iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone XS?
iPhone 12 vs XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £31.65 less than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
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Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone 12 has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
- The iPhone 12 has a bigger screen: 6.1 inch vs 5.8 inch.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone XS share many core features but differ in screen size, processing power, camera front resolution, battery capacity, and mobile network technology. The iPhone 12 offers a larger 6.1 inch screen with a slightly higher resolution and a more advanced Apple A14 Bionic chip, making it suited for users who want a bigger display and strong performance. It also supports 5G, which benefits those needing faster mobile data. The iPhone XS has a smaller 5.8 inch screen and a slightly smaller battery, making it a good fit for buyers who prefer a more compact phone. The front camera on the iPhone 12 has a higher megapixel count, which suits those who prioritise selfies or video calls.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS price
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iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design. Their battery sizes differ slightly, which may affect how long they last on a single charge.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This means the iPhone 12 may last a bit longer between charges, making it suitable for users who spend more time away from charging points. The iPhone XS's battery is still substantial for everyday use, especially if you prefer a smaller device.
Latest Software Support
This ensures that either device can run current apps and features, keeping both phones secure and up to date with software improvements.
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Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones have the same RAM, but their processors and available storage sizes differ, which influences speed and capacity.
Processor Power
The iPhone 12 uses the Apple A14 Bionic chip built on a 5 nm process, which is a newer generation than the iPhone XS's Apple A12 Bionic. This gives the iPhone 12 an edge in handling demanding apps, multitasking, and future software. Both devices have 4 GB of RAM, which supports smooth everyday performance.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, offering a middle storage size not available on the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS is available in 64GB and 256GB. This wider range on the iPhone 12 suits people who want more flexibility in storage without jumping straight to the largest size.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality involves size, resolution, and display technology. Differences here affect how you experience video, apps, and general use.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a larger 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1170 by 2532 pixels. The iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1125 by 2436 pixels. The larger, higher-resolution screen on the iPhone 12 delivers more room for video, reading, and gaming, which suits users who prefer a more immersive display.
Display Type
Both phones use OLED screens for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED, while the iPhone XS uses a Super Retina OLED. The difference in naming reflects a newer display on the iPhone 12, which may offer improved brightness and contrast for better viewing in varied lighting.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual features focus on cameras and how well the phones capture photos and video. Both have dual cameras but differ in front camera resolution.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 features a 12 megapixel front camera, compared to the iPhone XS's 7 megapixels. This means the iPhone 12 can capture selfies and video calls in higher detail, which is beneficial if you often use your front camera for social media or video chat.
Main Camera Similarity
Both phones have dual main cameras with 12 megapixels each. This means that in general photography, they offer similar capabilities, making either device suitable for everyday photo and video needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, network compatibility, weight, and SIM options, which affect daily handling and connectivity.
Mobile Network Technology
The iPhone 12 supports 5G networks, providing access to faster mobile data where available. The iPhone XS supports 4G networks, which still offer reliable internet but at lower speeds compared to 5G. Users who rely on high-speed data on the move may prefer the iPhone 12.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 164 g. The iPhone XS is slightly smaller at 143.6 mm height, 70.9 mm width, and 7.7 mm depth, with a weight of 177 g. Those who want a more compact or lighter phone might prefer the iPhone XS.
SIM Card Options
Both devices support a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing flexibility with carrier plans and dual SIM use. Both are unlocked, so you can choose your own network provider.
Carrier compatibility
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Release date
SD card slot
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iPhone 12 or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want a bigger battery (2815 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, £31.65 less than the iPhone 12
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 frequently mention that it looks like a new phone even though it is refurbished. Many are impressed by the clean glass and perfect frame, with no scratches or dents visible. The performance with the A14 Bionic chip is described as smooth, handling apps and multitasking easily. Several buyers appreciated the phone coming with a new battery or having a battery replaced, which made the phone feel premium and reliable. The larger screen, updated iOS, and inclusion of accessories like screen protectors and cases also receive positive feedback. Overall, customers feel the iPhone 12 meets their needs for a modern, high-quality refurbished phone at a reasonable price.
Reviews for the iPhone XS show that many find it to be in excellent or near-new condition, with smooth performance and a compact size that some buyers value. Battery life is generally described as good, lasting all day with regular charging in the evening. The camera quality satisfies users who bought it mainly for photos. Some customers note faint marks or minor imperfections, but most say these are hard to notice. A few mention issues with the front camera or heating, though these are less common. The XS is seen as a solid device with a good balance of features and size, appealing to those who want a smaller phone with reliable performance.
For buyers choosing between these phones, the iPhone 12 suits those who want a larger, higher-resolution screen, faster 5G connectivity, and a more powerful processor. The iPhone XS is a good choice for users who prefer a smaller and lighter device with strong performance and good camera quality.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 12 vs XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone 12 has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £170 for the iPhone 12.
The iPhone 12 has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 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 adds a bigger battery (2815 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 £31.65 more (from £170 vs £138.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
