iPhone 6S vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone 6S
Starting at
£32.09£149.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 6S and iPhone XS?
iPhone 6S vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 6S starts at £32.09, £106.26 less than the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 mAh vs 1715 mAh.
iPhone 6S vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 6S and iPhone XS differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 6S offers a simpler experience with a smaller screen, single rear camera, and a headphone jack, making it suitable for those who prefer a compact phone for everyday use. The iPhone XS features a larger, higher resolution OLED screen, a more powerful chipset with more RAM, and dual rear cameras, appealing to users who want a sharper display and better multitasking or photography options. Battery capacity and storage options also vary, with the XS suited to those needing more endurance and space.
iPhone 6S vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 6S vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical design aspects that affect how long a device can keep up with daily use. These factors influence how long you can use the phone between charges and whether it will keep receiving software improvements.
Battery Capacity and Longevity
The iPhone 6S has a 1715 mAh battery which suits users with lighter daily needs or those who charge frequently. The iPhone XS offers a larger 2658 mAh battery, which supports longer use between charges. If you often use your phone throughout the day without easy access to charging, the iPhone XS may be a better fit.
Software Updates Support
If staying current with software is important, the iPhone XS suits you better.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 6S vs iPhone XS performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly the phone runs apps, handles multitasking, and stores your files and media.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 6S uses the Apple A9 chipset with 2 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks and basic app use. The iPhone XS has the Apple A12 Bionic chipset and 4 GB of RAM, which keeps more apps open and handles more demanding tasks smoothly. If you use many apps at once or heavier apps, the iPhone XS will be more responsive.
Storage Options
The iPhone 6S comes in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB configurations, fitting users with basic storage needs. The iPhone XS offers 64GB and 256GB options, better for those with large photo libraries, apps, or media files. Choose the iPhone XS if you need more space.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 6S vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality affects how you view content such as videos, photos, and apps. Screen size, resolution, and technology determine clarity, sharpness, and colour depth.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 6S features a 4.7 inch screen with a resolution of 750 x 1334, offering a compact display that suits users who prefer smaller phones. The iPhone XS has a larger 5.8 inch screen with a higher resolution of 1125 x 2436, providing more room and sharper images for video watching and browsing.
Screen Type and Visuals
The iPhone 6S uses an IPS LCD screen which delivers good colour accuracy and brightness. The iPhone XS has a Super Retina OLED screen, which generally offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. If you prioritise richer colours and contrast, the iPhone XS is the better choice.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 6S vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual features include camera setups and front camera resolution. These affect your photos, videos, and video calls.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 6S has a single 12 megapixel main camera that is suitable for straightforward photography. The iPhone XS offers a dual 12 megapixel camera system, enabling additional photographic options such as optical zoom and portrait effects. If you enjoy taking varied photos, the iPhone XS provides more flexibility.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 6S comes with a 5 megapixel front camera, good for video calls and selfies. The iPhone XS has a 7 megapixel front camera, which can capture more detail for clearer selfies and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 6S vs iPhone XS size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, physical dimensions, and ports, all of which influence daily convenience and compatibility with accessories.
Connector and Headphone Jack
The iPhone 6S includes both a Lightning port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it easy to use standard wired headphones without adapters. The iPhone XS has a Lightning port but no headphone jack, requiring wireless or Lightning-compatible headphones.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 6S supports a physical SIM card only. The iPhone XS supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, which allows you to use two mobile numbers on one device. This can be useful if you want to keep separate work and personal lines.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 6S measures 138.3 mm by 67.1 mm and weighs 143 g, making it a lighter and more compact phone suited to one-handed use. The iPhone XS is larger and heavier at 143.6 mm by 70.9 mm and 177 g, offering a bigger screen but less pocket-friendly dimensions.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 6S or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 6S if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £32.09, £106.26 less than the iPhone XS
- you want a lighter build (143 g vs 177 g)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2658 mAh vs 1715 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 4.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 6S often highlight its condition as feeling like new or immaculate, with several noting the phone suits simple needs well. Many appreciate the phone for being a good quality option at a reasonable price, with a compact and light design. Battery health has been a common point, with some customers noting excellent battery performance while others mention the battery is less than perfect but still adequate for daily use. The iPhone 6S appeals to users looking for a straightforward and reliable smartphone experience.
Reviews for the iPhone XS stress its like-new appearance, with customers pleased by smooth performance and good battery life. The larger screen and dual cameras are appreciated for photography and general use. Some mention very minor marks, but most find the overall condition excellent. A few customers have experienced specific issues such as screen lines or camera faults, but many praise the phone's speed and quality. The iPhone XS suits those who want a sharper screen, more storage, and more advanced features.
Overall, the iPhone 6S is a practical choice for those who want a compact and simpler device, while the iPhone XS fits users seeking a bigger, more capable phone with better multitasking and camera options.
iPhone 6S vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 6S vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 6S is cheaper refurbished, from £32.09 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.
The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 mAh vs 1715 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone 6S ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15. Updates for the iPhone XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone XS adds more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (2658 mAh vs 1715 mAh) and a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £106.26 more (from £138.35 vs £32.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 6S comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
