iPhone XS vs. iPhone 11: The Surprising Truth
iPhone XS or iPhone 11? That's the question thousands of buyers are asking themselves. The 11 is newer, so it's better. Right? But here's the surprise: the older XS beats the 11 in crucial areas no one's talking about. The XS's OLED screen is so much sharper, you can skip your AirPods and just watch videos with the sound off—purely for the visuals.
The 11 may be a tad faster, but the XS is €90 cheaper and fits better in your pocket. While everyone blindly chooses "newer is better," they're missing the real story: the XS offers more bang for most users' buck. Especially if you invest the money saved in accessories that truly complete your iPhone.
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Display: the first major difference
The screen largely determines your daily experience. The iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch LCD display, while the XS has a 5.8-inch OLED screen. This difference may sound small, but the impact is enormous.
The XS's OLED panel boasts a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels. That's significantly more pixels than the 1792 x 828 pixels of the 11. In practice, this translates to sharper text, brighter images, and more vibrant colors. The contrast ratio is striking: 1,000,000:1 on the XS compared to 1,400:1 on the 11. Blacks are truly black on the OLED screen, while they appear dark gray on the LCD display.
The bezels also tell a story. The XS's display extends almost to the edge, giving it a modern look. The 11 has noticeably thicker bezels that make the device look more dated.
Performance and processor
The iPhone 11 runs on the A13 Bionic chip, while its predecessor features the A12 Bionic. In benchmarks, the newer processor scores about 10% better. But what does this mean for everyday use?
For social media, browsing, watching videos, and taking photos, you'll barely notice a difference. Both processors are powerful enough for years to come. The extra speed only becomes apparent during demanding games or video editing. The question is: how often do you use your phone for such intensive tasks?
Compare cameras
Both models have two rear lenses with 2x optical zoom. However, there are subtle differences that can be decisive.
The XS has dual optical image stabilization and 10x digital zoom. This device handles movement better and can zoom further without losing quality. The 11 has to make do with single-camera stabilization and 5x digital zoom.
On the front, the 11 wins convincingly with a 12-megapixel selfie camera. The XS's 7-megapixel front camera falls short for sharp group selfies or high-quality video calls.
Battery life and charging
Battery capacity differs noticeably between the two devices. In real-world tests, the iPhone 11 lasted about 75 minutes longer than its competitor. For most users, this means the difference between having 10% left in the evening and having to charge just before bed.
Both devices support wireless charging via the Qi standard. Fast charging is also available, although you'll need to purchase the fast charger separately.
Size and wearing comfort
Size matters more than you might think. At 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm, the XS fits comfortably in any pocket. The 11, at 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm, feels bulkier.
The 20-gram weight difference (177 grams versus 194 grams) seems negligible. Yet, you'll notice the difference after a day of intensive use. The extra weight is especially noticeable during one-handed use or long phone calls.
Storage and memory
Storage options vary by model. The XS comes in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The 11 comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB.
The 512GB option on the XS is attractive for content creators who shoot a lot of 4K video. The 128GB version of the 11, on the other hand, offers a nice mid-range option for users who want a little more space than the base model.
Price-quality ratio
With a price difference of about €90 in favor of the XS, the choice becomes an interesting one. For less money, you get a device with a superior display, a more compact size, and more storage options.
For that extra price, the 11 offers a faster processor, a better battery, and a more modern selfie camera. The question is whether these upgrades justify the price difference for your needs.
Which model suits you?
Choose the iPhone XS when you:
- Values the best image quality
- A compact device is preferred
- Maximum storage space you need
- Looking for the best value for your money
Go for the iPhone 11 if you:
- Want the longest battery life
- Takes lots of selfies
- Likes a bigger screen
- The latest processor is important to you
Conclusion
Both devices remain excellent choices in the refurbished segment. The XS impresses with its OLED display and compact design, while the 11 scores points for battery life and processing power.
For most users, the XS offers better value. Its superior screen makes daily use more enjoyable, and its more compact size better suits modern lifestyles. The money saved can be invested in accessories like a case, screen protector, or wireless earbuds.
The 11 justifies its premium primarily for power users who need the extra battery life or regularly create content with the front camera. For all other scenarios, the XS remains the smarter choice.
Making the right choice
The choice between the iPhone XS and iPhone 11 ultimately comes down to priorities. Its sharper OLED screen and more compact size make the XS a surprisingly strong option, especially considering its lower price. The 11 scores particularly well on battery life and future-proofing.
For everyday use—texting, browsing, taking photos—both devices perform well. The €90 price difference in favor of the XS makes this refurbished iPhone the smarter choice for many users. Only those who truly need that extra battery life or take a lot of selfies will benefit from the extra price of the 11.
