In the console market, many gamers compare the Xbox One X vs Xbox One. The Xbox One X launched in 2017 as a high-end revision to enable true 4K gaming, whereas the base Xbox One (and its slim update, the Xbox One S arrived earlier with more modest specs. Notably, the Xbox One S added HDR10 and 4K media support video playback and upscaling of games from 1080p to 4K. In contrast, the Xbox One X features upgraded hardware specifically designed for rendering games at full 4K resolution. This guide examines all the key Xbox One X vs Xbox One differences in hardware, performance, design, and price to help you decide which console suits your needs.
Key Differences: Xbox One X vs Xbox One S:
-
Graphics Power: The Xbox One X has a 6.0 teraflop GPU (40 compute units @ 1172MHz vs. the One S’s ~1.23 teraflops 12 CUs @ 914MHz. This vast gap means the One X can render games in native 4K, while the One S typically runs them at 1080p (then upscales on a 4K TV.
-
Processor & Memory: The One X uses a custom 8-core 2.3GHz “Jaguar Evolved” CPU, while the One S uses an 8-core 1.75GHz Jaguar CPU. The xbox one x vs xbox one s also packs 12GB of GDDR5 RAM 9GB for games vs. 8GB DDR3 in the S allowing the xbox one x vs xbox one s to handle higher resolutions and framerates.
-
4K Gaming: Only the xbox one x vs xbox one soutputs native 4K. The One S can play 4K video (and upscales games), but it has no true 4K gameplay mode. In practice, many titles look much sharper on the X.
-
Storage: The Xbox One X launched with a 1TB hard drive. The One S was sold in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB editions. Both consoles support external USB drives for expansion.
-
Media Features: Both consoles include a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive and support HDR10 for movies and games. The One S All-Digital Edition, introduced in 2019, removed the disc drive but kept all other features. Both can stream 4K content via apps.
-
Design & Size: The One X is matte black with a vented top; the One S is matte white with a black front stripe. The One xbox one x vs xbox one s is slightly smaller but heavier – about 2.4″×9.4″×11.8″ vs. the One S’s ~2.5″×9.0″×11.7 and weighs ~9.8 lb vs. 6.4 lb. Both have internal power supplies no external brick.
-
Cooling & Noise: Despite its compact size, the One X uses an advanced vapor-chamber cooling system and runs very quietly under load. The One S also runs quietly, though with a less powerful cooling design.
-
Price at Launch: The One S (500GB) debuted around $299, while the 1TB One X launched at $499. In other words, the One X carried about a $200 premium for its extra power. As of 2025, both consoles are discontinued and only sold used or refurbished.
-
Backward Compatibility: Both consoles play the same Xbox One game library and support the same backward-compatible Xbox 360/Original titles. Neither console has its own exclusives; instead, many games are “Xbox One X Enhanced” with better graphics on the X.
A key advantage of the One X is true 4K gaming. With 6 TFLOPS of GPU power, the xbox one x vs xbox one s can run compatible games at 2160p resolution. The One S, by comparison, runs games at 1080p internally and upscales them on a 4K display. Windows Central explains: “The Xbox One X packs hundreds of visually enhanced games … taking advantage of the console’s impressive 6 teraflops of graphical power.
By comparison, the Xbox One S only has around 1.2 TF. In practical terms, this means environments look much sharper and more detailed on the One X, especially on a 4K TV. However, both systems support HDR10 for richer color, so colors and brightness are similar with HDR enabled it’s the resolution and clarity that differ.
Fallout 76 on Xbox One S (1080p). The One S image above shows the game at 1080p (upscaled on a 4K screen). Textures on trees and terrain look softer and finer details are blurred. In comparison, the Xbox One X version (below) has much sharper detail because of its stronger GPU.
Fallout 76 on xbox one x vs xbox one s native 4K. The One X screenshot above is rendered at native 4K, making textures (leaves, ground) much crisper and more defined. The X’s much stronger GPU effectively doubles the resolution, yielding a significantly sharper image.
Even on a regular 1080p TV, the xbox one x vs xbox one s often runs games at higher frame rates or applies supersampling for a smoother, cleaner picture. Many game menus and static scenes appear noticeably finer on the One X. Both consoles support Dolby Vision One X or HDR10 (One S for video, but only the One X unlocks the full 4K detail in games.
Design and Features:
Though similar in function, the consoles’ designs differ. The Xbox One S is thinner and white with a small plastic grille while the Xbox One X is a compact black box with vents on top. The X’s internals (including a vapor-chamber cooling plate keep it virtually silent under load. The S removed the external power brick (using an internal supply), and the X also uses an internal PSU. Both can stand vertically with optional stands.
