The first update to Apple’s iPhone X has been announced. It’s called the iPhone XS (no surprise there) and comes in two sizes this year (the larger of which is dubbed the SX Max). When the iPhone X came out last year it was a radical redesign of the iPhone–jettonsing the Home button in favor of Face ID.

This week Apple introduced its successor–but how does it stand up? In this article we’re going to take a look at how the new 5.8in model compares to the original. Let’s dive in.

iPhone XS vs iPhone X: Specs

Here’s the specs for the iPhone XS:

• Display: 5.8-inch OLED display with a 2436x1125-pixel resolution at 458ppi
• Dimensions: 143.6mm x 70.9mm x 7.7mm
• Weight: 177 grams
• Storage: 64, 256, or 512GB
• Processors: A12 Bionic
• Front camera: 7 MP photos and 1080p HD video.
• Rear camera: Dual lens 12MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras, Dual optical image stabilisation, Optical zoom, 4K video
• Battery: Up to 12.5 hours battery life mixed usage
• Other: Face ID, NFC, Wireless charging, 3D Touch, IP68 waterproof
• Color options: Silver, Space Gray, and Gold

And here’s the specs for the iPhone X:

• Display: 5.8-inch display with a 2436x1125-pixel resolution at 458ppi
• Dimensions: 143.6mm x 70.9mm x 7.7mm
• Weight: 174 grams
• Storage: 64 or 256GB
• Processors: A11 Bionic chip
• Front camera: 7 MP photos and 1080p HD video
• Rear camera: 12MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras, Dual optical image stabilisation, Optical zoom
• Battery: 2716 mAh. Up to 12 hours battery life mixed usage
• Other: Face ID, NFC, Wireless charging, 3D Touch, IP67 waterproof
• Color options: Silver and Space Gray

iPhone XS vs iPhone X: Display & Design

There’s no denying it–these phones are VERY similar from a design perspective. Almost identical in fact. The biggest design change is that the iPhone XS now comes in a third color–Gold. And that’s about it…from a design perspective.

However, the iPhone XS has improved waterproofing. It’s now certified as IP68, meaning it can withstand submersion up to two meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone X was IP67 certified, with submersion protection limited to one meter.

And as you can tell from the specs, the displays of each iPhone are identical. However, the iPhone XS, Apple boasts, is the company’s “most durable display” yet. They haven’t elaborated on that, but it make it sound that the iPhone XS is more drop proof than the X was.

iPhone XS vs iPhone X: Camera

Not that much has changed with the camera systems either. The front TrueDepth camera system is still 7MP, however, Apple says it’s improved the facial recognition sensors, which means Face ID is a bit faster on the XS than on the X.

When we get to the rear camera, the hardware between the X and the XS is almost identical too. Both series features a dual lens 12MP system with wide-angle and telephoto cameras, dual optical image stabilisation, 2x optical zoom, and 4K video recording. The only minor difference is  the camera sensor features deeper, larger pixels. That means you’ll get even better low‑light photos.

Apple has added a number of software camera improvements to the XS too, however. The XS feature Smart HDR pictures, which brings more highlight and shadow detail to your photos. The XS also features a new depth control function that allows you to change the background focus of a picture AFTER you’ve taken it. That’s something that is INSANELY cool–and something the iPhone X didn’t offer.

iPhone XS vs iPhone X: CPU, Battery, and Storage

As far s the CPU is concerned, the new XS has a better processor than the iPhone X. The XS features the A12 Bionic chipset–and upgrade over the X’s A11 Bionic. The new A12 is a 7nm chip with 6 cores. The CPU is 15% faster and 40% more energy efficient than the previous A11. The GPU now has 4 cores and is 50% faster. Finally, the Neural engine now has 8 cores for machine learning and is almost almost 10x faster. Apps launch 30% faster on the XS and Machine Learning runs nine times faster on 1/10th the energy. In other words, the A12 Bionic absolutely flies.

Battery life is also a bit improved on the XS. You’ll now get about 30 minutes more battery life on the XS than on the X. And as for storage, the XS series offers more: 64, 256, or 512GB compared to the X series 64, or 256GB options.

iPhone XS vs iPhone X: Cost & Verdict

So, if you are already an iPhone X owner, should you upgrade? Honestly, probably not. The improvements to the XS are there–a better processor and slightly better camera tech–but they don’t scream “must have” upgrade. Make no mistake about it: the iPhone XS is an AMAZING phone and a terrific upgrade–for anyone who has an iPhone older than the X. But if you got the X last year, rest assured there’s no need to rush out and buy the new one. The changes aren’t that pronounced.

The iPhone XS will be available on September 21 and cost £999 (64GB), £1149 (256GB), or £1349 (512GB). The iPhone X is no longer sold by Apple.