Iphone Xs Vs Xr Three Years Later Is The Xs Still Worth It 2

It’s been over three years since Apple released the iPhone XS and iPhone XR—two devices that represented a pivotal moment in smartphone design. The XS stood as the premium flagship with a stainless steel build, OLED display, and dual cameras, while the XR offered a more affordable entry point with an LCD screen and single-lens system. Fast forward to today: both phones are well beyond their prime support window, yet many users still rely on them daily. So, is the iPhone XS still worth holding onto—or upgrading to secondhand—over the more accessible XR?

This comparison isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world longevity, iOS update readiness, app performance, camera output, and whether the premium price of the XS actually translated into lasting value.

Design and Build Quality: Long-Term Durability Matters

The iPhone XS featured a surgical-grade stainless steel frame and glass back, giving it a noticeably heavier, more premium feel than the XR’s aerospace-grade aluminum body. While both models support wireless charging and are rated IP67 for water resistance, the XS’s build materials have proven more resilient over time.

Users report fewer issues with paint chipping or oxidation on the XS frame, whereas the XR’s colored finishes, especially in red and yellow, are prone to fading and micro-scratches after prolonged use. Additionally, the curved edges of the XS provide slightly better grip, reducing accidental drops.

Tip: Even if your phone has survived three years without a case, consider adding one now—especially if you're extending its lifespan further. Micro-cracks in the glass can compromise structural integrity.

Display Performance After Years of Use

The most significant visual difference lies in the displays. The iPhone XS uses a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED panel with HDR support, deeper blacks, and higher contrast. In contrast, the XR features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD, which lacks true black levels and has lower pixel density.

After three years, OLED degradation can begin to show in older iPhones—though Apple implemented software mitigations like automatic brightness adjustments and pixel shifting. Most XS units from 2018 still maintain excellent screen quality, but some long-term users report slight burn-in when displaying static elements (e.g., status bars) for extended periods.

The XR’s LCD doesn’t suffer from burn-in, but its backlighting can yellow over time, especially under heavy usage patterns. For media consumption and readability in sunlight, the XR holds up reasonably well—but the XS continues to deliver a sharper, more vibrant viewing experience.

Performance Comparison in 2024

Both phones launched with Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, a groundbreaking processor at the time. Today, this silicon remains surprisingly capable. However, real-world differences emerge due to RAM and thermal management.

The iPhone XS includes 4GB of RAM versus the XR’s 3GB. This may seem minor, but it impacts multitasking and future-proofing. Users switching between multiple apps—such as Safari, Instagram, Maps, and Messages—report smoother transitions on the XS. The extra memory helps reduce reloads and background app termination, a common frustration on the XR by year three.

“Even two generations later, the A12 handles everyday tasks efficiently. But with iOS updates growing more demanding, RAM becomes the bottleneck—not the CPU.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Battery Life and Charging Efficiency Over Time

Apple rated the iPhone XS for up to 20 hours of video playback and the XR for up to 25 hours. Real-world data from third-party battery health reports shows that after three years, average battery capacity sits around 78–82% for both models—assuming no replacements.

However, the XR consistently outlasts the XS in daily use. Its larger battery (2942 mAh vs. 2658 mAh), combined with less power-hungry LCD technology, gives it a tangible edge. Many XS owners find themselves needing midday charging by 2024, particularly when using 5G via carrier settings or running newer versions of iOS.

Fast charging is supported on both (with a compatible adapter), but repeated charging cycles have taken a toll. Replacement batteries are widely available and recommended for either device at this stage.

Camera Capabilities: Does Dual-Lens Still Matter?

The iPhone XS boasts a dual 12MP rear system: wide and telephoto lenses with 2x optical zoom and improved portrait mode lighting effects. The XR has only a single 12MP wide lens, relying on digital zoom and computational photography for portraits.

