Review iPhone XS 256GB

CHOICE Expert rating

This is the product's overall performance score, based on key tests conducted by our industry experts in the CHOICE labs.

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We recommend smartphones with a CHOICE Expert Rating of 75% or more.

This overall score is made up of: Display [15%], performance [15%], battery life [10%], main camera [10%], music quality [5%], video quality [10%], touchscreen [5%], selfie camera [5%], calling sound quality [5%], GPS [5%], ease of use [5%], durability [5%], and privacy and security [5%].

We measure the processor performance as well as assess the storage capacity and available RAM.

We measure the quality of the sound on calls using a listening panel.

We assess how well the phone performs as a digital camera in day and night conditions.

The selfie camera performance is an assessment of the photo quality when using the camera to put the person holding the mobile in the shot.

Sound score is based on the quality of sound from the integrated speakers and listening through high quality headphones.

We test video quality by capturing video in studio conditions, both at rest and in motion.

We test the touchscreen quality, including the speed of refresh and accuracy of operation.

We test how well the mobile performs when writing and receiving text messages as well as email and social apps such as messenger and Facebook.

We measure the phone's GPS performance for accuracy and speed.

We assess the size of the display as well as quality of the image with regard to sharpness and colour clarity.

We drop the phone from a table or out of a shirt pocket up to 25 times; store the phones in hot, damp conditions; and carry out a rain test.

If a mobile performs well in other areas relating to charging then the overall Battery score can be higher. This would include the ability to wireless charge or the ability to achieve 70% or more capacity on a 15 minute charge.

Privacy and security performance includes the ability to easily reset the phone and wipe personal information as well as the provision of an easy to read T&C document supplied when setting up the phone for the first time. We also check to see if the automatic update process is transparent and opt in rather than opt out.

This is the battery life you can expect from your mobile after charging for 15 minutes using the supplied charger.

'Tested model' means you ought to be able to find this in retailers. We check availability every time we test, which is about 610 times a year.

Recommended retail price at time of purchase.

These models performed well for the main camera and the video performance and would be a good option for travel or parties. The selfie camera score is scored separately and mobiles that score well in this area are good if you want to be in your own photo.

All models support b and g speeds. Most new models support n and ac speeds while some support the latest ax standard also known as WiFi 6. The number in brackets is another term commonly shown for WiFi speeds with WiFi 5 and 6 being the fastest.

UHD or 4K video capture is standard for the latest mobiles but some older models may only deliver HD video capture.

Handy for things like tap'n'pay, and faster connections to wireless speakers.

Some smartphones still support FM radio when you use the wired headphone as an antenna.

The gyroscope changes the orientation on your phone. For example, when you're looking at a photo and the image automatically turns from portrait to landscape when you move the phone.

This shows the resolution of the main camera. However once you get above 16MP don't be swayed by the larger number.

Also known as the 'selfie' camera

A phone with a 3.5mm jack will let you use a standard set of headphones to listen to music. USB-C and Lightning connections force you to use special headphones that are often expensive and of variable quality. Alternatives include wireless Bluetooth headphones.

A memory card is a good expandable memory option to store photos, video and music.

The higher the Bluetooth version the more efficient it is for power saving and security

Internal memory is the storage on the phone itself which will be used to contain both the Operating System [OS] as well as any other stuff you want to keep on your phone such as photos, video, apps etc.

This is the internal memory of your phone, less the memory taken up with storing the operating system [OS] and other apps the phone comes shipped with. You'll most likely have around 6GB less than the claimed amount to store your own content.

The specific absorption rate [SAR] of the phone indicates the amount of energy per kilogram of body weight absorbed when using the phone as claimed by the manufacturer. Although evidence relating to exposure to electromagnetic fields remains inconclusive, you may want to choose a model with a lower SAR value if this is a concern to you.

Screen size in inches [measured diagonally].

While not crucial to have on your mobile yet, if you are spending more than $1,000 on a smartphone it would seem support for the fastest available network is a must if you want to keep your mobile for more than a couple of years.

4G or LTE [long term evolution] is a wireless standard to get faster online performance from your mobile phone.

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