Xbox Series X vs. Series S: which Xbox model is best for you?

By Jesse Lennox Updated December 7, 2024

Xbox Series X and S — Microsoft

The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S represent Microsoft’s fourth-generation home video game consoles designed around AMD’s 8-Core Zen 2 CPU and Radeon RDNA 2 graphics architecture. If you’re looking to play the best Xbox games, there’s no reason not to upgrade at this point. However, Microsoft has only gotten more confusing with its console names, leading a lot of people to still be confused about which one to get. With all the amazing upcoming Xbox Series X games coming up, the last thing you want to do is buy the wrong hardware.

We already stacked the PS5 vs the Xbox Series X, but now it’s time to see what the differences are between the Xbox Series X specs and the S so you can buy the best video game console.

Specifications

	Xbox Series X	Xbox Series S
CPU	8 core, AMD Custom Zen 2 CPU @ 3.8GHz	8 core, AMD Custom Zen 2 CPU @ 3.6GHz
GPU	AMD Custom RDNA 2 @ 1.825GHz w/52 compute units (12.15 TFLOPS)	AMD Custom RDNA 2 @ 1.565GHz w/20 compute units (4 TFLOPS)
Weight	9.8 lbs	4.25 lbs
Memory	12GB GDDR6	10GB GDDR6
Memory bus	320-bit	128-bit
Memory bandwidth	560GB/s (10GB), (8GB) 336GB/s	224GB/s (8GB), 56GB/s (2GB)
Storage	1TB PCie Gen 4 NVME SSD	512GB PCie Gen 4 NVME SSD
AV output	HDMI 2.1 in/out, 720p, 1080p, 1440p, 4K, 8K	HDMI 2.1 in/out, 720p, 1080p, 1440p, 4K
I/O output	USB 3.2 X 3, Microsoft Storage Expansion Slot	USB 3.2 X 3, Microsoft Storage Expansion Slot
Communication	Ethernet, Wi-Fi	Ethernet, Wi-Fi
Controller	Updated Xbox 4th Generation Controller	Updated Xbox 4th Generation Controller
Optical drive	4K UHD Blu-ray	N/A
4K Support	Yes	Yes
8K Support	Yes	No
Price	$500	$300
Availability	November 10, 2020	November 10, 2020
DT Review	3.5/5	3/5

Hardware

Xbox Series X - A new generation awaits

When it comes to hardware, both home consoles are loaded with technology from AMD, including the company’s 8-Core Zen 2 CPU and custom Radeon RDNA 2 graphics architecture. Speeds differ between the Xbox Series X and Series S CPUs, with the consoles running at 3.8 GHz and 3.6 GHz, respectively.

The most significant difference comes when we take a closer look at the RDNA 2 graphics processors, with the Xbox Series X featuring 56 compute units at 1.825 GHz and the Series S featuring 20 compute-units at 1.565 GHz. The result means that the Xbox Series X can process more data at a time than its Xbox Series S sibling, up to 12.15 TFLOPS versus 4 TFLOPS.

The Xbox Series X receives 16GB of GDDR6 RAM on the memory front, while the Xbox Series S gets a slightly lower 10GB of GDDR6 RAM. Built-in storage on the Xbox Series X is double that of the Series S out of the box, as it features a 1TB NVME SSD versus a 512GB VME SSD. Both units offer USB HDD support and compatibility with Microsoft’s storage expansion card.

The Xbox Series X includes a 4K UHD Blu-ray player, while the Series S opts to go discless this generation to keep costs low. Due to the Xbox Series X’s impressive internal specifications, the hardware race isn’t even close.

Winner: Xbox Series X

Design

The Xbox Series S console on its side with controller. — Microsoft

Both Xbox Series X and Series S take a minimalist approach when it comes to their designs. The Series X is akin to a tall, thin gaming PC tower. Designed to maximize cooling thanks to what Microsoft calls its “parallel cooling architecture,” the Series X comes in at 5.94 x 5.94 x 11.85 inches. The front of the console features a single white Xbox logo, a vertical Blu-ray drive, a small eject button, a small control pairing button, and a USB Type-A port.

On the back, one finds the standard ports for the Series X, including two USB Type-A ports, an Ethernet jack, an HDMI port, Microsoft’s storage expansion card slot, and a power jack.

