Xbox Series X vs S vs S 1TB
Every spec compared so you can pick the right console without the guesswork.
Full Specification Comparison
| Feature | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S 1TB | Xbox Series S 512GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Price (UK) | £449.99 | £299.99 | £249.99 |
| Target Resolution | 4K (2160p) | 1440p | 1440p |
| Max Frame Rate | 120fps | 120fps | 120fps |
| GPU Performance | 12 TFLOPS | 4 TFLOPS | 4 TFLOPS |
| CPU | 8-core 3.8GHz Zen 2 | 8-core 3.6GHz Zen 2 | 8-core 3.6GHz Zen 2 |
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 | 10GB GDDR6 | 10GB GDDR6 |
| Internal Storage | 1TB Custom NVMe SSD | 1TB Custom NVMe SSD | 512GB Custom NVMe SSD |
| Disc Drive | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Ray Tracing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Variable Refresh Rate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4K Blu-ray | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| HDR | Dolby Vision / HDR10 | HDR10 | HDR10 |
| Dolby Atmos | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Ethernet | ✓ (Gigabit) | ✓ (Gigabit) | ✓ (Gigabit) |
| HDMI | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 |
| USB Ports | 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C | 1x USB-A, 1x USB-C | 1x USB-A, 1x USB-C |
| Storage Expansion Slot | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Colour | Robot White | Carbon Black | Robot White |
| Dimensions | 301 × 151 × 151 mm | 275 × 64 × 151 mm | 275 × 64 × 151 mm |
| Weight | 4.45 kg | 1.93 kg | 1.93 kg |
| Buy on Amazon | Amazon UK → | Amazon UK → | Amazon UK → |
Xbox Series X
Microsoft's top-tier console. The Series X is the choice if you want 4K gaming, a disc drive for physical games and Blu-rays, and the highest possible frame rates.
Pros
- True 4K resolution with 12 TFLOPS GPU
- Disc drive — buy physical games, play 4K Blu-ray
- 1TB of NVMe storage built-in
- Dolby Vision HDR for compatible TVs
- 3 USB ports vs 1 on Series S
Cons
- Most expensive at ~£449
- Large and heavy (4.45 kg)
- Vertical only without stand accessory
Xbox Series S 1TB (Carbon Black)
Released in 2024, the Carbon Black Series S doubles the storage of the original white model. Same internals, but the extra storage dramatically reduces how quickly you'll run out of space.
Pros
- 1TB storage — twice the original Series S
- Compact and lightweight (1.93 kg)
- Sleek Carbon Black finish
- Same Series S performance — 120fps gaming
- ~£50 cheaper than Series X
Cons
- No disc drive
- Max 1440p (not 4K native)
- Only 4 TFLOPS GPU vs 12 on Series X
Xbox Series S 512GB (White)
The entry point to Xbox Series gaming. The white 512GB model is the cheapest way in — ideal for Game Pass subscribers who don't keep many games installed simultaneously.
Pros
- Cheapest Xbox Series console
- Very compact — fits anywhere
- 120fps gaming supported
- Full next-gen Xbox Series game library
- Great paired with Game Pass
Cons
- 512GB fills up very fast
- No disc drive
- No 4K gaming or Blu-ray
- Less RAM (10GB vs 16GB on Series X)
Which Should I Buy?
You want the best Xbox experience
You have a 4K TV, want to play physical games or Blu-rays, or want the most future-proof option. The Series X is the definitive choice.
You want digital but need the storage
You're happy going all-digital (or use Game Pass) but the 512GB model worries you. The Carbon Black 1TB is the smart middle-ground purchase.
Budget is the priority
You're on Game Pass (so you swap games regularly), have a 1080p TV, or want the cheapest way into Xbox Series gaming. Pair it with a Seagate expansion card later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Xbox Series S play the same games as the Series X?
Yes — all Xbox Series X|S games run on both consoles. The Series S version of each game is optimised for 1440p and the lower GPU performance. You won't miss out on any titles.
Does the Series S have 4K output?
The Series S outputs at up to 1440p natively for games. Some games may upscale to 4K, but it is not a true 4K console. If you have a 4K TV and want native 4K games, the Series X is the right choice.
Can I add more storage to any Xbox Series console?
Yes. All Series consoles have the Seagate Storage Expansion Card slot — a proprietary slot that matches the internal SSD's speed perfectly. The Series X also has an internal M.2 2230 slot. See our full storage guide for details.
Is the Xbox Series S good enough in 2024/2025?
Yes for most people. The Series S runs all current Xbox games, supports 120fps, ray tracing and has a fast NVMe SSD. The main limitations are the GPU (no native 4K) and storage — both of which are manageable depending on how you game.
What's the difference between the white and black Series S?
Just storage and colour. The white model has 512GB; the Carbon Black model has 1TB. The internals — CPU, GPU, RAM — are identical.
Do Xbox controllers work on PC?
Yes. Xbox wireless controllers connect via Bluetooth or the Xbox Wireless Adapter to Windows PCs. They also work wired via USB-C.