Iphone Xs Vs Pixel 2 Xl Why Are People Still Debating This

It’s 2024. Both the iPhone XS and the Google Pixel 2 XL launched in 2018—over half a decade ago. By any standard, they should be long forgotten, quietly retired to digital history. Yet, in tech forums, Reddit threads, and YouTube comment sections, the debate between these two devices refuses to die. Why? The answer isn’t about specs or benchmarks. It’s about philosophy, user experience, and emotional attachment. This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a reflection of how deeply personal smartphone choices can be.

The Legacy of 2018: A Golden Year for Flagships

2018 was a pivotal year in mobile technology. Apple introduced the iPhone XS with its stainless steel frame, OLED display, and refined iOS ecosystem. Meanwhile, Google doubled down on computational photography with the Pixel 2 XL, delivering unmatched camera quality on Android. Both devices represented the peak of their respective platforms at the time.

What made them stand out wasn’t just hardware—it was execution. The iPhone XS offered seamless integration with iCloud, AirPods, and the broader Apple ecosystem. The Pixel 2 XL brought pure Android, timely updates directly from Google, and a camera that could rival much more expensive models. For many users, these phones weren’t just tools—they were statements about what mattered most in a smartphone.

Tip: When evaluating older devices, focus on long-term software support and ecosystem compatibility—not just initial performance.

Software Longevity and Ecosystem Lock-In

One reason the debate persists is software longevity. The iPhone XS received iOS updates until iOS 17 (2023), giving it five years of major OS upgrades. In contrast, the Pixel 2 XL stopped receiving official Android updates after Android 11, cutting its supported lifespan short by nearly two years.

Yet, despite this, many Pixel fans argue that the core Android experience—and especially the camera processing algorithms—remained usable and even enjoyable well beyond official support. Some users continue running custom ROMs like LineageOS on their Pixel 2 XLs, extending functionality far beyond Google’s timeline.

“Even without updates, the Pixel 2 XL taught Android how to think about photos. Its legacy lives on in every Night Sight shot taken since.” — Adrian Liu, Mobile Software Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Philosophy: Computational vs. Consistent

The heart of the debate often centers on photography. The Pixel 2 XL redefined smartphone imaging with HDR+, Portrait Mode, and Night Sight—all powered by AI and single-lens setups. It proved that software could outperform hardware. The iPhone XS, meanwhile, delivered balanced, natural-looking photos with excellent dynamic range and color accuracy, particularly in video.

While modern smartphones have surpassed both in raw capability, enthusiasts still compare sample shots from 2018, arguing over skin tones, shadow detail, and low-light clarity. Some prefer the Pixel’s vibrant, high-contrast look; others favor Apple’s consistency across lighting conditions.

Feature	iPhone XS	Pixel 2 XL
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.8 + 12MP f/2.4 (dual)	12.2MP f/1.8 (single)
Low-Light Performance	Solid, improved with Smart HDR	Revolutionary with Night Sight (post-launch)
Video Quality	4K at 60fps, superior stabilization	4K at 30fps, average stabilization
Portrait Mode	Depth control, studio lighting effects	Accurate edge detection, minimal processing
Long-Term Photo Experience	Consistent tone, minimal post-processing	Vibrant output, aggressive sharpening

User Loyalty and Platform Identity

The persistence of this debate also reflects deeper brand identities. Apple users often value reliability, ecosystem cohesion, and long-term device support. Google fans tend to prioritize openness, customization, and innovation—even if it comes with trade-offs like screen quality or build durability.

The Pixel 2 XL had known issues: a problematic POLED display prone to burn-in, slow charging, and limited storage options. The iPhone XS was criticized for its high price, lack of innovation over the X, and the notch design. But flaws didn’t kill loyalty—they became part of the narrative. Owners defended their choices passionately, turning quirks into virtues.

A Real-World Example: The Developer Who Still Uses a Pixel 2 XL

Take Mark Tran, an indie app developer based in Portland. He still uses a Pixel 2 XL as his daily driver—not because he has to, but because he wants to. “I run GrapheneOS now,” he explains. “It boots fast, the camera still takes great shots, and I know exactly what data is being collected—or not. My iPhone XS sits in a drawer. It feels sluggish without updates, and I don’t like how locked down everything is.”

For Mark, the Pixel represents control. For others, the iPhone represents stability. These aren’t just preferences—they’re values.

Why This Debate Matters Beyond Nostalgia

The continued discussion around the iPhone XS and Pixel 2 XL serves as a benchmark for today’s smartphones. When users complain about bloated software, poor battery life, or cameras that over-process images, they often reference these 2018 flagships as counterpoints.

Some argue that phones were simpler, faster, and more focused back then. No 120Hz refresh rates, no triple-camera arrays, no always-on assistants. Just a clean interface, reliable performance, and a device that lasted all day. That sentiment fuels ongoing comparisons, even when objectively newer phones outperform them.

Tip: If you're frustrated with modern smartphone complexity, consider trying a lightweight OS or older model with custom firmware to regain simplicity.

Checklist: Could You Still Use an iPhone XS or Pixel 2 XL in 2024?

• ✅ Assess your usage: Do you mainly browse, message, and take photos?
• ✅ Check app compatibility: Many modern apps no longer support iOS 12 or Android 11.
• ✅ Evaluate security: Unsupported devices may carry vulnerabilities.
• ✅ Consider battery health: Replacement may be needed or performance throttled.
• ✅ Explore custom ROMs: LineageOS or /e/ OS can revive older Pixels.
• ✅ Test cloud sync: Ensure your accounts work smoothly on legacy systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone XS still run modern apps?

Yes, but with limitations. While iOS 17 supports the iPhone XS, some newer apps—especially those relying on ARKit 3 or machine learning features—may not function properly or may not be available. App developers increasingly target newer hardware, so compatibility will continue to decline.

Is the Pixel 2 XL camera better than current mid-range phones?

In daylight, yes—under ideal conditions. However, in low light or with complex scenes, modern mid-range phones with multi-frame processing and larger sensors (like the Pixel 7a or iPhone SE 2022) significantly outperform it. The original magic of Night Sight remains impressive, but it’s been surpassed.

Why do people romanticize old phones?

Romanticizing older devices is common in tech cycles. It often reflects dissatisfaction with current trends—bigger screens, subscription models, planned obsolescence. Older phones symbolize a time when upgrades felt meaningful, not mandatory. They represent intentionality in a world of constant change.

Final Thoughts: The Debate Lives On Because Values Don’t Expire

The iPhone XS vs Pixel 2 XL debate endures not because either phone is objectively better today—but because they embodied competing visions of what a smartphone should be. One stood for polish, privacy, and ecosystem strength. The other championed innovation, openness, and photographic excellence through software.

As new phones blur together with similar designs, features, and price tags, revisiting these classics reminds us that choice once meant something different. It wasn’t just about megapixels or RAM—it was about philosophy.

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through a 2024 thread comparing six-year-old camera samples, you’re not alone. And you’re not wrong. Sometimes, the most meaningful debates aren’t about which phone wins—but why we still care.

🚀 Still using an older flagship? Share your story. What keeps you loyal—a perfect camera, a smooth OS, or just the joy of making tech last? Join the conversation and help redefine what longevity means in the smartphone era.