
When it was first released, the iPhone XS was certainly the best iPhone we’d seen - with its enhanced camera, superb display and all-round premier performance. But does the XS justify its hefty price tag - and is it worth upgrading?
As the iPhone XS is a relatively recent release, you won’t perhaps notice a huge price difference between a new and a refurbished mobile contract. But with every new Apple release, you will see savings on refurbished XS contracts.
Best refurbished iPhone XS deals this week
What's the difference between a refurbished iPhone XS and a brand-new model?
A refurbished phone is an unwanted handset that has been returned to a mobile supplier or network for whatever reason - possibly due to a fault or the owner simply changed their mind.
If it’s refurbished, it means the phone has been restored to its factory settings and given a thorough maintenance check and repair.
Why choose a second-hand over a brand-new model?
Here’s a few reasons why you might want to opt for a refurbished phone:
- It's cheaper - because a refurbished phone isn’t fresh out of the box, it’ll be cheaper than buying a brand-new model.
- Warranty - if you buy from an established retailer or one of the major networks, you’ll likely get a warranty. The warranty usually lasts around 12-months, though the time period will vary depending on the manufacturer.
- Lots of choice over which device, network and allowance.
- It's eco-friendly - naturally, recycling phones is better for the environment.
Search our deals table of mobile networks and retailers to find a refurbished iPhone XS deal.
Use the filters to find the right tariff of minutes, texts and data and storage options. You can also vary the balance between your monthly fee and any upfront cost.
Is the refurbished iPhone XS worth buying?
Much was made of Apple’s iPhone X when it came out - boasting a new look and some unique features. Picking up where the X left off, the iPhone XS flaunts its flagship status to excellent effect.
Making strides in the performance and battery departments, the XS is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which means it’s a lot faster than previous iPhone models. The iPhone XS battery also gives you 30 minutes more power than the iPhone X.

A 5.8in OLED screen means super-sharp displays complete with ultra-high pixel density that supports Dolby Vision and HDR10. In other words: striking colour and a superbly clear picture.
The iPhone XS’s real icing on the cake is its camera upgrade, with its rear dual-camera and a new, super-powerful 7MP sensor on the front - giving you photos a pro would be pleased with.
Throw in improvements to storage (there’s a weighty 512GB option), improved facial recognition technology, and even better sound quality than previous models and you should be set.
For some, however, the XS’s price may simply be too steep. Also, fingerprint recognition has been dropped, the iPhone XS does tend to scratch a little too easily and it doesn’t come with a fast charger. You can get this model in Space Grey, silver and gold.
What's the difference between a refurbished and nearly new handset?
As the name suggests, a nearly new handset is one that has been returned within seven days. More often than not these handsets would have only left their box a few times.
More phones like the refurbished iPhone XS
If the iPhone XS isn't for you, check out similar refurbished handsets below:
- Apple iPhone 8
- Apple iPhone X
- Apple iPhone XS Max
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
- Huawei P20 Pro
- Huawei P20 Mate Pro
Alternatively, if you'd prefer a brand-new version of the iPhone XS, we list some of the biggest networks and best deals in the UK here on comparemymobile.co.uk.
iPhone XS specs
Manufacturer | Apple |
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Operating System | iOS |
Sim Card Type | Nano |
Accelerometer | Yes |
---|---|
Proximity | Yes |
Compass | Yes |
Barometer | Yes |
Gyroscope | Yes |
GPS | No |
Form Factor | Candy Bar |
---|---|
Thickness | 7.7 mm |
Size | 70.9mm x 7.7mm x 143.6mm |
Weight | 177 g |
Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
---|---|
Capacity | 2658 mah |
Standby | hours |
Talktime | 20 hours |
Display Size | 5.8 inches |
---|---|
Screen Type | Super AMOLED |
Resolution | 1125 x 2436 inches |
Pixels Per Inch | 458 ppi |
Touch Screen Type | Capacitive |
CPU | 2490 mhz |
---|---|
Processor Cores | 6 Cores Cores |
Memory | 4000 MB |
Internal Storage | 64, 256, 512 |
---|---|
External Storage | No |
Primary Camera | 12 MP |
---|---|
Flash | Yes |
LED Flash | |
GEO Tagging | Yes |
Auto Focus | Yes |
Fixed Focus | Yes |
Touch Focus | |
Face Detection | Yes |
Smile Detection | |
Image Stabilisation | Yes |
Video Quality | 2160p |
2nd Camera | 7 MP |
Generation | 4G |
---|---|
Frequency | Dual-band |
NFC | No |
Wi-Fi | No |
Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
Wi-Fi Direct | No |
Bluetooth | No |
USB | No |
Loudspeaker | Yes |
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