Using the iPhone XS and Galaxy S25 Ultra back-to-back in Bangladesh quickly shows how far smartphones have moved on. I carried both phones daily for over a month outside in harsh sunlight, inside crowded offices, and through long nights of gaming and scrolling. The iPhone XS still feels familiar and smooth for simple tasks, but its age becomes obvious in battery life, camera confidence, and network limits.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra feels built for today’s demands, with stronger performance, a brighter display, and better network stability. In Bangladesh’s market, the XS survives only through unofficial channels, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra sits firmly as a premium official flagship. Below, I break down real pricing reality, gaming, network, camera, display, and spec details, based on my actual use.

I personally walked through Bashundhara City, Jamuna Future Park, and smaller Dhaka phone markets, then cross-checked prices online. The Apple iPhone XS is no longer sold officially in Bangladesh. What you find now are imported or refurbished units, which explains the inconsistent pricing and condition. That uncertainty directly affects long-term value. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, in contrast, is officially available with stable pricing across authorized stores, making it a safer purchase for buyers who care about warranty and service support.

Unofficial / Grey Market Buying Risk

With the iPhone XS, battery wear and part replacement are common realities in Bangladesh’s grey market. The Galaxy S25 Ultra avoids most of these risks thanks to official sales channels.

I played regularly on both phones in warm rooms without cooling, which is how most people game here. The iPhone XS, powered by Apple’s A12 chip, still handles casual games smoothly. PUBG Mobile and CODM ran fine on balanced settings, but after longer sessions the phone heated up and brightness dropped. Genshin Impact was playable, though clearly pushing the limits.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S25 Ultra felt far more relaxed under pressure. High graphics ran more consistently, frame drops were rare, and heat was better controlled during long sessions. Compared to other phones in similar price brackets, the XS feels left behind, while the S25 Ultra stays competitive.

Battery Health Reality (Both Devices)

My iPhone XS drained quickly during gaming, which is expected at this age. The S25 Ultra held up far better, even during extended play.

I spent long hours reading, watching videos, scrolling social media, and using maps on both phones, indoors and under Bangladesh’s harsh daylight. The difference showed up quickly in daily comfort.

• iPhone XS: This device has an OLED display panel with good color balance and sharpness, but outdoor visibility feels limited. Under strong sunlight, I often had to max brightness and still squint.

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Large AMOLED display with higher resolution and smoother refresh. It stays clearly visible outdoors, feels easier on the eyes indoors, and scrolling looks noticeably fluid.

I tested both phones using Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi, and Airtel. The iPhone XS handled 4G reasonably well but struggled indoors and in crowded areas. Data drops were more frequent, and the lack of 5G already feels limiting. Call quality was acceptable, nothing more.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra delivered stronger signals, steadier mobile data, and clear call quality. 4G LTE speeds stayed stable during peak hours, and 5G network readiness adds future assurance. Wi-Fi performance was also more consistent, especially on newer routers. For Bangladesh’s evolving networks, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is clearly better prepared.

I relied on both phones as my main cameras for weeks, capturing street life, family moments, meals, and night scenes across Dhaka. What separates them isn’t specifications, but how confident you feel the moment you tap the shutter.

• iPhone XS: Dual 12MP wide + telephoto setup with smaller sensors. In daylight, colors still look natural and pleasant. But in mixed lighting, I often had to retake shots. Low-light photos lose detail fast, night shots show noise, and video needs steady hands to stay usable.

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Modern high-resolution main sensor with multiple lenses and wider apertures. Daylight photos came out sharp without effort. Night photos kept detail and controlled noise better. Video stayed stable even while walking.

• Everyday use: The iPhone XS is compact and easy, but battery worry never goes away. The Galaxy S25 Ultra feels heavier, yet more dependable all day.

• Long-term comfort: Apple iPhone XS feels like a phone you manage. Galaxy S25 Ultra feels like a phone that manages your workload.

• Camera confidence: I double-checked shots on the iPhone XS. With the Galaxy S25 Ultra, I rarely felt the need.

• Bangladesh value: iPhone XS only makes sense for tight budgets. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra suits people who rely heavily on their phone.

If you want a smaller phone for light use and lower cost, the iPhone XS can still serve. For performance, battery confidence, camera reliability, and network readiness, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra makes far more sense.

The iPhone XS shows its age in daily Bangladeshi use. The Galaxy S25 Ultra feels stronger, more reliable, and better suited for today and tomorrow.

Is the iPhone XS still practical in Bangladesh now?

Yes for basic use, but battery health and unofficial market risks reduce long-term reliability.

Which phone handles gaming better today?

The Galaxy S25 Ultra stays cooler and smoother during long gaming sessions than the iPhone XS.

Does the iPhone XS support 5G networks?

No. It is limited to 4G LTE, unlike the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Which camera feels more dependable daily?

The Galaxy S25 Ultra produces more consistent photos and videos in varied lighting.

Is buying iPhone XS risky now in 2026?

Yes. Most units are refurbished imports with uncertain battery and part history.