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

Xbox Series S & Xbox Series X 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 Series X rather than the Xbox Series S.

Table Of Contents hide
1 Why Do I Recommend The Xbox Series X?
2 Side By Side Comparison
3 What Common Both Can Do?
4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The Xbox Series X? 

  • The Xbox Series X has a 12 teraflop GPU for true gaming at higher frame rates and better graphical fidelity, while the Series S has a 4 teraflop GPU.
  • The Series X supports 4K resolution, providing much crisper and more detailed visuals, especially with large 4K texture files, while the Series S targets 1440p with lower texture quality.
  • It has 52 Compute Units and 16 GB RAM for higher performance, while the Series S has 20 Compute Units and 10 GB RAM for mid-tier gaming.
  • The Xbox Series X includes a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive, which allows for physical media playback, adding value to the use of the console as a media center, while the Series S doesn’t have a disc drive.
  • It comes with a 1 TB NVMe SSD, providing more flexibility to install more games without constantly managing space, whereas the Series S has a smaller 512 GB SSD. 

Maybe the Xbox Series S price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Xbox Series X. 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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Check Series X Best Price

Check Series S Best Price

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureXbox Series XXbox Series S
CPU8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU @ 3.8 GHz 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU @ 3.6 GHz
GPU ArchitectureRDNA 2, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz, 12 teraflopsRDNA 2, 20 CUs @ 1.565 GHz, 4 teraflops
RAM16 GB GDDR6 10 GB GDDR6
Internal Storage1 TB Custom NVMe SSD512 GB Custom NVMe SSD
Optical Drive4K UHD Blu-ray driveNo disc drive 
Performance Target4K at 60 FPS1440p at 60 FPS
Ray TracingYes, with full hardware-accelerated ray tracingYes, but with reduced graphical effects 
Game ResolutionNative 4K resolutionUp to 1440p with upscaling to 4K
Game File SizesFull game file sizes, with larger 4K assetsReduced due to lack of native 4K textures
Texture QualityHigher texture qualityLower texture quality
Power Consumption315W maximum165W maximum
Dolby Vision SupportYes, Dolby Vision supported No Dolby Vision for streaming 
Cooling SystemLarger axial fan Single axial fan design
Build Quality and FinishMatte plastic with premium finishMatte plastic finish
Dimensions11.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches 10.8 x 5.9 x 2.5 inches 
Weight9.8 lbs (4.45 kg)4.25 lbs (1.93 kg)
PriceCheck Series X PriceCheck Series S Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • CPU Architecture: Both the Series S and Series X share the same 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU architecture, ensuring similar processing capabilities for running games and applications efficiently. While the clock speeds vary slightly, the underlying technology ensures high performance in tasks like game physics, AI, and world-building.
  • Custom NVMe SSD & Storage Expansion: Both consoles utilize custom NVMe SSDs, ensuring lightning-fast load times and enabling the Quick Resume feature, which allows players to switch between multiple games quickly. The option to expand storage with proprietary storage expansion cards also ensures users on both consoles can manage larger game libraries.
  • Backward Compatibility: Both the Series S and Series X are fully backward compatible with Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles. This gives players access to a massive library of games, many of which benefit from enhancements in load times, frame rates, and resolution.
  • Game Library and Smart Delivery: Both consoles share access to the same game library, including titles available via Xbox Game Pass. With Smart Delivery, players can rest assured that they will automatically get the best version of a game optimized for their console, whether they are using a Series S or Series X.
  • HDMI 2.1 and ALLM: Both consoles feature HDMI 2.1 support, which enables higher frame rates (up to 120 FPS) and features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low-Latency Mode (ALLM) for smoother and more responsive gaming on compatible TVs.
  • 3D Spatial Sound and Audio Features: Both the Series S and Series X deliver enhanced audio through support for technologies like Dolby Atmos, DTS, and 3D Spatial Sound, providing a more immersive sound experience by simulating audio coming from all directions in the game environment.
  • Operating System and User Experience: Both consoles run the same Xbox OS, ensuring a consistent interface, features, and updates across both systems. This means that features like Quick Resume, Xbox Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming are identical, providing a seamless experience regardless of the hardware.

