Welcome to our blog, where we will compare the Apple iPhone XS and the iPhone X. Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone XS, was released in September 2018, a year after the iPhone X was released. While the iPhone XS looks similar to its predecessor, several key differences between the two devices make it worth examining.
In this blog, we will closely examine the similarities and differences between the iPhone XS and the iPhone X, including design, specs, features, and performance. By the end of this blog, you’ll better understand which phone might be the right choice for you.
So, whether you’re considering upgrading your current iPhone or just curious about the differences between the Apple iPhone XS and iPhone X, let’s dive in!
A. Similarities in design and build:
The iPhone X and XS have similar designs and build quality. Both models feature a stainless steel frame sandwiched between glass on the front and back. The glass back allows for wireless charging, a feature introduced with the iPhone X.
Additionally, both phones have a nearly edge-to-edge display with a small notch at the top for the TrueDepth camera system, which enables Face ID.
B. Differences in design and build:
While the iPhone XS and X look very similar at first glance, some subtle differences exist in their design and build.
- Size and weight: The iPhone XS is slightly heavier than the iPhone X, weighing 177 grams compared to the iPhone X’s 174 grams. The iPhone XS is also marginally thicker than the iPhone X, measuring 7.7 mm thick compared to the iPhone X 7.7 mm thickness.
- Material and colour options: The iPhone XS comes in three colours: gold, silver, and space grey, while the iPhone X was only available in silver and space grey. Additionally, the iPhone XS has a new gold colour option unavailable on the iPhone X.
- Water resistance: The iPhone X and XS are water-resistant with an IP68 rating, which means they can withstand being submerged in up to two meters of water for up to 30 minutes. However, the iPhone XS has improved water resistance compared to the iPhone X, allowing it to withstand splashes and spills better.
C. Screen size and resolution:
The iPhone X and XS have a Super Retina OLED display, which delivers high-quality and vivid colours. The screen size and resolution are the same for both models, with a 5.8-inch display and 1125 x 2436 pixels.
D. Similarities in display features:
The iPhone X and XS have several similar display features, including True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen’s colour temperature based on ambient lighting, and 3D Touch, which allows pressure-sensitive touch input.
E. Differences in display features:
While the iPhone X and XS have similar displays, the XS has some improvements over the X:
Brightness and colour accuracy: The iPhone XS has a wider colour gamut than the iPhone X, which means it can display more colours with greater accuracy. Additionally, the XS has improved brightness levels, with a maximum brightness of 625 nits compared to the iPhone X’s 625 nits.
HDR and Dolby Vision support: The iPhone XS also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, which are high-dynamic-range (HDR) formats that allow for a wider range of colours and greater contrast. It means that content such as movies and TV shows supporting HDR will look even better on the iPhone XS than on the iPhone X.
F. Rear camera:
- Similarities in camera specs: The iPhone X and XS have a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens on the rear camera. They also have optical image stabilisation (OIS) and a quad-LED True Tone flash.
- Differences in camera specs: a. Dual-camera system: The iPhone XS has an improved dual-camera system compared to the iPhone X. The wide-angle lens on the XS has a larger sensor with bigger pixels, which means it can capture more light and produce better images in low light conditions.
G. Smart HDR:
The iPhone XS also has a Smart HDR, which captures more detail in the highlights and shadows of a photo. This feature combines images taken at different exposures to produce a final photo with better overall exposure and detail.
H. Depth control:
The XS also has improved depth control, which allows you to adjust the depth of field in a photo after it’s been taken. It can blur the background or foreground of a photo to create a professional-looking depth-of-field effect.
I. Front-facing camera:
- Similarities in camera specs: The iPhone X and XS have a 7-megapixel front-facing camera with Retina flash and support for 1080p HD video recording.
- Differences in camera specs: a. Portrait mode: The iPhone XS has an improved Portrait mode on the front-facing camera, which allows for adjustable depth-of-field control and Smart HDR.
J. Animoji and Memoji: The iPhone XS also has an improved front-facing camera for Animoji and Memoji, which uses the TrueDepth camera system to create personalized 3D avatars that can mimic your facial expressions and movements.
