This article looks at the iPhone XS not as a brand-new release but as a used-market proposition in the modern era, weighing its still-capable hardware, its stainless steel and dual-glass build, and its long software life against the compromises that come with a phone announced several years ago. If you are cross-shopping older iPhones or deciding whether the XS still makes sense, the sections below break down where it holds up and where it shows its age.

Full Specifications

Network

Launch

Body

Display

Platform

Memory

Main Camera

Selfie camera

Sound

Comms

Features

Battery

Misc

Our Tests

Price and Availability

The Apple iPhone XS offers a compelling combination of features and performance. While the base price is around €190, the actual cost may vary depending on your location and retailer. Below, you’ll find the approximate price of the Apple iPhone XS converted into various currencies. Please note that these are estimates based on recent exchange rates as of July 8, 2026 and may not reflect the exact price you’ll find at a retailer.

• United States: $217
• Japan: ¥35,168
• United Kingdom: £162
• Australia: A$313
• Canada: C$308
• Taiwan: NT$6,970
• Denmark: kr1.418
• Saudi Arabia: ﷼814
• South Korea: ₩329,527
• Germany: €190
• Brazil: R$1.117
• Vietnam: ₫5.688.747
• Kenya: KSh 28,069
• India: ₹20,612
• Indonesia: Rp 3.895.245
• Nigeria: ₦295,588
• Pakistan: ₨60,330
• Philippines: ₱13,336
• Bangladesh: ৳২৬,৭২৮

Why the iPhone XS Still Makes Sense Today

At an approximate second-hand price of 190 EUR, the iPhone XS offers something few budget phones can: a certified former flagship chassis with stainless steel rails, IP68 water resistance, and Apple Pay support. Because Apple has continued to update it, the XS reached iOS 18.7 despite launching on iOS 12, which is a remarkable software runway for a device in this price bracket. For buyers who prioritize build quality and a trusted ecosystem over cutting-edge cameras, it remains a sensible entry point. As always with used electronics, pricing and battery health vary widely, so treat the 190 EUR figure as an indicative reference rather than a fixed number.

Design and Build Quality

The iPhone XS measures 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm and weighs 177 g, giving it a dense, premium feel that reflects its glass-front, glass-back, stainless-steel-frame construction. Both glass panels are Corning-made, and the frame’s surgical-grade stainless steel is a step above the aluminum used on many rivals of the era. IP68 certification rates it for immersion up to 2 meters for 30 minutes, and the compact footprint makes it easier to use one-handed than most modern flagships. Available in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold, it still looks contemporary despite the notch that defines its generation.

Display Experience

Apple’s 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED delivers a 1125 x 2436 resolution at roughly 458 ppi, with support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision and a peak of 625 nits in high-brightness mode. Independent testing measured an essentially infinite nominal contrast ratio, characteristic of OLED, and solid sunlight legibility. The 19.5:9 panel also includes 3D Touch, a pressure-sensitive layer Apple later retired, plus scratch-resistant glass. For video streaming and everyday reading, the screen still punches well above what its current price would suggest.

Performance and Everyday Speed

The A12 Bionic, built on a 7 nm process with a hexa-core CPU (2×2.5 GHz Vortex + 4×1.6 GHz Tempest) and a 4-core Apple GPU, was a landmark chip in 2018 and remains competent today. Benchmark figures such as an AnTuTu score around 346,000 (v7) and a GeekBench result near 11,472 (v4.4) illustrate why the XS still handles messaging, browsing, and mainstream apps without drama. All storage tiers ship with 4GB of RAM and fast NVMe storage in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities. Heavy gaming and the most demanding new apps will reveal its age, but for typical use it stays fluid.

