iPhone 12 Pro Vs iPhone XS

iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

£202.00

£879.00 new

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iPhone XS
iPhone XS
Starting at

£106.00

£399.00 new

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Ratings

The iPhone 12 Pro, released in 2020, and the iPhone Xs, launched in 2018, represent two distinct generations of Apple's premium smartphone line. While both offer a high-quality iOS experience, the iPhone 12 Pro introduces significant advancements in its camera system, processing power, and connectivity options. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS ecosystem, ensuring a familiar user experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering longevity, the release timeline of these devices is a key factor.

  • Software Support: The iPhone 12 Pro, being a 2020 model, is expected to receive major iOS updates for a longer period, likely until 2026 or 2027. The iPhone Xs, from 2018, has already received several years of updates and may be nearing the end of its major OS update cycle, potentially concluding around 2023 or 2024.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover, offering enhanced drop performance compared to the iPhone Xs's glass front. Both models boast an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, though the 12 Pro's rating allows for slightly deeper submersion.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritising the latest software features and security updates will find the iPhone 12 Pro offers a longer practical lifespan due to its newer release date and extended support window.

Year of Release

2020

2018

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The processing power and overall responsiveness differ between these two models, impacting daily usage.

  • Everyday Tasks: The iPhone 12 Pro features a newer-generation processor, which provides a noticeable boost in speed for launching apps, navigating the interface, and handling demanding applications. The iPhone Xs, with its older processor, still performs well for general use, web browsing, and social media, but may show more hesitation with very intensive tasks or future software updates.
  • Multitasking and Gaming: For users who frequently switch between multiple applications or engage in graphically intensive mobile gaming, the iPhone 12 Pro offers a smoother and more consistent experience. Its enhanced processing capabilities and increased RAM contribute to better performance under heavy load.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12 Pro generally offers improved battery efficiency due to its newer processor and potentially larger battery capacity, often translating to longer usage times between charges for typical users. The iPhone Xs, while capable, may require more frequent charging, especially as its battery ages.

Memory

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

Both devices feature high-quality OLED displays, but there are differences in size and brightness.

  • Display Technology: Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone Xs utilise OLED technology, which delivers deep blacks, excellent contrast, and vibrant colours. This ensures a rich viewing experience for photos, videos, and everyday content.
  • Size and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Pro sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, offering a slightly larger viewing area compared to the iPhone Xs's 5.8-inch Super Retina HD display. Both screens provide sharp text and clear images, suitable for detailed viewing.
  • Brightness Levels: The iPhone 12 Pro's display can achieve higher peak brightness, which improves visibility in bright outdoor conditions and enhances HDR content viewing. Both maintain a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth visual experience for most users.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1125 x 2436

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems are a significant differentiator, with the iPhone 12 Pro offering more advanced capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup, including Wide, Ultra-Wide, and Telephoto lenses, along with a LiDAR Scanner for improved low-light focusing and augmented reality. The iPhone Xs has a dual-camera system with Wide and Telephoto lenses.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 12 Pro excels in low-light conditions thanks to its larger sensor, improved Night mode, and Deep Fusion technology, producing brighter and more detailed images. While the iPhone Xs captures excellent photos in good lighting, its low-light performance is less robust.
  • Video Recording: The iPhone 12 Pro supports Dolby Vision HDR video recording, offering enhanced dynamic range and colour accuracy for video content. Both models are capable of recording high-quality 4K video, but the 12 Pro provides more advanced features for videographers.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical features distinguish these two iPhones.

  • Connectivity: A major upgrade in the iPhone 12 Pro is its support for 5G cellular networks, offering faster download and upload speeds in compatible areas. The iPhone Xs is limited to 4G LTE. The 12 Pro also includes Wi-Fi 6, an upgrade from the Xs's Wi-Fi 5.
  • Charging and Ports: Both devices utilise Apple's Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 12 Pro introduces MagSafe technology, allowing for magnetic attachment of accessories and wireless chargers, a feature not present on the iPhone Xs.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 12 Pro features a flat-edged design with a stainless steel frame, giving it a more modern aesthetic. The iPhone Xs has rounded edges and a similar stainless steel frame. The 12 Pro is slightly larger and heavier, which can impact one-handed use for some users. Both rely on Face ID for secure authentication.

Weight

187 g

177 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

5.8

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone Xs cater to slightly different user needs, primarily due to their age and the technological advancements introduced in the newer model. Users often praise the iPhone 12 Pro for its significantly improved camera system, particularly in low light, its faster performance, and the inclusion of 5G connectivity, which future-proofs it for faster networks. Some common criticisms include its slightly heavier build compared to previous models.

The iPhone Xs is frequently lauded for its still-capable performance for everyday tasks and its more compact form factor. However, users sometimes note its battery life, especially on older units, and the fact that it is nearing the end of its major software update cycle. For those prioritising the latest camera innovations, 5G speeds, and a longer period of software support, the iPhone 12 Pro is likely the more suitable choice. Conversely, users seeking a more compact device for general use, who do not require the absolute latest features, may find the iPhone Xs to be a practical option.

Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative, allowing consumers to access premium technology while making a sustainable choice.