Refurbished iPhone X, XR, XS & XS Max UK Buying Guide

Should You Buy a Refurbished iPhone X, XR, XS or XS Max in the UK?

Let's be upfront: these are the oldest iPhones The Tech Gadgets sells. The iPhone X launched in 2017 and the XR, XS, and XS Max followed in 2018 — which makes every model in this guide seven to eight years old in 2026. None of them support 5G. The iPhone X is capped at iOS 16 and no longer receives new iOS versions at all. The XR, XS, and XS Max are capped at iOS 18. If you're after a primary phone with the newest apps, the fastest 5G data, or years of future software updates ahead of it, this is not that guide — look at our iPhone 13 series or iPhone 15 series buying guides instead.

But if what you actually need is a genuinely cheap, unlocked iPhone that makes calls, sends texts, runs WhatsApp and email, and gives a kid, a parent, or a spare-phone drawer a reliable device without spending flagship money, these four models — refurbished, unlocked, and backed by a 12-month warranty — are exactly that. This guide is deliberately blunt about their age, their software ceiling, and where each one stops making sense, so you can buy with your eyes open.

Shop Refurbished iPhone X, XR, XS & XS Max

Prices vary by storage, colour and condition grade — check each product page for live pricing.

Comparison: iPhone X vs XR vs XS vs XS Max

Apple specifies all four with Face ID, Lightning charging, 4G LTE only (no 5G on any of them), Qi wireless charging, and IP67 or IP68 splash resistance. None of them support MagSafe or USB-C.

Buyer Match: Which One Fits You?

Which Should You Buy? Understanding Two Different Generations

It's easy to lump these four together because they all look similar and Apple sold them around the same time, but they are not one generation. The iPhone X launched in September 2017 as its own standalone flagship — the first iPhone with an OLED screen and Face ID, running Apple's older A11 Bionic chip. A full year later, in September and October 2018, Apple replaced it with three separate models: the iPhone XS, the iPhone XS Max, and the iPhone XR — all built around the newer, faster A12 Bionic chip. The XS and XS Max are effectively the direct, faster successors to the X. The XR sits alongside them as the same generation's lower-cost model, swapping the OLED screen for LCD and the dual camera for a single lens to hit a lower price point.

In practice this means: if you see "X" in a listing, that's the 2017 original with the oldest chip and the shortest remaining software runway. If you see "XR", "XS" or "XS Max", that's the 2018 generation — one step newer, with a faster chip and an extra year of iOS updates. Don't assume XR is older or lesser than X because the letters look similar; it's actually the newer generation.

iPhone X: The Original

Apple specifies a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, the A11 Bionic chip, and a dual 12MP rear camera (Wide and 2x Telephoto) with an f/1.8 and f/2.4 aperture. The iPhone X was the first iPhone to drop the Home button and Touch ID in favour of Face ID and an edge-to-edge screen — the design template every iPhone since has followed. It launched in September 2017. It's the oldest device in this range, it runs the oldest chip, and it's the only model here without eSIM support (Nano-SIM only). It's also the only one of the four whose iOS support has fully ended: Apple capped the iPhone X at iOS 16. Refurbished, it's the cheapest way into a genuine OLED, Face ID iPhone — but it should be considered a budget or backup device, not a long-term primary phone.

iPhone XR: The Budget 2018 Option

Apple specifies a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display (not OLED), the A12 Bionic chip, and a single 12MP Wide camera at f/1.8. The XR was Apple's way of bringing the X-generation design — Face ID, edge-to-edge screen — to a lower price point by using an LCD screen and one rear lens instead of two. The trade-off works in the XR's favour in one respect: LCD screens draw less power than OLED, and Apple specifies up to 16 hours of video playback when new, the longest of any model in this guide. It launched in October 2018 and is capped at iOS 18, same as the XS and XS Max. It's also the only model in this X-era range, alongside the XS and XS Max, that supports eSIM for dual-SIM use.

