iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at
£542.00£1,099.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone XS?
iPhone 15 Pro vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £403.65 less than the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 15 Pro is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A17 Pro on the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone 15 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Pro has a bigger battery: 3274 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone XS differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 15 Pro offers a larger and higher-resolution screen, more RAM, a more powerful chipset, and significant camera upgrades that capture more detail. It supports 5G networks and uses a USB-C connector for charging and data. Buyers who want more storage options, stronger performance, and better cameras may prefer the iPhone 15 Pro. Those looking for a compact phone with solid features and a familiar Lightning connector may find the iPhone XS suits them well.
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 Pro has a 3274 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This means the iPhone 15 Pro can offer longer use between charges, which benefits users who spend more time away from power sources.
Operating System Support
This keeps the phones secure and compatible with current apps, so users of either device will receive ongoing software improvements.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. The iPhone 15 Pro features newer components that suit users with demanding apps or multitasking needs.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 15 Pro uses the Apple A17 Pro chipset, a more recent model than the Apple A12 Bionic in the iPhone XS. This results in faster processing, better handling of complex tasks, and improved efficiency for gaming or professional apps.
RAM Amount
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 15 Pro keeps more apps open and running smoothly compared to the 4 GB in the iPhone XS. This is useful for users who switch between multiple apps or use memory-intensive software.
Storage Choices
The iPhone 15 Pro offers storage options from 128GB up to 1TB, accommodating users who need large space for files, photos, and apps. The iPhone XS is available with 64GB or 256GB, which suits everyday use or moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality affects viewing comfort and clarity. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone XS both use OLED screens but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The iPhone 15 Pro has a 6.1 inch display, providing a more spacious screen for watching videos or browsing compared to the 5.8 inch screen of the iPhone XS. This can make a difference if you prefer larger viewing areas.
Resolution and Display Type
The iPhone 15 Pro's screen resolution is 1179 x 2556 with LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED technology, offering possibly smoother refresh rates and sharper visuals. The iPhone XS has a 1125 x 2436 resolution with Super Retina OLED, which still delivers clear and vibrant images but with slightly fewer pixels.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS camera
Camera quality is important for photos and video calls. The iPhone 15 Pro offers notably higher megapixels for both front and main cameras.
Front Camera
The iPhone 15 Pro has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls than the 7 megapixel front camera of the iPhone XS. This suits users who value clearer video chats or self-portraits.
Main Camera
With a 48 megapixel main camera, the iPhone 15 Pro captures considerably more detail in photos compared to the 12 megapixel camera on the iPhone XS. This is beneficial for users who take many photos or want higher resolution images.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS size and design
Other differences include network technology, connectors, size, and SIM options that affect everyday use and compatibility.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 15 Pro supports 5G networks, which provide faster internet speeds where available. The iPhone XS supports 4G, which remains widely used and reliable but offers slower speeds compared to 5G.
Connector Type
The iPhone XS uses the Lightning connector, which is common among earlier iPhones and accessories.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 15 Pro uses eSIM only, which means no physical SIM card slot. The iPhone XS offers both a physical SIM and eSIM, providing flexibility for users who prefer or need a physical SIM card.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 15 Pro measures 146.6 mm tall, 70.6 mm wide, and 8.3 mm deep, weighing 171 g. The iPhone XS is slightly smaller at 143.6 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, and 7.7 mm deep, weighing 177 g. The differences are subtle but may affect pocket fit and handling.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3274 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, £403.65 less than the iPhone 15 Pro
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 187 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 15 Pro looks like new with excellent battery health often around 90% or higher, and many mention the phone feels and performs like a brand new device. The camera and screen quality receive praise, with users appreciating the smooth performance and clear visuals. Some customers note minor cosmetic imperfections like light scratches but still recommend the device for its value. Battery life is generally strong, and the phone handles apps and multitasking well. Buyers also appreciate trading in phones and the environmental benefits of buying refurbished.
Reviews for the iPhone XS highlight that the phone feels like new and runs smoothly, with battery life described as lasting all day for many users. The phone is praised for its compact size and solid camera performance. Some customers mention minor marks or scratches but generally find the device in excellent condition. The physical SIM slot is noted by a few, and the phone suits those wanting a smaller screen and familiar connector. There are occasional reports of hardware issues, but these appear to be exceptions.
The iPhone 15 Pro suits users who want a larger screen, higher performance, and advanced cameras with more storage options. The iPhone XS appeals to those preferring a compact design with solid everyday features and a physical SIM card.
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 15 Pro vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A17 Pro on the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone 15 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £542 for the iPhone 15 Pro.
The iPhone 15 Pro has a bigger battery: 3274 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Pro has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 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 15 Pro adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3274 mAh vs 2658 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.8 inch). Refurbished, it costs £403.65 more (from £542 vs £138.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
