Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: Which Xbox Is Right For You?

The Xbox Series X is a lot more powerful than the Series S. It uses its specifications to significantly reduce load times and increase overall game performance and visual fidelity, while the features like Quick Resume, Smart Delivery and backward compatibility give it an edge.
Because
- Much faster load times
- Support Dolby Vision + Atmos
- Backward compatible
- 4K/60fps game play (4K/120Hz support)
Against
- Exclusive library is missing
- Minimal UI improvements
- A compatible TV is required for the full visual experience
The Xbox Series S is a great choice if you want to avoid the massive financial spending required to own a full-fledged new-generation console, but it has significantly less storage, prioritizing resolution. 1440p for gaming and no 4K HD Blu-ray player. Xbox Series X ray drive.
Because
- Smallest Xbox ever made
- Completely silent in operation
- Cheaper than Series X
- Smooth frame rate
Against
- Output at 1440p when gaming
- 512GB SSD full fast
- No drive
- The user interface can be overwhelming at first
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S, which console should you buy? The two look pretty similar, which doesn’t help given the fact that they’re always advertised alongside new games. However, both have some pretty big differences between features, power, and overall capabilities. If you’re looking to buy an Xbox, here’s a guide to help you determine which system is better for you.
As with all console battles, there is no clear winner here when it comes to Xbox Series X versus Xbox Series S. Which one is right for you depends on your preferences, budget, and what you are after from a gaming system. For example, do you really need a drive? How high is native 4K output on your priority list? Things like this need to be considered.
you can read ours Xbox Series X Review and Xbox Series Review WILL for an in-depth look at each dashboard; We are familiar with strengths and weaknesses. We believe the Xbox Series X is definitely the force between the two. Next to the PS5, it’s the best console you can buy today. However, the Xbox Series S costs less thanks to the lack of a drive and cheaper components.
No matter which console you have your eyes on, be aware that Cyber Monday 2022 is right around the corner, happening on November 28 While it’s hard to see a steep discount on either console, we’ve seen several discounts for Xbox Series S in particular. Keep an eye on our best Cyber Monday Xbox Deals hub for all the latest deals as they go live.
We’ll help you decide which of the two to buy to fit both your budget and your setup.
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: key differences
If we had to highlight three key differences between the consoles, it would be: Xbox Series X has a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive capable of playing physical games and movies, while Xbox Series S not.
The Xbox Series X has a large 1TB SSD that can store around 16 games on average. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S has a 512GB SSD that only stores about 4 to 5 games, although both can be expanded with 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. Storage expansion card from Seagate. Finally, the Xbox Series X renders the game in native 4K at 60 frames per second, while the Xbox Series S targets 1440p.
Otherwise, both include the same user interface, the same controller, and the same Xbox Speed Architecture enable features like Quick Resume. Both have the same communication applications like Netflix and prime minister video, but more importantly, both can play exactly the same games. From what we’ve seen, people are drawn to the sheer power of the Xbox Series X. But don’t overlook the advantages of the more affordable model. Both work well and both can serve different audiences.
Let’s break them down further. The first is Xbox Series X, Microsoft’s flagship console. It is capable of 4K graphics and is currently one of the most powerful consoles available. In theory, these specs are impressive, and it features a compact tower-style design that’s both unique and unobtrusive. However, it’s expensive at $499 / £449 / AU$749, the same RRP as the PS5.
The Xbox Series S is much more affordable and a less powerful alternative to consider. It’s only digital, though, so you’ll have Microsoft Store support for any purchases you make. Which says, Xbox Game CardsMicrosoft’s Netflix-like subscription service and Xbox Cloud Games (only for The Ultimate Xbox Game subscribers), allowing players to stream games and easing some of the digital-only restrictions.
Overall, the Series S’s price point is geared towards those willing to compromise on power for a much better price.
Xbox X Series vs Xbox S Series: price
Xbox Series X is priced at $499 / £449 / AU$749 and is due out on November 10, 2020. Packed with cutting-edge technology, this console goes head-to-head with PS5, also priced at $499. The price tag may be too expensive for some, but it puts the Xbox Series X in a strong position to compete with Sony hardware.
Xbox Series S launched alongside Series X and its price is much lower, only $299.99 / £249.99 / AU$499. The $200 savings would be very appealing to the more cost-conscious consumer. It’s also significantly cheaper than the PS5 Digital Edition, keeping the same specs as the base PS5 but initially priced at $399.99 / £359.99 / AU$599.
Right now, these prices appear to be holding. Mid Oculus 2 Quest and PS5 price increase, panel makers are raising prices recently, citing high inflation globally. Fortunately, Xbox won’t follow PlayStation with price hikesand we’ve seen Nintendo confirm the same for Nintendo Switch. But Xbox does not rule out future price increasesso we’ll update this if anything changes.
