iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone 7 Plus
Starting at
£106.15£139.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone XS?
iPhone 7 Plus vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 7 Plus starts at £106.15, £32.20 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 A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 7 Plus has a bigger battery: 2900 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone XS differ in several key areas that suit different types of users. The iPhone 7 Plus offers a larger battery capacity and storage starting at 32GB, making it suitable for everyday use and those who prefer a familiar Retina IPS LCD screen. The iPhone XS features a more advanced chipset, more RAM, and a higher resolution Super Retina OLED display, suited for users who want smoother performance and a sharper, more vibrant screen. Both have dual cameras with the same megapixel counts, so camera quality is similar. Choose the iPhone 7 Plus for straightforward use and value, and the iPhone XS for enhanced performance and screen quality.
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software updates.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 7 Plus has a 2900 mAh battery, which offers a slightly larger capacity than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh battery. This may help the iPhone 7 Plus last longer between charges in typical daily use, which suits users valuing battery life. The iPhone XS can still offer solid battery performance but with a smaller capacity.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS performance
Performance differences affect how smoothly the phones run apps and handle multitasking. This section looks at chipset, RAM, and storage options available.
Processor Power
The iPhone XS uses the Apple A12 Bionic chipset, which is designed with newer technology compared to the iPhone 7 Plus's Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm). This means the iPhone XS can handle more demanding tasks and newer apps more efficiently, suiting users who want smoother performance.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone XS holds more active apps in memory than the iPhone 7 Plus's 3 GB. This helps with multitasking and running more complex applications without slowing down.
Storage Options
The iPhone 7 Plus is available with 32 GB or 128 GB of storage, while the iPhone XS offers 64 GB or 256 GB options. Users who need more space for apps, photos, and media may find the iPhone XS's higher storage capacities more suitable.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality influences how content looks, including sharpness, colour, and size. Both phones have similar screen sizes but differ in resolution and screen technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone XS has a slightly larger 5.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels, compared to the iPhone 7 Plus's 5.5 inch screen at 1080 x 1920 pixels. This means the iPhone XS offers a sharper, more detailed display, which benefits users who watch videos or view photos frequently.
Screen Type
The iPhone 7 Plus uses a Retina IPS LCD screen, known for clear colours and good brightness. The iPhone XS has a Super Retina OLED screen, which delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. This suits users who prefer richer, more vivid image quality.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS camera
The audiovisual section covers camera capabilities and front camera quality. Both phones share many camera specs, so differences are minimal here.
Camera Setup
Both the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone XS have dual 12 megapixel main cameras and 7 megapixel front cameras. This means they are both capable of taking detailed photos and selfies, suitable for users who want solid camera performance without needing the latest camera features.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS size and design
Miscellaneous features affect everyday convenience, handset size, and network options. These details help decide which phone fits your lifestyle and preferences.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 7 Plus uses a physical SIM card, while the iPhone XS supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM. The eSIM adds flexibility for users who want to manage multiple phone numbers or plans without swapping physical SIM cards.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone XS is a bit smaller and lighter, measuring 143.6 mm in height, 70.9 mm in width, and weighing 177 g. The iPhone 7 Plus is larger at 158.2 mm tall, 77.9 mm wide, and weighs 188 g. Users who prefer a more compact and lighter phone may find the iPhone XS more comfortable to carry.
Storage Expansion
Neither phone supports an SD card slot for storage expansion. Both rely on their internal storage options to fit your needs.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 7 Plus or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 7 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £106.15, £32.20 less than the iPhone XS
- you want a bigger battery (2900 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 5.5 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 7 Plus often praise its condition and value. Many say the phone looks like new and performs well for everyday tasks, with battery life that meets their expectations. Some users highlight that setup was straightforward and the phone works perfectly for their needs. However, a few mention that it does not support the latest software updates, which affects its long-term use for those wanting new features. The 7 Plus's screen and camera quality are appreciated, especially for straightforward photo use and video viewing.
Reviews for the iPhone XS mention it looks and feels like new, with several customers happy with the phone's smooth performance and good battery life. The screen is described as sharp and vibrant, and the storage capacity suits those with larger media collections. Some users note minor marks or issues but overall find the device well suited to their needs. The dual SIM support and compact size are often mentioned positively. The XS is favoured by those who want a phone that runs the latest iOS and offers enhanced speed and display quality.
In summary, the iPhone 7 Plus suits customers looking for a solid, familiar phone with good battery capacity and value. The iPhone XS appeals to those who prefer a sharper display, more memory, and ongoing software updates for a smoother experience.
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 7 Plus vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone 7 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £106.15 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.
The iPhone 7 Plus has a bigger battery: 2900 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone 7 Plus 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 3 GB), a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 5.5 inch) and an OLED screen. Refurbished, it costs £32.20 more (from £138.35 vs £106.15).
Refurbished, the iPhone 7 Plus comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
