iPhone 7 vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone 7
Starting at
£66.24£179.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 7 and iPhone XS?
iPhone 7 vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 7 starts at £66.24, £72.11 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, 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 1960 mAh.
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 7 and iPhone XS differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 7 has a smaller screen and lower memory, making it suitable for everyday tasks and those who prefer a compact phone with physical SIM support. The iPhone XS has a larger, higher resolution OLED screen and more memory, which benefits users who want a richer visual experience and smoother multitasking. Storage options vary, with the iPhone XS offering larger capacities. The iPhone XS also includes eSIM support, which adds flexibility for mobile use. Both devices have similar cameras and unlocked networks, catering to different needs and budgets.
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability affects how long the phone stays active and compatible.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 7 has a battery capacity of 1960 mAh, suitable for typical daily use. The iPhone XS has a larger battery at 2658 mAh, which can support longer use between charges for those who rely on their phone throughout the day.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XS performance
Performance covers how fast and smoothly the phone runs apps and handles tasks. The iPhone XS has higher memory and a newer chipset, which suits users who want to keep multiple apps open and use demanding software. The iPhone 7 has less memory and an earlier chipset, fitting users with simpler needs.
Processor
The iPhone 7 uses the Apple A10 Fusion chipset built on 16 nm technology, which handles everyday apps well. The iPhone XS has the Apple A12 Bionic chipset, offering stronger performance for more demanding apps and smoother multitasking.
Memory
The iPhone 7 includes 2 GB of RAM, enough for basic tasks and light multitasking. The iPhone XS doubles this with 4 GB of RAM, allowing more apps to stay active simultaneously and providing a smoother experience for power users.
Storage Options
The iPhone 7 is available with 32GB or 128GB storage, suitable for users with moderate storage needs. The iPhone XS offers 64GB or 256GB, giving more room for apps, photos, and media, which benefits users who store larger amounts of data.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality affects how you view content like photos, videos, and apps. The iPhone XS has a larger, higher resolution OLED screen, which provides richer colours and deeper blacks. The iPhone 7 has a smaller LCD screen with lower resolution, good for users who prefer a compact display.
Screen Size
The iPhone 7 has a 4.7 inch screen, making it more compact and easier to use with one hand. The iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch screen, offering more room for video watching and browsing.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 750 x 1334, the iPhone 7 provides clear visuals that suit everyday use. The iPhone XS has a higher resolution of 1125 x 2436, which delivers sharper images and more detail, especially noticeable when viewing high definition content.
Screen Type
The iPhone 7 has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides consistent colour and brightness. The iPhone XS uses a Super Retina OLED screen, which offers deeper blacks and higher contrast, enhancing the viewing experience for photos and videos.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XS camera
Both phones offer similar camera specifications, making them suitable for users who want good quality photos and selfies without extra complexity.
Front Camera
Both the iPhone 7 and iPhone XS have a 7 megapixel front camera, which works well for selfies and video calls.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for capturing detailed photos in a variety of settings.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XS size and design
Other features cover connectivity, size, and weight, which impact daily use. The iPhone XS adds eSIM support and offers a larger, heavier design, while the iPhone 7 is lighter and smaller with only a physical SIM.
SIM Card Support
The iPhone 7 supports a physical SIM card only, which suits those who prefer a straightforward setup. The iPhone XS supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering flexibility to use multiple mobile plans on one device.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 7 measures 138.3 mm in height, 67.1 mm in width, and 7.1 mm in depth, weighing 138 g. It is compact and light, which may suit those who prefer a smaller phone. The iPhone XS is larger at 143.6 mm height, 70.9 mm width, and 7.7 mm depth, weighing 177 g, offering a bigger screen but with added weight.
Carrier Compatibility and Network
Both phones come unlocked and support 4G networks, giving you freedom to choose your mobile provider and good mobile data speeds.
Connector
Both devices use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories, providing compatibility with a wide range of Apple accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 7 or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 7 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £66.24, £72.11 less than the iPhone XS
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 177 g)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2658 mAh vs 1960 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 4.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who buy the iPhone 7 appreciate its condition and battery life, often saying it looks like new and runs smoothly for everyday use. Some mention it is a simple phone to set up and use, particularly for basic texting and calling. The physical SIM card is convenient for quick swaps, and the phone suits users who want a straightforward device without many features. Battery life and speed are generally praised, though some users mention minor scratches and issues with data transfer.
Reviews for the iPhone XS highlight its excellent condition and performance. Customers note the phone feels like new, runs smoothly, and has good battery life that lasts through the day. The larger storage options and the phone's speed make it suitable for users with higher demands, including those who enjoy photography and multitasking. Some mention minor marks or screen issues, but overall they find the phone reliable and well-suited for their needs.
Both phones suit different users well. The iPhone 7 fits those looking for a smaller, simpler phone for everyday tasks, while the iPhone XS appeals to users who want more storage, a larger screen, and smoother performance.
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 7 vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 7 is cheaper refurbished, from £66.24 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.
The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 mAh vs 1960 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone 7 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 1960 mAh) and a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £72.11 more (from £138.35 vs £66.24).
Refurbished, the iPhone 7 comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
