Iphone Xs Or Iphone X Did Apple Really Improve Enough To Justify The Upgrade

When Apple released the iPhone XS in 2018, it arrived as the successor to the groundbreaking iPhone X from 2017. Both devices shared a nearly identical design language—edge-to-edge OLED displays, Face ID, and stainless steel frames—but the question remained: was the upgrade from iPhone X to iPhone XS substantial enough to warrant the cost?

For users clinging to their iPhone X, the decision wasn’t just about new features—it was about tangible improvements in daily use. Was the extra investment rewarded with longer battery life, sharper photos, faster performance, or meaningful durability upgrades? Or was this simply an incremental update masked as innovation?

This article dissects the key differences between the iPhone XS and iPhone X, evaluates whether the enhancements deliver real-world benefits, and helps you decide if upgrading made sense—or still does for those considering secondhand purchases today.

Design and Build: Subtle but Meaningful Upgrades

At first glance, the iPhone XS looks nearly identical to the iPhone X. Both feature a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, glass backs, and stainless steel frames. The symmetry in design suggests Apple prioritized refinement over reinvention.

However, subtle changes matter. The iPhone XS is slightly heavier (177g vs. 174g) due to a denser internal layout and improved water resistance. Apple upgraded the ingress protection rating from IP67 on the iPhone X to IP68 on the XS—meaning it can survive up to 2 meters underwater for 30 minutes, compared to 1 meter.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone near water or in humid environments, the IP68 rating of the iPhone XS offers measurable peace of mind.

The build quality feels more robust, though the difference is marginal. Both phones are prone to fingerprint smudges and minor scratches on the glass back. But the XS’s improved sealing and slightly better structural integrity hint at Apple’s focus on longevity.

Performance: A Noticeable Leap Under the Hood

The most significant upgrade lies beneath the surface. The iPhone XS introduced the A12 Bionic chip—the industry’s first 7-nanometer processor at the time—while the iPhone X ran on the A11 Bionic.

The A12 brought measurable gains: up to 15% faster CPU performance, 50% faster GPU, and a dedicated Neural Engine optimized for machine learning tasks like portrait mode adjustments and augmented reality apps.

In practical terms, this meant smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and better performance in graphics-intensive games. Users upgrading from the iPhone X noticed less stutter when switching between camera modes or editing 4K video.

“The A12 Bionic wasn’t just faster—it was smarter. Its efficiency cores reduced power draw during everyday tasks, which translated into better sustained performance.” — Mark Thompson, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse

Camera Improvements: Smarter, Not Just Sharper

On paper, both phones have dual 12MP rear cameras (wide and telephoto), but the iPhone XS refined photography through software and sensor enhancements.

The XS featured larger sensor pixels and improved Smart HDR, which balanced shadows and highlights more effectively in high-contrast scenes. This resulted in richer detail in backlit portraits and sunsets—scenarios where the iPhone X often struggled with blown-out skies or dark faces.

The front-facing TrueDepth camera also benefited from Smart HDR, making selfies more consistent across lighting conditions. Low-light performance saw modest gains thanks to better noise reduction and exposure tuning.

Feature	iPhone X	iPhone XS
Chipset	A11 Bionic	A12 Bionic
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m for 30min)	IP68 (2m for 30min)
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 13 hours	Up to 14 hours
Rear Camera	Dual 12MP, HDR	Dual 12MP, Smart HDR
Storage Options	64GB, 256GB	64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Display Brightness (max)	625 nits	625 nits

While the maximum brightness remained the same, the XS managed light more efficiently, reducing eye strain in bright sunlight. Video recording also improved: the XS supported stereo audio capture and better stabilization, making it a preferred choice for mobile videographers.

Battery Life and Real-World Usage

Apple claimed the iPhone XS offered one additional hour of video playback over the iPhone X—14 hours versus 13. In real-world testing, the difference was less dramatic but still present.

Users reported gaining 30 to 45 extra minutes of screen-on time, particularly when using LTE heavily or running navigation apps. The A12’s improved power efficiency contributed to this gain, even though the physical battery capacity increased only slightly (2,658 mAh vs. 2,716 mAh).

One user, Sarah Lin, a freelance photographer in San Francisco, upgraded her iPhone X to an XS primarily for travel work. “I shoot all day in cities, constantly using GPS and camera apps. The extra battery life meant I didn’t need a portable charger as often. It’s not revolutionary, but it removed a daily stress point.”

This mini case illustrates that while battery improvements weren’t massive, they addressed real pain points for power users.

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

If you’re still debating whether the jump from iPhone X to XS was worth it, consider this checklist. Answer “yes” to any of these, and the upgrade likely added value:

• Do you rely on your phone for photography in mixed lighting?
• Are you frequently pushing your device with AR apps, gaming, or video editing?
• Do you want longer-term software support (the XS received updates longer than the X)?
• Is water resistance important for your lifestyle?
• Do you need more than 256GB of storage?

If three or more apply, the iPhone XS delivered meaningful advantages. For casual users, however, the iPhone X remained fully capable well into the 2020s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone XS significantly faster than the iPhone X?

Yes, especially in sustained tasks. The A12 Bionic chip handles multitasking, gaming, and AI-driven features more efficiently. While everyday actions like texting or browsing feel similar, demanding apps show clear performance gaps.

Does the camera difference matter for social media?

It depends. If you post heavily edited photos or shoot in challenging light, the XS’s Smart HDR and better dynamic range produce cleaner results. For casual Instagram snapshots, the difference is minimal.

Can the iPhone X still be used in 2024?

Technically, yes—but support ended with iOS 16. It no longer receives security updates or new features. Apps may begin dropping compatibility. The XS, having launched later, stayed supported through iOS 17, giving it a two-year advantage in longevity.

Final Verdict: Incremental, But Worth It for Power Users

Apple didn’t reinvent the wheel with the iPhone XS, but it refined it. The upgrades were evolutionary, not revolutionary—yet collectively, they added up to a more capable, durable, and future-proof device.

For early adopters of the iPhone X who experienced its quirks—shorter battery life, occasional overheating, or limited storage—the XS offered a polished alternative. It wasn’t a must-upgrade for everyone, but for professionals, creatives, and tech enthusiasts, the improvements justified the price.

Looking back, the iPhone XS represented Apple’s commitment to iterative excellence. It proved that even small gains—better water resistance, smarter cameras, longer software support—can enhance user experience over time.

🚀 Still using an older iPhone? Evaluate your daily needs: if performance lags or battery dies by noon, it might be time to upgrade. Share your experience—did the XS impress you, or did the X serve you well enough?