iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at
£439.65£799.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone XS?
iPhone 15 Plus vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £301.30 less than the iPhone 15 Plus. The iPhone 15 Plus is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone 15 Plus has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Plus has a bigger battery: 4383 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone XS differ in size, performance, camera capabilities, and connectivity options. The iPhone 15 Plus has a larger 6.7 inch screen that suits those who prefer more viewing space for videos and apps, while the iPhone XS has a more compact 5.8 inch screen that fits well in smaller hands or pockets. The iPhone 15 Plus offers a more powerful chipset and more RAM, making it suitable for users who want smoother multitasking and faster processing. Photography enthusiasts may prefer the iPhone 15 Plus for its higher resolution cameras. The iPhone 15 Plus also supports 5G networks and uses a USB-C connector, which may appeal to users looking for newer connectivity standards. The iPhone XS remains a good choice for those wanting a smaller device with solid performance and 4G support.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Battery life and software updates are key factors in daily use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 Plus has a 4383 mAh battery, which offers longer usage between charges, ideal for heavy users or those often away from power sources. The iPhone XS has a 2658 mAh battery suited to lighter use or users who prefer a smaller device.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS performance
Performance affects how smoothly a phone handles apps and multitasking. The two devices vary in chipset, RAM, and storage options, which influence everyday speed and capacity.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic chipset built on a 4 nm process, delivering higher processing efficiency and speed. The iPhone XS uses the Apple A12 Bionic, which provides solid performance for everyday use.
Memory and Storage
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 15 Plus can keep more apps active in the background, which benefits multitasking. The iPhone XS has 4 GB of RAM, suitable for typical tasks. Storage options for the iPhone 15 Plus go up to 512 GB, ideal for large media collections, while the iPhone XS offers up to 256 GB.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS screen
Screen size and resolution impact how much you see and the detail on display. Both devices use OLED technology, but they differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The iPhone 15 Plus features a 6.7 inch screen, providing more room for watching videos, reading, and typing without feeling cramped. The iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch screen that suits users who want a more compact phone that fits easily in one hand or a pocket.
Screen Resolution
The iPhone 15 Plus has a resolution of 1290 x 2796, which delivers sharper images and text on its larger screen. The iPhone XS offers 1125 x 2436, providing clear visuals on a smaller display.
Screen Type
Both phones use Super Retina OLED technology, with the iPhone 15 Plus using Super Retina XDR OLED. This means the iPhone 15 Plus screen is designed for richer colours and higher contrast, enhancing media viewing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS camera
Camera resolution affects photo and video detail. Front and main camera megapixels differ between these devices, influencing selfie and main photography quality.
Main Camera
The iPhone 15 Plus has a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail and allowing for higher resolution photos. The iPhone XS has a 12 megapixel main camera, which works well for everyday photography.
Front Camera
For selfies and video calls, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a 12 megapixel front camera, delivering clearer images. The iPhone XS has a 7 megapixel front camera, which still produces good quality but with fewer pixels.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS size and design
Other practical differences include size, weight, connectors, and network support that influence convenience and compatibility.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 15 Plus is larger and heavier at 160.9 mm tall, 77.8 mm wide, and 201 g, suited for users comfortable with a bigger phone. The iPhone XS is smaller and lighter at 143.6 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, and 177 g, making it easier to carry and handle with one hand.
Connector Type
The iPhone 15 Plus uses a USB-C connector, which is common for many modern devices and accessories. The iPhone XS uses the Lightning connector.
Network Compatibility
The iPhone 15 Plus supports 5G networks, providing faster mobile data speeds where available. The iPhone XS supports 4G networks, suitable for reliable everyday mobile internet.
SIM Options
Both phones accept a physical SIM card and an eSIM, allowing flexible mobile plans and easier switching between carriers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 Plus or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 Plus if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4383 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.8 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £138.35, £301.30 less than the iPhone 15 Plus
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 201 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 15 Plus often highlight its excellent condition and smooth performance. They appreciate the large screen, which helps with viewing and reading, and many mention the improved camera quality and better battery life lasting about 24 hours. The USB-C connector and 5G support also receive positive notes. Some customers mention the phone's slightly larger size and weight but find it manageable. Overall, they report satisfaction with the phone's look and speed, and many plan to buy from PhoneMart again.
Buyers of the iPhone XS praise its compact design and excellent condition, often noting the phone looks like new with a good battery that lasts all day. The phone runs smoothly for typical apps and photography needs. A few customers mention minor marks or camera quirks, but most find the phone reliable and well suited for everyday use. The size and weight are appreciated by those wanting a smaller device.
The iPhone 15 Plus suits users who want a spacious screen, enhanced camera detail, and faster network and data connections. The iPhone XS fits those preferring a smaller, lighter phone with solid performance and straightforward features.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 15 Plus vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone 15 Plus has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £439.65 for the iPhone 15 Plus.
The iPhone 15 Plus has a bigger battery: 4383 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Plus has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 Plus 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 15 Plus adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4383 mAh vs 2658 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.8 inch). Refurbished, it costs £301.30 more (from £439.65 vs £138.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
