iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 – Which is the Best Budget iPhone in 2023?

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the choice between the iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 is a decision that many prospective buyers face. These two Apple devices offer distinctive features and capabilities, making it essential to understand their differences to make an informed choice. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into various aspects, including design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and the operating system. By the end of this exploration, you will have a clearer picture of which iPhone suits your specific needs and preferences. So let’s Begin!

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Spec Comparison – iPhone XS vs iPhone 11

iPhone XSiPhone 11
Starting Price$200 (refurbished)$260 (refurbished)
Screen size5.8 inches6.1 inches
Storage64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB
RAM4GB4GB
CPUA12 BionicA13 Bionic
Refresh Rate60 Hz60Hz
Rear cameras12 MP main, 12 MP wide12 MP main, 12 MP wide
Front cameras7 MP12 MP
Battery life4 Hours and 20 Minutes5 Hours and 5 Minutes
Battery size2658 mAh3110 mAh
Charging speed15W wired, 7,5W wireless18W – 22W wired, 7,5W wireless
Size5.65 x 2.79 x 0.30 inches5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 inches
Weight6,24 ounces6,84 ounces
OSIOS 16 (will get IOS 17)IOS 16 (will get IOS 17)
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iPhone XS

Welcome to the Big Screens

iPhone 11

Just the Right Amount of Everything

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Design – iPhone XS vs iPhone 11

When it comes to the iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 design comparison, these two Apple smartphones exhibit distinct styles and build materials.

iPhone XS Design

The iPhone XS showcases a premium design, featuring a stainless steel frame encased in glass. This combination not only exudes luxury but also ensures durability. With a 5.8-inch OLED display and slim bezels, it offers a compact and stylish feel, making it an attractive choice for those who value aesthetics.

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Apple provides classic color choices for the iPhone XS, including Space Gray, Silver, and Gold. These finishes add to the device’s elegance, allowing users to express their style.

iPhone 11 Design

Conversely, the iPhone 11 adopts a more practical design approach. It incorporates an aluminum frame, which offers sturdiness while keeping manufacturing costs in check. The front and back are made of glass, maintaining a touch of sophistication.

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The iPhone 11 comes with a slightly larger 6.1-inch LCD display, delivering a more immersive viewing experience. It also stands out with a broader color spectrum, offering options like Purple, Green, and Product(RED), giving users the chance to showcase their personality through their device.

In summary, the iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 design comparison boils down to your personal preferences. The iPhone XS emphasizes compact luxury and timeless color finishes, while the iPhone 11 prioritizes practicality, a larger screen, and vibrant color choices. Your choice between these two models will depend on what design aspects matter most to you.

Display – iPhone XS vs iPhone 11

When comparing the iPhone XS vs iPhone 11, the display is a significant factor that can influence your overall smartphone experience. Let’s explore the display characteristics of these two Apple devices.

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iPhone XS Display

The iPhone XS features a 5.8-inch OLED display that offers rich and vibrant colors. With a resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels, it provides sharp and detailed visuals, making it ideal for tasks like browsing, streaming, and photo viewing. The OLED technology ensures deep blacks and excellent contrast, enhancing the overall picture quality.

One of the standout features of the iPhone XS display is its OLED technology. Each pixel on an OLED screen emits its light, allowing for true black levels by turning off individual pixels. This results in an impressive contrast ratio and vibrant colors that pop.

iPhone 11 Display

The iPhone 11 comes equipped with a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display. While it doesn’t match the XS in terms of resolution, with 828 x 1792 pixels, it still delivers a sharp and crisp visual experience. The Liquid Retina technology provides accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles, making it suitable for various multimedia tasks.

The Liquid Retina display on the iPhone 11 may not offer the same deep blacks as OLED, but it compensates with excellent color accuracy and clarity. It’s a reliable option for daily use, offering a pleasant viewing experience.

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In Summary, the iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 display comparison highlights the trade-offs between these devices. The iPhone XS stands out with its OLED brilliance, offering stunning contrast and vibrant colors. In contrast, the iPhone 11 features the Liquid Retina display, which may not match the XS in terms of contrast but provides accurate colors and clarity. Your choice between the two will depend on your preference for display technology and your specific usage needs.

