iPhone X vs iPhone Xs: Is It Worth Upgrading?
The iPhone X or the iPhone Xs? It seems like a small difference – just a single letter. Many Apple fans are questioning whether the upgrade is worth it, especially given the price difference. With improvements to the camera , processor , and water resistance, the Xs seems like a logical step forward on paper.
Still, it's not as black and white as it seems. Because although the Xs is indeed more powerful and takes better photos, you can still get by just fine with an iPhone X - especially in combination with the right iPhone accessories and AirPods . The real question is therefore not which phone is better, but whether the improvements of the Xs really help your specific usage pattern.
Let's list the most important differences.
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Refurbished iPhone X collection
Refurbished iPhone XR collection
Looking for the differences between the iPhone X and iPhone XS? We've taken a closer look at both models. Below, we outline our key findings.
Design and finishing
In terms of appearance, there are few differences between the iPhone X and XS. They have the same dimensions and screen bezels. The XS does come in an additional color: gold, joining the space gray and silver options of the X. A less visible but useful improvement is that the glass of the XS is more scratch-resistant. However, we always recommend using a case for optimal protection.
Internal hardware
Under the hood, we see that the XS has a faster A12 processor, about 15% more powerful than its predecessor. For most users, this difference won't be very noticeable. However, the new chip is more energy-efficient, good for an extra half hour of battery life. More interesting is the improved Neural Engine in the XS. This makes facial recognition via Face ID much smoother and allows you to search your photo library more intelligently. These upgrades are especially useful for power users.
Camera capabilities
Photographers are best advised to choose the iPhone XS. While both devices have a dual 12-megapixel camera, the XS received several software upgrades:
- Portrait photos with adjustable background blur
- Improved separation between subject and background
- Smart HDR combines multiple images for optimal results
Other differences
Some more minor differences in a row:
- Storage capacity: X with 64GB/256GB, XS also with 512GB
- RAM: X has 3GB of RAM, XS 4GB for faster apps
- Stereo speakers: XS delivers wider sound
- IP68 water resistance: XS is better protected
- Dual SIM: XS has an additional SIM card slot
The iPhone XS beats its predecessor in most areas, but naturally also comes with a higher price tag. Whether the extra cost is worth it depends on your personal usage patterns and preferences. With a refurbished iPhone X, you still have a very capable smartphone for everyday use.
The conclusion: X or Xs?
The iPhone XS offers notable improvements over the iPhone X , especially in the areas of photography, processing power, and water resistance. Still, the iPhone X remains an excellent choice for those who don't necessarily need all the latest features, as the difference in performance is limited for everyday use.
Anyone looking for a new phone can therefore safely opt for an affordable refurbished iPhone X. Only for those who take a lot of photos or make intensive use of Face ID is the extra price of the XS really worth it.
