Certified Pre-Owned iPhone Xs (iPhone XS) 256GB Gold Review

Table of Contents

Introduction

Having spent several weeks with the Certified Pre-Owned iPhone Xs (iPhone XS) 256GB in Gold, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This model, despite being a few years old, still holds its own in the competitive smartphone market. This review will delve into its performance, features, and overall user experience, considering its “renewed” condition.

Key Features

The iPhone XS boasts a stunning 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with a vibrant Quad HD resolution (2436×1125). The A12 Bionic chip, even by today’s standards, provides impressive processing power, handling demanding apps and games with ease. The dual 12+12 MP rear cameras, coupled with the Neural Engine, deliver exceptional photo and video quality. The addition of dual SIM functionality (one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM) is a welcome feature for frequent travelers. Battery life, while not groundbreaking, consistently lasted throughout a full day of moderate to heavy use, exceeding Apple’s claim of 30 minutes more than the iPhone X.

Performance and Battery Life

The A12 Bionic chip’s performance is undeniably impressive. I experienced no lag or stuttering while multitasking, gaming, or using demanding applications. The device handled high-resolution video editing and photo processing flawlessly. The battery easily lasted a full day on a single charge, even with extensive use of various apps and features, surpassing my initial expectations for a renewed device. Fast charging was a convenient addition, allowing for a quick top-up when needed. I found the water resistance feature reassuring during unexpected rain showers.

The camera system is another standout feature. Low-light performance is surprisingly good, capturing detailed images even in challenging conditions. Portrait mode is excellent, and the various photographic options are user-friendly and intuitive. The 7MP front-facing camera provides crisp and clear selfies.

Specification Value
Expandable Memory Type No Expandable Memory
Secondary Camera Resolution 7 MP
Charging Type Lightning Port
SIM Count Dual SIM
Secondary Camera 5 – 7.9 MP
RAM Size 4 GB
Battery Size 2658 mAh
Internal Memory 256 GB
Version International Version
Screen Size 5.8 in
SIM Type Nano + eSIM
Display Resolution 2436×1125
Colour Name Gold
Display Type Super AMOLED
Display Resolution Type Quad HD
Operating System iOS
Operating System Number 12
Fast Charging Yes
Network Frequency Band GSM/HSDPA
Number of Cores Hexa Core
Primary Camera Feature Dual
Flash LED
Audio Jack Lightning Port
Water/Dust Properties Water Resistant
Model Year 2018
Condition Renewed
Sensor Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer
Model Number iPhone XS
Model Name iPhone XS
Primary Camera (MP) 12+12 mp

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Powerful A12 Bionic chip
  • Excellent camera system
  • Stunning display
  • Good battery life
  • Dual SIM functionality
  • Fast charging
  • Water resistant

Cons:

  • No expandable memory
  • iOS 12 is older, but this can be easily updated
  • Being a refurbished device, there’s always a slightly higher risk.

Final Verdict

The Certified Pre-Owned iPhone Xs (iPhone XS) 256GB Gold offers exceptional value for its price. Despite being a renewed device, its performance and features remain highly competitive. The A12 Bionic chip continues to impress, the camera system consistently delivers, and the battery life is more than adequate for daily use. If you’re looking for a powerful and feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank, this is a solid choice. I highly recommend it.