Apple iPhone XS: unboxing and first look

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Psst! Looking for the bigger iPhone XS Max? Check out our iPhone XS Max unboxing right here!

Apple caused a significant stir last year when they introduced the iPhone X, which not only set itself apart from its previous offerings with a dramatic design makeover, but also pushing the limits in terms of pricing. For its successor, the iPhone XS, Apple predictably follows the same procedure it has done in previous years by retaining the same design while upgrading the hardware. We just got in our unit, so we’re putting it through the proper unboxing treatment!

Inside the box:

  • iPhone XS
  • EarPods with Lighting Connector
  • Lightning to USB Cable
  • USB Power Adapter
  • User Manuals
  • Apple Decals

Apple's packaging has been relatively consistent with each release, and there’s nothing terribly out of place this time around with the iPhone XS. The box itself bears the typical minimalist qualities we’ve seen countless times, so that means a few brandings around the packaging, a quick list of what’s included on the back, and an image of the iPhone XS that’s scaled to size. All your typical standard fanfare from Apple.

Of course, the iPhone XS is the standout item inside of the box, which comes with the usual set of goodies. They include the EarPods, Lightning cable, wall adapter, user manuals, and yes, those Apple decals.

Same looks, upgraded hardware


Our particular unit is the $999 64GB base model in silver, which looks whiter in tone than anything else, but other color options include space grey and the new gold one. Technically speaking, the design here with the iPhone XS is no different from last year’s iPhone X – so there’s not as much of the wow factor involved with this unboxing. Regardless of that, the phone feels incredibly solid and familiar, to the point that it’s indistinguishable from its predecessor.

Underneath it all, however, we know that the iPhone XS does indeed pack some marked improvements with the new hardware. If we’re to take a peek at the phone’s specs, they may not be all too different from its predecessor. Take for example the Super Retina HD display with that notorious notch. The resolution and size are identical, but Apple claims superior performance in the form of being greater dynamic range with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support. The same can also be said about the rest of the hardware, like the processor, dual-cameras, and the new sensors used for its TrueDepth camera for Face ID.

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Being that “S” device, we can expect the typical incremental improvements, but we’re most eager to see if there’s any substantial justification for going with the upgrade. We’ll save our judgement for now until we put it through some proper testing. Expect our in-depth review soon!

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