Is iPhone XS Still Worth Buying in 2025

 

Overview of iPhone XS

The iPhone XS, launched in 2018, was a premium flagship featuring a stainless steel frame, Super Retina OLED display, A12 Bionic chip, and dual-camera system. Even in 2025, it remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers looking for an affordable Apple experience.

According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, a Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone XS is available for around $130. This is one of the lowest price points any Certified Refurbished iPhone can reach due to inspection and operational costs incurred by resellers. We do not expect prices to drop much further in 2025.

At this price, buyers may also consider the iPhone 11, but it comes with key differences. The iPhone XS is one of the cheapest iPhone models that still supports iOS 18, making it a great budget-friendly option for those who want access to the latest Apple software.

 

Full Specs

Specification	Details
Network	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
Launch	Announced: September 12, 2018 Released: September 21, 2018
Body	Dimensions: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm Weight: 177g Build: Stainless steel frame, glass front & back Water Resistance: IP68 (up to 2m for 30 min)
Display	Size: 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED Resolution: 2436 x 1125 pixels (~458 ppi) HDR10 & Dolby Vision: Yes Protection: Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating
Platform	OS: iOS 12, upgradable to iOS 18 Chipset: Apple A12 Bionic (7nm) CPU: Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest) GPU: Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
Memory	Internal Storage: 64GB / 256GB / 512GB RAM: 4GB Expandable Storage: No
Main Camera	Dual Setup: - 12 MP (wide), f/1.8, OIS, PDAF - 12 MP (telephoto), f/2.4, 2x optical zoom Features: HDR, Portrait Mode, Smart HDR Video: 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Selfie Camera	Single: 7 MP, f/2.2 (wide) Features: HDR, Portrait Mode Video: 1080p@30/60fps
Battery	Capacity: 2658mAh Charging: 15W wired (50% in 30 min), wireless charging
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, Lightning Port, 4G LTE
Software Support	Supports iOS 18, expected security updates through 2026

At $130, the iPhone XS remains a solid budget-friendly option in 2025, especially for those who want iOS 18 support at the lowest cost possible.

 

Performance in 2025

Despite being a 2018 flagship, the iPhone XS still delivers a smooth experience in 2025, thanks to Apple's long-term software optimizations and the A12 Bionic chipset.

 

Chipset Performance

• Smooth Multitasking – With 4GB of RAM, it handles everyday apps, social media, and productivity tasks without lag.
• Gaming Performance – The Apple GPU (4-core graphics) still runs games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, and Asphalt 9 at medium to high settings.
• AI and Machine Learning – The Neural Engine enables faster Face ID, improved camera processing, and optimized app experiences.

 

Final Thoughts on Performance

For $130, the iPhone XS still offers:

• ✔ Smooth iOS experience with iOS 18
• ✔ Premium OLED display that beats budget LCD phones
• ✔ Decent dual-camera system with Smart HDR & 4K video
• ✔ Wireless charging and fast charging support
• ✔ Compact design with a stainless steel frame

📌 The iPhone XS remains one of the cheapest iPhones that support iOS 18, making it a solid budget option in 2025.

 

Price Point

As of 2025, the Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone XS is available for around $130, making it one of the cheapest iPhones that still support iOS 18.

💰 Why is this price significant?

• Certified Refurbished iPhones rarely drop below this price due to the costs associated with inspections, testing, and resale operations.
• The iPhone XS is near its lowest price point, and we do not expect it to drop much further in 2025.
• For a similar price, buyers may also consider the iPhone 11, but it has a different design, LCD display, and lacks 3D Touch.

📉 Price Trend Prediction:

• The iPhone XS may hold its $130 price tag for most of 2025 before becoming harder to find in the refurbished market.
• Newer models will continue to be prioritized for resale, making the iPhone XS a great buy while it's still widely available.

💡 For those looking for the cheapest iPhone with iOS 18, the iPhone XS is a solid option at this price.

 

Potential Drawbacks

While the iPhone XS still offers great value in 2025, there are some limitations to keep in mind:

• ❌ No More Major iOS Updates After iOS 18 – While the iPhone XS runs iOS 18, it may not get iOS 19, meaning fewer new features in future updates.
• ❌ Smaller Battery Life – A 2658mAh battery provides all-day usage, but newer iPhones offer larger batteries and better efficiency.
• ❌ No Night Mode for Photography – Unlike newer iPhones, the iPhone XS lacks Night Mode, making low-light photography weaker.
• ❌ 4G LTE Only (No 5G) – While 4G speeds remain fast enough for most users, newer models support 5G for faster connectivity.
• ❌ Aging Hardware – The A12 Bionic chip is still smooth, but won’t perform as well as newer processors in gaming and high-performance tasks.

💡 Despite these drawbacks, the iPhone XS remains one of the best budget iPhones in 2025, offering a premium build and iOS 18 support at a low price.

 

How UpTrade Can Help

Finding a Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone XS at the best price is easy with UpTrade.

• ⭐ Price Comparison – UpTrade aggregates prices from multiple certified resellers, ensuring buyers get the lowest available deal.
• ⭐ Certified Quality – Every listed device is Certified Used or Refurbished, meaning it has been tested, inspected, and verified for quality.
• ⭐ Standardized Refurbishment Condition – While each Certified Reseller has its own cosmetic standard, UpTrade aligns them all to the same UpTrade Refurbishment Standard, so you can make an apple-to-apple comparison.
• ⭐ Secure Transactions – Buy from trusted sellers with warranties and return policies, reducing the risks of purchasing used devices.
• ⭐ Convenience – No need to search multiple marketplaces—UpTrade does the work, saving time and effort.

📌 UpTrade simplifies the buying process, ensuring buyers get a reliable iPhone XS at the best price. 🚀

 

Conclusion: Is the iPhone XS Still Worth Buying in 2025?

Yes. The iPhone XS remains a budget-friendly choice in 2025, offering a premium build, OLED display, and iOS 18 support for just $130.

✅ Pros:

• ✔ Affordable price for a Certified Refurbished iPhone
• ✔ Still receives iOS 18 updates
• ✔ Super Retina OLED display beats LCD budget phones
• ✔ Dual-camera system with Smart HDR & 4K recording
• ✔ Compact, premium stainless steel design
• ✔ Wireless charging & Face ID support

❌ Cons:

• ✖ May not get iOS 19
• ✖ Smaller battery compared to newer iPhones
• ✖ Lacks Night Mode and 5G
• ✖ A12 Bionic is slower than newer chipsets

📌 For buyers looking for the cheapest iPhone with iOS 18, the iPhone XS is an excellent option at $130.

🔹 Want the best deal on a Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone XS? Use UpTrade to compare prices and buy with confidence! 🚀