iPhone 11 Pro Vs iPhone XS

iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£148.00

Versus £639.00 new

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iPhone XS
iPhone XS
Starting at

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £399.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone Xs (2018) and the iPhone 11 Pro (2019) represent two distinct eras of Apple's high-end smartphone design. While they share a similar compact footprint and premium build materials, the iPhone 11 Pro introduced significant hardware improvements that addressed common user requests from the previous generation. Both devices run the same iOS software, providing a familiar interface and access to the same ecosystem of applications. However, the one-year age gap between them results in different expectations for long-term software support and overall system efficiency in a modern context.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of these two devices is primarily defined by their release dates and the subsequent support provided by the manufacturer.

  • Software Support: The iPhone 11 Pro was released a year after the Xs, which typically translates to an additional year of major operating system updates and security patches, making it a more viable option for users planning to keep their device for several years.
  • Physical Resilience: Both models utilize a stainless steel frame and glass panels, but the iPhone 11 Pro features a more advanced water resistance rating, allowing it to withstand immersion in deeper water for longer periods compared to the Xs.
  • Maintenance and Repair: As established models, both devices benefit from a mature repair market where replacement parts like screens and batteries are readily available, ensuring that common wear-and-tear issues can be addressed by professional technicians.

Year of Release

2019

2018

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both smartphones were designed to handle demanding tasks, the internal hardware of the iPhone 11 Pro offers a noticeable step up in efficiency and sustained power.

  • Battery Life: One of the most significant practical differences is battery endurance; users frequently report that the 11 Pro can comfortably last through a full day of heavy use, whereas the Xs often requires a mid-day charge under similar conditions.
  • System Responsiveness: The 11 Pro manages modern, resource-heavy applications with greater ease, showing fewer signs of slowing down when multitasking or processing large files compared to the slightly older hardware in the Xs.
  • Thermal Management: The internal design of the 11 Pro is better optimized for heat dissipation, which helps maintain consistent performance during prolonged activities like gaming or high-definition video streaming without the device becoming uncomfortably warm.

Memory

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

Both devices feature 5.8-inch OLED displays that provide deep blacks and vibrant colours, yet the 11 Pro introduces refinements that enhance the viewing experience in specific environments.

  • Outdoor Visibility: The display on the 11 Pro is capable of reaching much higher brightness levels than the Xs, which makes a significant difference when trying to read text or view photos in bright, direct sunlight.
  • High Dynamic Range: While both screens support HDR content, the 11 Pro offers a wider range of contrast, resulting in more detail in the brightest and darkest areas of a video, providing a more cinematic feel for media consumption.
  • Energy Efficiency: The screen technology in the 11 Pro is more power-efficient, contributing to the device's overall longer battery life even when the display is used at higher brightness settings throughout the day.

Resolution

1125 x 2436

1125 x 2436

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina OLED

Audiovisual

The camera system is the area where these two models diverge most significantly, moving from a dual-lens setup to a more versatile triple-lens array.

  • Photographic Versatility: The iPhone 11 Pro includes an ultra-wide lens that the Xs lacks, enabling users to capture much more of a scene without having to step back, which is particularly useful for landscape and architectural photography.
  • Low-Light Performance: The 11 Pro introduced a dedicated night mode that automatically activates in dark settings, producing images with significantly more detail and less noise than the Xs is capable of achieving in similar conditions.
  • Selfie and Video Quality: The front-facing camera on the 11 Pro was upgraded to a higher resolution and a wider field of view, while the rear cameras offer improved stabilization and more natural transitions when zooming during video recording.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical design choices and connectivity features influence the daily handling and utility of these two smartphones.

  • Weight and Handling: The iPhone 11 Pro is slightly heavier than the Xs, a trade-off for its larger battery, though both maintain the same compact dimensions that make them easy to use with one hand.
  • Biometric Speed: Both devices use facial recognition for security, but the 11 Pro features a slightly faster and more forgiving sensor that works at more varied angles, such as when the phone is lying flat on a desk.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both models rely on the Lightning port for charging and data transfer and offer reliable 4G LTE connectivity, though the 11 Pro supports faster Wi-Fi standards for improved home network performance.

Weight

188 g

177 g

Screen size (in)

5.8

5.8

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

In summary, the choice between the iPhone Xs and the iPhone 11 Pro often comes down to how much a user prioritizes battery life and camera flexibility. According to user discussions on various tech forums, the iPhone Xs is still appreciated for its slightly lighter feel and its status as a very capable device for standard daily tasks like messaging and social media. However, the consensus among long-term users is that the iPhone 11 Pro represented a major leap forward, particularly regarding its ability to last a full day on a single charge and its significantly improved photography in dark environments. Some users have noted that the Xs is beginning to show its age with the latest software updates, while the 11 Pro remains highly responsive.

Users who prioritize a lightweight device for basic communication and occasional photography may find the iPhone Xs perfectly suitable for their needs. Conversely, those who rely on their phone for heavy multitasking, extensive photography, or who simply want the peace of mind that comes with longer battery life will likely find the iPhone 11 Pro to be a more fitting choice. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option allows users to access these premium features while supporting a more circular economy. Opting for a sustainable choice like a refurbished device ensures that these high-performance smartphones continue to provide utility rather than becoming waste. Both devices remain functional examples of high-quality engineering that can serve users well for years to come.

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