Camera Capabilities

The dual 12 MP rear system combines a 26mm f/1.8 wide with optical stabilization and a 52mm f/2.4 telephoto, enabling 2x optical zoom and Apple’s Smart HDR pipeline. Video tops out at 4K@60fps with stereo sound recording, which is still a strong spec for the money. The 7 MP f/2.2 TrueDepth front camera supports Face ID and HDR selfies. While computational photography has advanced considerably since 2018, the XS still produces clean, natural-looking stills and reliable video, making it a dependable everyday shooter.

Battery Life and Charging

A 2,658 mAh battery is modest by today’s standards, and the XS earned an endurance rating of around 72 hours in older testing. It supports 15W wired charging via Lightning with PD 2.0 (roughly 50% in 30 minutes) and Qi wireless charging. Because this is an aging device, real-world battery life depends heavily on the health of the individual cell, so a battery replacement is often worth budgeting for when buying used. Teardown references such as iFixit are useful for understanding the internal battery and serviceability.

Software and Long-Term Support

One of the strongest arguments for the iPhone XS is longevity. It launched on iOS 12 and is upgradable to iOS 18.7, meaning it has received years of feature updates and security patches that most Android phones from the same period never saw. This extended support window is central to its value proposition and helps justify buying an older device with confidence that it will remain usable and secure for a reasonable time.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity is broad for the era: LTE with Cat16 speeds up to 1024 Mbps, Wi-Fi 802.11ac dual-band, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and positioning via GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and QZSS. The XS was also an early dual-SIM iPhone, combining a Nano-SIM with eSIM. Notable omissions include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a microSD slot, and any 5G support, so buyers reliant on next-generation networks should factor that in.

Who Should Buy the iPhone XS

The iPhone XS suits buyers who want a compact, well-built iOS device on a tight budget, secondary-phone users, and anyone entering the Apple ecosystem who values long software support over the latest camera tricks. Power users, mobile gamers, and those who need 5G or all-day battery from a fresh cell should look at newer models instead.

Conclusion

The Apple iPhone XS has aged into a compelling value flagship: premium stainless-steel-and-glass construction, a still-excellent OLED display, the capable A12 Bionic, and an unusually long software life that carries it to iOS 18.7. Its dated battery capacity, missing 5G, and lack of a headphone jack are real limitations, but at around 190 EUR on the used market they are easy trade-offs. If you want a durable, well-supported compact iPhone and are comfortable buying second-hand, ideally with a fresh battery, the iPhone XS remains a smart, budget-friendly recommendation.

References

• Apple Support – iPhone XS Technical Specifications – Primary Apple source for official iPhone XS dimensions, display, chip, camera, wireless bands, battery claims, sensors, SIM support, and included accessories.
• Apple Support – Identify your iPhone model – Official Apple reference for verifying iPhone XS model numbers, colors, capacities, and regional variants.
• Apple Newsroom – Apple introduces iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR – Official launch announcement useful for release timing, product positioning, headline features, and availability details.
• FCC Equipment Authorization (fcc.gov) – Regulatory source for wireless certification, FCC IDs, radio filings, SAR, and compliance details for U.S. iPhone XS variants.
• iFixit – iPhone XS and XS Max Teardown – Reputable teardown reference for internal hardware details Apple does not fully publish, such as battery capacity and component observations.

The post Apple iPhone XS: Full Specifications appeared first on Smartphone.

Today the XS Max sits in an interesting place. Officially discontinued and now circulating on the second-hand market for around 210 EUR, it offers a genuine Apple flagship experience at a fraction of its original cost. This guide breaks down what that money buys you in 2026 — the strengths that still hold up, the compromises of a seven-year-old design, and who should still consider it.

Full Specifications

Network

Launch

Body

Display

Platform

Memory

Main Camera

Selfie camera

Sound

Comms

Features

Battery

Misc

Our Tests

Price and Availability

The Apple iPhone XS Max offers a compelling combination of features and performance. While the base price is around €210, the actual cost may vary depending on your location and retailer. Below, you’ll find the approximate price of the Apple iPhone XS Max converted into various currencies. Please note that these are estimates based on recent exchange rates as of June 15, 2026 and may not reflect the exact price you’ll find at a retailer.

