iPhone XS and XS Max Review: Apple’s Best Yet—But Worth the Upgrade?
Apple’s 2018 iPhones: Faster, Pricier, but Worth the Upgrade?
(Originally published September 19, 2018 | CNN Business)
Apple’s iPhone XS and XS Max, released in 2018, promised to be the “best ever” with their sleek designs and upgraded features. But with starting prices of $999 (XS) and $1,099 (XS Max), the question loomed: are these incremental improvements worth the premium?
Key Upgrades: Speed, Screens, and Camera
The iPhone XS and XS Max packed Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, boosting speed for tasks like Face ID and augmented reality apps. Both featured stunning OLED displays—the XS with a 5.8-inch screen and the Max with a 6.5-inch edge-to-edge display. While the Max’s larger size mimicked the iPhone 8 Plus’s footprint, its screen felt more immersive for videos. However, Apple missed an opportunity to optimize the Max for multitasking, unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Note.
Battery life saw modest gains: 30 extra minutes on the XS and 90 minutes on the Max compared to 2017’s iPhone X.
Camera: The Star of the Show
The standout feature was the improved camera. A new Smart HDR system blended multiple exposures for sharper, more detailed photos—similar to Google’s Pixel 2. Portrait Mode also got a boost, allowing users to adjust background blur after taking a shot. While results depended on lighting and skill, it offered creative flexibility.
[Image: iPhone XS Max showcasing Portrait Mode editing]
The Price Problem
The XS lineup’s steep prices raised eyebrows. The fully loaded 512GB XS Max cost $1,449, while the “budget” iPhone XR started at $749. Apple justified costs by positioning iPhones as long-term investments, as newer models stay functional longer. For those unwilling to splurge, older iPhones like the $449 iPhone 7 remained solid options.
iOS 12: A Lifeline for Older iPhones
Upgrading to iOS 12 breathed new life into older devices. Features like Screen Time tracked app usage and set limits—a wake-up call for smartphone overuse. However, fun tools like Memoji (custom animated emojis) required Face ID, leaving older models out.
[Image: Memoji customization on iPhone XS]
The Missing Adapter and Final Verdict
Apple notably excluded the headphone jack adapter, pushing users toward wireless buds or a $9 dongle. Despite this, the XS and XS Max delivered polished updates—faster performance, better cameras, and vibrant displays. Yet, their value hinged on budget and needs. For many, sticking with older models or iOS 12 was a smarter move.
[Image: iPhone XS Max design and color options]
Correction: An earlier version misstated the iPhone XR’s starting price, which is $749.
In short: The 2018 iPhones were evolutionary, not revolutionary. If you craved top-tier tech and could stomach the cost, the XS series shined. For everyone else, older iPhones or software updates offered plenty of value.
