Apple iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone Xs: Is Apple’s new pocket powerhouse worth the upgrade?
The iPhone Xs has ceded power to a new champion – but is the iPhone 11 Pro a worthy successor?
Apple has finally unveiled the much anticipated iPhone 11 handsets at the firm’s long-standing annual event in Cupertino, California. The iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max will be available to purchase from the 13 September and will ship from the 20 September.
By comparison, the iPhone Xs is but a mere memory to Apple: rather than reducing the prices, the company has discontinued the handsets in time for the launch of the iPhone 11. Most of us, however, are still trying to keep track. It feels like only yesterday the iPhone X models were released into the world and, whilst die-hard fans take glee from the continuing obsolescence of each “old” iteration, you can’t ignore the fact that the Xs was an excellent phone.
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If you’re trying to play spot the difference between the 11 Pro and the Xs, we’re here to help. Read on for our comprehensive guide for both handsets.
iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone Xs: Design
In terms of look and design there isn’t anything drastically different between the two models, other than the three cameras on the rear of the Pro of course – but more on that later.
The glossy finish on the glass front of the Xs has gone in favour of a textured matte finish on the Pro that will supposedly offer less reflection and “smudge-proof” properties. Whilst the glass finish has slightly upgraded the displays, both measure in at 5.8in.
The stainless steel casing on the rear remains virtually unchanged and the same can be said for the dimensions of each model. If we really want to get into specifics then the slimmer of the phones would be the Xs at 7.7mm, which is a whole 0.4mm thinner than the Pro.
You’ll be happy to know that both models come in a range of earthy colours. The Pro is available in Midnight Green, silver, Space Grey and gold. The Xs is available in almost exactly the same colours, minus the mysterious Midnight Green.
Both phones are water-resistant but the Pro is resistant in up to 4m of water for 30 mins and the Xs falls short at only 2m. Ideally, you don’t let your extremely expensive phone anywhere near water – especially four meters of it – not least to protect the four cameras but also because of the teeny weeny small print that states “liquid damage not covered under warranty”.
Phone 11 Pro vs Phone Xs: Specs
To break it down for you we’ve collated the exact specifications below.
| Apple iPhone Xs | Apple iPhone 11 Pro | |
| Processor | A12 Bionic chip | A13 Bionic chip |
| Storage | 64GB/256GB/512GB | 64GB/256GB/512GB |
| Memory | 4GB | N/A |
| Display | 5.8in Super Retina HD 2,436 x 1,125 OLED | 5.8in Super Retina XDR 2,436 x 1,125 OLED |
| Rear camera | 12MP (ƒ/2.4), 12MP( ƒ/1.8) | 12MP (ƒ/2.4), 12MP ( ƒ/1.8), 12MP (ƒ/2.0) |
| Front camera | 7MP (ƒ/2.2) | 12MP (ƒ/2.2) |
At first glance, the upgrade in cameras stands out and not a lot else. There’s an extra camera on the rear of the 11 Pro and an upgraded front-facing camera. The battery is also improved for the Pro with a reported five hours (maximum) extra juice over the Xs.
The processor in the Pro is next-gen hardware and has harnessed AI technologies to improve user experience. This means even faster processing speeds than the Xs, which was already speedy.
iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone Xs: Features
The most apparent upgrade in features in the Pro is definitely the extra, super-high-resolution camera on the rear and the improved resolution camera in the front. It might seem like an extravagance and a bit of an eyesore but the three cameras offer an impressive wide-angle and depth that equates to human vision squished into an image.
In addition to this, there is 4K video recording and Apple’s new night mode, which will be perfect if you want clearer night-time shots. The new, improved front camera can take slow-mo selfies (“Slofies,” according to Apple) at 1080p/120fps.
The Xs offers the same rear camera resolution but, due to fewer lenses, only single optical image stabilisation, not dual. You also won’t have the new night mode or the improved front camera quality.
The iPhone 11 Pro comes with iOS 13 preinstalled and an 18W fast charger in the box, although the Xs does also support fast charging and will inevitably receive the new operating system as an update in due course.
iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone Xs: Price
Apple was hardly going to reveal cheaper prices at its annual event and certainly not in regards to its flagship phones. The iPhone 11 Pro will set you back £1,049 for the 64GB model, and £1,199 for the 256GB model; if you want to maximise your storage (that’s the 512GB option), you’ll be looking at £1,399.
The iPhone Xs, now discontinued by Apple, is available from Amazon starting at £999. You’ll pay £1,149 for the 256GB model, and £1,349 for the 512GB – as you can see, there’s not an awful lot between the two handsets in the price department.
iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone Xs: Verdict
Our conclusion is a simple one: pay £50 more for the iPhone 11 Pro. With one extra rear camera, marginally upgraded innards and a suite of new software features, it makes perfect sense to spend a fraction more for Apple’s latest handset, particularly given that the price of the Xs stubbornly refuses to budge.
If you already own an iPhone Xs, however, don’t fret: you’re not missing out on too much.
