iPhone X Which one to buy iPhone X or iPhone XS (Coming from Android)

[shieldcy]

Hello guys,

I currently have a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge but I finally want to switch to iOS mostly because I love the operating system and also for the ecosystem and apple’s support on updates etc (I have a Macbook and iPad).

I’ve seen the new iPhones XS, they do look nice and quick but they are expensive imo (compared to the changes they have done to last years model) and they come with a lot of issues like charging, wifi lte signal etc (which is a bit worrying). I will definitely buy an iPhone but I am not sure which one.

A lot of stores still sell the 2017 iPhone X which is around 300€ cheaper than iPhone XS 5.8.
Do you think it’s worth to get a year’s old iPhone X considering the cheaper price? The specs are almost the same, I’m not a big camera or video gaming guy (some of the most important improvements on XS). I do love fast performance though and good battery life.

Any suggestions, info, opinions would be much appreciated.

Thank you


Note: I’m not interested in XS Max or XR

 

[keysofanxiety]

If you can get a substantial saving on the X, I'd go for that. There's nothing wrong with that device really; it's still very powerful and works beautifully on iOS 12.

Of course if we're taking 100 euro difference you might as well get the latest and greatest. If it's 300 euro you're saving I'd say that's enough to justify getting the X.

 

[scotsmandc]

I recently switched from pixel 2 xl to max to xs to x. Notice no difference between the xs and x. Unless you need a better camera, usability is exactly the same. Maybe slightly slower face ID but doesn't bother me. Saved over $1000.

 

[IowaLynn]

I have X and I'd avoid XS for now. It needs iOS 12.1+ which isnt ready.

For what XS costs you could have Note 9, which is my main driver, along with iPad pro and MacBook.

 

[UnifiedMelody]

the only reason i'd plonk the extra $$on the XS vs X is because of the camera. but trust me as long as you don't become one of those people who upgrade [every year or two] you'll be lovely and fine with it.

coming from iPhone XS max user, but to be honest I'd think most people would be fine with the iPhone XS since there's no drastic diferentiation between the Max and the normal version , again this has to be answered by the owner, is 170AUD [or whatever dollars up] is worth the bigger battery and screen size to you?

unlike previous iphone generations where in the cameras:
6s n 6s+ = optical stabilization in the plus model
7 n 7+ = dual lens portrait system.
8 n 8+ = dual lens portrait system.
xs n xs max = none. [so they both have The same camera]

 

[Tulani]

Hello guys,

I currently have a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge but I finally want to switch to iOS mostly because I love the operating system and also for the ecosystem and apple’s support on updates etc (I have a Macbook and iPad).

I’ve seen the new iPhones XS, they do look nice and quick but they are expensive imo (compared to the changes they have done to last years model) and they come with a lot of issues like charging, wifi lte signal etc (which is a bit worrying). I will definitely buy an iPhone but I am not sure which one.

A lot of stores still sell the 2017 iPhone X which is around 300€ cheaper than iPhone XS 5.8.
Do you think it’s worth to get a year’s old iPhone X considering the cheaper price? The specs are almost the same, I’m not a big camera or video gaming guy (some of the most important improvements on XS). I do love fast performance though and good battery life.

Any suggestions, info, opinions would be much appreciated.

Thank you


Note: I’m not interested in XS Max or XR

i have just bought an X a few moments ago.
i have always been an Apple client. i am coming from an iPhone 7.
i wanted an upgrade but given the issues that are being raised with the Xs i have just decided to buy the X before they run out and i have saved a few dollar as well.

 

[FFR]

Hello guys,

I currently have a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge but I finally want to switch to iOS mostly because I love the operating system and also for the ecosystem and apple’s support on updates etc (I have a Macbook and iPad).

I’ve seen the new iPhones XS, they do look nice and quick but they are expensive imo (compared to the changes they have done to last years model) and they come with a lot of issues like charging, wifi lte signal etc (which is a bit worrying). I will definitely buy an iPhone but I am not sure which one.

A lot of stores still sell the 2017 iPhone X which is around 300€ cheaper than iPhone XS 5.8.
Do you think it’s worth to get a year’s old iPhone X considering the cheaper price? The specs are almost the same, I’m not a big camera or video gaming guy (some of the most important improvements on XS). I do love fast performance though and good battery life.

Any suggestions, info, opinions would be much appreciated.

Thank you


Note: I’m not interested in XS Max or XR

If your looking for faster performance and better battery life then you definitely want an Xs over the x. You also get a gigabit modem and 4x4 Mimo, faster Face ID, better speakers, and an upgraded camera.

If those are worth 300€, then you have your answer.

Ps: your going to love the ecosystem even more with handoff, continuity, an iCloud copy and paste between all your apple made devices.

Let us know what you decide.

 

[FFR]

I have X and I'd avoid XS for now. It needs iOS 12.1+ which isnt ready.