• United States: $243
• Japan: ¥38,964
• United Kingdom: £181
• Australia: A$345
• Canada: C$340
• Taiwan: NT$7,702
• Denmark: kr1.567
• Saudi Arabia: ﷼912
• South Korea: ₩369,269
• Germany: €210
• Brazil: R$1.236
• Vietnam: ₫6.377.464
• Kenya: KSh 31,493
• India: ₹23,148
• Indonesia: Rp 4.344.973
• Nigeria: ₦329,927
• Pakistan: ₨67,764
• Philippines: ₱14,756
• Bangladesh: ৳২৯,৯০৩

Is the iPhone XS Max Worth Buying in 2026?

At roughly 210 EUR on the used market, the iPhone XS Max is no longer a top-tier performer, but it remains a credible entry point into the Apple ecosystem. Its standout argument is software longevity: launching on iOS 12 and upgradable all the way to iOS 18.6, it has received years of feature and security updates that most Android rivals from 2018 lost long ago. For a budget-conscious buyer who values a polished, well-supported platform over raw cutting-edge hardware, that update record alone justifies a second look.

Design and Build Quality

The XS Max feels like a flagship in the hand because it was one. The stainless steel frame is sandwiched between Corning-made glass on the front and back, giving it a heft of 208 g and a reassuringly solid 7.7 mm profile. IP68 certification means it survives immersion up to 2 m for 30 minutes, and Apple Pay support with Visa, MasterCard and AMEX certification is baked in. The trade-off is size: at 157.5 x 77.4 mm this is a large, two-hand device, and the glass back demands a case to survive drops. Buyers can choose from Space Gray, Silver and Gold.

A Display That Still Impresses

The 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED screen is arguably the XS Max’s most enduring asset. With a 1242 x 2688 resolution at 458 ppi, HDR10 and Dolby Vision support, and an infinite nominal contrast ratio, it still produces deep blacks and accurate color that embarrass many cheaper modern LCD phones. Peak brightness of 625 nits in high-brightness mode is modest by today’s standards and outdoor visibility (measured around 4.516 in sunlight) is where the age shows, but for video, reading and everyday use the panel remains a genuine pleasure. The 60 Hz refresh rate is the obvious omission compared to current handsets.

Performance and Everyday Speed

The A12 Bionic was a landmark chip, built on a 7 nm process with a hexa-core CPU (2×2.5 GHz Vortex + 4×1.6 GHz Tempest) and a 4-core Apple GPU. Backed by 4GB of RAM and fast NVMe storage in 64GB, 256GB or 512GB capacities, it still handles browsing, messaging, streaming and most apps without complaint. Benchmark figures — AnTuTu around 353,210 and GeekBench 11,432 — look tame next to 2026 silicon, but real-world responsiveness is helped enormously by iOS optimization. Heavier 3D games and demanding pro apps will feel the limits, yet for typical daily tasks the XS Max rarely stutters.

Camera System in Practice

The dual 12 MP rear setup pairs an f/1.8 wide (with OIS and dual pixel PDAF) and an f/2.4 52mm telephoto (also OIS) for 2x optical zoom, supported by a Quad-LED dual-tone flash. Video remains a strength, with 4K capture up to 60fps and stereo sound recording — features that still satisfy casual creators. The front 7 MP f/2.2 camera adds SL 3D depth sensing that powers Face ID and Portrait selfies. Image quality holds up well in good light, though low-light shots and dynamic range lag behind modern computational photography. There is no card slot, so pick your storage capacity carefully.

