What Was The IPhone XS?
Released in 2018, Apples iPhones XS and XS Max were the twelfth generation of the massively popular iPhone line, and the follow up to the hugely successful iPhone X and XR. The XR was one of Apple’s most popular phones, outselling its stablemate, the iPhone X by a massive amount and cementing Apple as one of the dominant phone brands in the world.
The iPhone XS, while not selling as highly as the XR, was still a successful model, and offered multiple upgrades over the X and XR, with an improved battery, camera and processor ensuring that it was a technological upgrade for those choosing to adopt the newer version.
While the XS has since been discontinued, the phone remains a popular option, even in 2022. Refurbished iPhone XS are readily available at reasonable prices, and with the ever-climbing prices of new models, they can be an excellent alternative to buying the latest generations.
Why Buy Refurbished?
There are many good reasons for buying a refurbished phone rather than opting for a new one. Freedom from contracts, access to premium brands, and more options to buy outright rather than paying over time through a fee-laden contract.
Unlike many second-hand stores, refurbishing a phone brings the phone up to a high standard of quality, and while there may be a few minor marks, once you pop a case and a screen protector on, you’d be hard pressed to find the difference between a refurbished phone and a new model.
Refurbished iPhone, especially more recent models like the XS, are an especially good deal, as they allow you to get your hands on a premium brand of phone at a much lower cost. The newest models of iPhone can cost up to £949 brand new, but a refurbished XS can be had from as little as £249.99.
Is A Refurbished IPhone XS A Good Deal?
Buying refurbished will always come with some risks – The XS, like a lot of older phones, is not 5G compatible and the older a phone, the less likely it is to be compatible with newer software and apps – but the iPhone XS still holds its own, despite being a couple of generations older. The Gaps in performance between generations of phone have been steadily decreasing, and while some of the heaviest new apps will struggle to run on the XS, most games and apps will run fine on the A12 chipset.
For anyone who doesn’t need laptop-level performance on their phone, the XS is still an excellent option. With an excellent camera package and an OLED display, picking up a refurbished iPhone XS means you’re getting a lot of phone for a lot less money.
If you’re looking to get an iPhone at a reasonable price, without being tied to a monthly contract or particular provider, then a refurbished phone is one of the best options available.
