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Refurbished iPhone XS Review

Written by: Emma Morris

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Refurbished iPhone XS Review

In an age where smartphones come and go like the tide, the iPhone XS holds its ground.


With a rich feature set that's far from obsolete, this model gives even its younger, glossier siblings a run for their money, especially in the performance department.


Plus, make this phone 'refurbished', and a whole new range of benefits come into play.


Want to get more information? 


Keep scrolling and find out every detail in this refurbished Apple iPhone XS review.


Or, see for yourself today and explore our range of refurbished iPhones at UR.co.uk. Get all of these great features without burning a hole in your wallet.

Key Takeaways:


  • A21 Chip: Performance still turns heads, despite newer competition.

  • Camera: Perfect for your everyday life whilst on the go.

  • Refurbished: Want all this but cheaper? Go the refurbished root.

iPhone XS Specs Unpacked

Elevating the experience of using a smartphone often boils down to the technical wizardry packed inside.


The iPhone XS is no exception to this rule.


Whether you're getting a fresh-from-the-box new phone or a premium iPhone XS refurbished device from UR, rest assured, the specs remain consistent.


  • Display: 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, boasting a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels at 458 ppi density screen real estate.

  • Dimensions: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm, easily fitting into your pocket or palm

  • Weight: Light as a feather at 177g

  • Chipset: Powered by the Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) chipset

  • RAM: A snappy 4GB to keep your apps running smoothly

  • Storage: Storage options aplenty with a iPhone XS 64GB refurbished, 256GB, or 512GB.

  • Battery Life: It sports a 2658 mAh battery that uses Lithium-ion technology. The device also supports wireless charging.

Although these specs may not be the latest in the Apple line-up, they've stood the test of time.


The OLED screen delivers vibrant images that defy the phone's age, and the Apple A12 Bionic chipset ensures fast, efficient performance.


Throw in options for sizable storage, and you've got a device that covers all bases.


But, let's explore these special features even further.

The Performance of an Apple iPhone XS

The A12 Bionic chip is no joke.


When you're knee-deep in multitasking—juggling between a spreadsheet, your favourite playlist, and an ongoing video call—this chip ensures the iPhone XS doesn't break a sweat even today.


It's 15% faster than the A11, making sure your apps launch in the blink of an eye.


Also, this speed comes without the cost of draining your battery like a vampire, thanks to its 50% greater energy efficiency.


What does this all mean to you? Well, while the tech world is always looking for the next big thing, the A12 Bionic chip in the iPhone XS doesn't get overshadowed easily.


Sure, Apple has launched chips with snazzier specs since then.


However, like the Apple iPhone XS Max, the iPhone XS continues to hold its ground, delivering a stellar performance that's far from outdated.

iPhone XS Battery Life

When you hear the iPhone XS has a smaller battery than the iPhone X and the iPhone XR, you might furrow your brows in confusion.


Hold the concern, because this is where Apple's ingenuity shines.


It's not about size but efficiency.


By optimising both the new A12 Bionic chip and iOS power management, Apple has eked out an additional 30 minutes of battery life, even when the juice box is technically smaller than other iPhone generations.


It's like the tech wizards at Apple pulled a rabbit out of their engineering hat, bestowing more talk, text, and scroll time without demanding more space.

The Camera Prowess of iPhone XS

Swivelling from battery brilliance to camera competence, the iPhone XS doesn't slack off.


You're dealing with a wide-angle lens that sports an aperture of ƒ/1.8, and a telephoto lens that isn't far behind with an aperture of ƒ/2.4.


Zoom? No problem!


This camera system pulls off 2x optical zoom and cranks it up digitally to a staggering 10x.


And that's not all, in broad daylight or under a cascade of chandeliers, this camera's snapshot prowess shines.


Every photo bursts with detail, akin to the high standards set by the iPhone X.


Plus, with special features like portrait mode, you can ensure your sunsets look as dreamy as they feel and your food photos are as mouth-watering as the real thing.

The Value of Going Refurbished

But why should you go refurbished over a new iPhone?


Refurbished phones, particularly models like the iPhone XS, deliver more than just a bundle of features.


They bring undeniable value in areas that matter most in today's world.


  • Price: Affordability sings the siren song for many. Snagging a refurbished iPhone can save you a pretty penny compared to its fresh-out-the-box counterpart.

  • Quality: Shake off the stigma that "refurbished" means "second-rate." These phones pass rigorous 90-point PhoneCheck and often look and act like they're brand new.

  • Sustainability: Opting for a refurbished phone slaps a high-five to Mother Earth. You're cutting down on e-waste and playing your part in conserving resources.

At the end of the day, opting for a refurbished iPhone XS isn't just about ticking boxes in the specs department.


It's also a statement about your priorities: thrift, quality, and a greener planet.


And you get to make that statement without compromising a smidgeon performance or style.


Now, if that's not value, what is?

Frequently Asked Questions

Look, you've heard the specs and got the rundown on why refurbished phones are the bee's knees. Still got questions? You're not alone.


Let's roll up our sleeves and tackle some of the most frequently asked queries about the refurbished iPhone XS.

What's the deal with Smart HDR on iPhone XS?

Smart HDR works like a charm to elevate your iPhone XS photography. 


It takes multiple shots at various exposures and merges them to create the most detailed image.


The result? Portrait photos that look like they belong in a gallery and low-light captures that seem almost magical.

Can I rock Dual SIM on a refurbished iPhone XS?

Absolutely.


The iPhone XS comes equipped with Dual SIM support, a feature that's a godsend if you juggle between work and personal calls or happen to be a globe-trotter.


No need to fumble around with a SIM tool when switching from one account to another.

How does the iPhone XS compare in terms of video quality?

Let's get in-depth.


Whilst the video quality on an iPhone XS can't be aligned to a DSLR video camera, it shouldn't be forgotten altogether.


The iPhone has all kinds of features, like cinematic video stabilisation, that are more than enough when delivering high-quality videos taken in your everyday life.


Still not convinced? Explore more guides from us, like our refurbished iPhone XR review and refurbished iPhone X review. You never know what's just around the corner.

Final Thoughts on our iPhone XS Review

In a world crammed with new phones launching every second, the refurbished iPhone XS proves that good things really can stand the test of time.


From Smart HDR making your memories crystal-clear, to the peace of mind from dual SIM support, it ticks more boxes than you'd expect.


And, if you're keen on making an eco-friendly choice without sacrificing quality, buy a refurbished iPhone XS from us today and join our commitment to sustainability.


Why wait any longer?

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Emma Morris


Emma crafts insightful and informative articles about refurbished phones for ur.co.uk. Her expertise guides readers in making the smartest choices for their tech needs.