Graces F has a very childish and cheesy story; I personally thought Xillia's story was also kinda bad but for different reasons. Overall the Tales games tend to be very cheesy and fantasy-like and not realistic in the least but it usually doesn't matter much/it's never really stopped me from enjoying the game.

I'd actually give Graces F the vote for better music.

Graces F's battle system was more fun for me as well.

I think Xillia's graphics might be a bit better; the characters are a bit taller as far as proportions go and they're a little bit more... refined and stuff

but Graces F's graphics are really pretty and flashy and enjoyable whereas Xillia's graphics are dull and washed out and not as pretty

Overall they're both good games so the best thing you can do is find out which is more fitting to you and go with it

Xillia might be more fitting for a first game though since Graces F's battle system is unique and the child arc at the beginning would probably be pretty annoying for a first-timer...

I agree with you about the better music, but all the rest of it...

I don't think there should be any doubt that Xillia's graphics are miles better.  Environments look better; character models are miles better... and I wouldn't say it looked "washed out" at all.  Or at least, in comparison to Graces I don't really think you could ever say that.

Graces looks fine, but you can definitely tell it's an upressed Wii game.  Playing Xillia for the first time was like night and day after coming from Graces F.  Starting in Fennmont was a really good way to show that too - I thought the city looked absolutely stunning the first time I saw it.

yesss this is great news grace's battle system is way better than all I have played including xillia

Sold !

Yeah, TOG gaemplay is for me one of the best in any jrpg, so much fun, even against regular mobs.