iPhone XS: The Compact Upgrade

Apple specifies a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, the A12 Bionic chip, and a dual 12MP camera system with improved Smart HDR processing over the iPhone X. Same screen size and design as the X, but a genuinely faster chip, better photo processing, and eSIM support for dual-SIM use. Launched September 2018, capped at iOS 18. If you want the compact form factor of the original X with meaningfully better day-to-day performance, this is the model.

iPhone XS Max: The Large-Screen Flagship

Apple specifies a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display — the largest screen and, per Apple's specifications, the longest battery life (up to 15 hours video playback when new) of any model in this range — alongside the same A12 Bionic chip and dual camera system as the XS. It launched alongside the XS in September 2018 and is capped at iOS 18. It's the most expensive of the four here, reflecting its size and screen real estate, but it remains the largest and most premium option in this older line-up.

iPhone XR vs XS: LCD vs OLED, and Single vs Dual Camera

These two get confused constantly because the names look almost identical, so here's the plain difference. The XR uses an LCD screen; the XS uses an OLED screen. OLED produces deeper blacks, higher contrast, and richer colour, because each pixel lights itself individually rather than sitting in front of a backlight. LCD is a perfectly good, bright, sharp screen — Apple's Liquid Retina LCD in the XR is a genuinely good example of the technology — but it won't match the XS's contrast or true blacks side by side.

Camera-wise, the XR has one rear lens (a 12MP Wide), while the XS and XS Max have two (Wide plus 2x Telephoto). That second lens on the XS gives you real optical zoom and generally better Portrait mode results with more natural background blur, because the phone can use actual depth data from two cameras rather than software estimation from one. If photography quality and screen contrast matter more to you than price, step up to the XS. If you're comfortable with a single competent camera and a bright LCD screen — and you'd rather save the difference — the XR remains the better value pick, with the added benefit of the longest battery life of the range.

iPhone XS vs XS Max: Size Is the Only Real Difference

Once you're choosing between the XS and XS Max, the decision is almost entirely about screen size and how the phone feels in your hand. Both run the same A12 Bionic chip, both have the same dual-camera system, both have the same OLED display technology, and both support the same storage tiers and eSIM. The XS Max's 6.5-inch screen is noticeably larger than the XS's 5.8-inch, which makes it better for video, reading, and browsing, but also makes it a bigger, heavier phone that's harder to use one-handed and less pocketable. Apple's specified battery life is slightly longer on the Max too, simply because there's more room inside for a bigger cell. If you want the biggest screen this generation offers, buy the XS Max. If you'd rather have a smaller, easier-to-handle phone with an identical camera and chip, buy the XS and save some money in the process.

iPhone X vs XS: Is the Newer Model Worth the Extra Cost?

Both the X and the XS share the same 5.8-inch OLED screen size and dual-camera layout, which is exactly why they get confused for each other. The real differences are under the hood. The XS runs the newer A12 Bionic chip, which Apple specifies as a meaningful step up in both CPU and GPU performance over the X's A11 Bionic — noticeable in everyday responsiveness and how long the phone stays comfortable to use as apps get heavier over time. The XS also adds eSIM support, which the X lacks entirely, and improved Smart HDR photo processing. Most importantly for long-term use: the X's software support has already ended at iOS 16, while the XS continues to receive iOS 18 security updates. If your budget can stretch to the XS, the extra year of chip performance and software support makes it the more future-proof buy of the two — but if you genuinely just need the cheapest possible working iPhone for light use, the X still does the job.

Which Has the Best Camera?

The XS and XS Max share the best camera system in this range: the same dual 12MP Wide and Telephoto setup as the iPhone X, but with Apple's improved Smart HDR image processing layered on top for better dynamic range and detail in tricky lighting. The iPhone X's dual camera is close behind — same hardware, slightly older processing. The XR's single 12MP camera is capable for everyday photos, good in daylight, and still supports Portrait mode through software depth estimation, but it can't match the optical zoom or the more natural background blur of a genuine two-lens system. If camera quality is your main priority in this range, choose XS or XS Max; if it's a lower priority than price, the XR (or the X) will still take perfectly usable photos for social media, messaging and everyday memories.

