Huawei P20 vs iPhone XS
Shop Android Smartphones
Huawei P20
Starting at
£95.00
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the Huawei P20 and iPhone XS?
Huawei P20 vs iPhone XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Refurbished, the Huawei P20 starts at £95, £43.35 less than the iPhone XS.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen type
Front camera
Weight
- Chipset: Kirin 970 (10 nm) on the Huawei P20, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The Huawei P20 has a bigger battery: 3400 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
- The iPhone XS has an OLED screen.
Huawei P20 vs iPhone XS specs
The Huawei P20 and iPhone XS both come from 2018 and share a similar screen size, but they cater to different needs. The Huawei P20 offers a larger battery and a higher resolution front camera, making it suitable for those who value longer usage and detailed selfies. Storage options also vary, with the Huawei P20 stocked at 128GB and the iPhone XS available in 64GB and 256GB. Your choice depends on whether you prefer Android or iOS, and which features matter most in daily use.
Huawei P20 vs iPhone XS price
Storage
- 128GBSold out
Huawei P20 vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating systems. These factors influence how long a device lasts on a charge and how current its software remains.
Battery Capacity
The Huawei P20 has a 3400 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This means the Huawei P20 is more suited to users who prioritise longer battery life between charges, such as heavy phone users or those away from power sources for extended periods.
Operating System
The Huawei P20 runs on Android, while the iPhone XS uses iOS. Your choice here depends on personal preference for either operating system's interface, app ecosystem, and features.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Huawei P20 vs iPhone XS performance
Performance depends on the processor, RAM, and storage, all of which affect speed, multitasking, and capacity for apps and files.
Processor and RAM
Both the Huawei P20 and iPhone XS come with 4 GB of RAM, which is suitable for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. The Huawei P20 uses a Kirin 970 chipset, while the iPhone XS has an Apple A12 Bionic chipset. Each chipset is designed to work optimally with its respective operating system.
Storage Options
The Huawei P20 is stocked with 128GB of storage, which provides ample space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone XS comes in 64GB and 256GB versions, allowing you to choose either a smaller or larger storage capacity depending on your needs.
Chipset
RAM
Huawei P20 vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality affects how you experience videos, photos, and everyday use. Resolution, screen size, and display technology define clarity and colour vibrancy.
Screen Resolution
The Huawei P20 has a resolution of 1080 x 2240, which delivers clear and sharp images for most uses. The iPhone XS offers a slightly higher resolution of 1125 x 2436, which can provide finer detail especially noticeable in high definition content.
Screen Type
Huawei P20's IPS LCD screen provides consistent colour and good visibility in various lighting conditions, while the iPhone XS features a Super Retina OLED display. OLED screens are known for deeper blacks and more vivid colours, ideal if you want a richer viewing experience.
Screen Size
Both phones have a 5.8 inch screen, providing a balance between usability and portability. This size suits users who want a screen big enough for media and browsing but still easy to handle.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Huawei P20 vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual features include the cameras that capture your photos and videos. Differences here influence photo detail and selfie quality.
Front Camera
The Huawei P20 has a 24 megapixel front camera, which is well suited for detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS has a 7 megapixel front camera, which still offers good quality for these uses but with fewer megapixels.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, making them capable of taking photos with similar resolution. This means either phone can handle everyday photography effectively.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Huawei P20 vs iPhone XS size and design
Other important details include physical dimensions, network compatibility, and connectors, all of which affect daily handling and connectivity.
SIM Card Setup
The Huawei P20 supports dual physical SIM cards, which is practical if you want to use two phone numbers or carriers simultaneously. The iPhone XS offers one physical SIM and an eSIM, providing flexibility without needing two physical cards.
Connector Type
The Huawei P20 uses a micro USB connector, a common standard for many devices. The iPhone XS uses Apple's Lightning connector, which is compatible with a wide range of Apple accessories.
Physical Size and Weight
The Huawei P20 measures 149.1 mm tall, 70.8 mm wide, and 7.7 mm deep, weighing 165 g. The iPhone XS is slightly shorter at 143.6 mm, almost the same width at 70.9 mm and depth of 7.7 mm but is heavier at 177 g. These differences affect how the phone feels in your hand and pocket.
Carrier Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked and compatible with 4G networks, allowing use with a variety of carriers in the UK.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Huawei P20 or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the Huawei P20 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £95, £43.35 less than the iPhone XS
- you want a bigger battery (3400 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (24 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want an OLED screen
What our customers say
Customers of the Huawei P20 commonly praise its condition and performance, describing it as easy to use and good value for money. Many appreciate the battery life, with one noting it lasts 24 hours, and the camera quality receives positive mention. Some reviews highlight the phone's suitability for everyday use and satisfaction with its design. However, a few customers note issues like network locking or screen performance in some cases.
Buyers of the iPhone XS often comment on its like-new condition, smooth operation, and good battery life. The camera quality is a highlight for many users and the phone's compact size is appreciated. Some mention minor cosmetic imperfections or faults but overall customers report satisfaction with the phone's speed, screen, and ease of use. Battery health and software updates are positive points.
Both phones suit different types of users. The Huawei P20 is good for those who want a large battery and high-resolution selfies, while the iPhone XS appeals to people who prefer iOS, a richer screen, and the latest software updates.
Huawei P20 vs iPhone XS FAQs
Huawei P20 vs iPhone XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Chipset: Kirin 970 (10 nm) on the Huawei P20, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The Huawei P20 has a bigger battery: 3400 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
The Huawei P20 is cheaper refurbished, from £95 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.
The Huawei P20 has a bigger battery: 3400 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
We don't have published update dates for the Huawei P20. Updates for the iPhone XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Huawei P20 comes in 128GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