Price – iPhone XS vs iPhone 11

When it comes to purchasing a smartphone, the price is often a crucial factor in decision-making. Let’s dive into the iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 price comparison to understand the financial aspect of these devices.

iPhone XS Price

The iPhone XS was initially released at a premium price point due to its luxurious design and advanced features. However, as newer models have been introduced, the XS has become more affordable in the secondary market, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. You can find refurbished or pre-owned iPhone XS units at significantly lower prices than their original retail cost.

While the iPhone XS may not be the latest model, it still offers strong performance, an excellent camera system, and the Apple ecosystem. For those looking for a blend of quality and savings, the iPhone XS presents a compelling value proposition.

Fair ConditionGood ConditionExcellent Condition
64GB$205 -> Buy Here$210 -> Buy Here$225 -> Buy Here
256GB$240 -> Buy Here$240 -> Buy Here$274 -> Buy Here
512GB$280 -> Buy Here$265 -> Buy Here$353 -> Buy Here
iPhone XS Prices

iPhone 11 Price

The iPhone 11, on the other hand, was introduced at a more accessible price point compared to flagship models. Its affordability made it a popular choice among consumers looking for an up-to-date iPhone experience without breaking the bank. As newer iPhone models have been released, the price of the iPhone 11 has likely decreased further.

The iPhone 11 serves as an excellent entry point into the Apple ecosystem for those who prioritize performance, camera capabilities, and regular software updates without the premium price tag.

Fair ConditionGood ConditionExcellent Condition
64GB$262 -> Buy here$272 -> Buy here$301 -> Buy here
128GB$283 -> Buy here$333 -> Buy here$353 -> Buy here
256GB$330 -> Buy here$375 -> Buy here$383 -> Buy here
iPhone 11 Prices

In Summary, the iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 price comparison reveals a trade-off between luxury and affordability. The iPhone XS, while no longer the latest model, offers a premium experience at a reduced cost in the secondary market. On the other hand, the iPhone 11 provides an affordable entry point into the world of iPhones without compromising on performance and essential features. Your choice will depend on your budget and the value you place on luxury versus cost-effectiveness.

Performance – iPhone XS vs iPhone 11

Performance is a crucial aspect of any smartphone, influencing how smoothly the device handles tasks and applications. In the iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 performance comparison, we’ll delve into the capabilities of these two Apple devices.

iPhone XS Performance

The iPhone XS is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which was a significant leap in performance during its release. It features a 7-nanometer process, delivering exceptional speed and efficiency. This chipset ensures that the iPhone XS can handle demanding applications, gaming, and multitasking with ease. It’s a device that still holds up admirably in terms of performance even when compared to newer models.

The A12 Bionic chip is designed to optimize multitasking and energy efficiency. It not only offers smooth performance but also extends battery life, allowing you to use your device for longer periods without the need for frequent recharges.

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iPhone 11 Performance

The iPhone 11 houses the A13 Bionic chip, a successor to the A12. With its 7-nanometer+ process, this chip takes performance a step further. It’s not only faster but also more power-efficient, ensuring a responsive and energy-efficient user experience. The A13 chip excels in handling even the most demanding applications and games.

The A13 chip’s enhanced GPU capabilities make the iPhone 11 an excellent choice for mobile gaming and AR experiences. It provides a smooth and immersive gaming experience, taking advantage of the hardware acceleration for augmented reality applications.

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In Summary, the iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 performance comparison demonstrates the advancement in Apple’s chip technology. The iPhone XS with its A12 Bionic chip offers commendable performance and energy efficiency, making it a reliable choice for various tasks. In contrast, the iPhone 11, equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, takes performance to a higher level, excelling in gaming and AR experiences. Your choice between these two models should consider your specific performance needs and preferences.

Camera – iPhone XS vs iPhone 11

The camera is often a deciding factor for smartphone buyers, as it plays a significant role in capturing memories and moments. In the iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 camera comparison, we’ll explore the photography capabilities of these two Apple devices.

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iPhone XS Camera

The iPhone XS features a dual-camera system with a 12-megapixel wide-angle and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens. This setup enables features like 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode, allowing you to capture stunning portraits with a blurred background. The Smart HDR technology enhances image quality by balancing exposure and preserving details in both bright and dark areas.

