Xbox Series S vs. Xbox One: Which Next-Gen Console Should You Choose?

(Updated for 2024: Performance, Features, and Value Comparison)

When Microsoft first unveiled the Xbox Series S and the Xbox One X years before their respective refresh cycles, gamers faced a tough decision: go for a cutting-edge, more affordable system or stick with a powerhouse that delivered raw performance—even if it came with a steeper price tag. In 2024, both consoles’ legacies remain relevant as newer generations approach, but understanding the Xbox Series S vs. Xbox One X is still essential for buyers weighing generational upgrades, backward compatibility, and game library needs.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down performance, display technology, built-in features, price, and real-world value to help you decide which Xbox console fits your gaming future.

Understanding the Context

Console Overview

| Feature | Xbox Series S (2022 Rev. A) | Xbox One X (2017) |
|----------------------------|------------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| Release Date | November 2022 (Rev. A: 2023) | September 2017 |
| Target Audience | Budget-focused gamers, portability | Core Xbox enthusiasts, 4K fans |
| Target Price (Launch) | $299 (digital), $349 (with controllers) | $499 |
| Game Library Focus | Modern 3-4 player games, disc+ | 4K-capable blockbusters |
| Pack Size & Storage | 512GB SSD (expandable) | 500GB HDD (expandable) |

Key Insights

Performance: How Do They Stack Up?

The most critical difference lies in hardware, especially for demanding 4K and ray-tracing-capable titles.

CPU, GPU, and RAM

Xbox Series S (Rev. A):
- Custom Zen 2 CPU @ 1.7 GHz
- Xbox Scale AI Accelerator (AI co-processor) + custom GPU
- 16GB GDDR6 RAM + integrated 512GB SSD
- Performance: ~1.5 TFLOPs 4K and ray tracing
Xbox One X:
- AMD Jaguar 8-core @ 1.7 GHz (same CPU as Xbox Series S, optimized differently)
- Custom GPU delivering ~9 TFLOPs raw performance, ideal for 4K
- 16GB GDDR5 RAM + 500GB SATA HDD (256GB expanded)
- Performance: Capable of 1080p/4K hybrid rendering and advanced ray tracing

Real-World Performance

The Xbox One X tops the hardware chart when targeting 4K gaming, especially with titles that tax ray tracing and high-end rendering. But game developers optimize titles differently—many modern AAA games scale performance between the two. For older generation Xbox exclusives (e.g., Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5), Series S offers solid 1080p performance; some games even run better on Series S due to optimized drivers.

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Final Thoughts

KitGuru benchmarks confirm:

Xbox Series S averages 60–65 FPS at 1080p with ray tracing disabled.
Xbox One X pushes ~90 FPS at 4K in high-end settings, even with experimental features.

Display and Visual Quality

Since you’re getting the Series S, upgrading your TV matters—but the console’s Xbox | Next architecture supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and ** Auto HDR, dramatically improving motion smoothness and image vibrancy on LED/QLED TVs.

In contrast, the One X’s hardware limitations restrict full support for adaptive VRR and advanced tone mapping, though HDR10 support remains robust in compatible displays. Series S’s flexible design lets it pair with screens running 120Hz+ for snappier gameplay—critical for competitive shooters and fast-paced genres.

Pro tip: Pairing Series S with a 144Hz+ monitor transforms fighting, racing, and racing-genre titles into visually stunning, lag-free experiences.

Storage and Expansion

Both consoles use SSD storage but differ in flexibility:

Series S: Native 512GB SSD (expandable to 2TB via MicroSD), making expansion simple. No HDD option—storage grows linearly.

Series S: Rev. A (2023) Also includes 512GB SSD—no HDD upgrade path, though Xbox Game Pass Upgrade and cloud saves free studio space.