Iphone Xs Vs S20 Plus In 2025 Is It Crazy To Still Be Using The Older Iphone

In 2025, choosing between a five-year-old flagship like the iPhone XS and its Android counterpart, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, isn't just about specs—it's about longevity, ecosystem loyalty, and practical daily use. The iPhone XS launched in 2018 with Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, while the S20 Plus arrived in early 2020 powered by the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 depending on region. Both devices were top-tier at launch, but now they’re firmly in legacy territory. So, is holding onto an iPhone XS in 2025 unreasonable—or quietly brilliant?

The answer depends less on raw power and more on how you use your phone. For some, upgrading every two years is non-negotiable. For others, functionality trumps novelty. Let’s examine where these phones stand today across key categories: performance, software updates, battery life, camera capabilities, and long-term viability.

Performance and Real-World Speed in 2025

Apple’s A12 Bionic was groundbreaking in 2018, offering desktop-class efficiency for its time. Thanks to iOS optimization, many iPhone XS units still run smoothly in 2025 for basic tasks—messaging, browsing, email, and even light multitasking. However, newer apps optimized for modern hardware can feel sluggish, especially those relying heavily on machine learning or augmented reality.

The Galaxy S20 Plus, equipped with either the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990, had superior multi-core performance at launch. But due to heavier software overhead from Samsung One UI and Android’s fragmentation, the experience degrades faster over time. By 2025, users report noticeable lag during app switching, longer boot times, and inconsistent background app management.

Interestingly, despite being older, the iPhone XS benefits from tighter integration between hardware and software. iOS updates are smaller and more efficient than their Android counterparts, which helps preserve responsiveness—even if the underlying silicon is dated.

Tip: Close unused apps regularly and disable animations to improve perceived speed on aging devices.

Software Support: The Lifeline of Longevity

This is where Apple shines. As of 2025, the iPhone XS supports up to iOS 17, with security patches expected through late 2025 or early 2026. That’s seven years of software support—a benchmark unmatched in the smartphone industry. While feature updates have slowed, critical security fixes keep the device viable for secure banking, messaging, and everyday digital interactions.

In contrast, the Galaxy S20 Plus received four major Android OS upgrades (up to Android 14) and five years of security updates. By mid-2025, official patching has ended. No further security fixes mean growing vulnerability to exploits, especially as new threats emerge. Third-party apps may continue supporting the device temporarily, but core system risks increase over time.

“Seven years of consistent updates make older iPhones safer and more functional than most Android flagships after three.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Labs

Camera Comparison: Still Relevant or Faded?

In daylight, both phones capture acceptable photos for social media and casual sharing. The iPhone XS delivers natural color science, excellent dynamic range, and reliable Smart HDR processing. Its 12MP dual-camera system (wide + telephoto) holds up surprisingly well thanks to computational photography enhancements pushed via software updates.

The S20 Plus counters with a higher-resolution 64MP telephoto and 108MP main sensor, enabling greater zoom flexibility (up to 30x digital zoom). In ideal conditions, it captures more detail. However, aggressive noise reduction and inconsistent HDR tuning often result in oversharpened or artificial-looking images—especially in low light.

Night mode performance favors neither device. Both struggle with exposure balance, shadow noise, and slow shutter speeds. Video recording remains a strength for the iPhone XS, maintaining 4K@60fps with stellar stabilization and audio clarity. The S20 Plus matches this spec-wise but suffers from occasional overheating during extended recordings.

Feature	iPhone XS	Samsung S20 Plus
OS Support (2025)	iOS 17, security updates ongoing	Android 14, no further security patches
Battery Health (Avg.)	70–80% (replaceable)	55–65% (non-user-replaceable)
Main Camera	12MP f/1.8	108MP f/1.8
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2	10MP f/2.2
Display	5.8\" OLED, 1125x2436	6.9\" Dynamic AMOLED, 1440x3200 @ 120Hz
Water Resistance	IP68 (2m for 30 min)	IP68 (1.5m for 30 min)
Last Update Path	Likely end-of-life in 2026	Support ended mid-2025

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Decision to Stick With Her iPhone XS

Sarah, a freelance editor based in Portland, has used her iPhone XS since 2019. She travels frequently and relies on her phone for note-taking, voice memos, and client communication. In 2024, she considered upgrading to a newer Android model but hesitated after testing a refurbished S20 Plus.

