What are the "pros and cons" of the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR? Is one the right iPhone for me?

Please note that the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR all have been discontinued. This Q&A has been updated with the latest iOS support details and more; it can be quite useful to anyone buying one of these devices on the used market.

Only you can decide if an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR is the right mobile for you, bu the below objective pros and cons can help.

EveryiPhone.com also provides a detailed iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR comparison that can be preferable for those interested in a more in-depth evaluation. For those who prefer a quick to read summary rather than exhaustive details, the following can be perfect.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone XS - Left, iPhone XS Max - Right)

iPhone XS & iPhone XS Max Pros:

• Beautiful, high-quality HDR OLED displays.
• Waterproof (IP68) steel cases.
• Fast performance (for their day), 4 GB of RAM, and excellent battery life.
• Fast, Face ID authentication makes security easy and AR (augmented reality) shows great promise.
• Integrated inductive (Qi) charging capability.
• Impressive, high-quality cameras, especially the dual rear camera system with both a wide angle and telephoto lens and an effective 2x "optical" zoom.
• Gigabit-class LTE with 4x4 MIMO.
• Dual SIM standard (one Nano SIM and one eSIM on most models).
• The option of as much as 512 GB of storage.
• At least for one more year, support for the current version of the iOS, iOS 18.

iPhone XS & iPhone XS Max Cons:

• Very expensive compared to previous iPhone models and Android devices alike.
• Large cases are difficult, even impossible, to handle with one hand.
• Glass front and back are prone to damage.
• Somewhat awkward "camera notch" at the top of the display takes getting used to.
• Face ID could prove to be a security concern (but it can be disabled, if desired).
• Apple's inductive charging support is incomplete.
• When running iOS 18, the current version of the iOS, the Apple Intelligence (AI), Messages via Satellite, Live audio transcriptions, Enhance Dialogue, Hands-free Unlock, Eye Tracking, and Music Haptics features are not supported.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone XS - Left, iPhone XS Max - Right)

iPhone XR Pros:

• Inexpensive compared to the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.
• Fast performance, just as fast as the iPhone XS and iPhone XS.
• Great battery life; the best of any of these devices.
• Fun color options.
• Fast, Face ID authentication makes security easy and AR (augmented reality) shows great promise.
• Integrated inductive (Qi) charging capability.
• Quality single lens cameras, front and rear.
• Dual SIM standard (one Nano SIM and one eSIM on most models).
• Support for the current version of the iOS, iOS 18.

iPhone XR Cons:

• Expensive compared to previous iPhone models and Android devices.
• Relatively interior "Liquid Retina HD" display (but still quite good).
• Not waterproof, just water resistant (IP67).
• Large size makes it difficult, even impossible, to comfortably use with one hand.
• Glass front and back are prone to damage.
• 3 GB of RAM is sufficient, but might limit iOS compatibility or feature support compared to the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max in future versions of the iOS.
• Somewhat awkward "camera notch" at the top of the display.
• Larger "lip" or bezel around the display than the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.
• Face ID could prove to be a security concern (but it can be disabled, if desired).
• Single rear camera lacks telephoto lens and effective 2x "optical" zoom.
• Apple's inductive charging support is incomplete.
• No support for Gigabit-class LTE.
• Storage tops out at 256 GB.
• When running iOS 18, the current version of the iOS, the Apple Intelligence (AI), Messages via Satellite, Live audio transcriptions, Enhance Dialogue, Hands-free Unlock, Eye Tracking, and Music Haptics features are not supported.

So, should I buy an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR?

Compared just to one another at the time these models were introduced, EveryiPhone.com suggested purchasing the iPhone XR over the iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max. On the used market, the value comparison may have shifted somewhat as the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max now cost less (and newer iPhone models are more capable), but the overall rationale remains solid, in our opinion.

Although the iPhone XR (1) is just water resistant rather than waterproof and has (2) a lower quality display, (3) less RAM, (4) a less sophisticated rear camera, and (5) slower LTE, it provides effectively the same overall performance, and actually has better battery life. The iPhone XR also originally cost at least US$250 less, and was a good value for most users accordingly.

However, for those who could afford one at the time of release, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max were undeniably attractive, high quality and certainly worth considering, too. Compared to one another, EveryiPhone.com prefers the smaller iPhone XS because it is easier to hold and carry, but all three of these models can be awkward to operate with one hand. For most users, most of the time, all three are two-handed devices. On the used market, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max cost less and are a better value now, accordingly.

iPhone Purchase & Sale Options

There are plenty of places to buy a used iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR. However, buying your iPhone from a quality business with a solid reputation -- and excellent after sales support -- will provide the ideal experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Other World Computing sells used and refurbished iPhone models with free shipping. On the other hand, if you need to sell an iPhone, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPhone with an instant quote and prompt payment.

Site sponsor OWC also sells high quality NuGuard KX cases for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Because these models largely are glass, a protective case is a particularly good idea.

Please also see EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPhone model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.