Check Series X Best Price

Check Series S Best Price

Common Features

FeatureXbox Series XXbox Series S
CPU Architecture8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU 
GPU ArchitectureAMD RDNA 2AMD RDNA 2
Custom SSD1 TB Custom NVMe SSD512 GB Custom NVMe SSD
Expansion Slot YesYes
Backward CompatibilityFully backward compatibleFully backward compatible
Ray Tracing SupportYesYes
DirectX RaytracingYesYes
Game Library Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold
Smart DeliveryYesYes
HDMI 2.1 SupportYesYes
 (VRS)YesYes
Auto Low-Latency Mode (ALLM)YesYes
Quick Resume FeatureYesYes
Dolby Atmos and DTSYesYes
3D Spatial SoundYesYes
DLIYesYes
Wi-Fi 5 SupportYes, supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5Yes, supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5
ControllerXbox Wireless ControllerXbox Wireless Controller
Game StreamingXbox Cloud Gaming Xbox Cloud Gaming
HDR SupportYes (Auto HDR)Yes (Auto HDR)
Operating SystemSame Xbox OSSame Xbox OS
Xbox Velocity ArchitectureYesYes
PriceCheck Series X PriceCheck Series S Price

FAQ

Q: Do both consoles support 4K gaming?
A: While the Xbox Series X is designed for native 4K gaming, the Xbox Series S targets 1440p resolution and can upscale to 4K on supported displays. However, the Series X provides better graphical fidelity and higher texture quality for 4K gaming.

Q: Can I play the same games on both consoles?
A: Yes, both the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X can play the same games. They are fully compatible with all Xbox One titles, and backward compatibility allows you to play games from the Xbox 360 and original Xbox libraries as well. Both consoles also support Xbox Game Pass, ensuring access to a large library of games.

Q: Is there a difference in performance between the two consoles?
A: Yes, the Xbox Series X delivers better overall performance due to its more powerful hardware. It has 12 teraflops of GPU power and can handle native 4K gaming at up to 120 FPS, while the Xbox Series S is limited to 1440p gaming with upscaling to 4K. The Series X also features better ray tracing performance and higher-quality textures.

Q: How much storage do both consoles have, and can I expand it?
A: The Xbox Series X comes with a 1 TB custom NVMe SSD, while the Xbox Series S has a 512 GB custom NVMe SSD. Both consoles support storage expansion through proprietary Seagate storage expansion cards, which are available in 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB capacities. You can also use an external USB hard drive, but it will only store and play backward-compatible games, not next-gen titles.

Q: Are both consoles backward compatible?
A: Yes, both the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X are backward compatible with thousands of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles. Some of these older titles will also benefit from performance enhancements on both consoles, such as faster load times and improved frame rates.

Q: Do both consoles support ray tracing?
A: Yes, both the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X support real-time ray tracing. This technology enhances the lighting, reflections, and shadows in supported games, though the Xbox Series X performs better due to its more powerful GPU.

Q: Do both consoles come with the same controller?
A: Yes, both the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X come with the same updated Xbox Wireless Controller. The controller features improved ergonomics, textured grips, and a dedicated share button. The only difference is the color scheme, as the Series S controller matches the console’s white design, while the Series X controller is black.

Q: Can I use an external hard drive with both consoles?
A: Yes, both the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X support external hard drives through USB 3.1. However, external drives can only be used to store and play Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games. To play next-gen games, they must be stored on the internal SSD or a compatible storage expansion card.

Q: Is there a difference in the audio features of both consoles?
A: Both consoles support the same audio technologies, including Dolby Atmos, DTS, and 3D Spatial Sound, providing an immersive audio experience for both gaming and media playback. However, the Xbox Series X can play Blu-ray movies with Dolby Atmos support, while the Series S lacks a disc drive and is limited to digital media.

Q: Can both consoles run games at 120 FPS?
A: Yes, both consoles are capable of running games at up to 120 FPS in supported titles. However, the Xbox Series X is more likely to maintain higher frame rates at higher resolutions like 4K, while the Series S may drop the resolution to 1080p or 1440p to hit 120 FPS.

Q: Do both consoles support Xbox Cloud Gaming?
A: Yes, both the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X support Xbox Cloud Gaming via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This feature allows players to stream games from the cloud without downloading them, offering a more convenient way to try new titles instantly.

Q: What kind of internet connection do I need for both consoles?
A: Both consoles support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and come with an Ethernet port for wired connections. A stable high-speed internet connection is recommended for online gaming, game downloads, and streaming content.

Q: Can I stream movies and shows on both consoles?
A: Yes, both the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X support streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and others. Both consoles also support HDR and 4K streaming. However, only the Series X supports 4K UHD Blu-ray playback due to its built-in disc drive. The Series S is limited to digital streaming.

Q: Which console should I choose if I want the best performance?
A: If you want the best possible performance, 4K gaming, and more storage, the Xbox Series X is the better choice. It delivers higher graphical fidelity, native 4K support, and has a disc drive for physical games and media. The Xbox Series S is a great choice if you want to experience next-gen gaming at a lower price and don’t need 4K resolution or physical media support.

 

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