Do you want to know how the iPhone X and XS stack up against each other? Read this iPhone X vs iPhone XS comparison for a detailed breakdown of how the two iPhones fare.
iPhone X vs XS: At First Glance
It is customary for Apple to release new iPhone models every September of each year. 2017 marked the biggest change in iPhone history with the introduction of the iPhone X.
A year after that – 2018 – Apple decided to release an S iteration of the iPhone X known as the iPhone XS. Although the iPhone X and XS were discontinued one year after their release, you can still buy them from retail outlets.
Despite the newer iPhone releases, the iPhone X and XS are still very much in demand. Thankfully, the iPhone X and XS are experiencing more price drops than ever.
Speaking of which, at the time we published this review in January 2021, the iPhone X starts at $302.00. Meanwhile, the iPhone XS starts at $335.60 on Amazon.
Now that you know the price difference between both models, let’s now decode the differences and similarities between the two phones!
iPhone X vs XS: Design, Dimension, and Weight
Design-wise, the iPhone X changed a lot of things that you might be familiar with from previous iPhone models. Meanwhile, we have always known the S versions of iPhones for their improvements in speed rather than hardware features.
Therefore, there are only slight physical differences between the iPhone X and iPhone XS. However, I will not assume that you know what the iPhone X or XS looks like.
To start with the front view, the iPhone X and XS have a 5.8-inch edge-to-edge screen. With this new design, the famous home button from previous iPhone models is gone.
Despite having an all-screen front, there is still a wide notch at the top of the iPhone X and XS screens. Regardless of the view obstruction caused by the notch, its importance cannot be overlooked.
Apple has dubbed the notch a sensor housing because it hosts a lot of useful sensors. Speaking of which, there is an infrared camera, a flood illuminator, a proximity sensor, and an ambient light sensor.
Additionally, you will also find a speaker, microphone, front camera, and dot projector.
Now that we have talked about the front view of the iPhone X and XS, let us flip the phones to the back. The backplates of the iPhone X and XS are made of glass.
The glass rear of the iPhone X and XS makes them sophisticated; it is also advantageous for wireless charging.
However, those advantages come at a very high price. Specifically, the glass back of the iPhone X and XS puts them at greater risk of getting cracked.
Hence, you are advised to use a protective pouch to prevent this from happening.
Furthermore, there is a protruding vertical camera module by the top left corner of both the iPhone X and XS. The camera module protrusion will make the phones wobble slightly when placed back down on a flat surface.
Just like every other iPhone, the iPhone X and XS have an Apple logo close to the middle of the backplate.
Moving on to the edges of both models, they are made with stainless material which gives them a firm grip on the hand. Just like every other iPhone, the top edge of these two phones is blank.
Meanwhile, the bottom edge is busier than the top edge. It houses the lighting connector, microphones, and speaker grilles.
On the right edge of both the iPhone X and XS, you will find the side button and the SIM slot. There are also two antenna lines on both the right and left edges of the iPhone X and XS.
Speaking of the side button, a light press on it will wake the phone or put it to sleep. Meanwhile, a long press on the side button will let you switch the phone on or off.
When it comes to SIM support, there is a notable difference between the iPhone X and XS. The difference is that while the iPhone X uses a single SIM, the iPhone XS has dual-SIM functionality.
Apparently, the iPhone XS is the first iPhone to support dual SIM. Even so, the dual-SIM feature has been extended up till the most recent iPhone releases.
In some Asian countries, there are iPhone XS models with two nano-SIM card slots. Meanwhile, in other countries, you will find the iPhone XS with one nano-SIM and an eSIM.
Just as its name implies, an eSIM is an embedded SIM that is non-removable. The eSIM is programmable to enable you to use a second number with any carrier of your choice.
Moving on to the left edges of the iPhone X and XS, you will find the silencing switch and the volume buttons. Pushing the silencing switch downward will put the phone on silence, while pulling it back up will put the phone on ring mode.
Having discussed the physical features of the iPhone X and XS, let us discuss other things like the color options and sizes. For the color options, the iPhone X is available in only two colors – Silver and Space Gray.
