Apple changed things up for its iPhones in 2019, starting with the names. The iPhone 11 appeared to be an update to the iPhone XS, but it was a replacement for the iPhone XR, the most popular model of the 18/19 generation. Although it takes a lower financial investment, the goal is to dispel the notion that the iPhone 11 is in any way ‘cheap.’ It lacks the ‘Pro’ label but still has much to offer.

Semantics may be at work, but that is the nature of marketing. Picking a victory between the two handsets is difficult since they exchange more equal blows than you may imagine and may still be worth your attention. 

Why is iPhone XS More Expensive?

The XS costs are higher for two reasons. First and foremost, it belongs to the premium flagship segment of the market. This indicates it has excellent features such as a good screen and superior cameras. Even though the phone is from 2019, it is pricier due to its ‘luxury flagship’ reputation. The iPhone 11, on the other hand, falls into the market’s “entry-level flagship” category and is consequently less expensive. However, if you check for used iPhones like the used iPhone XS on Amazon, Apple’s website, Phone Daddy, or similar websites, you will notice that a used Phone will cost far less than if you buy it new. The iPhone 11 is a successor to the iPhone XR, which succeeded the iPhone 8. This is Apple’s regular “budget flagship” (mid-high tier), priced between $700 and $750. So, the iPhone 11 is the entry-level device, while the iPhone XS is the flagship model.

Moreover, iPhone XS has a superior camera, an OLED display, and other premium features that the iPhone 11 lacks. The XS is a high-end flagship iPhone, although the iPhone 11 is not. 

iPhone 11 VS. iPhone XS Design 

In a few ways, the iPhone 11 is more aesthetically appealing than the iPhone XS. First, it’s a little bigger. It also comes in six hues rather than three subdued ones. Purple, white, “Product Red,” green, black, and white are among the colors available.

In addition, the iPhone 11 boasts a new milled glass rear. Its camera housing protrudes slightly, and instead of going the ‘simple’ path, Apple added curves to a single piece of back glass. Most businesses would use a separate piece of glass to conceal the camera.

Both phones are made of metal and glass. Front and back glass panes are held together by a metal band that goes around the edges.

However, the metal utilized is distinct. The iPhone 11 is made of aluminum, whereas the iPhone XS is made of stainless steel. This classic instance of ultra-high-end design colliding with ‘regular’ high-end design. Because aluminum is softer than steel, the iPhone 11 is more prone to scratches and dents than the iPhone XS.

The bezel around the screen is also significantly thicker in the iPhone 11 than in the iPhone XR – however, this is due to the LCD screen technology utilized. 

The iPhone 11 does have one practical design advantage: it has stronger glass than the iPhone XS. Both phones have also been tested for water resistance at a depth of 2m for 30 minutes.

iPhone 11 VS. iPhone XS Display 

These phones’ screens are pretty different, even though they appear comparable from a distance. Both have the traditional iPhone notch design. Apple’s new iPhone 11 has a slightly bigger screen, measuring 6.1 inches vs. 5.8 inches on the iPhone XS. And the technology behind the surface is very different.

The older iPhone XS has a greater pixel density, with 1125 x 2436 pixels, compared to 828 x 1792 pixels on the iPhone 11. Both reach a ‘Retina’ screen, which means that a significant difference in sharpness will not be visible to the human eye from a distance, but those looking closely will notice it.

Panel technology is also distinct. The iPhone XS has an OLED display with infinite blacks, intense, rich color, and pop. Because the iPhone 11 uses an LCD screen with a universal backlight, blacks will not be black in an extremely dark room. The colors on both units are pleasing, but the iPhone 11’s LCD screen is color correct.

iPhone 11 VS. iPhone XS Camera 

The camera comparison between iPhone generations is a little complicated. Both phones have two back cameras; however, the second camera on the iPhone XS has a telephoto lens with 2x magnification, and the iPhone 11 has an ultra-wide lens. The back cameras on all four of these phones have 12-megapixel sensors.

Both rear cameras can also record video in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, improving dynamic range. The iPhone XS’s primary camera can also shoot at 4K/60, but we don’t know if it will receive all the same processing advancements via a software update. Both provide fantastic video that is detailed and full of pop – either can be depended on to capture unforgettable occasions.

The iPhone 11 also has an advantage when it comes to selfies. The sensor has been improved from 7MP to 12MP in the iPhone XS.

Final Thoughts 

iPhone 11 and iPhone XS have excellent features, including their design, display, and camera. However, iPhone XS is more expensive than iPhone 11 because the iPhone XS is a high-end flagship iPhone, although the iPhone 11 is not. However, you can find a used iPhone XS at a more reasonable price which is cheaper than the new one.