Battery Life and Charging

A 3174 mAh battery drives the XS Max, earning an endurance rating of 79 hours in its day. In 2026, after years of charge cycles, used units may show degraded capacity, so a battery health check before buying is essential. Charging tops out at 15W wired with PD2.0 (roughly 50% in 30 minutes) and Qi wireless charging is supported. These figures are slow next to current fast-charging phones, but the convenience of wireless top-ups and reliable all-day stamina on a healthy cell still make daily use manageable.

Connectivity and Audio

Connectivity covers the essentials: Wi-Fi 802.11ac dual-band, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC for Apple Pay, and broad 4G LTE band support with Cat16 speeds up to 1024 Mbps. Positioning spans GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO and QZSS. The dual-SIM options (Nano-SIM plus eSIM, or dual Nano-SIM in China) add flexibility. Audio comes through capable stereo speakers, but two omissions stand out for 2026 buyers: there is no 3.5mm headphone jack, and connectivity relies on the aging Lightning and USB 2.0 port rather than USB-C, plus there is no 5G.

Who Should Buy the iPhone XS Max?

This phone makes the most sense for first-time iPhone owners on a tight budget, ecosystem switchers who want a large screen, or anyone needing a dependable secondary device. Its long iOS support, excellent OLED display and solid build punch well above the 210 EUR asking price. It is less suited to power users, mobile gamers, or anyone who needs 5G, fast charging or modern night photography — those buyers should look to a newer mid-range model instead.

Conclusion

The Apple iPhone XS Max remains a compelling budget gateway into Apple’s world, combining a still-gorgeous 6.5-inch OLED, the proven A12 Bionic, premium materials and an exceptional software support record. Its limitations — 60 Hz display, Lightning port, no 5G and slow charging — are real, and a battery health check is non-negotiable on the used market. But for around 210 EUR, it is an easy recommendation for anyone wanting a genuine, well-supported Apple flagship experience without paying flagship prices.

The post Apple iPhone XS Max: Full Specifications appeared first on Smartphone.

This article looks at the iPhone XR strictly as a value purchase in today’s terms: a still-supported iPhone that runs modern iOS, handles everyday tasks with ease, and asks very little of your wallet. Below we break down where it still shines, where age shows, and exactly which buyer it suits best.

Full Specifications

Network

Launch

Body

Display

Platform

Memory

Main Camera

Selfie camera

Sound

Comms

Features

Battery

Misc

Our Tests

Price and Availability

The Apple iPhone XR offers a compelling combination of features and performance. While the base price is around €150, the actual cost may vary depending on your location and retailer. Below, you’ll find the approximate price of the Apple iPhone XR converted into various currencies. Please note that these are estimates based on recent exchange rates as of June 14, 2026 and may not reflect the exact price you’ll find at a retailer.

• United States: $174
• Japan: ¥27,804
• United Kingdom: £129
• Australia: A$247
• Canada: C$243
• Taiwan: NT$5,484
• Denmark: kr1.119
• Saudi Arabia: ﷼651
• South Korea: ₩263,840
• Germany: €150
• Brazil: R$885
• Vietnam: ₫4.529.050
• Kenya: KSh 22,466
• India: ₹16,521
• Indonesia: Rp 3.101.334
• Nigeria: ₦233,801
• Pakistan: ₨48,307
• Philippines: ₱10,550
• Bangladesh: ৳২১,৩৩৬

Why the iPhone XR Still Makes Sense at Around 150 EUR

At roughly 150 EUR on the used market, the iPhone XR is one of the cheapest ways to get into a genuinely capable Apple device. What makes it special is that it never used a cut-down processor: it shares the 7 nm A12 Bionic with the flagship iPhone XS of its generation. That means the performance gap that usually separates budget and premium phones simply does not exist here, and the savings come mostly from the LCD screen, single camera, and aluminum-and-glass build rather than from raw speed.

Design and Build: Colorful, Durable, and Familiar

The XR measures 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm and weighs 194 g, giving it a reassuringly solid feel without being awkward. Apple used Corning-made glass on both the front and back with a 7000-series aluminum frame, and the phone carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The standout, though, is the palette: Black, Red, Yellow, Blue, Coral, and White make it far more playful than the muted tones of most modern flagships. Apple Pay support and Face ID round out a package that still feels current in daily use.