Meanwhile, the iPhone XS is available in three colors. It retains the color of the iPhone X (Silver and Space Gray) and added a third color – Gold.
The Silver color options of both models are like a substitute for white color while the Space Gray substitutes for black color. Hence, you can choose either of these colors if you decide to go for the iPhone X or XS.
However, if a white or black phone does not appeal to you, the iPhone XS gives you a Gold color to choose from.
Meanwhile, the available color options on the iPhone X and XS might be limiting to some people. However, you can use a protective casing that has your choice of color.
Moving on to size and weight, both the iPhone X and XS measure 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm (H x W xD). Considering that both phones have the same size, one would expect them to weigh the same.
However, that is not the case. Instead, the iPhone X weighs 174 g while the iPhone XS is slightly heavier with a weight of 177 g.
Consequently, the iPhone X and XS are above 170 g. This implies that they are heavier than the ideal weight, according to research.
Research shows that the ideal weight of smartphones is between 140 – 170g. Regardless of their weights, the iPhone X and XS are still quite comfortable to hold.
Moving on to the water-resistant capabilities of both models, the iPhone X is IP67 compliant, while the iPhone XS is IP68 compliant. This implies that the iPhone X can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, the iPhone XS does it even better; it allows submersion in up to 2 meters of water.
In conclusion, the iPhone X and XS are very similar in terms of design. However, considering the better water-resistance feature of the iPhone XS, it is my top pick for this category.
Therefore, I will rate the iPhone XS a nine in this iPhone X vs iPhone XS design comparison section. On the other hand, I will rate the iPhone X an eight in this category.
iPhone X vs XS: Display Features
Considering that there were only slight design differences between the iPhone X and XS, let’s see if the display features will be a different story.
To get started with that, let us consider their screen sizes. The iPhone X and XS both have a screen size of 5.8-inches which makes them larger than ideal screens.
Apparently, research shows that the ideal screen size of phones is between 5 to 5.5 inches. However, with a 5.8-inch screen, watching media content will be more enjoyable.
The next display feature we will look at is aspect ratio. The iPhone X has an aspect ratio of 16:9 which is the standard for screens.
However, the iPhone XS has moved to a longer aspect ratio of 19.5:9. Hence, you will have more space to view more content vertically when using the keyboard or in apps that let you scroll.
Moving on to the display technology, the iPhone X and XS both use a Super Retina OLED (XDR) display. OLED displays are well known for producing quality images, wide color support, increased brightness, and good viewing angles.
Additionally, OLED screens are good at reducing power consumption. Hence the battery power of the iPhone X and XS would be more efficient than phones with non-OLED displays.
Next, the iPhone X and XS have a screen resolution of HD with 2436 x 1125 pixels. Also, they both have a pixel density of 458 PPI which is better than the 300 PPI standard.
Therefore, both the iPhone X and XS produce sharp images and texts.
Moving on to the contrast ratio and black value, the iPhone X and XS both have a contrast ratio of 1000:1 (higher is better). The iPhone X and XS also have a black value of 0 cd/m².
Consequently, the iPhone X and XS screen display black colors accurately, as well as enough saturation.
For screen brightness, the iPhone X has maximum screen brightness of 629 cd/m² while the iPhone XS has an even brighter screen of 659 cd/m².
Nonetheless, both models are sufficiently bright which ensures great readability even in direct sunlight. However, one thing you should look out for is the sun’s reflection which can reduce readability.
Other display factors we will consider in this section are color accuracy and color reproduction.
For color reproduction, it represents how well colors are rendered on the screen since color distortions are inevitable. Hence, the higher the percentage of color reproduction, the better it is.
In figures, the iPhone X covers 99.3% of the sRGB color gamut, while the iPhone XS covers 98.8%. This implies that the iPhone X and XS cover a wide color space, and most colors will be rendered properly.
Meanwhile, for color accuracy, the iPhone X only has a DeltaE score of 1.2 (lower is better), while the iPhone XS has a DeltaE score of 1. DeltaE scores are used to measure the difference between the color displayed and the general color; a lower score translates to more accuracy.