The Xbox Series S is a smaller unit with a design that is reminiscent of Microsoft’s Xbox One S design: it is white and flat and features a large, black circular cooling vent. The front of the Series S features the same white Xbox logo as its bigger brother, as well as a USB Type-A port and a control pairing button — notably missing is a disc drive. Altogether, the Xbox Series S is 60% smaller than the Series X.

Given just how elegant and small the Xbox Series S is — and considering its power — it’s easy to prefer it over the more expensive Series X system, at least in terms of design. Sure, the Series X is inoffensive in appearance, but we have to give it to the Series S thanks to taking up little shelf space.

Winner: Xbox Series S

Resolution and frame rate

A black Xbox Series X and controller against a black background. — Microsoft

Both Xbox consoles can output impressive resolutions, offering 720p, 1080p, 1440p, and 4K support. However, the Xbox Series X’s impressive internals begin to shine as the console allows for up to 8K gaming. Microsoft also notes that the Series X has been designed to deliver 4K resolutions at 60 frames per second (fps) up to 120 fps.

In comparison, the Series S has been designed to output 1440p resolutions at 60 fps up to 120 fps. Thus, even though the Xbox Series S supports 4K gaming, you might want to opt for the Xbox Series X if you desire high frame rates consistently. The Xbox Series S is still a powerful little device, however, even with its technically inferior specs when compared to Series X.

Winner: Xbox Series X

Home theater features

Xbox Series X sitting against a wall. — Microsoft / Microsoft

When it comes to relaxing in your home theater or den, the Xbox Series X nudges ahead thanks to its inclusion of a 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray drive that supports standard Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and CDs. The Series S, on the other hand, offers no physical disc slot. And while Xbox Series X can output resolutions of up to 8K, Xbox Series S is limited to a maximum of 4K.

When it comes to audio output, neither console features a digital optical out port, so you are limited to HDMI 2.1. On a positive note, HDMI 2.1 offers support for both audio low-latency mode and variable refresh rate features. Both the Xbox Series X and Series S use a custom Project Acoustics 3D audio engine to handle sound processing.

While the Xbox Series S offers a near-perfect solution for those with a digital library, the Xbox Series X includes greater media compatibility thanks to its internal Ultra HD Blu-ray drive. The ability to support media up to 8K makes Series X feel more future-proof — even if 8K still isn’t widely used yet.

Winner: Xbox Series X

Games and backward compatibility

A car in Forza Horizon 5. — Image used with permission by copyright holder

No matter whether you select the Xbox Series X or Series S, you’ll be able to play the same great games released for Microsoft’s fourth generation of consoles. However, games can be optimized for the Xbox Series X, offering higher frame rates and increased fidelity for a more immersive experience. When purchasing a game from the digital Xbox Store, the Xbox Series X will automatically download the game’s optimized version without users needing to make a distinction. Games optimized for Xbox Series X will bear an easily recognizable green “Optimized for Series X” badge.

Moving to the latest generation of Xbox consoles won’t mean leaving your favorite games behind as both Series X and Series S offer complete backward compatibility for Xbox One titles (excluding those that require the use of the now-defunct Kinect sensor). The new generation of Xbox consoles also supports some Xbox 360 and original Xbox games.

Both Xbox Series X and Series S can play the same games and access the same libraries of backward-compatible games, however, the Xbox Series X’s ability to run games with higher fidelity puts it a step ahead.

Winner: Xbox Series X

Price and availability

An Xbox Series S stands upright next to an Xbox wireless controller. — Microsoft

The Xbox Series X is available for $500, while the smaller Xbox Series S has a price point of $300. There is also the option to get a special edition 2TB Xbox Series X as well for $600, which doubles the internal storage. Of course, you do get what you pay for, and the Xbox Series X is certainly worth the price of entry, but it’s easy to see the appeal of the lower cost of the Xbox Series S. For those simply looking to play the occasional game here and there, it’s tough to justify paying $500 for the Series X when the Series S gets the job done.

Winner: Xbox Series S

Overall winner — Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X Stylized Graphic — Hanif Jackson / Digital Trends

Gamers have a reason to be excited about the Xbox Series X: It offers a cutting-edge gaming experience from Microsoft, delivering games at high resolutions and fast frame rates, with a minimal form factor. Don’t let the Xbox Series S slide out of sight, however; its price point will allow individuals to gain access to the world of Xbox without having to break the bank.

Best of all, no matter which system you select, you’ll enjoy the same games in the end.

Topics

Jesse Lennox has been a writer at Digital Trends for over four years and has no plans of stopping. He covers all things…

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