Both systems have nearly identical ports: HDMI-in/out, three USB 3.0 ports, an IR blaster, SPDIF audio out, and Gigabit Ethernet. Neither has a dedicated Kinect port (a USB adapter is needed for Kinect). Both consoles include an IR remote sensor for TV control, and can handle HDR video via HDMI 2.0 (One S supports 2.0a; One X supports 2.0b with Dolby Vision).
Media features: Both consoles can play 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray movies and stream 4K HDR content from apps like Netflix or YouTube. The One S introduced HDR10 and 4K playback to the Xbox line the One X retains these media features. An exception is the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition 1TB, $249, which drops the disc drive altogether. Aside from that, the media experience Blu-ray, streaming, downloads is the same on xbox one x vs xbox one s.
Both consoles use the same Xbox Wireless Controller (the One S added Bluetooth. All Xbox One accessories headsets, chatpads, etc. are compatible. Software features – Xbox Live, Game Pass, backward compatibility, the UI work identically on both. In short, outside of hardware specs, the user experience is the same.
Storage and Performance:
The xbox one x vs xbox one s includes a 1TB hard drive. the One S offered 500GB, 1TB, or 2TB HDDs. Either way, you can attach an external USB 3.0 drive (up to 16TB) for extra games. The One X’s internal bus and slightly faster components give it modestly shorter load times, but both consoles use similar 5400 RPM HDDs.
The One X also upgraded some system features: it added 802.11ac Wi-Fi (vs. 802.11n on original S units) and supports AMD FreeSync (VRR) and 120Hz output on compatible displays. The One S lacks these features. In practice, this means on a supported monitor the One X can offer smoother gameplay via variable refresh rates. Both consoles support Dolby Atmos audio and optical SPDIF out.
Price and Value:
At launch, the Xbox One S (500GB) cost about $299, while the Xbox One X 1TB was $499. Over time Microsoft dropped their prices (e.g. One X bundles for $399 in 2018), but the X remained ~$150–$200 above the S. By 2025, both consoles are discontinued and only sold used. On the resale market, the One X usually commands a higher price (due to demand from 4K gamers), while the One S can be found more cheaply.
Generational note: The Xbox Series S effectively replaces the One S, and the Xbox Series X replaces the One X. Both Series consoles can play all Xbox One games too, and add features like SSD storage and real-time ray tracing. If you’re buying new today, the Series models may be a better long-term choice. However, if you already have an Xbox One S, upgrading to the One X is the logical high-performance step within the same generation.
Conclusion
The Xbox One X vs Xbox One comparison highlights two distinct tiers of the same console generation. The Xbox One X is a 4K gaming powerhouse with roughly five times the graphics horsepower of the One S built for gamers who want the sharpest visuals and highest frame rates on UHD HDR TVs. The Xbox One S is a more affordable all-in-one console that still plays every Xbox One title with HDR10, but it renders games at 1080p by default.
In practice, choosing between xbox one x vs xbox one s comes down to your display and budget: if you have a 4K TV and want the best graphics, the One X is worth it. If you mostly play at 1080p or need a lower-cost option, the One S still delivers the full game library and HDR media features at a budget price. Both consoles use the same game discs and network services. Ultimately, the One S offers excellent value (games at lower resolution) while the One X offers unmatched detail (true 4K gameplay) within the Xbox One family.
FAQs
Q: Can the xbox one x vs xbox one s play games in true 4K?
A: No. The Xbox One S can display 4K content movies, apps and it upscales games to 4K, but games themselves run at 1080p on the One S. Only the Xbox One X renders games at native 4K 2160p.
Q: Do both consoles support HDR and 4K Blu-ray?
A: Yes. Both the Xbox One X and One S have HDR10 support and include a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive. This means you can watch HDR10 movies on Blu-ray or via 4K streaming apps on either console. (The only exception is the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, which has no disc drive but still supports 4K streaming and HDR apps.
Q: Which is more powerful, the xbox one x vs xbox one s ?
A: The Xbox One X is vastly more powerful. It has a 6 TFLOPS GPU and 12GB of GDDR5 RAM compared to the One S’s ~1.2 TFLOPS and 8GB DDR3. In real terms, games on the One X can run at 4K or higher framerates. If you have a 4K TV, the difference is very noticeable.
Q: What are the key similarities between the two consoles?
A: Both consoles play the same Xbox One games and share features like HDR support, Dolby Atmos, and 4K media playback. They use the same controller and apps, and can stream the same content. Neither has exclusive games – titles on Xbox One X are just enhanced versions of Xbox One titles.
Q: Which console should I buy: xbox one x vs xbox one s?
A: This question effectively compares the One X and the base Xbox One S. The One X is much more powerful and supports 4K gaming while the One S is cheaper and plays games at 1080p. If you have a 4K HDR TV and want the highest visual fidelity, the One xbox one x vs xbox one sis the better choice. Otherwise, the One S offers the same games and features for a lower price.