What Storage Size Do You Need?

Storage in this range tops out lower than on newer iPhones: the X and XR are available in 64GB or 128GB, while the XS and XS Max stretch to 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB (with 512GB currently out of stock at The Tech Gadgets on both models — check the product pages for live availability).

Given these are older devices with a fixed software ceiling, we'd steer most buyers toward 64GB or 128GB rather than paying extra for 256GB+ — the phone itself is more likely to be replaced due to age than genuinely filled up, unless you plan to store a large personal photo library locally.

What Does "Refurbished" Mean at The Tech Gadgets?

Every iPhone X, XR, XS and XS Max sold by The Tech Gadgets is a previously owned device that has been professionally inspected, function-tested, and graded before resale — not a new phone, and not sold as one. Given the age of these models, a refurbished unit is genuinely the only way to buy them at all; Apple stopped selling any of them new years ago. Refurbished at this age typically means the phone has been through at least one prior owner, has been checked for full functionality (calling, Wi-Fi, camera, Face ID, charging, buttons, screen), and is sold at a price that reflects both its age and its cosmetic condition grade.

Condition Grades Explained

The Tech Gadgets grades every refurbished device into one of four condition tiers: Like New, Excellent, Very Good, or Fair. Exact cosmetic grading criteria for each tier are not published on this page — check the product photos and description for your selected condition and model before ordering, and contact The Tech Gadgets directly if you need clarification on what a specific grade looks like for a specific unit. Given the age of these phones, even a "Like New" grade should be understood in the context of a device that is seven-plus years old — expect it to look excellent for its age, not indistinguishable from new.

Are They Unlocked?

Yes — all four models are sold fully unlocked and are not tied to any UK network. That means they should work on EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, and most virtual networks that run on those infrastructures, as well as international carriers, once you insert a compatible SIM. One distinction worth knowing: the iPhone X only supports a physical Nano-SIM, while the XR, XS, and XS Max all support both Nano-SIM and eSIM, meaning they can run two numbers on one device — the X cannot do this. All four are 4G-only; none of them will connect to a 5G network under any circumstances, regardless of your network provider or SIM.

What's Included in the Box?

Exact box contents are not confirmed on the product pages for these listings — check with The Tech Gadgets via the contact page, email (info@thetechgadgets.co.uk), or WhatsApp (+44 7563 734444) before ordering if specific accessories (cable, adapter, original box) matter to your purchase decision. Given the age of these devices, don't assume original Apple packaging or accessories are included by default — confirm first.

What About Battery Health?

This is the single most important practical question to ask before buying any phone this old, and we want to be direct about it: these batteries are seven to eight years old. Even a battery that's never been swapped and has been looked after will have measurably less capacity today than when the phone was new — that's simple lithium-ion chemistry, not a fault. Exact battery health percentages are not published on these product pages, so if this matters to your decision — and for a phone this age, it probably should — contact The Tech Gadgets before ordering to ask about the specific unit's battery health. Also note: battery performance and degradation are explicitly excluded from the 12-month warranty on every device The Tech Gadgets sells, so factor a realistic near-term battery replacement cost into your budget if you plan to keep the phone for a while.

Is a Refurbished iPhone X, XR or XS Still Worth Buying in 2026?

Here's the honest answer, and it depends entirely on which model and what you need it for. All four are capped on software: the iPhone X stops at iOS 16 and will never receive another iOS version — Apple ended its update cycle. The XR, XS, and XS Max stop at iOS 18 and, as of late 2025, no longer receive new iOS versions either (iOS 26 and beyond require newer hardware), though they continue to get iOS 18 security patches for now. In practice, this means: apps that require the newest iOS version will eventually stop updating or stop working on these phones; some newer apps and app updates may already refuse to install; and while security patches continue for now on the 2018 models, that will not last forever, and the iPhone X is already past that point entirely.

