Xbox Series X vs Xbox One X: What's the difference?

 

(Pocket-lint) - The Xbox One X was recently discontinued by Microsoft, replacing it with the next-gen Xbox Series X that takes gaming and next-gen power to 4K 60fps.

But what you'll really want to know is, is it worth updating if you already own an Xbox One X? And what are the key differences if you manage to find one of the outgoing consoles listed on the cheap one?

In order to help you make up your mind, we compare the specifications and features of both

Design

The concept of the Xbox Series X is, as you can see, quite a departure from the norm. It is intended as a standing structure, although it can also be set on its side. It's slightly bigger, however, than the Xbox One X, so you'll need a larger room, for example, in your TV stand.

Heat dissipation is one of the reasons for its larger scale and aesthetic. The grille at the top allows internal heat to dissipate, which is vital because the processor chips inside will get very hot and if there are not enough cooling measures used, you will find that the internal fan will have to work harder - resulting in a very noisy system and, worse still, one that is prone to crashing.

The same is true of the Xbox One X, which, for the very same reason, can run noisy at times, but its internal hardware is easier to keep cool because it is lower spec, so it has a slimmer, more traditional profile.

Graphics

Naturally, the graphics hardware in the two machines is different. The Xbox Series X reflects a big update. It has a custom GPU running at 1.825GHz with 12 teraflops of power and 52 device units. This is essentially the most powerful graphics processing chip to date in any console, much more powerful than the PS5 one.

The Xbox One X has a similar custom GPU in contrast, but with 6 power teraflops, 40 computing units and 1.172 GHz running.

In terms of graphical prowess, Microsoft says the Series X is twice as strong as the One X.

In simple terms, in 4K 60fps, it can run nigh-on each game natively, while the One X can only run a handful of games natively in complete 4K. And sometimes, you've got to choose 60fps or 4K, not both. On the Xbox Series X, several games will also run at 120fps - it has that much potential.

It is also worth noting that games for the Xbox Series X will make in-game lighting more realistic by using real-time ray-tracing technology. That feature does not support the Xbox One X.

CPU and memory

Like the GPU, a big jump between the two consoles is seen in the main processor. The Xbox Series X comes with a custom eight-core AMD processor running at up to 3.8GHz per core, based on the Zen 2 architecture.

On the other hand, the Xbox One X also has a custom eight-core AMD processor, but per core, it operates at a capacity of 2.3GHz. This, according to Xbox, means that the X Series is four times quicker, more effective and more powerful.

On top of that, 16 GB of GDDR6 RAM comes with the next-gen computer, while the One X has 12 GB of GDDR5 RAM.

Storage

The storage systems used in the new console deliver another major leap.

The Xbox Series X uses SSD (solid state drive) storage, which is much faster than standard hard drive technology for read/write transfers. It includes a 1TB SSD that will have a couple of big advantages. Not only will you be able to pause a game, start another, and go back to the original paused title immediately, games will load quicker - including in-game loading times.

On the other hand, the Xbox One X comes with a 1TB HDD, which for everyday use is still capable and fairly speedy. There is practically nothing wrong with it at all.

Both consoles can be extended via external USB 3.0 (3.1 on Series X) drives (to store and play Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games). Furthermore, the Series X also comes with a dedicated, proprietary rear drive port for users to plug in an optional additional 1TB SSD unit that can hold additional Xbox Series X names.

Controller

The Xbox Series X comes with a new version of the Xbox Wireless Controller. It looks similar, but has a new "share" button and a D-Pad style that looks more like the one on the Elite 2 pro controller.

However, with the older Xbox controller, we have no issues whatsoever - it's one of the best ever released - and the best news is that you can use it on the Series X too.

Games and accessories

Both Xbox One games and accessories are Xbox Series X compatible. And several Xbox Series X accessories, including the new wireless controller, are also Xbox One backward compatible.

For at least a few years in the future, Xbox is dedicated to publishing games for all Xbox consoles (from One up). And, as a bonus, when mounted on Series X, some of the games will be updated instantly.

That could mean improved graphics and faster times for loading. Compared to the One S, consider it much like the Xbox One X - many modern games have improved graphics when played on the One X.

Xbox's Game Pass subscription programme, as it does on Xbox One, operates on Series X.

Home entertainment

Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support all consoles with a 4K Blu-ray drive and (albeit not until 2021 in the case of Dolby Vision). All other streaming applications and entertainment channels in both would be equivalent.

However, one factor that could make a difference is that the Xbox One X has an HDMI 2.0 performance, while the HDMI 2.1 equivalent will come with the Xbox Series X. This means that in video quality terms, the One X does not go above 4K HDR 60fps, while the Series X is 8K 120fps capable. If you intend to purchase an 8K TV sometime soon, that might be essential.

Price

You would have to look around for one as the Xbox One X is largely discontinued. If you find one for sale, it'll be about £ 350 - its initial RRP was £ 450. The Xbox Series X costs $499/£449 (the Xbox Series S, by comparison, is $299/£249)

Xbox Series X vs Xbox One X: Which is best for you?

Ultimately, whether you want to invest (heavily) in the future of gaming or are willing to settle for the best the last generation has to bring is the key choice to make.

An incredibly strong, exciting new console, the Xbox Series X. But we've got a big sweet spot for the Xbox One X, too. The latter is an amazing machine for the present price and it could be a great choice for a tighter budget if you can find one for sale.