iPhone 11 Pro vs Xs: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many great options available. Are you trying to decide between the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone XS? This comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the best decision for your needs and budget.
The iPhone 11 Pro, released a year after the iPhone XS, brought some significant upgrades. These upgrades included a new camera system, a faster processor, and improved battery life. However, the iPhone XS remains a strong contender with its sleek design and impressive performance.
We’ll delve into the specs, features, and real-world performance of both phones. We’ll examine everything from the display and camera capabilities to the processing power and overall user experience. This detailed comparison of the iPhone 11 Pro vs XS will help you determine which phone offers the best value for your money.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro | XS |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.8-inch | 5.8-inch |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| Main Camera | Triple 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 11 hours | Up to 14 hours |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 188 grams | 177 grams |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 11 Pro: 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display. Offers improved brightness and contrast compared to the XS, making it more vibrant and easier to see in direct sunlight. However, the difference might not be immediately noticeable to all users.
- Xs: 5.8-inch Super Retina display. Excellent display quality with vibrant colors and sharp details, similar to the 11 Pro. It remains a high-quality display, though it’s slightly less bright and contrasty than the 11 Pro.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Processor
- iPhone 11 Pro: A13 Bionic chip. Offers significant performance improvements over the A12, resulting in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. It also handles more complex tasks efficiently.
- Xs: A12 Bionic chip. A powerful processor that still delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks, but it’s slightly slower than the A13 in the 11 Pro, especially during intensive processes.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Camera System
- iPhone 11 Pro: Triple 12MP camera system (wide, ultrawide, telephoto). Provides significantly improved photography capabilities, including Night mode, wider dynamic range, and enhanced video recording. Offers more versatility for different shooting scenarios.
- Xs: Dual 12MP camera system (wide, telephoto). Captures excellent photos in good lighting conditions, but lacks the ultrawide lens and Night mode of the 11 Pro, limiting low-light performance and creative options.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Battery Life
- iPhone 11 Pro: Improved battery life compared to the XS, allowing for longer usage times. Offers a noticeable improvement, potentially lasting a full day for many users with moderate to heavy usage.
- Xs: Decent battery life, but it can struggle to last a full day for heavy users. Requires more frequent charging compared to the 11 Pro, especially with demanding tasks.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Design
- iPhone 11 Pro: Matte glass back and stainless steel frame. Offers a more premium feel and better grip. The camera bump is a notable design element, which may not be to everyone’s liking.
- Xs: Glass back and stainless steel frame. Features a sleek and stylish design, but the glossy back is prone to fingerprints. Overall a premium looking phone.
- Winner: Tie
Video Recording
- iPhone 11 Pro: Shoots up to 4K video at 60 fps, with improved dynamic range and cinematic video stabilization. The new ultrawide lens adds more creative options for video.
- Xs: Shoots up to 4K video at 60 fps, with excellent image quality and stabilization. Lacks the ultrawide lens found on the 11 Pro and therefore has less flexibility.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Durability
- iPhone 11 Pro: Features improved water resistance and more durable glass. Offers better protection against accidental drops and spills, but still susceptible to damage.
- Xs: Water-resistant, but the glass is slightly more prone to cracking compared to the 11 Pro. Still offers a good level of protection, but not as robust as the 11 Pro.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Price (at launch)
- iPhone 11 Pro: Higher launch price compared to the XS. Reflects the improvements in features and performance.
- Xs: Lower launch price compared to the 11 Pro. Represents a more accessible option, especially when considering its performance.
- Winner: XS
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Camera | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Performance | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Battery Life | iPhone XS |
| Value | iPhone XS |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones feature vibrant Super Retina OLED displays, offering excellent color accuracy and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone 11 Pro and XS are rated IP68 for water resistance, offering protection against splashes and submersion in water.
- Face Id: Both models utilize Face ID for secure authentication and unlocking, providing a convenient and secure way to access your device.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, allowing you to easily charge your device using a Qi-compatible charging pad.
- Storage Options: Both models offer the same storage configurations, providing users with the flexibility to choose between 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB options.
Iphone 11 Pro Vs Xs Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 11 Pro boasts a more refined design with a matte glass back, offering a premium feel compared to the glossy back of the iPhone XS. The 11 Pro also features a stainless steel frame, while the XS uses a surgical-grade stainless steel frame. Both phones are IP68 water-resistant, but the 11 Pro can withstand submersion in deeper water for longer durations. The camera bump on the 11 Pro is more prominent, housing the triple-lens system. The XS, with its dual-camera setup, has a less obtrusive camera module.
