The difference between iPhone X and XS has been a topic of interest since Apple launched the iPhone XS in 2018 as the successor to the iPhone X. Both models share a similar design and many features, but the iPhone XS brings subtle yet important upgrades in performance, camera, and durability. This in-depth comparison compares iPhone X vs iPhone XS across key features, design, cameras, performance, software, and price to help you choose the one suitable for you.
In terms of the core specifications of the iPhone X and iPhone XS, both feature a 5.8-inch OLED display with identical resolution and aspect ratio. However, The iPhone XS upgrades the chipset to the A12 Bionic, offering better performance and efficiency than the A11 in the iPhone X. The XS also supports a higher water resistance rating and offers a new 512 GB storage option.
Specification |
iPhone X |
iPhone XS |
Display |
5.8-inch Super Retina OLED |
5.8-inch Super Retina OLED |
Resolution |
2436 x 1125 pixels |
2436 x 1125 pixels |
Processor |
A11 Bionic chip |
A12 Bionic chip |
Storage Options |
64GB, 256GB |
64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Rear Cameras |
Dual 12 MP (Main + Telephoto) |
Dual 12 MP (Main + Telephoto) |
Front Camera |
7 MP (f/2.2) TrueDepth |
7 MP (f/2.2) TrueDepth |
Battery Life |
Up to 13 hours video playback |
Up to 14 hours video playback |
Weight |
174 grams |
177 grams |
Water Resistance |
IP67 |
IP67 |
Operating System |
iOS 11, upgradable |
iOS 12, upgradable |
Both phones have the same dimensions and a premium stainless steel frame, but there are subtle differences in build and durability. The iPhone XS offers improved water and dust resistance with an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand deeper water immersion than the iPhone X. Additionally, the XS introduces a new gold color option.
Feature |
iPhone X |
iPhone XS |
Dimensions |
143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm |
143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 |
Weight |
174 grams |
177 |
Frame Material |
Stainless steel |
Stainless Steel |
Body Finish |
Glass front and back |
Glass |
Colors Available |
Silver, Space Gray |
Silver, Space Gray, Gold |
Water/Dust Resistance |
IP67 (up to 1m for 30 mins) |
IP68 (up to 2m for 30 mins) |
Apple’s dual 12 MP rear cameras are a highlight of both models, with the same telephoto lens, but the iPhone XS brings enhancements in image processing. The iPhone XS’s wide camera sensor is larger, allowing it to capture more light and improve low-light photography. It also has Depth Control for adjusting background blur after taking portraits, unlike the iPhone X.
Feature |
iPhone X |
iPhone XS |
Rear Camera Setup |
Dual 12 MP (Main f/1.8 + Telephoto f/2.4) |
Dual 12 MP (Main f/1.8 + Telephoto f/2.4) |
Optical Zoom |
2x Optical Zoom |
2x Optical Zoom |
Night Mode |
No |
No |
Deep Fusion |
No |
No |
Front Camera |
7 MP (f/2.2) |
7 MP (f/2.2) |
Video Recording |
4K at 24/30/60 fps |
4K at 24/30/60 fps, Cinematic video stabilisation at 1080p and 720p |
Other Features |
Auto HDR, Portrait mode |
Smart HDR, Portrait mode + Depth Control |
Performance-wise, the iPhone XS is an upgrade, though battery capacities are quite similar. The A12 chip in the iPhone XS is more advanced, offering better CPU and GPU performance with improved energy efficiency. Moreover, the XS manages marginally better battery life, supporting up to 14 hours of video playback compared to 13 hours on the iPhone X.