Another display feature that is similar on the iPhone X and XS is their support for True Tone. True Tone allows the ambient light sensor to automatically adjust the white balance of the screen based on the amount of surrounding light.
Furthermore, the iPhone X and iPhone XS displays also have a feature known as 3D Touch. In addition to multi-touch and swipes, 3D Touch allows more interactiveness on the display.
It works when you apply some pressure on the screen to pop some menu options. Hence, you can perform more operations without navigating away from the page you are currently on.
Moving on to viewing angles, this display feature determines how well a display performs in terms of color rendering and brightness when viewed from acute angles. Consequently, the iPhone X and XS have great viewing angles, which is not a shocker for OLED screens.
Hence, there are only slight color distortions and minimal loss of brightness from acute viewing angles.
Finally, both the iPhone X and XS screens are oleophobic coated which makes them resistant to fingerprints.
In conclusion, both the iPhone X and XS have excellent displays with very similar specs. However, Apple says that the iPhone XS has a faster touch sensing than the iPhone X, which means it responds to touch faster.
Also, although both the iPhone X and XS support HDR, the iPhone XS has a 60% increase in dynamic range.
Hence, this brings me to rate the iPhone XS a nine in this category. Meanwhile, I will rate the iPhone X an 8.5.
iPhone X vs XS: Camera Features
From the previous sections, the iPhone X and XS have not given us substantial differences. Hence, let us run through the camera features and see what we will get.
To start with the front camera, both the iPhone X and XS use a 7 MP snapper with an aperture of f/2.2.
The front cameras of the iPhone X and XS support portrait mode. This implies that you can take selfies with the background blurred out in other to put more focus on the subject.
In addition to that, the iPhone XS also supports advanced bokeh effect and depth control, which are absent on the iPhone X. Depth control allows you to adjust the level of background blur before pressing the shutter or even after taking the picture.
Furthermore, the iPhone X and XS front cameras support Portrait Lighting. However, only the iPhone X has five Portrait Lightings which enables you to take more dramatic and professional selfies.
The iPhone X’s front camera uses auto HDR while the iPhone XS uses Smart HDR. The automatic HDR of the iPhone X enables it to take sharp and detailed shots.
On the other hand, the Smart HDR feature of the iPhone XS uses artificial intelligence to produce a better dynamic range. Hence, selfies on the iPhone XS have better colors, highlights, and shadows than those on the iPhone X.
Furthermore, when taking selfies with the iPhone X and XS, there is an auto image stabilization feature that steadies the pictures to reduce blurry shots.
Moreover, both the iPhone X and XS front cameras also support Live Photos with a wide color capture. Live Photos enable you to take a short video of what happens before and after taking selfies which results in moving photos.
For taking night selfies, the iPhone X and XS use Retina Flash. The Retina Flash works by turning the screen to a burst of light that brightens the face in night selfies.
When it comes to the overall front camera performance, both the iPhone X and XS produce decent selfies, especially portrait selfies. However, due to the advanced bokeh effect and depth control of the iPhone XS, it produces better-exposed backgrounds in portraits.
For Videos, the iPhone X records 1080p resolution images at 30fps. Meanwhile, the iPhone XS records 1080p resolution videos at 30fps or 60fps.
The auto image stabilization feature of the iPhone X and XS also helps to steady videos to prevent jitters. Also, the iPhone XS supports cinematic stabilization for 1080p and 720p resolution videos which is absent on the iPhone X.
Additionally, the iPhone XS’s front camera also supports an extended dynamic range for videos at 30fps.
In addition to taking selfies, the front camera of the iPhone X and XS is also used for face ID. We will talk more about face ID in the security and sensors comparison section of this article.
Moving on to the rear cameras, both the iPhone X and XS have dual lenses. There is a wide-angle camera lens and a telephoto camera lens.
The wide-angle lens on the iPhone X and XS has a resolution of 12 MP and an aperture size of f/1.8.