Display Technology
Both phones feature stunning OLED displays, but the iPhone 11 Pro has a slightly brighter and more power-efficient panel. The 11 Pro’s display, dubbed Super Retina XDR, delivers improved contrast and dynamic range, making content appear more vibrant. The XS’s Super Retina display is still excellent, offering accurate colors and sharp details. The difference is noticeable, especially when viewing HDR content or in bright sunlight. The bezels on both phones are relatively thin, offering an immersive viewing experience.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 11 Pro’s triple-lens camera system significantly enhances photography capabilities compared to the XS’s dual-lens setup. The 11 Pro includes an ultra-wide lens, enabling wider shots and creative compositions. Night mode is a standout feature on the 11 Pro, delivering dramatically improved low-light performance. Both phones excel at video recording, but the 11 Pro supports 4K at 60fps across all lenses. The XS still delivers excellent image quality, but it lacks the versatility of the 11 Pro’s camera system.
Performance and Processor
The iPhone 11 Pro’s A13 Bionic chip provides a noticeable performance boost over the XS’s A12 Bionic chip. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and demanding games run without lag on the 11 Pro. Both phones are incredibly fast, but the 11 Pro offers a more future-proof experience. The XS still handles everyday tasks and even intensive applications with ease. The improved efficiency of the A13 chip also contributes to better battery life on the 11 Pro.
Battery Life Comparison
The iPhone 11 Pro offers significantly improved battery life compared to the iPhone XS. Apple optimized the 11 Pro’s components, including the A13 Bionic chip and the larger battery. Users can expect to get significantly more screen-on time with the 11 Pro, allowing for a full day of heavy use. The XS’s battery life is adequate for moderate use, but it may require charging before the end of the day for power users. The 11 Pro provides a more worry-free user experience.
Pricing and Value
When initially released, the iPhone 11 Pro was more expensive than the iPhone XS. Now, depending on the used market, the price difference might be smaller. Considering the upgrades in camera, performance, and battery life, the 11 Pro offers better value for the money, especially if you prioritize those features. The XS remains a capable phone, but its price should reflect its age and the availability of newer models. Consider your budget and desired features when making your decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 Pro If…
- You prioritize the best possible camera system with triple lenses for versatile photography.
- You want the latest processor for improved performance and efficiency.
- You value a slightly longer battery life.
- You want the ability to record in 4k at 60fps.
Buy XS If…
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You prefer a lighter phone.
- You don’t need the extra features of the 11 Pro and want a phone that still performs well.
- You want a phone with a great camera and display.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone XS?
The iPhone 11 Pro boasts a triple-lens camera system with an ultra-wide lens, superior low-light performance (Night mode), and a more powerful A13 Bionic chip. It also features a brighter display and significantly improved battery life compared to the XS. The XS offers a dual-lens camera, the A12 Bionic chip and a good display, but it comes at a lower price point.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 11 Pro has a significantly better camera system. Its triple-lens setup, including the ultra-wide lens, offers more versatility. The Night mode on the 11 Pro delivers impressive low-light performance. While the XS has a good camera, it lacks the features and performance of the 11 Pro’s advanced system.
Is the iPhone 11 Pro faster than the iPhone XS?
Yes, the iPhone 11 Pro is faster than the iPhone XS. The A13 Bionic chip in the 11 Pro provides a noticeable performance boost, resulting in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The XS with its A12 Bionic is still very fast, but the 11 Pro is more powerful.
How does the battery life compare?
The iPhone 11 Pro has significantly better battery life than the iPhone XS. Apple optimized the 11 Pro’s components, including the A13 Bionic chip and a larger battery. Users can expect a full day of heavy use with the 11 Pro, while the XS may require charging before the end of the day depending on the usage.
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone 11 Pro has a slightly better display, although both phones use OLED technology. The 11 Pro’s Super Retina XDR display is brighter and offers improved contrast and dynamic range. The XS’s Super Retina display is still excellent, delivering accurate colors and sharp details, but the 11 Pro’s display is more advanced.
Is the iPhone XS still a good phone in 2024?
Yes, the iPhone XS is still a good phone in 2024. It offers a premium design, a capable camera, and good performance. However, it lacks the advanced features, improved battery life, and superior camera capabilities of the iPhone 11 Pro. Its price should also be considered, as newer and more feature-rich phones are available now.
Which phone is more expensive?
The iPhone 11 Pro was more expensive when it was first released. Now, depending on the used market, the price difference between the two might be smaller. The price depends on factors like storage, condition, and seller. It’s crucial to check current market prices before making a decision.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 Pro emerges as the superior choice due to its advanced camera system, enhanced performance, and significantly improved battery life. While the iPhone XS remains a capable device, the 11 Pro offers a more comprehensive and modern experience. The better display and more powerful processor further solidify its position as the preferred option.
Winner: iPhone 11 Pro