Feature |
iPhone X |
iPhone XS |
Chipset |
A11 Bionic |
A12 Bionic |
CPU |
6-Core CPU |
6-Core CPU |
GPU |
3-core GPU |
4-core GPU |
Processor |
2-core Neural Engine |
8-core Neural Engine |
Battery Life (Video) |
Up to 13 hours video playback |
Up to 14 hours video playback |
Battery Life (Audio) |
Up to 60 hours |
Up to 60 hours |
Charging |
Qi Wireless charging, Fast charging with 20W or higher |
Qi Wireless charging, Fast charging with 20W or higher |
Both devices support Face ID facial recognition and 3D Touch pressure-sensitive interactions. The iPhone XS’s improved water resistance and slightly enhanced HDR support on the OLED display provide a better multimedia experience. Both phones continue to receive regular iOS updates, ensuring security and feature parity.
Feature |
iPhone X |
iPhone XS |
Operating System |
iOS 11 |
iOS 12 |
Biometric Security |
Face ID with TrueDepth camera |
Face ID with TrueDepth camera |
Display Features |
Super Retina HD OLED, HDR, True Tone, 3D Touch |
Super Retina HD OLED, HDR, True Tone, 3D Touch |
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, LTE Advanced, No Ultra Wideband |
Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit-class LTE, No Ultra Wideband |
Other Features |
Stereo audio, no Dolby support, no Apple Intelligence |
Spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, no Apple Intelligence |
The difference between iPhone X and XS in terms of their price is nominal. Both phones have similar costs, for the same storage variants, despite having some differences in specs and feaures. Currently, prices can also fluctuate based on availability, condition, and seller.
Model |
Storage |
Price |
iPhone X |
64GB |
₹91,900 |
iPhone X |
256GB |
₹1,06,900 |
iPhone XS |
64GB |
₹89,900 |
iPhone XS |
256GB |
₹1,03,900 |
iPhone XS |
512GB |
₹1,34,900 |
Disclaimer: Prices mentioned are approximate and may vary as per configuration, region, and available offers. Please check Apple’s official website for up-to-date pricing.
When you compare the two mobiles, the difference between iPhone X and XS boils down to performance, camera enhancements, and durability. The iPhone XS offers a more powerful A12 chip, extra RAM, improved water resistance, and advanced camera features like Depth Control.
However, the iPhone X still holds its own with a premium OLED display, dual cameras, and a slightly lower price point. If you want the latest chipset and better photography capabilities, the iPhone XS is worth the upgrade. Otherwise, the iPhone X remains a solid option for a premium Apple experience.
Whichever phone you decide to purchase, alternative financing tools like the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card can help you bring home the latest iPhone without straining your budget.
Purchasing your preferred iPhone model is easier with the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card. It comes with many standout benefits:
High Usage Amount: Get instant access to a card loan amount of up to ₹3 Lakhs for convenient purchases.
Wide Acceptance: Shop on the EMI card at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across India as well as many popular online shopping platforms.
Flexible Repayment Options: You can choose any EMI tenure of up to 60 months, making your repayment comfortable.
Easy EMIs: Convert your iPhone purchase cost into manageable EMIs with low interest or zero down payment options, as available.
Fully Digital Process: Apply for the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card online in minutes and and digitally manage your card hassle-free.
These USPs can help you own your desired iPhone without facing upfront financial pressure.
The iPhone XS features a newer A12 Bionic chip, better water resistance (IP68 vs IP67), and enhanced camera capabilities like a larger sensor and Depth Control. On the other hand, the iPhone X has the A11 chip and slightly different specs in camera specs.
Both the iPhone X and the iPhone XS have similar price points if they are of the same storage variant. This is due to their majority of similar features, barring an upgraded processor and improved camera features in the iPhone XS.
The iPhone XS offers marginally better battery life with up to 14 hours of video playback compared to 13 hours on the iPhone X. Audio playback consumes the same 60 hours of battery life for both the devices.
Both have the same 5.8-inch OLED Super Retina display with identical resolution and brightness, so display quality is virtually almost the same.
Yes, the iPhone XS has a better camera sensor for improved low-light photos, Depth Control for portrait shots, improved water resistance, and an additional gold color option. It also sports the newer A12 processor and was released with a newer operating system.
If you value improved performance, enhanced camera features, and better durability, the iPhone XS is worth upgrading to; otherwise, the iPhone X remains a capable and premium device.