However, the iPhone X’s wide-angle camera has a pixel size of 1.22-micron pixels. Meanwhile, that of the iPhone XS has a pixel size of 1.4-micron pixels.
For the telephoto cameras of the iPhone X and XS, the camera resolutions are also 12 MP. However, the aperture sizes of the telephoto cameras are f/2.4, and the pixel sizes are 1.0-micron pixels.
Telephoto cameras are useful for zooming in on distant pictures to snap a close-up shot. Therefore, the telephoto lenses of the iPhone X and XS support 2x optical zoom as well as 10x digital zoom.
Just like their front cameras, the iPhone X and X’s rear cameras also support portrait mode and portrait lighting. Better still, the iPhone XS supports advanced bokeh effects, depth control, and five lighting effects that are not present on the iPhone X.
Moreover, similar to the front camera the rear camera of the iPhone X uses auto HDR as well. Meanwhile, the iPhone XS uses Smart HDR.
Also, both the iPhone X and XS’s rear cameras support Live Photos like their front cameras.
Furthermore, the iPhone X and XS’s rear cameras support autofocus with focus pixels which are otherwise known as phase detection autofocus (PDAF). This ensures that the subject of the picture is automatically in focus.
Additionally, the iPhone XS also allows you to tap to put the subject in focus.
For night pictures, the iPhone X and XS use quad-LED True Tone flash with slow sync. This provides a great level of brightness for night pictures which allows even distribution between the background and foreground.
Performance-wise, the rear camera of the iPhone X produces good-quality pictures, especially in daylight. In low lights, the pictures produced are decent, with enough sharpness and a natural temperature tone.
Although the iPhone X has an effective noise reduction, the picture gets a bit blurry in return. Nevertheless, the pictures are sharp, and the color temperature is natural.
For the iPhone XS, the photos have a great dynamic range and enough details in good lighting conditions. Even in low lights, the iPhone XS does a better job than the iPhone X.
For videos, the iPhone X and XS’s rear cameras are capable of recording 4K resolution videos at 24, 30, or 60 fps. Also, the rear cameras can record 1080p resolution videos at 30, 60, 120, and 240 fps.
Meanwhile, both the iPhone X and XS also support Dual optical image stabilization. This enables videos to be shake-free.
In conclusion, both the iPhone X and XS deliver great photography performance. The camera specs of both models are quite similar.
However, the iPhone XS produces better portrait images, low-light images, and dynamic range. Hence, the iPhone XS is my top pick for this iPhone X vs iPhone XS camera features comparison section.
Putting these into consideration, I will rate the iPhone XS an 8.5. On the other hand, I will rate the iPhone X an 8.
iPhone X vs XS: Battery Life and Talk Time
Next up in this review is the battery feature comparison between the iPhone X and XS. Firstly, let us talk about their battery capacities.
The iPhone X has a battery of 2,716 mAh. The battery is non-removable, just like every other iPhone.
Apple has claimed the battery to deliver up to 12 hours of internet usage and 13 hours of video playback.
Meanwhile, the iPhone XS ships with a smaller 2,658 mAh battery capacity. However, Apple has claimed that the iPhone XS’s A12 Bionic chip will give it a 50% increase in battery efficiency than the iPhone X.
Despite the claims, the internet usage rating for the iPhone XS, according to Apple, is still 12 hours. Meanwhile, the video playback battery rating is said to be 14 hours.
To confirm the endurance rating claims of Apple, we will consider some battery tests performed by notebookcheck.com. The first test we will look at is a video playback test.
The video playback test involves continuously playing an HD video until the battery drains. Consequently, the iPhone X lasted 10 hours 34 minutes, while the iPhone XS lasted 12 hours 25 minutes.
Comparatively, the video playback battery rating of the iPhone X is over an hour less than Apple’s claim. Meanwhile, that of the iPhone XS is more in line, delivering over 20 minutes increase than Apple claimed.
Moving on to notebookcheck’s web surfing test, the iPhone X lasted 9 hours and 24 minutes, while the iPhone XS lasted 9 hours and 25 minutes. However, it is disappointing that the iPhone XS and X made a draw despite Apple’s claim of the iPhone XS’s increased battery efficiency.
