iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone 8 Plus
Starting at
£100.56£399.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XS?
iPhone 8 Plus vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 Plus starts at £100.56, £37.79 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 A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- Battery: 2691 mAh on the iPhone 8 Plus, 2658 mAh on the iPhone XS.
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XS differ in several areas that affect who they suit best. It has a slightly larger and higher resolution screen with OLED technology, which offers more vibrant visuals. The XS also has more RAM and a newer chipset, which helps with smoother performance and multitasking. The iPhone 8 Plus has a slightly larger battery capacity and a bigger screen size that may appeal if you prefer a larger display. The XS is lighter and more compact, with the added option of an eSIM alongside its physical SIM. These differences suit varying needs depending on how you use your phone and what you value most.
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and the operating system. These factors affect how long the phone can stay in use and how current its software remains.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 8 Plus has a battery capacity of 2691 mAh, which is slightly larger than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This may translate to a bit more battery life in everyday use for the 8 Plus, especially if you value longer use between charges.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These influence how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.
Chipset Power
The iPhone XS is powered by the Apple A12 Bionic chipset, a generation newer than the iPhone 8 Plus's Apple A11 Bionic. This means the XS can deliver smoother performance, especially in demanding apps or games.
Memory Size
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone XS can keep more apps open in the background compared to the iPhone 8 Plus with 3 GB. This benefits users who multitask frequently or use memory-intensive apps.
Storage Options
Both devices are available in 64GB and 256GB storage capacities. This allows you to choose a size that fits your needs for apps, photos, and files without compromise.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience for videos, photos, and everyday use. The two phones differ in size, resolution, and display technology.
Screen Size
The iPhone 8 Plus has a 5.5 inch screen, which is slightly smaller than the iPhone XS's 5.8 inch display. The XS offers a bit more viewing area in a slightly smaller overall phone size.
Resolution and Display
The iPhone XS has a higher resolution of 1125 by 2436 pixels compared to the iPhone 8 Plus's 1080 by 1920 pixels. The XS uses a Super Retina OLED screen, which provides deeper blacks and more vibrant colours than the 8 Plus's Retina IPS LCD. This suits users who watch videos or view photos often and want richer display quality.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras and front-facing selfie capabilities. Both devices offer similar camera specifications.
Camera Setup
Both the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XS have double 12 megapixels main cameras and 7 megapixels front cameras. This means either phone can capture detailed photos and selfies, suitable for everyday photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS size and design
Other practical differences include physical size, weight, SIM options, and network compatibility. These affect handling, portability, and how you connect.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 8 Plus measures 158.4 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, and 7.5 mm deep, weighing 202 g. The iPhone XS is more compact at 143.6 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, and 7.7 mm deep, with a lighter weight of 177 g. If you prefer a smaller or lighter phone, the XS fits better in the hand or pocket.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 8 Plus uses a physical SIM card only. The iPhone XS supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, giving you more flexibility if you want to use two phone numbers or plans on one device.
Carrier Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked and support 4G mobile networks. This lets you use the device with most UK carriers without restrictions.
Connector Type
Both devices use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories, so your existing Lightning cables will work with either phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 8 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £100.56, £37.79 less than the iPhone XS
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 8 Plus often highlight its excellent condition and suitability for less tech-savvy users or younger family members. Many appreciate the phone's good working order and its larger screen, which is comfortable for watching videos or playing games. Some mention the phone does not support the latest iOS updates, which can affect running certain apps. Battery life and screen condition are generally praised, though a few note it can be less reliable than newer models. Overall, buyers find it a reliable phone for everyday use and appreciate its solid build and familiar iOS experience.
For the iPhone XS, customers frequently comment on the phone's like-new appearance and smooth performance. Many mention the screen's quality and the phone's lighter, compact design as positive points. Battery life is described as good, and the phone handles apps and multitasking well. Some buyers appreciate the larger storage options and eSIM compatibility. A small number report issues with camera or screen marks, but most find the phone to be in excellent shape and enjoy the improved display and faster chipset.
Both phones suit different needs: the iPhone 8 Plus appeals to those wanting a larger screen and simpler use, while the iPhone XS fits users who want a more compact device with better performance and ongoing software updates.
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 8 Plus vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone 8 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £100.56 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.
The iPhone 8 Plus has 2691 mAh and the iPhone XS has 2658 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone 8 Plus ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16. 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 £37.79 more (from £138.35 vs £100.56).
Both come in 64GB and 256GB refurbished.