While the iPhone XS performs admirably in various lighting conditions, its low-light photography capabilities are particularly noteworthy. The larger pixels on the sensor and optical image stabilization contribute to sharper and less noisy night shots.

iPhone 11 Camera

The iPhone 11 takes camera capabilities to the next level with its dual-camera system comprising a 12-megapixel wide-angle and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. This setup allows you to capture more in a single frame, making it ideal for landscape and group shots. The Night mode feature enhances low-light photography, producing brighter and more detailed images.

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The addition of the ultra-wide-angle lens in the iPhone 11 expands your creative possibilities. It lets you capture scenes with a broader perspective, adding depth and drama to your photos.

In Summary, the iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 camera comparison reveals the evolution of Apple’s photography technology. The iPhone XS excels in portrait photography and low-light performance, while the iPhone 11 impresses with its ultra-wide-angle lens and enhanced Night mode. Your choice between these two models will depend on your photography preferences and whether you prioritize versatility or specific features in your smartphone camera.

Battery Life – iPhone XS vs iPhone 11

Battery life is a critical consideration when choosing a smartphone, as it directly impacts how long you can use your device without needing a recharge. In the iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 battery life comparison, we’ll assess the endurance of these two Apple smartphones.

iPhone XSiPhone 11
Battery size2,658 mAh3,110 mAh
Battery life4 Hours and 20 Minutes5 Hours and 5 Minutes

iPhone XS Battery Life

The iPhone XS is equipped with a 2,658 mAh battery, which provides reasonable battery life for everyday use. With efficient power management and the A12 Bionic chip’s optimizations, it offers a full day’s use for most users. However, intensive tasks such as gaming and video streaming may drain the battery faster.

The A12 Bionic chip not only enhances performance but also contributes to power efficiency. It ensures that the iPhone XS can handle tasks smoothly while conserving energy, allowing you to make the most of your device throughout the day.

iPhone 11 Battery Life

The iPhone 11 packs a larger 3,110 mAh battery, providing a notable improvement in battery life compared to the iPhone XS. With the energy-efficient A13 Bionic chip, it offers even better endurance. Users can expect all-day battery life, even with heavy usage.

The A13 chip’s power efficiency extends the iPhone 11’s battery life, making it an excellent choice for users who rely heavily on their smartphones for various tasks, including gaming, video streaming, and productivity.

In Summary, the iPhone XS vs iPhone 11 battery life comparison reveals that the iPhone 11 offers superior endurance, thanks to its larger battery and the efficiency of the A13 Bionic chip. While the iPhone XS provides reasonable battery life for daily use, the iPhone 11’s extended usage capabilities make it a compelling choice for those who prioritize a longer-lasting battery. Your choice between these two models will depend on your specific usage patterns and the importance you place on battery life.

The Final Verdict – iPhone XS vs iPhone 11

In conclusion, the comparison between the iPhone XS and the iPhone 11 highlights several key distinctions, each catering to different user preferences.

Design: The iPhone XS offers a compact and premium design with stainless steel and classic color options. In contrast, the iPhone 11 focuses on practicality, featuring a durable aluminum frame and a broader array of vibrant color choices.

Display: While the iPhone XS boasts an OLED display with deep blacks and vibrant colors, the iPhone 11 provides a crisp Liquid Retina LCD with precise color reproduction.

Performance: Both phones are powered by Apple’s robust chips, with the iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic chip delivering slightly better performance, particularly for gaming and multitasking.

Camera: The iPhone XS excels in low-light photography and offers portrait mode capabilities. On the other hand, the iPhone 11 adds an ultra-wide-angle lens and improved Night mode for greater versatility.

Battery Life: The iPhone 11 offers extended battery life thanks to its larger battery and energy-efficient A13 chip, making it a better choice for users seeking longer endurance.

Your choice between the iPhone XS and iPhone 11 ultimately depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you prioritize premium design and low-light photography, the iPhone XS is a solid option. Conversely, the iPhone 11 offers practicality, versatility, and longer battery life, catering to those who value performance and endurance. Consider your specific needs and budget when making your decision, as both models offer a strong Apple experience.