For what XS costs you could have Note 9, which is my main driver, along with iPad pro and MacBook.

I think your math might be a bit off.

Are you saying for the price of an Xs the op can get a note 9, a MacBook, and an iPad Pro?
That doesn’t sound right.

 

[IowaLynn]

I think your math might be a bit off.

Are you saying for the price of an Xs the op can get a note 9, a MacBook, and an iPad Pro?
That doesn’t sound right.

Gracious no! Like OP I have very similar setup.

$US999 buys you a phone.

Coffee???

 

[scotsmandc]

If your looking for faster performance and better battery life then you definitely want an Xs over the x. You also get a gigabit modem and 4x4 Mimo, faster Face ID, better speakers, and an upgraded camera.

If those are worth 300€, then you have your answer.

Ps: your going to love the ecosystem even more with handoff, continuity, an iCloud copy and paste between all your mad devices.

Let us know what you decide.

I didn't notice any battery improvements from the xs over the x. Seems about the same.

 

[FFR]

Gracious no! Like OP I have very similar setup.

$US999 buys you a phone.

Coffee???

No thank you, never touch the stuff.

That’s why I asked it was a bit confusing the way it was worded.

For what XS costs you could have Note 9, which is my main driver, along with iPad pro and MacBook.

 

[Abstract]

The XR doesn't seem to have the same antenna issues, or certainly not the same reception issues. Reception looks fine!

https://www.wiwavelength.com/2018/09/iphone-xr-trades-4x4-mimo-for-greater.html?m=1


As for battery life, the XR will have better battery life than the XS Max. How much more in the real world? It's hard to say, but there are less pixels on the screen to drive, and Apple even advertises the XR as having better battery life. Even if it was much better than the XS Max, I doubt Apple would come out and put it like that. If anything, they're more likely to understate the difference.

 

[FFR]

I didn't notice any battery improvements from the xs over the x. Seems about the same.

I’m just going by some battery tests posted in other parts of the forum.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Gracious no! Like OP I have very similar setup.

$US999 buys you a phone.

Coffee???

You meant for the price of the Xs you can buy a note 9.

You are using the note 9 as your daily driver and you also own a MacBook and an iPad Pro. I imagine you mentioned the other devices as they are similar to what the OP has.
[doublepost=1538392848][/doublepost]

Hello guys,

I currently have a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge but I finally want to switch to iOS mostly because I love the operating system and also for the ecosystem and apple’s support on updates etc (I have a Macbook and iPad).

I’ve seen the new iPhones XS, they do look nice and quick but they are expensive imo (compared to the changes they have done to last years model) and they come with a lot of issues like charging, wifi lte signal etc (which is a bit worrying). I will definitely buy an iPhone but I am not sure which one.

A lot of stores still sell the 2017 iPhone X which is around 300€ cheaper than iPhone XS 5.8.
Do you think it’s worth to get a year’s old iPhone X considering the cheaper price? The specs are almost the same, I’m not a big camera or video gaming guy (some of the most important improvements on XS). I do love fast performance though and good battery life.

Any suggestions, info, opinions would be much appreciated.

Thank you


Note: I’m not interested in XS Max or XR

If the camera doesn’t bother you then the X would be a good device for you. You’d have nice integration between your phone and your other Apple devices.

The X is really fast on iOS 12. However I would expect that the issues some are experiencing with the new phones will be fixed within a matter of weeks with a software update.

 

[DNichter]

I'd go with the XS if you have the funds, it's better in every way. If you are on a budget, the X is still a really great phone too.

 

[tgb87]

After my Note 8 was stolen, I bought an X. It was nice. This year I jumped and bought the XS Max. Unfortunately, with the yellow screen and charging bug (haven't had reception issues yet), I don't know if this was a good decision.

 

[shieldcy]

Thanks for your answers.

I was expecting more people to be on XS side.
The issues mentioned above are what I am worrying about, plus the price and imo the minor improvements (except from A12 and camera).

Did anyone test battery life on X and XS? I did watch a couple of vids on youtube showing XS outperforms X but I've also read an article saying X has a better battery. How much on screen time do you guys get?

I rarely use camera and games. I have wifi and bluetooth turned on (sometimes I turn on 4G but its like an hour per day, maybe less), browsing, social media, youtube, apple music, email, notes etc. I don't consider myself a heavy user although I do spend a lot of time on Youtube and Twitch.
To X owners, do you think the phone will last 1.5 - 2 days based on the above usage?

 

[kasakka]

I have both X and XS. Got the X for my gf used so I have not extensively tested it yet. I kept the XS for myself because I wanted the latest and greatest and plan to keep my phone for several years. But if you buy used you can find the iPhone X a lot cheaper in pristine condition. IMO there isn't such a huge difference between the two that it shows in real world use, both are fast, smoothly running phones with good cameras.

