Home
Trade-in

iPhone X vs iPhone XS

Shop iPhone
  • 24-month warranty
  • Free standard delivery on orders over £50
  • 14-day returns
  • Excellent customer support

iPhone X

Starting at

£121.10£449.00 new
See options

iPhone XS

Starting at

£138.35£559.00 new
See options
(686 reviews)
(645 reviews)

What's the difference between the iPhone X and iPhone XS?

iPhone X vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone X starts at £121.10, £17.25 less than the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS is the newer model, released in 2018.

Refurbished from

£121.10£138.35

Chipset

Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm)Apple A12 Bionic

RAM

3 GB4 GB

Battery

2716 mAh2658 mAh

Software updates

Ended Mar 2025, last iOS 16Ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18

Weight

174 g177 g
  • Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) on the iPhone X, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
  • The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
  • The iPhone X has a bigger battery: 2716 mAh vs 2658 mAh.

iPhone X vs iPhone XS specs

The iPhone X and iPhone XS share many features such as screen size and camera setup, but they differ in performance, software support, and some connectivity options. The iPhone XS offers a newer chipset and more RAM, making it smoother for multitasking and newer apps. The iPhone XS also includes eSIM support, adding flexibility for mobile plans. The iPhone X has a slightly larger battery capacity, which may benefit users who prioritise longer battery life.

iPhone X vs iPhone XS price

iPhone X vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical build. These factors influence how long the device stays useful and compatible with apps and services.

Battery Capacity

The iPhone X has a battery capacity of 2716 mAh, which is slightly higher than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This difference might offer the iPhone X a small edge in battery life for users who prioritise longer use between charges.

Battery

2716 mAh2658 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP67IP68

Software updates

Ended Mar 2025, last iOS 16Ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18

Wireless charging

YesYes

Year of release

20172018

iPhone X vs iPhone XS performance

Performance focuses on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly the phone runs apps, multitasks, and stores data.

Chipset

The iPhone X uses the Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) chipset, suitable for everyday tasks and most apps. The iPhone XS has the newer Apple A12 Bionic chipset, which provides better efficiency and faster processing for more demanding apps and smoother multitasking.

RAM

With 3 GB RAM, the iPhone X handles everyday use well. The iPhone XS has 4 GB RAM, which helps keep more apps open in the background and supports smoother performance during multitasking.

Storage Options

Both the iPhone X and iPhone XS come in 64GB and 256GB storage options, offering flexibility for users who need more space for apps, photos, and media.

Chipset

Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm)Apple A12 Bionic

RAM

3 GB4 GB

iPhone X vs iPhone XS screen

Screen quality includes resolution, size, and type. Both phones offer the same specifications here, making their displays equally suited for viewing content.

Display Specifications

Both the iPhone X and iPhone XS have a 5.8 inch Super Retina OLED screen with a resolution of 1125 x 2436. This means they both provide sharp, vibrant displays with similar brightness and colour quality, suitable for watching videos and browsing.

Resolution

1125 x 24361125 x 2436

Screen size

5.8 inch5.8 inch

Screen type

Super Retina OLEDSuper Retina OLED

iPhone X vs iPhone XS camera

Audiovisual features include camera types and megapixel counts. Both models share the same setup, making them similar choices for photography and video calls.

Camera Setup

The iPhone X and iPhone XS each have a double rear camera setup with 12 megapixels and a 7 megapixel front camera. This means both phones are capable of capturing detailed photos and selfies, as well as supporting portrait modes and video calls.

Camera type

Double (2x)Double (2x)

Front camera

7 megapixels7 megapixels

Main camera

12 megapixels12 megapixels

iPhone X vs iPhone XS size and design

Miscellaneous differences cover connectivity, dimensions, and SIM card options. These affect how the phones connect to networks and how they feel in hand.

SIM Card Support

The iPhone X supports a physical SIM card. The iPhone XS adds eSIM support alongside the physical SIM, offering more flexibility to use multiple mobile plans without needing extra SIM cards.

Weight and Dimensions

The iPhone X weighs 174 g and measures 143.6 mm in height, 70.9 mm in width, and 7.7 mm in depth. The iPhone XS is slightly heavier at 177 g and measures 143.6 mm in height, 70.9 mm in width, and 7.7 mm in depth. These minimal differences mean both are similarly sized and easy to handle.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

LightningLightning

Depth

7.7 mm7.7 mm

Height

143.6 mm143.6 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

Release date

N/A21 September 2018

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Physical SIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

174 g177 g

Width

70.9 mm70.9 mm

iPhone X or iPhone XS: which should you buy?

Buy the iPhone X if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £121.10, £17.25 less than the iPhone XS
  • you want a bigger battery (2716 mAh vs 2658 mAh)

Buy the iPhone XS if

  • you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
  • you want the newer model (2018)

What our customers say

Customers who chose the iPhone X often appreciate its condition and value. Many say it looks and works like new, with battery life that lasts well throughout the day. Some buyers find it a good fit for everyday use or as a first refurbished phone. A few mention challenges with app support due to iOS updates, but most enjoy the phone's smooth performance and reliable camera.

Reviews for the iPhone XS highlight its excellent condition and smooth running performance. Buyers note the phone feels like new with good battery health and a clean screen. The extra RAM and newer chipset support smooth multitasking and fast app use. Some say the camera is good, and the phone handles daily tasks well. A few customers report minor marks or issues, but most are pleased with the device's quality and features.

Overall, the iPhone X suits those looking for a capable iOS device with solid battery life and a familiar setup. The iPhone XS fits buyers wanting the latest software support, more memory, and flexible mobile network options like eSIM, making it suitable for those needing a bit more performance and connectivity.

iPhone X vs iPhone XS FAQs

iPhone X vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) on the iPhone X, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.

The iPhone X is cheaper refurbished, from £121.10 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.

The iPhone X has a bigger battery: 2716 mAh vs 2658 mAh.

Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.

Updates for the iPhone X 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). Refurbished, it costs £17.25 more (from £138.35 vs £121.10).

Both come in 64GB and 256GB refurbished.

Add device
Add device
Add device
Add device