iPhone XS vs iPhone 16 Plus
Quick answer
The iPhone 16 Plus is 6.9 millimetres0.27 inches wider and 17.3 millimetres0.68 inches taller than the iPhone XS.
The iPhone XS on Amazon (paid link) no longer gets updates, leaving it stuck on its last version while the iPhone 16 Plus (paid link) runs the latest software. You will feel the battery life on the Plus more than the performance jump. If you can handle the bigger body, the Plus is the pick that won't age quickly. For an even newer option, the iPhone 17 (paid link) is also worth considering.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone XS
Pocket: iPhone XS
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone XS
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16 Plus
from $899 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.3 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.1 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone XS: 143.6 by 70.9 by 7.7 millimetres, 177 grams. iPhone 16 Plus: 160.9 by 77.8 by 7.8 millimetres, 199 grams.
XS, 16 Plus shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone XS
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16 Plus
from $899 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: XS 143.6 millimetres, 16 Plus 160.9 millimetres.Height: XS 5.65 inches, 16 Plus 6.33 inches.Width: XS 70.9 millimetres, 16 Plus 77.8 millimetres.Width: XS 2.79 inches, 16 Plus 3.06 inches.Depth: XS 7.70 millimetres, 16 Plus 7.80 millimetres.Depth: XS 0.30 inches, 16 Plus 0.31 inches.Weight: XS 177 grams, 16 Plus 199 grams.Weight: XS 6.24 ounces, 16 Plus 7.02 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | XS | 16 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 143.6 millimetres5.65 inches | 160.9 millimetres, 17.3 millimetres more6.33 inches, 0.68 inches more |
| Width | 70.9 millimetres2.79 inches | 77.8 millimetres, 6.9 millimetres more3.06 inches, 0.27 inches more |
| Depth | 7.70 millimetres0.30 inches | 7.80 millimetres, 0.10 millimetres more0.31 inches, the same |
| Weight | 177 grams6.24 ounces | 199 grams, 22 grams more7.02 ounces, 0.78 ounces more |
| Volume | 78.4 cubic centimetres4.78 cubic inches | 97.6 cubic centimetres, 19.2 cubic centimetres more5.96 cubic inches, 1.17 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 83 percent | 88 percent, 5 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 5.8 inches | 6.7 inches, 0.9 inches more |
| Resolution | 1125 × 2436 | 1290 × 2796 |
| Pixel density | 458 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 2 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | Notch | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 12MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A12 Bionic | A18 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 14 hrs | 27 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP67 (1m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 512 GB | 128 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 999 dollars | 899 dollars, 100 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2018 | Sep 2024 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 16 Plus is 17.3 mm (0.68 in) taller, 6.9 mm (0.27 in) wider, 0.10 mm thicker and 22 g (0.78 oz) heavier than the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS measures 143.6 × 70.9 × 7.70 mm (5.65 × 2.79 × 0.30 in) and weighs 177 g (6.24 oz). The iPhone 16 Plus measures 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.80 mm (6.33 × 3.06 × 0.31 in) and weighs 199 g (7.02 oz).
Also compared with iPhone XS
Questions about these phones
How much bigger is iPhone 16 Plus than iPhone XS?
iPhone 16 Plus is 17.3 mm taller and 6.9 mm wider than iPhone XS.
Is iPhone 16 Plus heavier than iPhone XS?
iPhone 16 Plus weighs 22 grams more than iPhone XS.
How much larger is the screen on iPhone 16 Plus?
The display on iPhone 16 Plus is 0.9 inches larger than on iPhone XS.
Which phone is easier to use one handed?
iPhone XS is easier to use one-handed and better for small hands.
Do these phones fit in a jeans pocket?
iPhone XS is more pocketable overall, though both models fit in a typical men's jeans pocket.
Is upgrading to iPhone 16 Plus worth it for size?
Whether upgrading for size alone is worth it depends on whether you prefer a compact or large device.