Xbox One S Vs Xbox One – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Xbox One S & Xbox One share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Xbox One S rather than the Xbox One.

Why Do I Recommend The Xbox One S

  • The Xbox One S features a significantly more powerful CPU (AMD Zen 2) for better performance to play modern games compared to the Xbox One’s AMD Jaguar CPU.
  • It has a custom GCN GPU delivering 1.4 TFLOPS of graphical processing power & offering much more immersive visual experiences compared to the 1.3 TFLOPS of the Xbox One’s GPU.
  • The Xbox One S supports 4K Ultra HD for media (Blu-ray and streaming), and HDR (High Dynamic Range) for both media and gaming. The Xbox One lacks 4K and HDR support
  • It can play 4K UHD Blu-ray discs and stream 4K content from platforms like Netflix, while the original Xbox One is limited to 1080p for both gaming and media.
  • The Xbox One S supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi, which offers faster and more reliable wireless connections compared to the 802.11n standard used by the Xbox One.
  • Additionally, The Xbox One S includes an internal power supply, eliminating the bulky external power brick that was required for the Xbox One.

Maybe the Xbox One price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Xbox One S. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureXbox One SXbox One
Processor (SoC)Improved 1.75 GHz AMD Jaguar AMD Jaguar
Graphics Processing (GPU)914 MHz GPU clock speed853 MHz GPU clock speed
Graphics OutputUpscales to 4K UHD, native 1080p1080p, no 4K support
Blu-ray Drive4K UHD Blu-ray playback Standard Blu-ray (1080p)
Release DateAugust 2016November 2013
Dimensions11.6 x 8.9 x 2.5 inches13.1 x 10.8 x 3.1 inches
Weight2.9 kg (6.4 lbs)3.5 kg (7.8 lbs)
DesignStreamlined, white matte finish, vertical stand optionLarger, bulkier, black finish, horizontal only
Media StreamingSupports 4K streaming Limited to 1080p streaming
HDR SupportYes, supports HDR10 No HDR support
Internal Storage Options500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB500 GB, 1 TB
Power SupplyIntegrated, internal power supplyExternal power brick
Max Resolution (Gaming)Upscaled 4K for games, native 1080p1080p
Max Resolution (Media)4K UHD for media playback1080p for media playback
HDMI PortsHDMI 2.0a (supports 4K and HDR)HDMI 1.4a (1080p)
IR BlasterBuilt-in IR Blaster for controlling other devicesNo IR Blaster
Controller CompatibilityBluetooth and proprietary Xbox wireless protocolXbox wireless protocol only
Wi-Fi Standard802.11ac (faster Wi-Fi)802.11n
Game PerformanceSlightly improved frame rates and graphical fidelity Standard frame rates, no graphical improvements
Power EfficiencyMore power-efficient Less efficient 
PriceCheck One S PriceCheck One Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • RAM (8 GB DDR3): Both consoles feature 8 GB of DDR3 RAM, ensuring smooth operation for multitasking, gaming, and streaming. This allows the Xbox One and Xbox One S to handle game performance similarly in most cases, even when running demanding titles.
  • Storage Capacity Options: Both systems offer 500 GB and 1 TB models, providing ample storage for games, apps, and media. The Xbox One S introduces a 2 TB option, but for the common storage capacities, the options are identical. Both also support external hard drives, which can be connected via USB 3.0.
  • Backward Compatibility: Both consoles are backward compatible with a large library of Xbox 360 games and select original Xbox titles, ensuring that players can access their older games without needing to keep multiple consoles connected.
  • Game Library: Both the Xbox One S and Xbox One have access to the entire Xbox One game library, meaning there is no difference in the games you can play. Whether it’s new releases or classic titles, both systems run the same games.
  • External Storage Support: Both consoles allow users to expand their storage with external hard drives via USB 3.0 ports. This is crucial for gamers who want to install a large number of games or media files, ensuring that storage expansion is simple on both systems.
  • Controllers Compatibility: Both consoles are compatible with Xbox One controllers, so there’s no need to purchase new controllers if upgrading from one system to the other. This also includes specialty controllers like the Xbox Elite Controller.
  • Xbox Live Multiplayer and Game DVR: Both consoles support Xbox Live for multiplayer gaming and have integrated features like Game DVR for recording and sharing gameplay moments. These online services are the same across both consoles, ensuring a consistent multiplayer experience.
  • Streaming Services: Both the Xbox One S and Xbox One support popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu. While the Xbox One S supports 4K streaming, both consoles can stream content from these platforms, making them capable home entertainment hubs.
  • Ethernet and USB Connectivity: Both consoles have Gigabit Ethernet ports for stable, high-speed internet connections. They also feature three USB 3.0 ports, ensuring fast data transfer speeds and support for various accessories like external storage or charging stations.
  • HDMI Pass-through and Optical Audio: Both consoles feature HDMI pass-through, allowing users to connect a cable box or other HDMI device through the console for ease of use. They also include optical audio output (SPDIF), making them compatible with high-quality audio systems.
  • Online Subscriptions (Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold): Both consoles are compatible with Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold, giving players access to the same benefits, such as the ability to play online multiplayer, access free games, and get discounts on digital content.
  • Voice Commands: Both systems allow the use of voice commands via the Kinect or a connected headset, allowing players to control the system without a controller. Although the Kinect is no longer a focus for Microsoft, the feature works identically on both systems.
  • No Native Virtual Reality (VR) Support: Neither console supports native VR, meaning that they are not compatible with virtual reality headsets or VR gaming. This is a similarity that makes both systems less future-proof compared to newer systems that are beginning to explore VR support.

