iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone XS?
iPhone 12 Pro vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £136.16 less than the iPhone 12 Pro. The iPhone 12 Pro is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 12 Pro offers a larger 6.1 inch screen with higher resolution and a Super Retina XDR OLED display, ideal if you want more screen space for video or reading. It also has a more powerful Apple A14 Bionic chipset and 6 GB of RAM, which supports heavier multitasking and newer apps. The iPhone XS has a slightly smaller 5.8 inch screen, 4 GB of RAM, and the Apple A12 Bionic, fitting users who prefer a more compact phone for everyday use. Camera setups differ, with the iPhone 12 Pro providing a triple rear camera and a 12 megapixel front camera, while the iPhone XS has two rear cameras and a 7 megapixel front camera. Battery capacities are close, with the iPhone 12 Pro holding 2815 mAh and the iPhone XS 2658 mAh. The iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G networks whereas the iPhone XS works on 4G.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design. Battery size and weight differ, which influences daily use and handling.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815 mAh battery, while the iPhone XS has 2658 mAh. A higher capacity can mean longer use between charges, which suits users who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day. The difference is moderate, so daily battery life may be similar for many users.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 187 g. The iPhone XS is slightly smaller at 14.36 cm tall, 7.09 cm wide, 0.77 cm deep, and lighter at 177 g. The XS is more compact and lighter, which may suit those who prefer a smaller, easier-to-handle phone.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS performance
Performance influences how smoothly the phones run apps and handle multitasking. Differences in chipset, RAM, and storage options affect who each device suits best.
Chipset and Speed
The iPhone 12 Pro uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, while the iPhone XS has the Apple A12 Bionic. The A14 Bionic supports more demanding tasks and newer software features, making the 12 Pro suitable for users needing extra processing power.
Memory Capacity
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 Pro keeps more apps active simultaneously, which helps if you multitask or use memory-intensive apps. The iPhone XS offers 4 GB of RAM, which supports everyday apps smoothly but with fewer apps open at once.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro is available with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of storage, providing more space for apps, media, and files. The iPhone XS offers 64GB and 256GB options, which suit users with lighter storage needs or those managing content through cloud services.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality affects viewing experience for video, photos, and reading. Differences in screen size, resolution, and type shape who will appreciate each phone.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1170 x 2532. The iPhone XS features a smaller 5.8 inch screen and a resolution of 1125 x 2436. The larger screen on the 12 Pro offers more room to view content, which suits users who watch videos or read on their phone frequently.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which provides enhanced brightness and contrast compared to the Super Retina OLED on the iPhone XS. This difference benefits users who want a more vivid display for photos and video.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing photography. Differences in camera setup and megapixels influence who each device is best for.
Rear Camera Setup
The iPhone 12 Pro has a triple rear camera system, which provides more versatility in photography such as wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto options. The iPhone XS has a dual rear camera setup, which is suitable for everyday photography needs.
Front Camera Resolution
With a 12 megapixel front camera, the iPhone 12 Pro captures more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone XS, which has a 7 megapixel front camera. This makes the 12 Pro a good choice for users who prioritise front camera quality.
Main Camera Resolution
Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone XS have 12 megapixels on their main rear cameras, supporting detailed photos for general photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS size and design
Additional features can affect everyday usability. Differences in mobile network support, SIM options, and connectivity determine who each phone suits.
Mobile Network Compatibility
The iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G networks, offering access to faster mobile internet where 5G is available. The iPhone XS supports 4G, offering reliable connectivity for most users but without 5G speeds.
SIM Card Support
Both phones accept a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing flexible mobile plans and dual SIM use for those who manage personal and work numbers on one device.
Connector Type
Each phone uses a Lightning connector for charging and accessories, maintaining compatibility with many existing Apple accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2815 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.8 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £138.35, £136.16 less than the iPhone 12 Pro
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 189 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 Pro looks and works like new, with battery health often at or near 100 percent. Many praise its smooth performance and solid battery life. The larger screen and camera quality are appreciated, and several find it a reliable choice for newer iOS features and multitasking. Positive feedback highlights the phone's condition and ease of setup.
Reviews of the iPhone XS frequently mention the phone looks perfect or like new, with battery life lasting all day for many users. Customers value its compact size and smooth operation, with some praising the camera quality. A few note minor marks or issues, but most find it well suited for everyday use. The 4G network and dual SIM support are also appreciated.
Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro suits users who want a larger screen, more storage options, and enhanced performance for multitasking or photography. The iPhone XS suits those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with reliable performance for everyday tasks.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £274.51 for the iPhone 12 Pro.
The iPhone 12 Pro has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro 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 12 Pro adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (2815 mAh vs 2658 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.8 inch). Refurbished, it costs £136.16 more (from £274.51 vs £138.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