What does this mean for a real buyer? If you want a phone for calls, texts, WhatsApp, email, browsing, and the everyday apps you use today, all four models will do that job right now, and the XR/XS/XS Max will likely keep doing it acceptably for a couple more years given their newer chip and later iOS ceiling. If you want a phone that will comfortably run whatever apps and security patches exist in three-plus years' time, none of these four are the right purchase — that's what our newer-generation guides are for. We'd rather tell you this clearly now than have you discover it after an app stops installing.

Why Buy This Instead of a Newer iPhone?

We're not going to pretend these compete with a current iPhone on capability — they don't, and they were never sold new alongside one either. The honest case for these four models is budget and purpose: a genuinely low-cost, unlocked, Face-ID iPhone for calls and basic apps; a first phone for a child or teenager where you don't want to hand over an expensive current-generation device; a backup or travel phone you won't be devastated to lose or damage; or simply the cheapest legitimate way into the iPhone ecosystem and iOS's accessibility and ease of use. If any of those match what you actually need, these are sound, honestly-priced options. If you need a phone to last you five more years, spend more and look newer.

How Much Does a Refurbished iPhone X, XR or XS Cost?

Exact pricing for the iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max depends on storage capacity, colour and condition grade. Check live pricing and stock on each product page: iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max.

Where to Buy in the UK

The Tech Gadgets is based in Manchester, UK (01 Broughton Lane, Manchester, M8 9TY) and dispatches orders same-day when placed before 3pm Monday to Friday. Every device — X, XR, XS or XS Max — comes with a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional faults (excluding battery, physical, water, and electrical damage) and a 30-day return window from delivery. Browse the full refurbished iPhone collection or the wider mobile phones range.

Your Buying Check Before You Order

• Confirm which generation you're buying: iPhone X (2017, oldest, iOS 16 ceiling) versus XR/XS/XS Max (2018, newer chip, iOS 18 ceiling)
• Decide LCD (XR) versus OLED (X, XS, XS Max) based on how much screen quality matters to you
• Decide single camera (XR) versus dual camera (X, XS, XS Max) based on how much photography matters to you
• Pick a storage tier realistic for a phone you'll likely keep 1-3 years, not 5+
• Contact The Tech Gadgets before ordering if battery health percentage or box contents matter to your decision
• Understand that none of these four support 5G, MagSafe, or USB-C, and only the XR/XS/XS Max support eSIM
• Accept the iOS ceiling for your chosen model and what that means for future app compatibility
• Check the condition grade and photos for your specific listing, not just the headline price

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming "iPhone X" and "iPhone XS" are the same phone — they're a full generation apart, with different chips and different software ceilings
• Assuming the XR is older or lesser than the X because of the letter similarity — the XR is actually the newer 2018 generation
• Assuming the XR has an OLED screen — it's LCD, a genuine and noticeable difference from the XS and XS Max
• Assuming the XR has a dual camera — it has one rear lens, not two
• Buying the iPhone X expecting years of future iOS updates — its software support has already ended at iOS 16
• Not checking battery health before buying a phone this old, when battery issues aren't covered by the warranty
• Assuming any of these four support 5G — none of them do, on any network
• Assuming the iPhone X supports eSIM — it doesn't; only the XR, XS and XS Max do
• Overpaying for 512GB storage on a phone likely to be replaced by age before it's ever filled
• Expecting original retail box contents without confirming with the seller first
• Treating "Like New" cosmetic grading as equivalent to a brand-new phone's condition
• Buying purely on price without considering how many more years of security patches the model realistically has left
• Confusing the XS Max with a "Pro Max" model — the Max naming here refers only to screen size within the X-generation, not a separate premium tier
• Assuming MagSafe charging works — none of these four support MagSafe; only Qi wireless and wired Lightning charging

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the iPhone X, XR, XS and XS Max?

The iPhone X (2017) is its own generation with the A11 Bionic chip. The XR, XS and XS Max (2018) share the newer A12 Bionic chip; the XR uses an LCD screen and single camera, while the XS and XS Max use OLED screens and dual cameras, differing mainly in screen size (5.8" vs 6.5").

Is the iPhone XR newer than the iPhone X?

