iPhone 15 vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15
Starting at
£416.19£699.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone XS?
iPhone 15 vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £277.84 less than the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone 15 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 15 has a bigger battery: 3349 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 15 and iPhone XS differ in several key areas that suit different types of users. The iPhone 15 has a larger battery and more RAM, making it better for longer daily use and multitasking. Its screen is bigger with a slightly higher resolution and a newer OLED type, offering more space for video and clearer visuals. The cameras on the iPhone 15 have higher megapixels, which can capture more detailed photos and selfies. It also supports 5G networks and uses a USB-C connector, appealing to those who want faster connectivity and a common charging port. The iPhone XS is smaller and heavier, with fewer storage options but still runs smoothly for everyday tasks. Choose the iPhone 15 if you want more power, a bigger screen, and stronger cameras, or the iPhone XS if you prefer a compact phone with solid performance.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design. Battery size and device dimensions differ, which affects how long each phone lasts and how it feels in the hand.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 has a 3349 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This means the iPhone 15 is suited to users who want longer use between charges, especially if you use apps or features that drain power quickly. The iPhone XS still offers good battery life for everyday use but may need charging sooner in a busy day.
Software Support
This ensures ongoing access to Apple's newest features and security improvements, making either phone a good choice for users who want to keep their device current.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XS performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run, how many can stay open at once, and how much data you can keep on your device.
Processor and Memory
The iPhone 15 features the Apple A16 Bionic chip and 6 GB of RAM. This combination supports smoother multitasking and faster processing, ideal if you run demanding apps or switch between many tasks. The iPhone XS has the Apple A12 Bionic chip and 4 GB of RAM, which still handles everyday apps well but with fewer resources for heavy multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 15 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes, giving you more room for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone XS comes in 64GB and 256GB options, which suits users with lighter storage needs or those who manage files externally.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality influences your viewing experience, including size, resolution, and display technology. These factors matter if you watch videos, browse content, or use your phone for reading and gaming.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 15 has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels, offering a larger and sharper display. This provides more space for videos and apps, which benefits users who prefer a roomier screen. The iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch screen with 1125 x 2436 pixels, making it more compact and easier to handle one-handed.
Display Type
Both phones use Super Retina OLED technology, but the iPhone 15 has the Super Retina XDR OLED screen. This newer type enhances brightness and contrast, suiting users who want vivid colours and deeper blacks for media viewing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XS camera
Camera quality is key for photography and video calls. Megapixels indicate the detail level in photos, important if you frequently capture images or enjoy selfie photography.
Main Camera
The iPhone 15's main camera has 48 megapixels, which captures more detail and sharper images for photos and videos. This is well suited to users who value high-resolution photography. The iPhone XS has a 12 megapixel main camera, which still produces quality photos for everyday use.
Front Camera
The iPhone 15's front camera offers 12 megapixels, delivering clearer and more detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS has a 7 megapixel front camera, suitable for standard video chats and selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XS size and design
Other differences include network support, physical design, and connectors. These affect connectivity, portability, and how you charge or connect accessories.
Network and Connectivity
The iPhone 15 supports 5G networks for faster mobile data, which benefits users who want quicker downloads and smoother streaming on the go. The iPhone XS supports 4G, which still offers reliable internet but at lower speeds compared to 5G.
Connector Type
The iPhone 15 uses a USB-C connector, which is common for many modern devices and can simplify charging with compatible cables. The iPhone XS uses a Lightning connector, which is standard for many Apple devices and accessories.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 15 measures 147.6 mm in height, 71.6 mm in width, and weighs 171 g. The iPhone XS measures 143.6 mm in height, 70.9 mm in width, and weighs 177 g. The iPhone XS is slightly smaller and heavier, fitting better in smaller hands or pockets. The iPhone 15 is a touch larger and lighter, offering a bigger screen without adding weight.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3349 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, £277.84 less than the iPhone 15
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 15 frequently mention that it looks almost brand new even in fair condition, with many noting excellent battery life and reliable performance. They find the camera quality impressive and the device responsive for everyday tasks. Many customers appreciate the ease of setup and transfer from phones they replaced. Several highlight the phone's condition exceeding expectations. The iPhone 15 is praised for its good battery health and clean screen, making it suitable for users wanting a phone that feels like new with strong features.
Reviews for the iPhone XS highlight its compact size and smooth operation. Customers often mention the phone looks like new or spotless, with good battery life and solid camera performance. Some note minor marks or occasional issues but most are happy with the phone's condition and usability. The iPhone XS is appreciated for being compact and reliable, fitting users who want a smaller device with enough storage and smooth everyday performance.
Overall, the iPhone 15 suits those who want more power, bigger and sharper screens, and stronger cameras. The iPhone XS suits buyers who prefer a smaller, heavier phone that still performs well for everyday use.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 15 vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone 15 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £416.19 for the iPhone 15.
The iPhone 15 has a bigger battery: 3349 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
The iPhone 15 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 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 adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3349 mAh vs 2658 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.8 inch). Refurbished, it costs £277.84 more (from £416.19 vs £138.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
