iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS
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iPhone 17 Pro
Starting at
£1,074.24£1,099.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone XS?
iPhone 17 Pro vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £935.89 less than the iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone 17 Pro is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone 17 Pro has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- Battery: 3998 mAh, 4252 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro, 2658 mAh on the iPhone XS.
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone XS differ notably in performance, screen size, camera quality, and network capability. The iPhone 17 Pro suits users who want a larger, sharper display, more memory, and higher resolution cameras for detailed photos and videos. Its 5G support and USB-C connector also suit those needing faster network speeds and more versatile charging. The iPhone XS appeals to those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with simpler performance and a familiar Lightning connector.
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Battery life, software updates, and physical size are key durability factors. The two iPhones vary in battery capacity and physical dimensions, which affect how long they last in daily use and how they feel in the hand.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17 Pro has a battery capacity of 3998 mAh or 4252 mAh depending on the model, which provides more power for longer use before recharging. The iPhone XS has a 2658 mAh battery, which suits lighter users or those who charge more frequently. If you want longer battery endurance for heavy daily use, the 17 Pro is likely a better fit.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 17 Pro is larger and heavier, measuring 150 mm in height, 71.9 mm in width, and 8.8 mm in depth, weighing 206 g. The iPhone XS is smaller and lighter at 143.6 mm by 70.9 mm by 7.7 mm and 177 g. If you prefer a more compact phone that fits easily in a pocket or hand, the XS may suit you better.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS performance
Performance depends on the chipset, memory, and storage options. These affect how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking, as well as how much data you can store.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 17 Pro features the Apple A19 Pro chipset with 12 GB of RAM, designed to keep multiple apps open and running smoothly, and handle demanding tasks with ease. The iPhone XS uses the Apple A12 Bionic chipset with 4 GB of RAM, which supports everyday apps and general use well but with fewer resources for multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17 Pro comes in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage sizes, offering plenty of space for large apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone XS is available with 64GB or 256GB, which suits users with lighter storage needs or those who store more data in the cloud.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS screen
Screen size, resolution, and type influence how content looks and feels to use. These factors matter if you watch videos, read, or work on your phone often.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 17 Pro has a 6.3 inch screen with a resolution of 2622 by 1206 pixels, making it larger and sharper for viewing videos and images in more detail. The iPhone XS has a smaller 5.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1125 by 2436 pixels, which suits users wanting a more compact display that still provides clear visuals.
Screen Type
The iPhone 17 Pro uses a Super Retina XDR screen, which offers high brightness and contrast for vivid colours and clear outdoor viewing. The iPhone XS has a Super Retina OLED screen, which delivers good contrast and colour accuracy in a slightly smaller size.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS camera
Camera quality affects how detailed your photos and selfies look. The two phones differ in megapixel counts, which influences image clarity and detail.
Main Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro features a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in photos, which benefits users who take high-resolution photos or want sharper images. The iPhone XS has a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday photography and casual use.
Front Camera
For selfies and video calls, the iPhone 17 Pro offers an 18 megapixel front camera, producing clearer and more detailed images. The iPhone XS has a 7 megapixel front camera, which works well for standard video calls and selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS size and design
Other features such as network compatibility, connectors, and SIM options impact connectivity and convenience for different users.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 17 Pro supports 5G networks, allowing faster data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone XS uses 4G networks, which provide reliable coverage for most everyday mobile internet needs.
Connector Type
The iPhone 17 Pro uses a USB-C connector, which is common across many modern devices and can offer faster charging and data transfer. The iPhone XS uses the Lightning connector, familiar to many iPhone users and compatible with existing accessories.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 17 Pro uses an eSIM only, which means you can activate mobile plans without a physical SIM card. The iPhone XS supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering flexibility if you want to use two SIMs or switch physical cards.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 5.8 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £138.35, £935.89 less than the iPhone 17 Pro
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 206 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 17 Pro looks nearly new with spotless bodies and excellent battery health, making it suitable for university, college, or content creation. They appreciate its perfect screen condition and clear, bright display, especially outdoors. The larger storage options and premium condition models are noted as offering good value. Some users found the upgrade from previous models noticeable in display quality and size, while others mention it fits more easily in a pocket compared to larger phones. Overall, the 17 Pro is seen as a reliable, high-performance phone with strong battery life.
Reviews of the iPhone XS highlight its compact and lightweight design, perfect for users wanting a smaller phone. Customers report the phone looks like new, with smooth performance and good battery life for daily use. The 256GB storage option is popular among those with moderate storage needs. Some mention minor marks or screen issues in lower condition models, but many find it excellent for everyday apps and photography. The XS is praised for its camera quality, compact size, and ease of use.
The iPhone 17 Pro suits those who want a larger, sharper screen, faster performance, and higher resolution cameras. The iPhone XS is better for users who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with simpler performance and familiar features. Both devices serve different needs depending on what you prioritise in size, speed, and camera detail.
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 17 Pro vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone 17 Pro has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £1074.24 for the iPhone 17 Pro.
The iPhone 17 Pro has 3998 mAh, 4252 mAh and the iPhone XS has 2658 mAh.
The iPhone 17 Pro has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 17 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 17 Pro adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 5.8 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £935.89 more (from £1074.24 vs £138.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 Pro comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