\"It felt fast at first, but within a week, I noticed pop-up ads in system menus—probably bloatware I couldn’t remove. My XS doesn’t do that. Yes, the battery drains faster now, but I carry a small charger. And I still get iMessage, FaceTime, and seamless iCloud sync with my Mac,\" she said.

She opted to replace the battery ($49 at Apple) and continues using the XS in 2025 without major issues. Her workflow doesn’t require AR filters, 8K video, or gaming—so the device meets her needs efficiently.

When It Makes Sense to Keep an Older iPhone

Holding onto an iPhone XS isn’t inherently irrational. Several factors make it a smart choice:

• Ecosystem integration: If you own a Mac, iPad, or AirPods, continuity features like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and Instant Hotspot add real value.
• Security and privacy: Ongoing iOS updates ensure protection against phishing, malware, and data leaks—critical in an era of rising cybercrime.
• App compatibility: Most developers prioritize iOS update compliance, meaning essential apps (banking, healthcare, productivity) remain functional longer.
• Cost savings: Avoiding a $1,000+ upgrade saves money that can go toward other tech or services.

However, limitations exist. The lack of USB-C (still Lightning), absence of high-refresh-rate display, and modest storage options (max 512GB) may frustrate power users. Additionally, third-party repair costs rise as parts become scarce.

Checklist: Is Your iPhone XS Still Viable in 2025?

Use this checklist to evaluate whether your iPhone XS is worth keeping:

1. ✅ Has the battery been replaced recently or shows >80% health?
2. ✅ Does it run the latest supported iOS version?
3. ✅ Are all essential apps (banking, messaging, navigation) functioning reliably?
4. ✅ Do you experience frequent crashes, freezes, or failed updates?
5. ✅ Can you accept slower performance in graphically intensive apps?
6. ✅ Is your usage primarily communication, browsing, and media consumption?
7. ✅ Are you comfortable with limited future support beyond 2026?

If you answered “yes” to most positive indicators (1–3, 5–7), continuing with the iPhone XS is reasonable. If you're hitting regular performance walls or rely on cutting-edge mobile tools, consider an upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone XS handle iOS 18?

As of current Apple patterns, iOS 18 (expected fall 2025) will likely drop support for the A12 chip. The iPhone XS is not expected to receive iOS 18, making 2025 its final full year of support. Users should prepare for eventual obsolescence.

Is the S20 Plus better than the iPhone XS for gaming?

At launch, yes. But by 2025, both struggle with modern titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings. Thermal throttling affects the S20 Plus more severely. Neither is ideal for serious mobile gamers today.

Should I upgrade if my iPhone XS still works fine?

Only if you need specific features: faster charging, improved cameras, larger screen, or newer biometrics. If your current device meets daily needs securely and efficiently, there’s no urgent reason to replace it.

Conclusion: Practicality Over Hype

Calling someone \"crazy\" for using an iPhone XS in 2025 misunderstands the nature of technology adoption. Smartphones aren’t obsolete the moment they age—they degrade gradually. The iPhone XS remains functional, secure, and deeply integrated into Apple’s ecosystem, giving it staying power few Android devices match.

The Galaxy S20 Plus was a powerful phone in its day, but without continued security support and hampered by hardware degradation, it’s harder to recommend today. Meanwhile, Apple’s long update cycle rewards user loyalty and responsible consumption.

Sticking with older tech isn’t about resisting progress—it’s about recognizing when “good enough” truly is. If your iPhone XS gets the job done, respects your privacy, and avoids unnecessary e-waste, then far from being crazy, you might just be ahead of the curve.

💬 Still using an iPhone XS or S20 Plus in 2025? Share your experience—what works, what doesn’t, and whether you plan to upgrade.