K. Processor and RAM:
The iPhone X and XS are powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip and have 3GB of RAM. However, the iPhone XS features the newer A12 Bionic chip, which is faster and more efficient than the A11 chip. The A12 chip also has a neural engine that can perform up to 5 trillion operations per second, making it ideal for machine learning and AI tasks.
L. Battery life:
The iPhone XS has a slightly longer battery life than the iPhone X. According to Apple; the iPhone XS can last up to 30 minutes longer than the iPhone X on a single charge. However, battery life will depend on individual usage patterns and settings.
M. Wireless charging:
Both the iPhone X and XS support wireless charging using the Qi standard. It means that they can be charged wirelessly using a compatible charging pad. However, the iPhone XS has an improved wireless charging coil, allowing faster charging than the iPhone X.
N iOS 12 and iOS 13 compatibility:
The iPhone X and XS were released with iOS 11, but they are compatible with iOS 12 and iOS 13. It means both devices can receive software updates and new features from Apple.
O. Similarities in software features:
The iPhone X and XS have many similar software features, including:
- Face ID: Both devices use Face ID facial recognition technology to unlock the device and authenticate purchases and passwords.
- Augmented Reality: Both devices support augmented reality (AR) apps and experiences.
- Apple Pay: Both devices support Apple Pay, which allows users to make secure payments using their devices.
- Animoji: Both devices have Animoji, which are animated 3D emojis that can mimic your facial expressions.
P. Differences in software features:
- Siri shortcuts: The iPhone XS features Siri shortcuts, which allow users to create custom voice commands for specific tasks. This feature is not available on the iPhone X.
- Screen Time: The iPhone XS also has Screen Time, which allows users to track their device usage and set limits on certain apps or categories of apps. This feature is not available on the iPhone X.
- Group FaceTime: The iPhone XS supports Group FaceTime, allowing users to make video calls with up to 32 people simultaneously. This feature is not available on the iPhone X.
Recap of similarities and differences between iPhone XS and iPhone X:
The iPhone XS and iPhone X have many similarities in design and build, but the iPhone XS has improved water and dust resistance. The displays on both devices are OLED and have similar resolutions, but the iPhone XS has a slightly larger screen and better colour accuracy.
Both devices have dual rear cameras, but the iPhone XS has improved Smart HDR and depth control. The iPhone XS also has an improved front-facing camera with better portrait mode capabilities. The iPhone XS has a faster A12 Bionic chip, longer battery life, and improved wireless charging capabilities.
Regarding software, the iPhone XS has some notable improvements over the iPhone X, including Siri Shortcuts, Screen Time, and Group FaceTime.
Which one is better for you?
Whether the iPhone XS or iPhone X is better for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for the latest and greatest technology and don’t mind paying a premium price, the iPhone XS may be the better choice.
However, if you’re happy with your iPhone X and don’t need significant upgrades, you should hold onto it until the next iPhone release. It’s also worth noting that both devices still receive software updates and support from Apple.
Buying the iPhone XS and X:
There’s no shortage of options for buying the iPhone X or XS, two wildly successful and popular models known for their impressive features and reliable performance. But whether you’re shopping online or in person, it’s important to prioritise warranties and money-back guarantees, especially considering the age of these phones.
Fortunately, one online marketplace checks all the boxes: Wise Market in Australia. With a stellar reputation for selling refurbished, new, and used smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other accessories, Wise Market is a customer-centric organisation that always puts its customers first.
In addition to unbeatable prices, Wise Market offers a 13-month warranty and a 21-day money-back guarantee, giving you peace of mind and ensuring you’re satisfied with your purchase. Don’t wait any longer to experience the best customer service and quality products. Head to Wise Market’s website today to learn more.
Final thoughts:
Overall, the Apple iPhone XS has some notable improvements over the iPhone X in terms of performance, camera, and software features. However, the differences may not be significant enough to warrant an upgrade for some users, especially if their iPhone X is still performing well.
Suppose you’re in the market for a new iPhone and are deciding between the two. In that case, it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences and the price difference between the two devices.