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: specs
The Xbox Series X is a beast of a console that really takes us into the latest generation of gaming.
Xbox Series X . Specifications
CPU: Eight cores 3.8 GHz (3.6 GHz with SMT) Custom 7nm AMD GPU: 12 teraflops 1,825 GHz (locked) RAM: 16 GB GDDR6 Frame rate: Up to 120 fps Resolution : Up to 8K Optical: HD Blu-Ray Drive Storage : 1TB NVMe SSD
With a 12 teraflop GPU capable of up to 120 frames per second, the Xbox Series X is twice as powerful as Xbox OneX, Microsoft’s previous flagship console for the previous generation. It supports various exciting new generation features like ray tracing, variable speed shading and 8K resolution support.
Xbox Series X no longer has to wait to launch a game or load new levels, thanks to the custom-designed super-fast NVMe SSD. The SSD is part of the console’s new Speed Architecture, allowing many games to hang in the background while you’re playing something completely different. As a result, everything is also more responsive and faster.
Microsoft is also working to eliminate lag on Xbox Series X. Advanced features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), communication improvements for Xbox controllers, and Variable Refresh Rate support ( VRR) takes full advantage of TVs that support HDMI 2.1.
Xbox Series Specifications WILL BE
CPU: Eight cores 3.6GHz (3.4GHz with SMT) Custom 7nm AMD GPU: 4 teraflops at 1,550GHz RAM: 10GB GDDR6 Frame rate: Up to 120fps Resolution: 1440p with upscaling grade 4K Optical: No drive Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
The Xbox Series S offers considerable power in a small box. The console targets a 1440p resolution instead of native 4K (some games support native 4K, however) and is capable of 120fps gameplay. It has a CPU nearly identical to the Xbox Series X, but a significantly less powerful GPU, accompanied by 10GB of GDDR6 RAM instead of 16GB.
That sounds like a big compromise on paper, but keep in mind that the Xbox Series S is targeting 1440p/60fps instead of 4K/60fps. This means it takes less power to achieve pixel count, but it can still deliver all the next-generation features Microsoft is focusing on like ray tracing and 120fps.
There’s no drive, of course, and the storage is almost halved compared to the Xbox Series X. Admittedly that involves a digital-only model, but Microsoft certainly hopes people will take advantage of Xbox Cloud Gaming. That has nothing to do with downloads, as games are streamed from Microsoft’s remote data servers.
However, the memory of both consoles can be expanded. Microsoft is selling a proprietary expansion card that plugs into the back of the console, which comes in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB options. The Best Xbox One games can also be stored on a standard External Hard Drive to help free up space.
Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X also support Spatial Sound, including Dolby sound and Dolby Vision, through streaming apps at launch. Dolby Vision support for gaming was introduced post-launch and is now available.
Xbox X Series vs Xbox S Series: games
Here’s what you need to know: both Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S can play exactly the same games, though they’ll certainly look best on Xbox Series X. The compromise we’ve often seen. on the Xbox Series S is mainly focused on the resolution dropping down to 1440p from 4K, and there are likely to be many smaller changes that may not be as noticeable.
Both consoles provide full backward compatible with Xbox one, Xbox 360and original Xbox games. Some Increase FPS However, games are not supported on Xbox Series S, while others receive more benefits on Xbox Series X.
So while we’re still waiting for some of the biggest new generation exclusives like fable 4 for launch, there’s still a lot to play, especially if you already have a large library of titles available. However, if you own multiple physical copies, be aware that these will not work on Xbox Series S due to lack of drives.
If you were hoping to get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for an even cheaper price, we have good news. While this is currently being tested only in the Republic of Ireland and Colombia, Microsoft is looking to roll out a Xbox Game Pass Family Packlets you and four players join for a monthly cost of €21.99 – or about $21.99 / £19.99 / AU$32.99
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: Verdict
Microsoft may be on to something here. By offering two consoles targeting different audiences, the end consumer has more choices and more ways to participate in the Xbox ecosystem. If only the best will do, pick up Xbox Series X, but be prepared to pay a premium. Want to step into the next generation without breaking the bank? The Xbox Series S is a great starting point thanks to its attractive price tag.
Microsoft seems to have created two compelling iterations of its console, none less appealing than the other. Crucially, it can now battle the PS5 on two important fronts: price and performance. The Xbox Series S costs significantly less than the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition.
By creating an Xbox Series X versus Xbox Series S debate, Microsoft has essentially gone to great lengths to get consumers to turn their heads where they might not have done so before. is a straight fight between Xbox Series X and PS5. And that’s definitely a win for Xbox as a whole.