iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 8 and iPhone XS?
iPhone 8 vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £48.35 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, 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 1821 mAh.
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 8 and iPhone XS differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone XS offers a larger, higher resolution OLED screen that suits those who want a more immersive display for videos and photos. It has more RAM and a newer chipset, which helps with smoother multitasking and faster performance. Its range of storage options includes 128GB, which is not available for the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS also offers dual SIM support with physical SIM plus eSIM, which could be useful for frequent travellers or those needing two numbers.
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Battery life and software updates are important for how long a phone stays reliable day to day. These two iPhones differ in battery capacity and update support, affecting usage and future software availability.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 8 has a 1821 mAh battery which suits typical daily use and charging routines. The iPhone XS has a larger 2658 mAh battery, which means it can generally provide longer use between charges. Users who need extended battery life for heavy apps or longer days might prefer the iPhone XS.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS performance
Performance affects how smoothly apps run and how many can stay open at once. The two phones differ in chipset, RAM, and storage sizes stocked, which influence everyday speed and multitasking.
Processor Power
The iPhone 8 uses the Apple A11 Bionic chipset, which handles everyday tasks well and runs most apps smoothly. The iPhone XS features the newer Apple A12 Bionic chipset, offering improved efficiency and speed for more demanding apps and multitasking.
Memory Capacity
With 2 GB of RAM, the iPhone 8 is suitable for basic multitasking and everyday app use. The iPhone XS has 4 GB of RAM, allowing more apps to stay open simultaneously and smoother switching between them, which benefits users running several apps or heavier software.
Storage Sizes Available
The iPhone 8 is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, giving more choice for those needing medium storage. The iPhone XS is stocked in 64GB and 256GB, which suits users who want either standard or larger storage but not the middle option.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS screen
Screen experience differs in size, resolution, and technology. These factors influence how clear and vibrant images appear, and how much space you have for viewing content.
Screen Size
The iPhone 8 has a 4.7 inch screen, making it compact and easy to use with one hand. The iPhone XS has a larger 5.8 inch screen, offering more room for videos, games, and reading.
Resolution
With 750 x 1334 pixels, the iPhone 8's screen delivers clear images suitable for everyday use. The iPhone XS has a higher resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels, providing sharper details and better clarity for watching photos and videos.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 8 uses Retina IPS LCD technology, which gives bright and accurate colours under most lighting conditions. The iPhone XS features Super Retina OLED technology, offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colours, enhancing the viewing experience for media.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS camera
Both phones share similar camera resolutions, so photo and video quality will be comparable. This section looks at what that means for everyday use.
Front Camera
Both the iPhone 8 and iPhone XS have a 7 megapixel front camera, suitable for selfies and video calls with clear detail. Users wanting straightforward front camera use will find either device fits well.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, providing good photo resolution for everyday photography. This makes both models capable of capturing detailed images under normal conditions.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS size and design
Other practical differences include SIM options, size, and weight, which can influence how you use and carry the phone day to day.
SIM Card Support
The iPhone 8 uses a physical SIM only, which suits users with a single mobile number. The iPhone XS supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, allowing use of two numbers on one device, ideal for business users or travellers.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 8 measures 138.4 mm in height, 67.3 mm in width, and 7.3 mm in depth, weighing 148 g. This makes it compact and lightweight. The iPhone XS is slightly larger at 143.6 mm height, 70.9 mm width, and 7.7 mm depth, weighing 177 g. It suits users comfortable with a larger, heavier phone.
Connector and Network
Both phones use a Lightning connector and support 4G mobile networks, providing familiar charging and connectivity options for everyday use.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 8 or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £90, £48.35 less than the iPhone XS
- you want a lighter build (148 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 1821 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 4.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 8 looks nearly new and runs well for everyday use. Many are happy with the battery health and the solid feel of the phone, finding it suitable for work or as a gift. Some mention that the battery lasts through the day with typical use but may need charging by the evening during heavier activity. Overall, users appreciate the straightforward performance and storage options, with some noting it is an improvement over older models they had.
Reviews for the iPhone XS highlight the phone's excellent condition and smooth performance. Customers comment that the battery lasts well for a full day of use and the screen is bright and clear. Some users value the larger storage options and the compact but roomy screen size. A few mention minor marks or issues, but many find it runs smoothly and is good for photography and multitasking. The dual SIM support is not often mentioned but could be a useful feature for some.
Both devices suit different users well: the iPhone 8 fits those wanting a reliable, straightforward phone with familiar features and multiple storage choices. The iPhone XS appeals to users looking for a larger, sharper screen, longer battery life, and smoother performance with more RAM and software updates.
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 8 vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.
The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone 8 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 2 GB), a bigger battery (2658 mAh vs 1821 mAh) and a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £48.35 more (from £138.35 vs £90).
Refurbished, the iPhone 8 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
