lens, plus a 7MP front camera. Back in 2018, this camera was top-notch, known for its fantastic low-light shots, stunning portrait mode, and crisp details in images.

Fast forward to 2025, and Apple has upped its game with even more advanced camera features like Night Mode, LiDAR scanners, and improved zoom options. While the iPhone XS can still snap some great photos, it’s missing out on newer perks like ultra-wide lenses, 4K video at 60fps, and the enhanced image processing that the latest models offer.

Verdict: The camera is still solid but may not meet the needs of users who demand the latest photo and video technology.

4. Battery Life: How Long Does the iPhone XS Last?

The iPhone XS has a 2,658 mAh battery, which can last up to 20 hours of talk time or about 12 hours of video playback. While battery life has improved with each new iPhone generation, the XS’s battery is still decent for everyday use. However, with heavy usage, like gaming or video streaming, you might find yourself needing to charge the phone before the day is over.

If you’re looking to get an iPhone XS today, you might also need to consider its battery’s age. Over time, iPhone batteries degrade, meaning you might not get the same battery life as you did when it was new. Replacing the battery is an option, but it can be an extra cost to consider.

Verdict: The battery life is okay but may not last as long as newer iPhones. Consider replacing the battery if you get a used model.

5. Storage: Enough for Your Needs?

The iPhone XS comes in three storage options: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. While 64GB might seem like enough for most users, it can fill up quickly with apps, photos, and videos, especially with modern apps becoming larger over time.

If you’re planning to store a lot of media or play games with high storage requirements, you might want to opt for the higher storage options. That said, there’s no microSD card slot to expand your storage, so choose wisely based on your needs.

Verdict: Storage is decent, but you may want to go for 256GB or 512GB if you use a lot of media.

Performance: How Does the iPhone XS Hold Up?

Let’s talk about performance. The A12 Bionic chip is still fairly fast, and with Apple’s ongoing software updates, the iPhone XS continues to run iOS 17 (and beyond). You won’t experience any major lag or stuttering during daily tasks like texting, browsing, or social media use.

That being said, heavy gaming, video editing, or other resource-intensive activities might cause the iPhone XS to show its age. Newer models with better chips, like the A14 or A15, will provide a smoother experience for those demanding tasks.

Verdict: The iPhone XS still performs well for regular use, but heavy users might feel a difference when compared to newer models.

Software Updates: How Long Will It Be Supported?

Apple is known for providing long-term software support for its devices. The iPhone XS was released with iOS 12 and has received updates to iOS 17, which means it’s getting at least 5-6 years of software support, which is great for an older phone.

That being said, as iOS continues to evolve, the iPhone XS might eventually fall behind when it comes to the newest features. However, for most users, receiving 5-6 years of software updates is more than enough.

Verdict: You can expect continued software support for a few more years, but eventually, it will stop getting the latest updates.

Is the iPhone XS Still Worth It in 2025?

Now that we’ve broken down the specifications, performance, and features, let’s answer the big question: Is the iPhone XS worth it in 2025?

It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re on a budget and looking for a good-quality phone without spending a ton of money on a brand-new iPhone, the iPhone XS can still offer solid performance. The screen is still beautiful, the A12 chip is fast enough for most tasks, and the camera takes great photos.

However, if you’re looking for the latest features, better battery life, or more power for intensive tasks, you might want to consider a newer iPhone. The iPhone 13 or 14 models will offer better performance, camera features, and battery life.

Verdict: The iPhone XS is still a good phone, but it’s not the best option in 2025 if you want the latest tech.

FAQs

Conclusion

In 2025, the iPhone XS is still a dependable choice. It boasts a stunning display, solid performance, and a camera that still impresses. That said, with newer models providing enhanced performance, improved cameras, and better battery life, the XS might not be the top pick for those chasing the latest technology.

If you’re after a more affordable option and can handle an older model, the iPhone XS is definitely worth a look. But if you’re in need of extra power, longer battery life, or the latest features, you might want to check out the newer iPhones.