Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max
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Galaxy A5 (2017)
Starting at
£72.10£309.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A5 (2017) and iPhone XS Max?
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy A5 (2017) starts at £72.10, £95.99 less than the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 7880 on the Galaxy A5 (2017), Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max specs
The Galaxy A5 (2017) and iPhone XS Max differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The Galaxy A5 (2017) is a more compact device with a smaller 5.2 inch screen and a simpler Android setup. It offers a 16 megapixel front and main camera and includes a microSDXC slot for expandable storage. It has a physical SIM plus eSIM option and comes in larger storage capacities. Buyers who want a larger screen and longer software support may prefer the iPhone XS Max, while those looking for a lighter, smaller phone with expandable storage will find the Galaxy A5 (2017) more suitable.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, operating system, and physical dimensions. These factors affect how long the device lasts in daily use and the software experience you can expect.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 3000 mAh battery while the iPhone XS Max offers slightly more capacity with 3174 mAh. Both are suitable for typical daily use, but the iPhone XS Max may provide marginally longer battery life under similar conditions.
Operating System
The Galaxy A5 (2017) runs on Android, offering flexibility with app choices and customisation. The iPhone XS Max runs iOS, known for its smooth integration and regular updates.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options, which influence speed, multitasking, and space for apps and media.
Processing Power
The Galaxy A5 (2017) is powered by the Exynos 7880 chipset with 3 GB of RAM, suited for everyday apps and moderate multitasking. The iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic chipset with 4 GB of RAM, which supports more demanding tasks and smoother performance with multiple apps.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy A5 (2017) comes with 32GB or 64GB storage options, which can be expanded using a microSDXC card. The iPhone XS Max offers built-in storage choices of 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, which caters to users who need substantial space without additional cards.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how you experience videos, photos, and apps. Size, resolution, and screen type all contribute to clarity and viewing comfort.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 5.2 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920, making it compact and sharp enough for everyday viewing. The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen with a higher resolution of 1242 x 2688, offering more room and detail for videos and multitasking.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy A5 (2017) features a Super AMOLED screen, which is bright and offers deep colours. The iPhone XS Max uses a Super Retina OLED screen, designed to deliver rich colours and high contrast, enhancing visual quality.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera quality is important for selfies, video calls, and photography. Front and main cameras offer different strengths depending on megapixel counts.
Front Camera Detail
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 16 megapixel front camera, ideal for detailed selfies and video chats. The iPhone XS Max offers a 7 megapixel front camera, which still supports quality images and Face ID features.
Main Camera Detail
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 16 megapixel main camera, suitable for capturing detailed photos. The iPhone XS Max has a 12 megapixel main camera, which balances image quality with other camera features.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other practical differences include size, weight, network and SIM options, and expandability which affect daily convenience and compatibility.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A5 (2017) is smaller and lighter at 146.1 mm height, 71.4 mm width, 7.9 mm depth, and 157 g weight, making it easier to hold and pocket. The iPhone XS Max measures 157.5 mm by 77.4 mm by 7.7 mm and weighs 208 g, offering a larger screen but a heavier device.
SIM and Network Options
The Galaxy A5 (2017) supports dual physical SIM cards, useful for managing two phone numbers physically. The iPhone XS Max uses a physical SIM plus an eSIM, providing flexibility without needing a second physical card. Both support 4G networks.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy A5 (2017) includes a microSDXC slot allowing you to add more storage as needed. The iPhone XS Max does not support expandable storage, so you choose a fixed internal capacity.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A5 (2017) or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A5 (2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £72.10, £95.99 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (16 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.2 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy A5 (2017) generally say the phone looks and operates well. Many praise its condition and value, describing it as like new and suitable for their needs. Some mention issues with SIM unlocking or setup but appreciate the overall performance.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max highlight its excellent condition and functionality. Users appreciate the clear descriptions and trustworthy condition, with many finding it a good value for a high-quality smartphone. Some mention battery concerns or setup taking time, but overall the phone meets expectations for performance and screen quality.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) is preferred by those who want a lighter, simpler phone with expandable storage. The iPhone XS Max fits buyers looking for a bigger screen, more storage options, and ongoing software support.
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 7880 on the Galaxy A5 (2017), Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £72.10 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A5 (2017) ended in Apr 2019. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A5 (2017) comes in 32GB and 64GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
