iPhone Xs vs iPhone 11: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Stuck between the iPhone XS and the iPhone 11? You’re not alone! Choosing the right iPhone can be a tough decision, especially when considering the features and price points of different models. This comparison aims to break down the key differences to help you make the best choice for your needs.
The iPhone XS, released in 2018, offers a premium design and impressive performance. Its sleek stainless steel frame and vibrant display still hold up well against newer models. The iPhone 11, on the other hand, arrived in 2019, bringing significant upgrades in camera capabilities and battery life.
We’ll delve into the specifics, comparing the displays, cameras, performance, and battery life of the iPhone XS and iPhone 11. We’ll also consider the price difference and overall value proposition of each phone. By the end of this comparison, you’ll be well-equipped to decide which iPhone is the perfect fit for you.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone XS | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.8-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Technology | Super Retina OLED | Liquid Retina IPS LCD |
| Processor | A12 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60 fps | 4K up to 60 fps |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Options | 64/256/512GB | 64/128/256GB |
| Weight | 177g | 194g |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Night Mode | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- iPhone Xs: Features a stainless steel frame and glass back, offering a premium feel. It has a smaller footprint compared to the iPhone 11, making it more compact and easier to handle. However, the glass back is prone to shattering.
- iPhone 11: Sports an aluminum frame with a glass back. It’s slightly thicker and heavier than the XS. The design is durable but may feel less premium to some users.
- Winner: iphone xs
Display
- iPhone Xs: Boasts a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The display offers sharper details. However, it is smaller in size.
- iPhone 11: Features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display. It’s not as sharp or offers as good contrast as OLED, but is still bright and produces accurate colors.
- Winner: iphone xs
Processor
- iPhone Xs: Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which is still very capable and handles everyday tasks and gaming well. Can be slower than A13 in intensive tasks.
- iPhone 11: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, providing significantly faster performance and improved efficiency compared to the A12.
- Winner: iphone 11
Cameras
- iPhone Xs: Features a dual 12MP rear camera system with telephoto lens. Delivers excellent image quality, particularly in good lighting conditions. The telephoto lens allows for 2x optical zoom.
- iPhone 11: Also has a dual 12MP rear camera system, but with a standard and ultrawide lens. Offers wider shots and improved Night mode for low-light photography.
- Winner: iphone 11
Battery Life
- iPhone Xs: Battery life is decent, but can struggle to last a full day with heavy use.
- iPhone 11: Offers significantly improved battery life, easily lasting a full day and often longer.
- Winner: iphone 11
Video Recording
- iPhone Xs: Records video up to 4K at 60fps. Video quality is excellent, with good stabilization.
- iPhone 11: Also records video up to 4K at 60fps. Improved video stabilization and the addition of extended dynamic range in video recording.
- Winner: iphone 11
Price
- iPhone Xs: Generally available at a lower price point now due to its age.
- iPhone 11: Typically priced higher, but still more affordable than the newest iPhone models.
- Winner: iphone 11
Durability
- iPhone Xs: Glass back is more prone to breaking. Water resistance rating is IP68.
- iPhone 11: Aluminium frame is more durable. Water resistance rating is IP68.
- Winner: iphone 11
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | iPhone XS |
| Performance | iPhone 11 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 |
| Camera Features | iPhone 11 |
| Value | iPhone 11 |
What They Have in Common:
- Water Resistance: Both phones share an IP68 rating, offering protection against water and dust. This means they can withstand submersion in water up to a certain depth for a specified duration.
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone XS and iPhone 11 support wireless charging, allowing users to conveniently charge their devices using compatible charging pads.
- Bluetooth 5.0: Both phones utilize Bluetooth 5.0, providing enhanced connectivity and improved range for connecting to other devices like headphones and speakers.
- 4K Video Recording: Both phones can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, enabling users to capture high-quality videos with excellent detail and clarity.
