How does the Apple iPhone XS in Australia hold up in today’s?
Buy Apple iPhone XS in Australia
The Apple iPhone XS, released in 2018, was once Apple’s shining star. It boasted the latest technology, a sleek design, and a hefty price tag. But fast forward to 2024, and the smartphone landscape has drastically changed.
So, how does the iPhone XS in Australia hold up in today’s competitive market? This review will explore the XS, dissecting its features, performance, and place in the current smartphone world.
A design that looks familiar and delivers:
The Apple iPhone XS retains the design language introduced with the iPhone X. It features a gorgeous stainless steel frame that exudes a premium feel. The phone is surprisingly lightweight at 177 grams, making it a comfortable companion even for single-handed use.
It is a welcome change compared to the increasingly bulky flagships dominating the market.
The phone’s front is dominated by the stunning 5.8-inch OLED display. The bezels are minimal, offering an immersive viewing experience. The colours pop, the blacks are inky deep, and the brightness is excellent for indoor and outdoor use.
However, the iconic notch housing the TrueDepth camera system for Face ID might feel dated to some. While it offers a secure and convenient unlocking method, some users prefer the all-screen displays on newer flagships.
What’s under the hood?
Cracking open the Apple iPhone XS reveals the A12 Bionic chip, the crown jewel of its time. This chip was a game-changer, delivering smooth performance and efficiently handling demanding apps and games. Multitasking is a breeze; you won’t experience lag or stutter during everyday tasks.
However, with the relentless march of technology, the A12 Bionic might show its age in certain areas.
While it’s still powerful enough for most users, tasks like editing high-resolution videos or playing the latest graphics-intensive games might push the chip to its limits. Users who crave the absolute best performance might be better served by looking at newer iPhones equipped with the latest A-series chips.
A capable shooter, but with caveats:
The Apple iPhone XS Australia sports a dual-lens rear camera system with a 12MP wide sensor and a 12MP telephoto sensor. This camera setup significantly improved over previous iPhones and still holds its own today.
The phone’s camera takes fantastic photos in good lighting conditions. Images are sharp with excellent detail reproduction, and vibrant colours are true to life. The improved Smart HDR technology ensures balanced exposures even in high-contrast scenes.
The telephoto lens offers a welcome 2x optical zoom, allowing you to get closer to your subject without sacrificing image quality. Portrait mode also remains a highlight, offering a pleasing bokeh effect that beautifully blurs the background behind your subject.
However, this phone starts to show its age in low-light photography. It performs better than older Apple iPhones but can’t compete with the night vision capabilities of newer flagships like the iPhone 13 and 14. Photos taken in low-light conditions can exhibit noise and a lack of detail.
Battery Life: A weak point
Perhaps this iPhone’s biggest weakness is its battery life. Despite Apple’s optimizations, the phone struggles to last a full day on a single charge with heavy use. If you’re a constant social media scroller or a mobile gamer, you’ll likely need to top up the battery throughout the day.
It might be a deal-breaker for some users who require a phone that can keep up with their demanding lifestyles.
The iOS keeps it fresh:
One area where the XS continues to shine is software. Out of the box, it runs on iOS 16, with the potential to be upgraded to the upcoming iOS 17. It ensures access to the latest features and security updates, keeping your phone protected and running smoothly.
The user interface remains smooth and intuitive, making navigating a joy. The App Store offers a vast selection of apps, ensuring you’ll find something to suit your needs.
Who should buy the Apple iPhone XS in Australia?
Value seekers: It can be a compelling option if you prioritize affordability and a good user experience. Due to its age, it may drop in price, allowing you to snag a premium phone experience without breaking the bank.
Compact phone lovers: The phone offers a refreshingly compact form factor. The 5.8-inch display is still spacious enough for most tasks, and it feels comfortable to hold and use with one hand.
iOS fans: This iPhone runs the latest version of iOS (with the potential for future upgrades) and offers a seamless user experience. The App Store provides access to millions of apps, ensuring you’ll find the tools for work, entertainment, or productivity.
Who should look elsewhere?
Power users: If you demand the absolute best performance for tasks like editing high-resolution videos or playing the latest games, you might need more than this iPhone. Newer iPhones equipped with the latest A-series chips offer a significant performance boost.
Battery life warriors: Unfortunately, this iPhone struggles with battery life, especially under heavy use. If you need a phone that can last a full day on a single charge, you’ll be better off considering newer iPhones with improved battery efficiency.
Night photography enthusiasts: While the iPhone’s camera holds its own in good lighting, low-light photography suffers. If capturing stunning nighttime images is a priority, newer iPhones with advanced night vision capabilities would be a wiser choice.
Alternatives to consider:
If the Apple iPhone XS doesn’t quite tick all your boxes, here are some alternatives to consider:
iPhone 11: Released in 2019, the iPhone 11 offers a similar design but a more powerful A13 Bionic chip and improved battery life. It also boasts a fantastic dual-camera system with an ultra-wide lens. While the display isn’t OLED, it’s still a high-quality LCD panel.
iPhone 12 Mini: Released in 2020, the iPhone 12 Mini maintains the compact design philosophy of the iPhone but with a more modern design featuring flat edges and a faster A14 Bionic chip. It also boasts improved battery life and a slightly larger display with slimmer bezels.
Android Alternatives: If you’re open to exploring the Android world, numerous options offer similar features and specifications at potentially lower prices. Consider brands like Samsung, Google Pixel, or OnePlus, depending on your specific needs and budget.
The Final Word: A classic, but age is a factor
The Apple iPhone XS represents a period of innovation and design excellence for Apple. It’s a beautiful phone with a lot to offer, and if you can find it at a discounted price, it can be a fantastic value.
However, technology marches on, and this iPhone’s limitations—battery life and processing power—become more apparent when compared to newer flagships.
Ultimately, buying an Apple iPhone XS in Australia in 2024 depends on your priorities and budget. It can be a good option if a compact design, gorgeous display, and the iOS experience are high on your list.
But newer iPhones might be a better investment if you require the absolute best performance, stellar battery life, or top-of-the-line cameras.