After three years, the image processing gap has narrowed thanks to software improvements in iOS 15 and 16. Portrait mode on the XR now looks significantly better than at launch. However, the XS still excels in low-light zoom and depth sensing accuracy.

In daylight, both produce excellent photos with natural color grading and dynamic range. But in challenging conditions—backlit scenes, night mode, or tight framing—the XS offers more flexibility. Its telephoto lens allows true 2x optical zoom without quality loss, while the XR crops aggressively, leading to softer details.

Feature	iPhone XS	iPhone XR
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Single 12MP (Wide)
Optical Zoom	2x zoom in, 2x zoom out (via digital)	Digital only
Portrait Mode Lighting	6 modes including Stage Light	Limited to basic modes
Low-Light Performance	Better depth accuracy	Relies on software estimation
Film Mode Video (iOS 16+)	Supported	Not supported

Software Support and Future Readiness

As of 2024, both devices run iOS 17, but compatibility is nearing its end. Historical trends suggest the A12 Bionic will not support iOS 18, meaning neither phone will receive major updates beyond this year.

This reality shifts the value proposition. If you’re considering buying a used model now, know that security patches may stop as early as 2025. App developers are already optimizing for newer hardware, and some emerging apps (especially AR-based or AI-enhanced tools) either don’t install or perform poorly on A12 devices.

The XS, with its extra RAM and superior graphics handling, stands a slightly better chance of running upcoming lightweight apps smoothly through 2025. But for anyone planning to keep a phone beyond 2025, even with reduced functionality, the XR may struggle earlier.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, held onto her iPhone XS since 2018. By late 2023, she noticed slower export times in Lightroom and occasional crashes when editing RAW files. She tested an iPhone XR borrowed from a friend and found the camera acceptable for social posts—but missed the optical zoom for candid street shots.

She opted to replace the XS battery instead of upgrading. “It still takes better photos than my friend’s three-year-old Android,” she said. “And I’m not ready to pay $800+ for a new iPhone.” Her strategy: continue using the XS until iOS 18 drops, then transition to an older Pro model with longer support.

Checklist: Is Your iPhone XS or XR Still Viable in 2024?

• ✅ Battery health above 80% (or recently replaced)
• ✅ Running latest stable iOS version (iOS 17.x)
• ✅ Adequate storage (less than 80% full)
• ✅ Essential apps still functional and updating
• ✅ No recurring crashes or overheating issues
• ✅ Acceptable charging speed and Wi-Fi/cellular reliability

If all boxes are checked, either phone can serve another 6–12 months. Beyond that, plan for replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone XS last until 2025?

Possibly, but with limitations. As iOS 18 likely excludes the A12 chip, you’ll miss new features and eventually face app incompatibility. With a battery replacement and conservative usage, basic functionality should persist into early 2025.

Is the iPhone XR camera good enough for social media?

Absolutely. For Instagram, TikTok, and casual sharing, the XR captures sharp, well-balanced images in good light. Just avoid relying on zoom or low-light portraits. Pair it with a simple editing app, and results remain competitive.

Should I buy a used iPhone XS in 2024?

Only if it’s heavily discounted (<$150), comes with a recent battery replacement, and you need specific features like optical zoom or OLED display. Otherwise, consider newer budget options like the iPhone 11 or SE (2022), which offer better long-term support.

Final Verdict: Is the XS Still Worth It?

Yes—but narrowly. The iPhone XS maintains a measurable advantage in build quality, display fidelity, camera versatility, and multitasking thanks to its additional RAM. For users who prioritize photo quality, screen clarity, and a premium feel, the XS justifies holding on a bit longer.

Yet, the gap has closed. The XR delivers strong core performance and better battery life at a lower cost. If you’re choosing between the two today, the decision hinges on priorities: long-term durability and imaging flexibility (XS) versus value and endurance (XR).

🚀 Still using an XS or XR? Share your experience below. How has it held up? What made you stick with it—or finally let go?