Having talked about the battery capacity and endurance rating, let us consider other features like fast charging and wireless charging. Thankfully, both the iPhone X and XS have fast charging capabilities.
With a compatible fast charger, you will get 50% of battery life on the iPhone X and XS in 30 minutes. Unfortunately, Apple does not ship its iPhones with a fast charger.
Instead, a 5W charger was bundled with the iPhone X and XS. The charger will fully charge the iPhone X and XS in 2 hours and 15 minutes and 3 hours and 30 minutes, respectively.
However, if you want your phone to charge faster, you will need to invest about $75 extra for a fast charger and cable. For options, search iPhone XS fast charger on Amazon.com.
Moving on, the iPhone X and XS are compatible with Qi wireless chargers thanks to their glass back.
Meanwhile, Apple claimed that iPhone XS delivers faster wireless charging than the iPhone X. However, the iPhone XS wireless charging speed is in no way close to the 15W wirelessly charging standard.
Overall, the battery performance of the iPhone X and XS are decent but not outstanding for high-end smartphones. Despite Apple’s claim of an improved iPhone XS battery, its increased battery performance is not overly significant.
Therefore, I will rate the iPhone X a 7.5 while I rate the iPhone XS an 8 in this battery performance comparison section.
iPhone X vs XS: Storage Options and Performance
When deciding to buy a phone, storage capacity is one of the important factors to consider. It determines how many applications, movies, music, photos, and files you can save to your phone.
This makes this section extremely important – let’s dig in!
The iPhone X is available in two storage configurations. Firstly, there is the baseline configuration with an internal storage capacity of 64 GB.
Secondly, the iPhone X is also available in a 256 GB configuration.
For iPhone XS, it is available in three storage configurations. The first is the baseline configuration with 64 GB.
At the mid-range level, there is a 256 GB configuration and a 512 GB as the high-end configuration.
Unfortunately, the iPhone X and XS do not offer a 128 GB storage option which is usually the sweet spot for most users.
Meanwhile, iPhones do not allow external storage expansions via SD cards. Hence, it is important to buy a phone with enough storage capacity for your needs.
If you decide to go for the higher-end storage options, you should be aware that they cost more than the baseline or midrange configurations.
Furthermore, iPhones use a cloud storage service known as iCloud to back up their data. All iPhone users are eligible for 5 GB of free iCloud storage space.
However, if you need more storage space, you can get more at a price. With iCloud, you don’t have to worry about losing data when you change your phone.
In conclusion, the iPhone X has two storage options, while the iPhone XS has three. Hence, this brings me to rate the iPhone X a 7 and the iPhone XS a 7.5 in this storage option comparison section.
iPhone X vs XS: Security Features and Sensors
Sensors are tiny components built into modern phones. The usefulness of sensors in smartphones cannot be overemphasized.
Sensors offer power management, biometric authentication, motion detection, and more.
The sensors work by detecting changes in the environment and providing a response accordingly.
The iPhone X and XS are built with useful sensors such as face ID, accelerometer, and gyroscope. That is not all; there is also the ambient light sensor, barometer, compass, and proximity sensor.
Starting with the Face ID sensor, it is embedded in the front camera. The function of the Face ID is to secure your phone from unauthorized access.
With a glance at the front camera, you will be able to unlock your iPhone X or XS. In addition to unlocking the phone, the Face ID is also responsible for authorizing payments, application downloads, and sign-up.
Other than the Face ID, you can also use a passcode as a security measure for securing your iPhone X or XS.
Next up is the accelerometer. Its name has given it away as a sensor that measures the force of acceleration.
One of the importance of the accelerometer is changing the direction of vehicles in racing games. The accelerometer also makes it possible for the device’s orientation to change automatically.
In addition to that, it allows the proper adjustment of screen contents when screen orientation changes.
Moving on to the gyroscope, it is otherwise known as the gyro. Its function is to measure rotational motion.
