Apple iPhone XS Price in Kenya
The Apple iPhone XS price in Kenya is 33,000 for the 256 GB 4 GB RAM storage variant at Silkroom Electronics. It delivers a sleek stainless‑steel design, a vibrant OLED display, and dual‑camera versatility, making it a solid choice for users who want a compact yet powerful iPhone with Face ID and wireless charging.
📱 Immersive Display & Performance
The iPhone XS features a 5.8‑inch Super Retina OLED with 1125 × 2436 resolution, HDR10, and Dolby Vision support for crisp colors and deep blacks. Its A12 Bionic chip with 4 GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking and app performance, running iOS 17 reliably for daily productivity, streaming, and gaming. The compact size makes it ideal for one‑handed use without compromising on power.
📷 Camera Experience
It sports a dual 12 MP rear camera setup, including a wide f/1.8 lens with OIS and a telephoto f/2.4 lens offering 2× optical zoom. Smart HDR enhances photos, while 4K@60fps and 1080p@240fps slow‑motion capture professional‑quality video. The 7 MP TrueDepth front camera delivers sharp selfies, Portrait Mode, and 1080p recording, while also enabling Face ID authentication.
🔋 Battery, Charging & Build
With a 2658 mAh battery, the iPhone XS provides reliable all‑day use. It supports 15W fast charging via Lightning and Qi wireless charging. Its glass‑and‑stainless‑steel construction is IP68 water and dust resistant, with stereo speakers for immersive audio.
💎 Why It’s Worth It
The iPhone XS is a refined compact flagship with premium build quality, smooth performance, and versatile cameras. While it lacks ultra‑wide or 5G support, its OLED display, wireless charging, and strong ecosystem make it a dependable, stylish iPhone for everyday use.
Apple iPhone XS Full Specifications
Versions:
A2097 (Global market)
A1920 (USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands)
A2100 (China, Hong Kong); A2098 (Japan)
The iPhone XS features a 5.8″ Super Retina OLED with HDR10, powered by the Apple A12 Bionic and 4 GB RAM. It has a dual 12 MP rear camera system with OIS, a 7 MP TrueDepth front camera, and a 2658 mAh battery supporting fast and Qi wireless charging. It shipped with iOS 12 and is upgradeable to iOS 17.
Display
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Super Retina OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Size | 5.8 inches (~82.9 % screen‑to‑body) |
| Resolution | 1125 × 2436 px (~458 ppi) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Brightness | ~625 nits (typical) |
| Protection | Scratch‑resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Aspect Ratio | 19.5:9 |
| Always-on Display | ❌ |
Performance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) |
| CPU | Hexa-core (2× Vortex + 4× Tempest) up to 2.49 GHz |
| GPU | Apple 4‑core GPU |
| RAM | 4 GB LPDDR4X |
Storage
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Internal Options | 64 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB NVMe |
| Expandable | ❌ No microSD |
Camera
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | – 12 MP wide (f/1.8, OIS) – 12 MP telephoto (f/2.4, OIS, 2× zoom) |
| Features | PDAF, HDR, quad‑LED dual-tone flash, Portrait Mode |
| Video (Rear) | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Front Camera | 7 MP (f/2.2) with 3D depth sensing |
| Video (Front) | 1080p@30/60fps |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2658 mAh Li‑Ion, non-removable |
| Wired Charging | 15 W fast charging via Lightning |
| Wireless Charging | ✔️ Qi wireless charging |
| Reverse Charging | ❌ |
Software & Updates
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| OS | iOS 12, upgradable to iOS 17 |
| Software Support | Last supported: iOS 17 |
| AI Features | Face ID, Smart HDR, Animoji |
Connectivity
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| SIM | Nano‑SIM + eSIM |
| Wi‑Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band), hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE |
| GNSS | GPS with A‑GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS |
| NFC | ✔️ Apple Pay |
| USB | Lightning connector (USB 2.0) |
| Infrared | ❌ |
| FM Radio | ❌ |
Security & Sensors
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fingerprint | ❌ None (Face ID only) |
| Face Unlock | ✔️ 3D Face ID |
| Other Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer, Compass |
Build & Design
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 143.6 × 70.9 × 7.7 mm |
| Weight | ~177 g |
| Materials | Glass front and back, stainless steel frame |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IP68 (up to 2 m for 30 min) |
| Colors | Space Gray, Silver, Gold |
Audio & Extras
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Speakers | Stereo speakers |
| Headphone Jack | ❌ |
| Extras | Taptic Engine, Apple Pay, Face ID |
Price in Kenya
| Variant | Price in Kenya |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone XS 64 GB | KSh 33,000 |
| Apple iPhone XS 256 GB | KSh 36,000 |
| Apple iPhone XS 512 GB | KSh 44,000 |
Apple iPhone XS Compare & Alternatives
Why Choose Apple iPhone XS?
