Galaxy A40 vs iPhone XS
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A40
Starting at
£71.42£229.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A40 and iPhone XS?
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A40 starts at £71.42, £66.93 less than the iPhone XS. The Galaxy A40 is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Exynos 7904 on the Galaxy A40, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The Galaxy A40 has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
- Screen size: 5.9 inch on the Galaxy A40, 5.8 inch on the iPhone XS.
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone XS specs
The Galaxy A40 and iPhone XS are both unlocked smartphones with 4G connectivity and double rear cameras. The Galaxy A40 is a lighter, slimmer phone with a slightly larger screen and higher resolution front and main cameras, making it well suited for users who value selfie quality and expandable storage via microSDXC. Both devices have 4 GB RAM, but the iPhone XS weighs more and uses a Lightning connector, while the Galaxy A40 has USB-C and a headphone jack.
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone XS price
Colour
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, operating system, and physical design. These aspects affect how long the device lasts in daily use and how long it continues to receive software improvements.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A40 has a larger 3100 mAh battery compared to the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This suits users who need more battery life during the day.
Operating System
The Galaxy A40 runs Android, offering a different user experience and app ecosystem compared to the iPhone XS, which runs iOS. Preference for either OS is a key factor in choosing between the two.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone XS performance
Performance revolves around the chipset, RAM, and storage available. These affect how smoothly the device runs apps and handles multitasking, as well as how much content you can store.
Chipset Power
The iPhone XS features the Apple A12 Bionic chipset, while the Galaxy A40 uses the Exynos 7904. Both have 4 GB of RAM, but the iPhone XS chipset is designed for more demanding tasks and smoother performance in apps and games.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A40 is stocked with 64GB of storage, suitable for everyday use and media storage. The iPhone XS offers both 64GB and 256GB options, catering to users who need significantly more space for apps, photos, and videos.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, with differences in size, resolution, and display technology influencing clarity and colour.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A40 has a 5.9 inch display with 1080 x 2340 resolution, while the iPhone XS has a slightly smaller 5.8 inch screen with 1125 x 2436 resolution. The iPhone XS offers a marginally higher resolution, which can mean sharper images on its slightly smaller display.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A40 uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for vivid colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XS has a Super Retina OLED display, which also delivers rich colours and sharp contrast. Both offer high-quality viewing experiences.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and their megapixel counts, which affect photo quality and video calls.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy A40 has a high-resolution 25 megapixel front camera, making it well suited for detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS has a 7 megapixel front camera, which is lower in resolution but may still perform well in varied lighting.
Main Camera Detail
The Galaxy A40's main camera is 16 megapixels, while the iPhone XS has a 12 megapixel main camera. The higher megapixel count on the Galaxy A40 can capture more detail in photos, which benefits users who prioritise image resolution.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone XS size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, connectors, SIM card options, and expandable storage, which affect convenience and flexibility.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A40 is lighter at 140 g and slimmer at 7.9 mm depth, compared to the iPhone XS's 177 g weight and 7.7 mm thickness. This makes the Galaxy A40 easier to carry and handle for those who prefer a lighter phone.
Connector and Audio
The Galaxy A40 offers both USB-C and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing use of standard headphones without adapters. The iPhone XS uses a Lightning connector, which may require adapters for some accessories.
SIM and Storage Expansion
The Galaxy A40 supports dual physical SIM cards and has a microSDXC slot for expandable storage, ideal for users needing more storage or managing two phone numbers. The iPhone XS has one physical SIM slot and an eSIM but does not support expandable storage.
Dimensions
The Galaxy A40 measures 144.4 mm in height and 69.2 mm in width, while the iPhone XS is 14.36 cm tall and 7.09 cm wide. These slight differences affect pocket fit and handling based on personal preference.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A40 or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A40 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £71.42, £66.93 less than the iPhone XS
- you want a bigger battery (3100 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy A40 appreciate its condition and ease of use. Many say the phone looks like new and works perfectly, with positive remarks on its size and weight making it comfortable to carry. Users mention satisfaction with the phone's performance for everyday tasks and its good condition even when described as fair. Some customers highlight it as a good replacement phone, especially for those who prefer a lighter or smaller device.
Reviews for the iPhone XS focus on its excellent condition and smooth operation. Customers praise the phone for looking spotless and running without lag. The availability of larger storage options is appreciated by those with many apps and photos. Some users value the camera quality and compact size. A few note minor imperfections that do not affect overall satisfaction. Battery life is generally described as lasting well after charging, supporting daily use.
The Galaxy A40 suits those wanting a lighter phone with strong front and main cameras and expandable storage. The iPhone XS fits buyers looking for a device with smooth performance, latest software updates, and larger storage options.
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone XS FAQs
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 7904 on the Galaxy A40, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The Galaxy A40 has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
The Galaxy A40 is cheaper refurbished, from £71.42 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.
The Galaxy A40 has a bigger battery: 3100 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
The Galaxy A40 has a higher-resolution main camera: 16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy A40 no longer gets updates. Updates for the iPhone XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A40 comes in 64GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