- Dual 12mp Main Camera: Both phones feature a dual 12MP main camera system, allowing for great photo quality and versatility.
iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPhone 11 boasts the A13 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance leap over the iPhone XS’s A12 Bionic. This difference is noticeable in app loading times, multitasking capabilities, and overall responsiveness. The A13 handles graphically demanding games and complex tasks with greater ease. While the A12 in the iPhone XS remains capable, the iPhone 11 provides a smoother and more future-proof experience. The newer chip architecture also contributes to better power efficiency.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera system with a 12MP ultra-wide lens, expanding your creative possibilities. This allows for wider shots and more versatile photography. The iPhone XS, while still excellent, lacks this ultra-wide lens. Both phones offer impressive image quality in good lighting, but the iPhone 11 excels in low-light conditions thanks to its improved Night mode. Video recording capabilities are also enhanced on the iPhone 11.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a notable advantage for the iPhone 11. It offers significantly longer usage times compared to the iPhone XS. This means fewer trips to the charger throughout the day. The iPhone 11’s improved battery efficiency, coupled with a larger battery capacity, provides a more reliable and convenient user experience. While the iPhone XS offers fast charging, the iPhone 11 continues to last longer.
Display and Design
Both phones share similar display technology with vibrant OLED screens. The iPhone XS features a slightly sharper display, but the difference is minimal in everyday use. The iPhone 11’s design is more durable, with a matte finish on the back, making it less prone to fingerprints. Both phones share a similar overall design aesthetic with a notch at the top for the front-facing camera and sensors.
Price and Value Proposition
Considering the age difference, the iPhone 11 often provides a better value proposition, especially if bought used. While the iPhone XS can be found at a lower price point, the iPhone 11’s enhanced features like improved camera, longer battery life, and superior processing power often justify the slightly higher cost. Assess your budget and feature priorities to determine the best value for your needs.
Software and Updates
Both phones receive the latest iOS updates. However, the iPhone 11 is likely to receive software support for a longer period due to its newer processor. Apple’s commitment to software updates ensures that both phones remain secure and equipped with the latest features for several years. The iPhone 11, being newer, may have a slightly longer lifespan in terms of software support compared to the iPhone XS.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone XS If…
- You prefer a smaller, more compact phone size.
- You prioritize the Super Retina OLED display for vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- You find a good deal on a pre-owned or refurbished model.
- You don’t need the latest processor or the newest camera features.
Buy iPhone 11 If…
- You want a phone with a longer battery life.
- You want the latest processor for improved performance.
- You want the updated camera features, including Night mode.
- You prefer a larger display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has the better camera?
The iPhone 11 has a superior camera system. It includes an ultra-wide lens, expanding creative options. It also boasts enhanced low-light performance with its Night mode, producing better image quality. The iPhone XS, while still capable, lacks these features, making the iPhone 11 the preferred choice for photography enthusiasts.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 11 offers significantly better battery life compared to the iPhone XS. Its improved battery efficiency and larger capacity allow for longer usage times throughout the day. This provides a more convenient user experience, reducing the need for frequent charging. You can expect a noticeable difference in battery longevity.
Which phone is faster?
The iPhone 11, with its A13 Bionic chip, is noticeably faster than the iPhone XS. The A13 chip delivers improved performance in app loading, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. This leads to a smoother and more efficient user experience. The A12 in the XS is still fast, but the 11’s chip offers a performance edge.
Does the iPhone 11 have a better display?
Both phones feature excellent displays. However, the iPhone XS has a slightly sharper display. This difference is subtle in everyday use. The iPhone 11’s display quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and good brightness. Therefore, the display difference is minimal and unlikely to be a major factor in your decision.
Which phone is more durable?
The iPhone 11 is more durable due to its design. It features a matte finish back, which is less prone to fingerprints and scratches. Both phones use durable glass, but the iPhone 11’s design enhancements make it slightly more resilient to everyday wear and tear. This provides a more robust feel.
Which iPhone is a better value?
The iPhone 11 generally offers better value. Though the iPhone XS might be cheaper, the iPhone 11’s improved features like the camera, battery life, and processing power justify its higher price. Consider your budget and feature needs to determine the best value. The iPhone 11 provides a more modern and powerful experience.
Will the iPhone XS still receive software updates?
Yes, the iPhone XS will continue to receive iOS updates for a few more years. However, the iPhone 11 is likely to have a longer lifespan in terms of software support. Apple’s commitment to updates ensures that both phones remain secure and equipped with the latest features. The iPhone 11 is likely to receive updates for a longer period.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 emerges as the winner, primarily due to its superior camera capabilities, extended battery life, and faster processing power. While the iPhone XS remains a capable device, the iPhone 11 provides a more modern and enhanced user experience. The iPhone 11 offers a better overall value proposition, considering the feature upgrades and extended software support.
Winner: iPhone 11