Iphone Xs Vs Xr In 2024 Is The Xs Still Worth It Over The Xr

In 2024, both the iPhone XS and iPhone XR are several generations removed from Apple’s current lineup. Yet, they remain common choices in the used and refurbished smartphone market due to their solid build quality, iOS support, and reliable performance. For budget-conscious buyers or those upgrading from older devices, the decision between the XS and XR can be surprisingly nuanced. While both launched in 2018, their differences in display, camera, build, and longevity still matter today — especially when you're paying even a few hundred dollars for a secondhand device.

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about which phone delivers a better daily experience in 2024: smoother app performance, longer software updates, better camera quality, and overall value retention.

Design and Build Quality

The most immediate difference between the iPhone XS and XR lies in their construction. The XS features a premium stainless steel frame with a glass back, giving it a more luxurious feel in hand. In contrast, the XR uses an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, which makes it lighter but less durable against drops and scratches.

The XS also has an IP68 water resistance rating (up to 2 meters for 30 minutes), while the XR is rated IP67 (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes). That extra depth margin may not seem critical, but in real-world accidents like dropping your phone in a sink or puddle, every bit counts.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone near water or outdoors, the XS's superior water resistance offers meaningful peace of mind.

Display: OLED vs LCD

The iPhone XS boasts a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels. The XR, on the other hand, has a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display at 1792 x 828 pixels. While the XR’s screen is larger, the XS wins hands-down in visual quality.

OLED technology provides deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and better color accuracy — all of which are noticeable when watching videos, editing photos, or using dark mode. LCD screens like the XR’s tend to look washed out by comparison, especially under direct sunlight.

For users who consume media regularly or rely on accurate color representation (e.g., photographers, designers), the XS’s display remains a compelling advantage — even nearly six years after release.

“OLED displays age differently than LCDs. After years of use, burn-in can occur, but in typical usage patterns, the visual superiority of OLED lasts.” — David Lin, Mobile Display Analyst

Performance and Longevity in 2024

Both phones run the same A12 Bionic chip, so raw processing power is identical. However, real-world performance diverges slightly due to differences in RAM and thermal management.

The iPhone XS has 4GB of RAM compared to the XR’s 3GB. This may not sound significant, but in multitasking-heavy scenarios — such as switching between Safari tabs, Instagram, and Maps — the XS handles background apps more efficiently. Users report fewer reloads and smoother transitions on the XS, especially when running newer versions of iOS.

As of 2024, both devices support up to iOS 17, but future updates may drop support soon. Given that Apple typically supports iPhones for around five years post-release, iOS 18 could be the cutoff. However, anecdotal evidence suggests the XS may handle upcoming OS versions slightly better due to its additional RAM and superior heat dissipation from the metal chassis.

Software Support Timeline (Expected)

1. iOS 15 – Full support (2021–2022)
2. iOS 16 – Minor slowdowns reported (2022–2023)
3. iOS 17 – Functional but not optimal (2023–2024)
4. iOS 18 (Projected) – Likely last supported version

Camera Comparison: Still Relevant in 2024?

The camera gap between the XS and XR remains one of the most decisive factors.

• iPhone XS: Dual 12MP cameras (wide + telephoto), optical zoom, portrait mode on both front and rear cameras, sensor-based image stabilization.
• iPhone XR: Single 12MP wide camera, digital zoom only, portrait mode via software estimation, lacks front-facing portrait mode.

The dual-camera system on the XS enables true 2x optical zoom and better low-light performance through深度融合 (Deep Fusion), introduced in later iOS updates. It also supports advanced bokeh controls and lighting effects in portrait mode — features absent on the XR.

A real-world example: Sarah, a freelance blogger in Portland, upgraded from an iPhone 7 to a used XR in 2022. She loved the battery life but quickly grew frustrated when trying to photograph product details at events. Without optical zoom, she had to physically move closer, often missing candid shots. After trading up to an XS in early 2023, she noted immediate improvements in photo clarity and versatility — especially in dimly lit cafes and galleries.

If photography matters — even casually — the XS continues to offer tangible benefits.

Battery Life and Charging

The iPhone XR has a clear edge in battery life. Apple rated it for up to 16 hours of video playback; the XS manages about 13 hours. Real-world usage confirms this: XR users commonly report lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use, while XS owners often need a midday charge.

However, battery health degrades over time. By 2024, many units of both models have seen significant wear. Replacement batteries are widely available, but if buying used, always verify the battery health percentage via Settings > Battery > Battery Health.

Both support fast charging (with a compatible adapter) and wireless charging — a feature the XR brought to the budget tier for the first time.

“The XR was Apple’s first ‘value flagship,’ balancing cost without sacrificing core features like Face ID and wireless charging.” — Mark Geller, Tech Historian

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone XS	iPhone XR
Display	5.8\" OLED (2436 x 1125)	6.1\" LCD (1792 x 828)
Build Material	Stainless Steel + Glass	Aluminum + Glass
Water Resistance	IP68 (2m/30min)	IP67 (1m/30min)
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Single 12MP (Wide)
Front Camera Portrait Mode	Yes	No
RAM	4GB	3GB
Battery Life (Video)	Up to 13 hours	Up to 16 hours
Fall 2024 iOS Support	Likely functional	Possible lag/dropped support
Current Used Market Price (Avg.)	$180–$230	$130–$170

Is the iPhone XS Worth the Premium in 2024?

The answer depends on your priorities.

If you value a sharper display, better cameras, superior build, and slightly better long-term performance, the XS is worth the $50–$70 price difference in the used market. These advantages are particularly noticeable in everyday tasks like reading text, viewing social media images, and capturing memories.

But if battery life is your top concern, and you don’t mind a lower-resolution screen or limited camera flexibility, the XR remains a capable device for basic communication, messaging, and light browsing.

Tip: Always check the battery health and iCloud lock status before purchasing any used iPhone.

FAQ

Can both the iPhone XS and XR run iOS 17 smoothly in 2024?

Yes, both officially support iOS 17, but performance varies. The XS generally runs it more smoothly due to 4GB RAM and better thermal design. Some XR users report app reloads and minor UI stutters.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone XS holds value better due to its premium materials and dual-camera system. Even in the refurbished market, it commands a consistent $40–60 premium over the XR.

Should I buy either phone in 2024?

If your budget is under $200 and you need a reliable iOS device, yes — especially if you can find one with a new battery. But consider the iPhone 11 or SE (2020/2022) as alternatives; they offer better battery life and longer software support.

Final Verdict: Making the Right Choice

In 2024, the iPhone XS still holds up as the more refined device. Its OLED display, dual-camera system, stainless steel build, and extra RAM give it a noticeable edge in user experience. While the XR offers longer battery life and a lower entry price, its LCD screen and single camera feel dated by modern standards.

Unless you prioritize battery endurance above all else, the XS is the smarter investment — provided you can afford the modest price bump. It delivers a more future-proof experience, better photo quality, and a more premium feel that still impresses in 2024.

🚀 Ready to upgrade smartly? Check certified refurbished listings for iPhone XS units with new batteries and warranty. Your future self will thank you for choosing quality over short-term savings.