Yes. Despite the similar name, the XR launched in October 2018, a year after the iPhone X, and uses the newer A12 Bionic chip.

Does the iPhone XR have an OLED screen?

No. The XR uses a Liquid Retina LCD display. Only the iPhone X, XS and XS Max in this range have OLED screens.

Do any of these support 5G?

No. The iPhone X, XR, XS and XS Max are all 4G LTE only. None of them can connect to a 5G network under any circumstances.

Is this iPhone X, XR, XS or XS Max still supported by Apple?

Partially, and it varies by model. Apple capped the iPhone X's software updates at iOS 16 — it will never receive iOS 17, 18 or later. The XR, XS and XS Max are capped at iOS 18 and, while they continue to receive iOS 18 security patches for now, they do not receive iOS 26 or later. None of the four will get further major iOS feature updates.

What does it mean if a phone no longer receives iOS updates?

New apps and app updates that require a newer iOS version may fail to install or may stop working over time, and once security patches also stop, the device becomes gradually more exposed to software vulnerabilities. For light, everyday use this often isn't an immediate problem, but it's a real limitation to factor into how long you expect to keep the phone.

Do these phones have Face ID?

Yes, all four. The iPhone X introduced Face ID in 2017, replacing Touch ID and the Home button, and every model since — including the XR, XS and XS Max — has it too.

Do these phones have Touch ID instead?

No. None of the four models in this guide have Touch ID or a Home button; all use Face ID exclusively.

Which has the best camera?

The iPhone XS and XS Max share the best camera setup here — a dual 12MP system with improved Smart HDR processing. The iPhone X's dual camera is very close behind. The XR's single-lens camera is capable but can't match the optical zoom or background-blur quality of the dual-camera models.

Are they unlocked?

Yes, all four are sold fully unlocked and should work with EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, and most other UK and international networks with a compatible SIM.

Do they support eSIM?

The XR, XS and XS Max all support eSIM alongside a physical Nano-SIM, enabling dual-SIM use. The iPhone X does not support eSIM at all — Nano-SIM only.

Is the battery good on a refurbished unit this old?

Expect noticeably reduced capacity compared to new, given these batteries are seven to eight years old. Exact battery health isn't published on the product pages — contact The Tech Gadgets before ordering to check a specific unit, and note that battery wear is excluded from the 12-month warranty.

What's the maximum storage available?

The iPhone X and XR are available up to 128GB. The iPhone XS and XS Max are available up to 512GB, though 512GB is currently out of stock on both — check the product pages for live availability.

Do they charge with USB-C?

No. All four use Apple's Lightning connector, not USB-C, and none support MagSafe. They do support Qi wireless charging.

What condition grades are available?

Like New, Excellent, Very Good, and Fair. Check the product photos for your selected grade and model, as exact cosmetic criteria aren't listed on the page — contact The Tech Gadgets if you need more detail.

Is there a warranty?

Yes, every device includes a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional faults. Battery issues, physical damage, water damage and electrical/short-circuit damage are excluded.

What's the return policy?

30 days from delivery. Contact The Tech Gadgets before sending any return.

Should I buy one of these or save up for a newer iPhone?

If you need the absolute cheapest working, unlocked iPhone for basic use, a backup device, or a first phone for a child, these are honest, budget-appropriate choices. If you want years of future software support and 5G, save up and look at a newer generation instead.

Final Word: Buy the Right One for the Right Reason

Of the four, the iPhone XR is the strongest all-round budget pick thanks to its newer chip, biggest battery, and lowest starting price. The iPhone XS is the best balance of OLED screen quality, dual camera, and compact size. The iPhone XS Max is the one to choose if screen size is your priority. The iPhone X is the cheapest way in, but carries the shortest remaining software runway of the four — buy it only if you're comfortable with that trade-off.

Shop all four: iPhone X · iPhone XR · iPhone XS · iPhone XS Max, browse the full refurbished iPhone collection, or see newer generations in our iPhone 13 series and iPhone 15 series guides. Read our warranty policy and refund policy, or contact us with any questions before you order.