The iPhone XS, released in 2018, features a 5.8″ Super Retina OLED display with HDR10 and Dolby Vision for rich contrast and vibrant visuals. Its stainless steel and glass body supports IP68 water resistance and wireless charging, delivering a premium and durable experience. Powered by the A12 Bionic chip with 4 GB RAM, it runs apps and games smoothly, while the dual 12 MP rear cameras with Smart HDR produce sharp photos and 2× optical zoom for versatile shooting.
Performance & Battery
In daily use, the iPhone XS feels fluid and responsive, handling multitasking, social apps, and gaming with ease. Its 2,658 mAh battery generally lasts a day of moderate use, and fast charging plus Qi wireless charging make it easy to top up. Thermal performance is well‑managed under typical workloads, and iOS optimization keeps animations smooth. Shipped with iOS 12, it supports up to iOS 17, giving it extended longevity for apps and security.
Alternatives to Apple iPhone XS
Apple iPhone X – 5.8″ OLED, A11 Bionic
Compared to the XS, it’s slightly slower, with shorter battery life and no Smart HDR, though the design is nearly identical.
Apple iPhone XR – 6.1″ LCD, single camera
Compared to the XS, it offers longer battery life and a bigger screen, but lacks OLED and dual‑camera versatility.
Apple iPhone 11 – 6.1″ LCD, dual cameras
Compared to the XS, it delivers better low‑light photos, faster A13 performance, and longer iOS support, but with an LCD display.
🧭 Which One’s Right for You?
- Choose iPhone XS if you want a compact premium iPhone with OLED and dual cameras.
- Pick iPhone X if you prefer a similar design at a lower cost and can skip Smart HDR.
- Go for iPhone XR if you want longer battery life and a larger display in a simpler package.
- Opt for iPhone 11 if you value better low‑light photography and future‑proof performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the iPhone XS launched and when did it go on sale?
Apple unveiled the iPhone XS on September 12, 2018, with pre-orders beginning September 14 and official sales launching on September 21, 2018.
What are the display size and build materials used?
It features a 5.8‑inch Super Retina OLED display (2436×1125 px, ~458 ppi) with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. The body has glass front and back, a stainless steel frame, and offers IP68 dust and water resistance up to 2 m for 30 minutes.
Which chipset, RAM, and storage options are available?
Powered by the Apple A12 Bionic chip with 4 GB RAM, it came in 64 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of storage. No microSD support is available.
How long does the battery last and is charging fast?
The iPhone XS includes a built-in Li‑ion battery. Benchmarks and reviews cited typical endurance similar to other A12 models—around 75–80 hours of mixed usage, though real-world battery life can vary depending on age. It supports Qi wireless charging and fast charging via USB‑C to Lightning (~50% charge in 30 minutes with 15 W adapter).
What can you expect from the cameras?
The rear camera module includes dual 12 MP lenses—a wide f/1.8 with OIS and a 2× telephoto f/2.4 sensor with OIS and Smart HDR support. Video recording includes 4K@24/30/60 fps and slow motion at 1080p@240 fps. The front camera is 7 MP (f/2.2) capable of Face ID and 1080p recording.
What biometric unlock options does it offer?
It supports Face ID facial recognition using the TrueDepth camera system. No fingerprint sensor is included—Touch ID was dropped after the iPhone 8 series.
Which versions of iOS does the iPhone XS support?
This model originally shipped with iOS 12 and is supported through iOS 18. Apple confirmed that iOS 19 (renumbered as iOS 26 in 2025) will no longer be supported on the iPhone XS, making iOS 18 its final major update.
What are common issues or limitations reported with the iPhone XS?
Users report battery wear as the primary concern; aging batteries often deliver reduced uptime and unexpected shutdowns. Restoring Face ID functionality or managing low storage (especially on 64 GB models) can also be challenges. While 3D Touch is included, it may stop responding reliably over time. Users on Reddit note the camera isn’t as sharp as modern sensors, though overall usability remains strong.
Is the iPhone XS still usable in 2025?
Yes—it remains a broadly usable smartphone in 2025, particularly if it’s maintained with a healthy battery and sufficient free storage (ideally 128 GB or more). Many Reddit users confirm it's still stable on iOS 18 for daily tasks, though it may heat up with modern apps and battery performance degrades over time.
The iPhone XS benefited from about six years of iOS updates, from iOS 12 through iOS 18. However, it will not receive iOS 19/iOS 26 and therefore stops receiving new feature updates. While critical security patches may still be delivered for a while, its app compatibility window is closing fast. Users should consider this device as legacy hardware best suited to backup or secondary use—unless key apps or security support are still viable.