Iphone X vs XS – So when you think about replacing your iPhone, it’s only natural to consider the pros of the new XS in light of the merits of the older iPhone X. At a glance, these two devices are very similar, so there are some significant differences to keep in mind before you make your final decision. The XS expands upon many of the upgrades of its predecessor, all the way from processors to cameras. However, the X remains a competent device if the needs can be met. This article will compare the iPhone X and XS on several essential factors that help decide which model fits your smartphone requirements and budget.
Display: Compare the Screens on the iPhone X and XS
Resolution and Pixel Density
Regarding display quality, the iPhone X and XS are just excellent. The iPhone X sports a 5.8-inch Super Retina HD, with 2436 x 1125 pixels at 458 ppi. This is all carried on in the iPhone XS, with the same sharpness and brightness as the other views in this display. You can, therefore, have the two devices for sharp texts, bright colors, and clear images.
Color accuracy and brightness
Although the XS resolution is the same as last year, Apple did some behind-the-scenes work on the display. The XS screen boasts a more comprehensive dynamic range, meaning it does a better job of accurately expressing color and contrast. You notice this most when viewing HDR content, where the XS can represent deeper blacks and brighter highlights. In addition, the XS screen is a bit more colorful with a max brightness of 625 nits while the X’s is 600 nits; it makes the viewable in bright sunlight much more accessible.
True Tone Technology
Both iPhone X and XS can automatically change the display’s white balance based on the type of ambient lighting. This aids in providing a more natural viewing experience, not to mention less eye strain that commonly happens in low light. If the user is scrolling through photos or reading an article, the screens can be adjusted to provide maximum comfort and clarity.
Camera: How the iPhone XS Camera Improves On the X
The iPhone XS takes smartphone photography to a new level. What was already fantastic about the iPhone X has been dramatically improved. You will notice several improvements that upgrade your photo and video capabilities.
Improved Sensor and Image Signal Processor
At the heart of the XS is a bigger, more sophisticated sensor with an upgraded image signal processor. Together, these behemoths capture much more light and information to create substantially sharper and vivid images, particularly in the most challenging low-light situations.
Smart HDR: More Detail in Every Shot
One of the standout features of the XS is Smart HDR. That intelligent technology captures multiple exposures simultaneously and melds them perfectly into a single image of well-balanced exposure. Your photos will have richer shadows, more nuanced highlights, and improved overall dynamic range.
Portrait Mode Enhancements
While the iPhone X first introduced Portrait Mode to the mix, the XS includes a significantly enhanced version of it. Expect further accurate depth maps that will result in a more natural background blur effect. The XS now adds depth control, so you can even fine-tune the bokeh effect after taking the shot—a real approach to that professional look.
Video Enhancements
To the video enthusiast, however, there will be interestingly improved video capabilities: superior image stabilization for smoother footage, 4K recording up to 30fps, and much better low-light performance. Such enhancements should make your videos come out more cinematic and professional than ever before.
Performance: Faster Processor in the iPhone XS
The iPhone XS took a giant leap forward in terms of performance compared to its precursor, the iPhone X. Upgrades are always accompanied by improvement, and in this case, it is primarily thanks to Apple’s newly adopted A12 Bionic chip powering the XS model.
A12 Bionic: Power House Performance
The A12 Bionic chip used by the iPhone XS is an engineering marvel. It can use a 7-nanometer process to deliver more advanced performance but at a lesser power consumption. This chip comes with a six-core CPU and four-core GPU that will guarantee faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better graphics performance.
Benchmark and Real-world Performance
In benchmark tests, the iPhone XS always outperforms the iPhone X. You will notice faster app-loading times, smoother scrolling, and improved responsiveness throughout the system. The A12 Bionic also shines in machine learning applications thanks to its dedicated Neural Engine, which can perform up to 5 trillion operations per second.
Future-Proofing Your Device
The iPhone XS promises better performance today and is an investment in a device that is much more capable of handling future iOS updates and more demanding apps. You can rest assured that your phone will be snappy after years of usage, which is why investing in such a smartphone makes total sense.
Battery Life: Longer Lasting Battery in the XS
Improved Power Efficiency
It beats its predecessor, the iPhone X, in terms of battery life. Apple certainly advanced its technology in power efficiency with the XS and did a good job with what it has done. Inside the XS is the A12 Bionic chip, which improves performance and optimizes power usage so that you get the most from that single charge.
Extended Usage Time
It is observable in day-to-day use. The iPhone XS offers up to 30 minutes of internet usage more than the iPhone X. That is, one would get more time for browsing and streaming before having to reach out for the charger. For the power user, there could be the satisfaction of not wasting much time on the charger, thus presenting value and refinement for the XS’s battery life.
The XS also introduces more brilliant charging capabilities. This is because it features optimized battery charging, which teaches your iPhone daily charging patterns to minimize the aging of your battery. Over time, you would have preserved the capacity of your battery and would still be able to hold the charge for longer periods. Since this feature is not found in the iPhone X, the XS user will have a battery that runs longer per charge and maintains its health over long periods of use.
Price: Comparison of the Cost of the X and XS
Launch Price
When the X debuted in 2017, most markets were shocked by the launch price: $999 for the 64GB version. One could say that was already steep and much higher than the prices of all other iPhones released in the past. The 256GB version would bring $1,149, once more out of the reach of most budgets.
XS Pricing Strategy
Apple carried this pricing over to the iPhone XS in 2018. The base model is still 64 GB, and the price is still the same: $999. The 256GB version remains the same at $1,149, but Apple added a new 512 GB version priced at $1,349 for those who need even more space.
As with most other technologies, the price often declines with time. The X and XS have been less expensive since their launches in the market. The availability of refurbished and pre-owned products has given a wider range of budgets to buy this product.
Value Proposition
Here, you compare X and XS in terms of marginal progress the XS will make against the cost differences you face. Of course, XS does some upgrades, but you are trading the X for one that is still a great device representing much value, mainly when it’s being sold at a discount.
Conclusion
In summary, when you compare the iPhone X with the iPhone XS, you see meaningful incremental upgrades. While the handsets look similar, the XS should offer superior performance, a far more advanced dual-camera, and an enhanced build quality. For the user looking to upgrade in a short space from the X, that, at the very least, should not be forgotten in favor of waiting for the next generation; the upgrade will likely be justified. For anyone who simply wants a new phone or is looking to replace an old one, the XS is, hands down, the most advanced iPhone ever to come out of Cupertino. As always, it will all come down to your needs and budget. Whatever you decide, the X and XS give you the top smartphone with cutting-edge features that will hopefully last you for years.