iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone 11
Starting at
£163.65£489.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone XS?
iPhone 11 vs XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £25.30 less than the iPhone 11. The iPhone 11 is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone 11 has a bigger battery: 3110 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
- The iPhone 11 has a bigger screen: 6.1 inch vs 5.8 inch.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 11 and iPhone XS differ in several ways that suit different users. The iPhone 11 offers a larger 6.1 inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen with a lower resolution, making it comfortable for watching videos on a bigger display. The iPhone XS has a smaller 5.8 inch Super Retina OLED screen with a higher resolution, which is ideal if you prefer sharper images and deeper blacks. The iPhone 11 features the Apple A13 Bionic chipset and a larger 3110 mAh battery, which benefits users who want smoother performance and longer battery life. The iPhone XS is more compact and lighter. The front camera on the iPhone 11 is higher resolution at 12 megapixels, which suits those who prioritise selfies. Storage options vary slightly between the two.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and physical features that affect daily use.
Battery Capacity and Usage
The iPhone 11 has a 3110 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This means the iPhone 11 can offer longer use between charges, making it a good choice if you often use your phone for extended periods without easy access to charging. The iPhone XS battery is smaller, so it suits users who carry chargers or power banks, or who use their phone less intensively during the day.
Weight and Size
The iPhone XS weighs 177 g, which is lighter than the iPhone 11 at 194 g. Its smaller dimensions and lighter weight make the iPhone XS a good option if you prefer a more compact and easier to hold device. The iPhone 11 is bigger and heavier, which might feel more substantial in hand but offers more screen space.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS performance
Performance depends on the chipset, memory, and storage options. Both phones have the same 4 GB RAM, so multitasking and app performance are similar. The chipset and storage choices differ and can influence smoothness and capacity for apps and files.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 11 is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic chipset, which is a generation newer than the Apple A12 Bionic in the iPhone XS. This means the iPhone 11 offers improved processing power and efficiency, benefiting users who run demanding apps or want faster everyday performance.
Storage Options
The iPhone 11 is available with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options, giving more flexibility depending on your storage needs and price range. The iPhone XS comes in 64GB and 256GB capacities, so it suits buyers who want either a mid-range or a large storage option.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your device. The iPhone 11 and iPhone XS differ in screen size, resolution, and display technology, which influence clarity, colour, and viewing comfort.
Screen Size and Type
The iPhone 11 has a 6.1 inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides a larger viewing area suitable for watching videos and browsing with more space. The iPhone XS features a 5.8 inch Super Retina OLED screen that is smaller but offers deeper blacks and more vivid colours, suiting users who prefer richer display quality in a more compact device.
Resolution and Clarity
The iPhone XS has a higher resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels compared to the iPhone 11's 828 x 1792 pixels. This means the iPhone XS screen shows sharper images and finer detail, which benefits users who consume high-resolution photos or videos and enjoy crisp text.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS camera
The audiovisual section covers cameras that affect photo and video quality. Both phones have the same main camera resolution, but the front camera differs, which is important for selfies and video calls.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 11 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which is higher in resolution than the 7 megapixel front camera on the iPhone XS. If you take many selfies or use video calls frequently, the iPhone 11 offers more detail and clarity for front-facing shots.
Main Camera
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone XS have 12 megapixel main cameras. This means either device suits users who want good-quality photos and videos from the rear camera.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS size and design
Miscellaneous features include carrier compatibility, physical dimensions, and connectivity. These affect how you use the phone day to day, including handling, network support, and accessories.
Carrier Compatibility and SIM
Both iPhone 11 and iPhone XS come unlocked and support 4G mobile networks. Each device accepts a physical SIM card plus an eSIM, giving flexibility if you want to use multiple phone numbers or switch carriers without changing SIM cards.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 11 measures 150.9 mm in height, 75.7 mm in width, and 8.3 mm in depth, while the iPhone XS is slightly smaller at 14.36 cm height, 7.09 cm width, and 0.77 cm depth. The smaller size of the iPhone XS suits users who want a phone that fits more easily in pockets or one-handed use.
Weight
Weighing 194 g, the iPhone 11 is a bit heavier than the iPhone XS, which weighs 177 g. The lighter iPhone XS may feel more comfortable for longer use or carrying in a pocket.
Connector Type
Both devices use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of existing Apple peripherals.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 11 or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 11 if
- you want a bigger battery (3110 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.8 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £138.35, £25.30 less than the iPhone 11
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 194 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 11 generally looks like new and performs smoothly, with many noting excellent battery health upon purchase. Users appreciate the phone's condition, with reports of it working well straight out of the box and good value for a refurbished device. The larger screen and improved front camera are often mentioned positively, and the battery life meets expectations for daily use. Some customers highlighted minor cosmetic issues or battery drain but overall expressed satisfaction and willingness to recommend the device.
For the iPhone XS, customers also report the device looking like new and running smoothly. The compact size is appreciated, as well as the sharp, high-resolution screen. Battery life is described as good and lasting a full day for many users. Some mention minor marks or screen issues, but most are pleased with the condition and performance. The camera quality is praised, especially on the rear camera, and the phone is seen as a solid choice for users wanting a smaller device.
Both phones suit different users: the iPhone 11 appeals to those wanting a larger screen and front camera, with newer chipset and longer battery life, while the iPhone XS suits buyers who prefer a compact size and high-resolution OLED display.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 11 vs XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone 11 has a bigger battery: 3110 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £163.65 for the iPhone 11.
The iPhone 11 has a bigger battery: 3110 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 11 is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 11 adds a bigger battery (3110 mAh vs 2658 mAh), a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.8 inch) and a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £25.30 more (from £163.65 vs £138.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 11 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