Common Features

FeatureXbox One SXbox One
Processor ArchitectureCustom AMD Jaguar Custom AMD Jaguar
RAM8 GB DDR38 GB DDR3
Storage Capacity Options500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB500 GB, 1 TB
Backward CompatibilitySupports Xbox 360 and select original Xbox gamesSupports Xbox 360 and select original Xbox games
Game LibraryAccess to Xbox One gamesAccess to Xbox One games
External StorageSupports USB 3.0 external hard drivesSupports USB 3.0 external hard drives
ControllersBoth consoles support Xbox One controllersBoth consoles support Xbox One controllers
Multiplayer ServicesXbox Live multiplayer supportXbox Live multiplayer support
Game DVRSupports recording and sharing gameplaySupports recording and sharing gameplay
Streaming ServicesCompatible with Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc.Compatible with Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc.
Ethernet Connectivity1 Gigabit Ethernet port1 Gigabit Ethernet port
USB Ports3 x USB 3.03 x USB 3.0
HDMI Pass-throughSupports HDMI pass-throughSupports HDMI pass-through
Optical Audio PortBoth have optical audio output (SPDIF)Both have optical audio output (SPDIF)
Kinect CompatibilityBoth can use Kinect (adapter required for S)Built-in Kinect port (adapter for S)
Online SubscriptionXbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold compatibleXbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold compatible
Voice CommandsCan use voice commands with KinectCan use voice commands with Kinect
Virtual RealityNo native VR supportNo native VR support
PriceCheck One S PriceCheck One Price

FAQ

Q: Are the games for Xbox One S and Xbox One the same?
A: Yes, both the Xbox One S and Xbox One use the same game library. There is no difference in the games you can play on either system, as they are part of the same Xbox One generation and share compatibility with all Xbox One titles.

Q: Can I play Xbox 360 games on both the Xbox One S and Xbox One?
A: Yes, both consoles support backward compatibility with a large selection of Xbox 360 games and some original Xbox titles. This feature is available on both systems, providing access to a broader library of games.

Q: Do the Xbox One S and Xbox One have the same performance in gaming?
A: The performance is mostly similar between the two consoles. However, the Xbox One S features a slight improvement in graphical performance with the ability to upscale games to 4K UHD and support for HDR. The original Xbox One lacks these features but performs similarly in terms of frame rates and general gameplay.

Q: Is the Xbox One S smaller than the original Xbox One?
A: Yes, the Xbox One S is approximately 40% smaller than the original Xbox One. It also features an internal power supply, making it more compact and easier to set up compared to the bulkier original Xbox One with its external power brick.

Q: Can I use my original Xbox One controllers with the Xbox One S?
A: Yes, the original Xbox One controllers are fully compatible with the Xbox One S. Additionally, the Xbox One S controllers have Bluetooth connectivity, but both consoles support the same controllers.

Q: Do both consoles support 4K resolution?
A: Only the Xbox One S supports 4K resolution for media playback (such as Netflix and 4K UHD Blu-ray). It also upscales games to 4K, though they run natively at 1080p. The original Xbox One is limited to 1080p for both gaming and media playback.

Q: Does the Xbox One S have better audio features than the original Xbox One?
A: Yes, the Xbox One S supports Dolby Atmos and DTS for enhanced audio experiences, which are superior to the Dolby Digital support found on the original Xbox One. These features make the Xbox One S better suited for home theater setups.

Q: Can both the Xbox One S and Xbox One use Kinect?
A: Yes, both consoles are compatible with the Kinect sensor. However, the Xbox One S requires a special adapter to connect the Kinect, while the original Xbox One has a dedicated Kinect port.

Q: Are there any differences in online services between the Xbox One S and Xbox One?
A: No, both consoles offer the same online services, including Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass. This means that multiplayer, free monthly games, and other online features are identical across both systems.

Q: Do both consoles support external hard drives?
A: Yes, both the Xbox One S and Xbox One support external hard drives via USB 3.0. This allows users to expand their storage space for games, apps, and media on both consoles.

 

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