My usage isn't far off from yours but I don't think the X or XS will last quite that long, depends mostly on how much difference using mostly LTE vs using mostly WiFi makes. I usually have something like 30% battery at the end of the work day as I use my phone to browse social media and websites during breaks and listen to music in transit.

 

[ucfgrad93]

If you can get a substantial saving on the X, I'd go for that. There's nothing wrong with that device really; it's still very powerful and works beautifully on iOS 12.

Of course if we're taking 100 euro difference you might as well get the latest and greatest. If it's 300 euro you're saving I'd say that's enough to justify getting the X.

Agreed. I’d go with the X and save 300€.

 

[Pipper99]

Thanks for your answers.

I was expecting more people to be on XS side.
The issues mentioned above are what I am worrying about, plus the price and imo the minor improvements (except from A12 and camera).

Did anyone test battery life on X and XS? I did watch a couple of vids on youtube showing XS outperforms X but I've also read an article saying X has a better battery. How much on screen time do you guys get?

I rarely use camera and games. I have wifi and bluetooth turned on (sometimes I turn on 4G but its like an hour per day, maybe less), browsing, social media, youtube, apple music, email, notes etc. I don't consider myself a heavy user although I do spend a lot of time on Youtube and Twitch.
To X owners, do you think the phone will last 1.5 - 2 days based on the above usage?

Based on your usage and needs, I think the X would be a great device for you, especially with the significant savings. I think you'd want to charge the X every night, i.e., don't expect a lot more from the battery.

Can you return the X if you find you'd prefer the XS, or is the sale final?

Up until a couple of weeks ago, the X was an amazing phone (it still is). I think you'll be pleased.

I know that you rarely use the camera, but here's a good article on the camera and why it makes the upgrade to the XS worth the dollars: shooting in direct sunlight and SmartHDR. Again, you said you're not a heavy camera user, but it might be worth considering.

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/iphone-xs-smart-hdr,news-28203.html

 

[shieldcy]

The item is on Amazon which, if I'm not wrong, provides a 30 days return policy.
Thanks for the article @Pipper99.
@kasakka 30% at the end of the day using also LTE is kinda ok. I can accept that.

How I am seeing it right now:

iPhone XS:
- In the future it might be able to handle apps and have a much better performance than X due to the new A12 processor. I feel like A12 haven't fully showed us its potential yet.
- Battery life is probably better than X (and it might be more efficient with iOS 13 or 14 because of the processor)
- Face ID is a bit faster which is cool but I am not sure if it is noticeable in everyday use
- Camera is much better (based on articles such as the one Pipper99 posted), not that I care much but it is.
- Speakers are louder
- There's 1GB extra RAM
- More durable than X
- Not a lot of changes to justify the price difference (300€ = 350$ more or less)
- Lots of issues

iPhone X:
- Much cheaper (biggest reason)
- It is almost a year old, most issues are fixed. Haven't heard anything about wifi/lte signals or charging issues. I feel safer to get the X especially when I read almost everyday about the issues the XS has. (hopefully they will be fixed soon, as @Shanghaichica said)
- A11 is pretty good and it should provide a smooth experience for about 3 more years
- Design-wise is the same
- Lighter
- Battery should be almost the same as XS
- For now, performance seems identical to XS



I haven't decided yet but thanks for the comments. They do help.

 

[rjp1]

I had the Xs for a few days, but returning it today. I restored a backup to my X last night and will use it instead. I always had good connection to the internet with the X and no dropped calls. The Xs seems to have major problems when it doesn’t get a strong signal and it looks like it is a hardware issue.

I’d say if you are mainly going to use offline apps and take pictures, then go with the Xs. If you need reliable internet/text/phone calls, then go with the X.

 

[Ffosse]

I'd go for the XS Max. The XS isn't much of an upgrade compared with last year's X. And the display is big and beautiful to behold.

 

[now i see it]

The only redeeming improvement the XS has over the X is a noticeably better camera. But you'll give up finge cellular connectivity (more dropped calls) and perhaps have a persistent battery charging annoyance.
The XS is half baked. It still has too many outstanding bugs that never got worked out before it got launched.

 

[Tulani]

i have just bought an X a few moments ago.
i have always been an Apple client. i am coming from an iPhone 7.
i wanted an upgrade but given the issues that are being raised with the Xs i have just decided to buy the X before they run out and i have saved a few dollar as well.

i am now just finishing setting it up and i have no regrets settling for the X (256gb Space Gray). i also had a new Apple X Silicone Case lying around for the past year which is now handy given incompatibility issues against the new Xs camera size and vice versa.

given the simmering concerns over quality control and pricing, as a company Apple will need to outdo itself on the next year's offering....probably addressing connectivity issues and it might be the year the notch also gets smaller or vanishes completely hence for some of us who have decided to be cautious might go "big" then

for now i have settled for a "safe" option