With the help of the accelerometer, the gyroscope helps to provide an accurate orientation. It also provides more sensitivity for changing the orientation automatically.
Without a gyroscope in smartphones, you won’t be able to perform actions that require circular motion or tilt, such as games.
For the ambient light sensor, it is a photodetector that works as a display backlight control. It measures the amount of ambient light in the device’s environment and adjusts display brightness accordingly.
For instance, when you are in a dark environment, and the ambient light sensor detects low light intensity, it reduces the display brightness. Consequently, it helps protect the eyes from strain and conserves battery life while at it.
Meanwhile, when you are in a well-lit environment, the sensor also detects high light intensity and increases screen brightness. Thereby increasing viewability.
The next sensor in line for discussion is the barometer. The barometer sensor is used to measure air pressure.
Therefore, the barometer helps the phone in making accurate weather forecasts. Additionally, it works together with the GPS to detect altitude and can tell you what floor you are on.
Furthermore, there is the compass which is powered by a sensor known as the magnetometer. Just as its name suggests, the magnetometer measures magnetic fields which enables the device to identify the North Pole.
The last sensor for discussion in this section is the proximity sensor. Its job is to detect the closeness of the device to external objects without actual physical contact.
For instance, when you move your phone close to your ears during a call, the proximity sensor detects the proximity of the phone to your ears. Consequently, it switches off the screen in other to prevent accidental screen inputs.
Additionally, switching off the display during calls also helps conserve battery power.
In conclusion, the iPhone X and XS are equipped with similar sensors. Hence, they both get a draw in this category.
In light of that, I will rate the iPhone X and XS a nine in this security features and sensors comparison section.
Our Rating Summary
| Rating Areas | iPhone X | iPhone XS | Notes/Comments |
| Design | 8 | 8.5 | For design, the iPhone X and XS are similar on most fronts. The only differences they have are in SIM support, color option, weight, and water-resistance rating. Meanwhile, the iPhone XS poses a slight improvement in most of these areas, which makes it my top pick. |
| Display | 8.5 | 9 | For the display, the iPhone X and XS are also mostly similar in this respect. However, the iPhone XS has faster touch sensing; hence, it wins this category. |
| Camera | 8 | 8.5 | In this category, the iPhone X and XS also share similar specs. However, the iPhone XS produces better portrait images, low-light images, and dynamic range. Hence, the iPhone XS is my top pick for this category. |
| Battery | 7.5 | 8 | The battery capacity of the iPhone X is larger than that of the iPhone XS. However, the iPhone XS A12 chip is more power efficient which gives it a slight boost in battery life. Therefore, the iPhone XS once again wins this round. |
| Storage | 7 | 7.5 | For storage, the iPhone X offers two storage options, while the iPhone XS offers three. Hence, my top pick here is the iPhone XS. |
| Security/Sensors | 8 | 8 | For security and sensors, the iPhone X and XS pack the same sensors, which puts them at a draw in this category. |
| Our Average Rating | 7.8 | 8.3 | On average, the iPhone XS is the better phone. |
Conclusion
The iPhone X marks an entire design difference from the previous generations of iPhones, and the iPhone XS looks just like it. Despite the numerous similarities between the iPhone X and XS, the improvement of the iPhone XS cannot be ignored.
However, I will not advise you to upgrade to an iPhone XS if you already own an iPhone X. However, if you don’t own either an iPhone X or an iPhone XS but will buy either of them, read on.
If you want a fast A11 Bionic processor, 3 GB RAM, 64 or 256 GB storage, and an IP67 rating, I recommend the iPhone X.
Meanwhile, if you have a little more to spend and want a faster A12 Bionic processor and 4 GB RAM. Also, I recommend the iPhone XS for 64, 256, or 512 GB of storage space and an IP68 rating.
I hope you found this iPhone X vs iPhone XS comparison helpful. Kindly share your feedback by responding to the “Was this page helpful?” question below.
For more Smartphone reviews, visit our Smartphone Comparison Reviews page. You may also find our Smartphone Specs page very helpful.