Display: Liquid Retina LCD That Punches Above Its Price

The 6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD runs at 828 x 1792 pixels (~326 ppi) with up to 625 nits of brightness. Purists will note it is not OLED and lacks the deep blacks of newer iPhones, but in practice it is sharp, color-accurate, and perfectly bright enough for indoor and most outdoor use. The 19.5:9 ratio and roughly 79% screen-to-body ratio give it a modern, near-bezel-less look. For media, browsing, and apps, this panel remains a comfortable, easy-on-the-eyes experience.

Performance: A12 Bionic Keeps It Fast Years Later

This is where the XR earns its keep. The hexa-core A12 Bionic (2×2.5 GHz Vortex + 4×1.6 GHz Tempest) with a 4-core Apple GPU and NVMe storage still posts respectable numbers: AnTuTu 422,465 (v8) and GeekBench 2,690 (v5.1 multi-core), with GFXBench managing 58fps in the ES 3.1 onscreen test. In real terms, app launches, scrolling, and casual gaming feel snappy. The only caveat is the 3GB of RAM, which can cause heavier apps or many open tabs to reload more often than on newer models.

Camera: One Lens, Smart Software

The XR sticks to a single 12 MP f/1.8 wide camera with OIS and PDAF, backed by Apple’s Smart HDR processing and a Quad-LED dual-tone flash. Despite having no telephoto or ultrawide, it produces clean, well-balanced daylight shots and competent portraits using software depth. Video is a genuine strength, with 4K capture up to 60fps and 1080p slow motion at 240fps, plus stereo sound recording. The 7 MP TrueDepth selfie camera handles Face ID and 1080p video. It is not a multi-lens powerhouse, but for everyday photos it remains dependable.

Battery: One of the XR’s Quiet Strengths

The 2,942 mAh battery was famously efficient at launch, earning a 78-hour endurance rating, and even a used unit typically lasts a full day of moderate use. Charging is modest by today’s standards: 15W wired with PD2.0 reaching 50% in about 30 minutes, plus Qi wireless charging. Note that no charger is included with most used units, so factor in a USB-C-to-Lightning PD brick for the fastest top-ups.

Software and Longevity

Shipping with iOS 12 and upgradable all the way to iOS 18.6, the XR enjoys one of the longest software lifespans of any budget-friendly phone you can buy used. That means current apps, security updates, and Apple’s ecosystem features all work, which is rare territory for a device at this price. For anyone wanting a long-lasting, low-cost iPhone, this update support is the single most compelling reason to choose it.

Connectivity

Connectivity covers the essentials: 4G LTE with broad band support, Wi-Fi 802.11ac dual-band, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC for Apple Pay, and GPS with GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS. It uses a Lightning (USB 2.0) port rather than USB-C, and there is no 3.5mm jack or 5G, the two main reminders of its age. For a phone meant for calls, messaging, navigation, and apps, the connectivity suite is more than adequate.

Who Should Buy the iPhone XR

The XR is ideal for first-time iPhone owners on a tight budget, parents buying a reliable phone for a child, or anyone wanting a dependable iOS backup device. If you crave 5G, OLED, or multi-lens photography, look to newer models. But if you want long software support and flagship-class speed for around 150 EUR, few phones compete.

Conclusion

The Apple iPhone XR has aged into a smart, low-risk buy: it keeps the A12 Bionic’s flagship-grade performance, long iOS support through iOS 18.6, strong battery life, and a durable IP67 build, all for around 150 EUR used. Its single camera, LCD screen, and lack of 5G are fair trade-offs at this price. If you want the most reliable budget iPhone for everyday use rather than cutting-edge features, the XR remains an easy recommendation.

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