Apple iPhone XS Renewed Review: Worth Buying in 2024?
The surprising reality: with an average 4.3/5 rating across over 17,000 Amazon reviews, the Apple iPhone XS (Renewed) remains relevant well into 2024–2025, despite being a 2018 release. Forums, marketplaces, and review sites show a consistent narrative—premium build, stellar OLED screen, solid performance under current iOS versions, but a battery aging story that buyers can’t ignore. Overall score from aggregated feedback: 8.2/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium stainless steel & glass build | Noticeable battery degradation on older units |
| Sharp OLED display with vibrant colors | No night mode in camera |
| Dual-camera system with Smart HDR | Smaller battery life vs newer iPhones |
| Supports iOS 17–18 for now | No 5G connectivity |
| Smooth performance for everyday apps | A12 Bionic slower in high-end gaming tasks |
| Affordable price in refurbished market | Face ID failures on poorly refurbished units |
Claims vs Reality
Apple marketed the iPhone XS as a “fast, powerful and impressive smartphone” with “the industry’s best color accuracy” thanks to its Super Retina OLED display. While this display still impresses in 2024, users occasionally flag hardware wear affecting viewing. A Reddit user noted, “I upgraded from a XR and I love the better colors and sharpness of the display,” emphasizing OLED’s edge over LCD rivals—yet another Best Buy buyer reported, “after a while the screen became dark from ink spilling inside the screen,” suggesting refurbished quality varies.
Marketing also promised “A12 Bionic performance that beats laptops.” Twitter praise from TechCrunch claimed “it easily exceeds iPhone X performance.” In practice, buyers on Swappa in 2024 confirm “still runs plenty fast for normal tasks,” but heavy gamers may notice the generation gap. Quora’s Jonathan Sizemore cautioned that “the A12 Bionic is slower than newer chipsets in high-performance tasks.”
Water resistance is IP68-rated to 2m for 30 minutes. This spec holds—except when compromised by prior damage. Reddit user u/trackme warned that humidity exposure “killed my Face ID,” a reminder that refurbishers cannot reverse past liquid ingress.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon UK, Best Buy, Swappa, and Back Market, the compact premium design is a standout. The stainless steel frame and glass back feel more upscale than aluminum XR models. Apple Community contributors argue it’s ideal for small hands. A Best Buy reviewer wrote, “The phone came like it was brand new… works perfectly fine!”
The OLED screen earns praise from media outlets and everyday buyers alike. HardwareZone lauded its “bright, vivid colours,” while a Reddit poster said, “Feels so good in the hand. Much better than the boxy design imo.”
Performance remains smooth under iOS 17–18, helped by Apple’s software optimization. Back Market users called it “perfect working condition,” and Reddit’s secondary phone discussion had multiple voices stating “XS is still great in 2024.”
Camera quality is also celebrated—Mashable praised Smart HDR’s “best high-dynamic range photos,” and Best Buy customers consistently noted “phenomenal screen resolution and camera quality.”
Common Complaints
Battery health is the most frequent pain point. Amazon Renewed guarantees at least 80% health, but a Best Buy buyer reported “battery was messed up when I got it.” Apple Community threads warn that below 80%, “performance tends to fall off rapidly,” leading to constant charging. Trustpilot reviewers mention “battery life is terrible” and “unable to hold charge.”
Face ID failure appears in scattered refurb units, often tied to water damage. eBay listings openly sell “no Face ID” phones at a discount. One Reddit exchange revealed skepticism about sellers claiming “Face ID died after iOS update.”
Low-light photography lags behind newer devices. Quora flagged “lacks night mode, making low-light photography weaker.” Some users adapt by seeking well-lit shots, but it’s a limitation for night shooters.
Divisive Features
Size splits the community—those preferring compact designs love the XS, while others wish for larger displays or longer battery life, praising XR or 11 for endurance. Reddit debates show some going for the 11 due to “better processor and battery,” while others opt for XS purely for OLED.
Software longevity is seen as both a plus and a ticking clock. It supports iOS 18, but experts expect no iOS 19. For casual users, that’s fine; for feature-chasers, it’s a dealbreaker.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot reveals occasional mismatch between listing and delivered device—receiving a “different phone” or units that freeze on arrival. Quality inconsistency among refurbishers prompts advice to buy from reputable sources. Back Market reliability stories (“arrived earlier than expected,” “battery health at 100%”) show that vetted marketplaces can deliver top-notch units.
Long-term Reddit owners share durability wins—one used an XS daily since release, only replacing the battery to keep it going. Others still run them as work phones years later. Contrastingly, a Best Buy buyer’s screen failure after ink spill hints that some refurbishments miss sealing against moisture intrusion.
Alternatives
Within community discussion, the iPhone XR appears as a cheaper alternative—larger screen but LCD and single camera. Many reject it for “duller colors” and less RAM. The iPhone 11 offers superior battery life and an updated processor, but loses OLED. Reddit user bro insisted, “With iOS 17, iPhone 11 and XS get the same features… only thing going for [11] is battery life.”
Another budget Apple alternative is the iPhone SE—newer internals but smaller and less premium build, suiting buyers prioritizing price and size over display tech.
Price & Value
eBay and UpTrade show unlocked 64GB XS units from $130–$210, with 256GB versions up to ~$230. Quora analysis predicts this price floor will hold through 2025 due to refurbishing costs.
Buyers highlight the XS as “great value for 2024” (Swappa) and “worth the price I paid” (Back Market), especially when seeking the cheapest iPhone with iOS 18 support. The resale market remains active, but post–iOS 18 sunset could accelerate depreciation.
Tips from community:
- Check battery health before purchase; aim for 85%+ or factor in replacement cost (~$100).
- Buy from platforms with warranty (eBay Refurbished, Amazon Renewed, Back Market).
- Verify Face ID functionality if important—cheaper “no Face ID” units exist.
FAQ
Q: Will the iPhone XS get iOS 19?
A: Likely no. Quora experts expect iOS 18 to be the last major update, with security patches through 2026.
Q: Is the OLED display really better than XR’s LCD?
A: Yes—users note sharper resolution, richer colors, and deeper blacks. This matters for video consumption, gaming, and photo viewing.
Q: How’s battery life on iOS 17–18?
A: Acceptable for moderate use; heavy users may need a power bank. Replacing the battery can restore all-day endurance.
Q: Is Face ID reliable on refurbished units?
A: Mostly, but failures occur in units with prior water damage or poor repairs. Test it immediately on arrival.
Q: Should I choose XS over iPhone 11?
A: If you value OLED, premium build, and compact size—yes. If battery life or processor speed matter more, consider the 11.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a budget-conscious Apple user wanting a premium build, OLED screen, and current iOS support. Avoid if battery life or future-proofing beyond iOS 18 are top priorities. Pro tip from community: “Get it with good battery health…XS is still great in 2024.”
