Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max
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Galaxy A3 (2017)
Starting at
£65.21£269.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A3 (2017) and iPhone XS Max?
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A3 (2017) starts at £65.21, £102.88 less than the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 4.7 inch.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max specs
The Galaxy A3 (2017) and iPhone XS Max differ in size, screen quality, camera setup, and storage options. The Galaxy A3 (2017) is smaller and lighter, suited for those who want a compact phone with a Super AMOLED screen and expandable storage via microSDXC. The iPhone XS Max offers a much larger Super Retina OLED screen with higher resolution and more RAM, ideal for users who want a spacious display and greater multitasking ability. Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks, making them flexible choices depending on your priorities.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers software updates, operating system, and build features. Both phones have physical SIM cards.
Operating System
The Galaxy A3 (2017) runs Android, providing access to apps and features typical for that platform. This suits users who want to keep their software up to date.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your phone. The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a smaller screen with a Super AMOLED panel, while the iPhone XS Max offers a larger, higher resolution Super Retina OLED display.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a 4.7 inch screen at 720 x 1280 resolution, making it a compact phone that fits comfortably in one hand. The iPhone XS Max features a 6.5 inch screen with 1242 x 2688 resolution, providing a much larger and sharper viewing area. This makes the iPhone XS Max better for watching videos, browsing, and multitasking with more screen space.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy A3 (2017) uses a Super AMOLED screen, renowned for vibrant colours and deep blacks in a smaller size. The iPhone XS Max has a Super Retina OLED screen, which offers high brightness and sharp detail on a large display. Both deliver excellent contrast, but the iPhone XS Max's larger and higher resolution display suits users who prefer immersive visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera and front-facing camera specs matter when taking photos, video calls, and selfies. Both devices offer good camera capabilities with slight differences in megapixels.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has an 8 megapixel front camera, which can capture detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS Max's front camera has 7 megapixels, slightly fewer but still suitable for quality self-portraits and video chats.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A3 (2017) offers a 13 megapixel main camera, useful for capturing detailed photos in everyday situations. The iPhone XS Max has a 12 megapixel main camera. Both cameras provide good photo quality with similar megapixel counts, appealing to users who want reliable cameras without focusing on advanced features.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other differences include connectivity, storage, and size details that affect how the phones fit into your daily use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A3 (2017) comes with 16GB internal storage and supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to expand storage for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone XS Max offers 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB internal storage options but does not support microSD cards. This suits users who prefer larger built-in storage without external cards.
SIM and Connectivity
Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks. The Galaxy A3 (2017) uses a physical SIM card and includes both USB-C and 3.5mm headphone jack connectors, suitable for users who want wired headphones and modern charging. The iPhone XS Max supports a physical SIM and eSIM, plus uses a Lightning connector, fitting users who want eSIM convenience.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A3 (2017) is smaller and lighter at 135.4 mm tall, 66.2 mm wide, 7.9 mm deep, and weighs 138 g. The iPhone XS Max measures 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, 7.7 mm deep, and weighs 208 g. The Galaxy A3 (2017) suits those who prefer a compact, easy-to-handle phone, while the iPhone XS Max suits users comfortable with a larger, heavier device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A3 (2017) or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A3 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £65.21, £102.88 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 2350 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 4.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy A3 (2017) appreciate its size and condition, mentioning it as a good option for younger users or those wanting a simple phone. Some note the battery life and charging time as areas to consider. Overall, users find it good for the price and appreciate its compact form and ease of use.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max highlight the phone's excellent condition and screen quality. Many customers are pleased with its performance and storage options, recommending it for users who want a spacious display and reliable device. Some mention battery life and initial setup time as points to note, but generally the phone meets expectations for a refurbished model.
The Galaxy A3 (2017) suits buyers looking for a smaller, lighter phone with expandable storage and a solid screen for everyday tasks. The iPhone XS Max is better for those who want a larger, sharper display, more RAM, and a range of storage options in an iOS device that supports the latest updates.
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
Galaxy A3 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB. The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
The Galaxy A3 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £65.21 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2350 mAh.
The Galaxy A3 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A3 (2017) ended in Nov 2020. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A3 (2017) comes in 16GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
