I bought a "non-max" XS last weekend, gold with 256 GB of storage. I was originally going to buy an iPhone 8 with the same amount of storage, but I spent too much time in the store comparing the displays between the two, so I opted for the XS. So I held my nose and paid the higher price. Although I still consider it somewhat overpriced (but I bought it in the end, so was it really overpriced?), and I absolutely love it. The calls sound better, I have quickly adjusted to the lack of a home button, the camera is better, and the display is better. It is beautiful with a forest green leather case with the gold stainless steel still visible. And my old 64 GB 6s was still running well and with a new battery (but I had used up all of the storage, which is why I upgraded). I kept the 6s as an iPod Touch/spare phone, since all I could get for it was a lousy $100 in a trade. The trade-in deals were much better 3 years ago. But the XS is a really nice device. I am very happy with it so far.
Two more things. I can already tell that the XS battery life is significantly better than the 6s. Finally, using a wireless has made me not miss the headphone jack, since I can charge and listen at the same time.