Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A51
Starting at
£96.95£350.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A51 and iPhone XS Max?
Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy A51 starts at £96.95, £71.14 less than the iPhone XS Max. The Galaxy A51 is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen type
Main camera
Front camera
- Chipset: Exynos 9611 on the Galaxy A51, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The Galaxy A51 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
- Screen type: Super AMOLED on the Galaxy A51, Super Retina OLED on the iPhone XS Max.
Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS Max specs
The Galaxy A51 and iPhone XS Max serve different user needs with their key differences. The Galaxy A51 offers a larger battery capacity and a higher megapixel count on both front and main cameras, making it suitable for those who prioritise photography and longer battery life. Storage options vary, with the iPhone XS Max offering up to 512GB and the Galaxy A51 up to 128GB plus expandable storage via microSDXC. The Galaxy A51 runs on Android with dual SIM support, while the iPhone XS Max uses iOS with a physical SIM and eSIM. Both have similar screen sizes and refresh rates but differ in screen technology and weight, which may influence comfort and visual preference.
Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating system differences that affect daily use and longevity. These factors can influence how long the device lasts on a charge and how current its software remains.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A51 has a 4000 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This means the Galaxy A51 can support longer use between charges, suiting users who need extended battery life throughout the day. The iPhone XS Max offers a smaller battery but may have other efficiencies that affect actual runtime.
Operating System
The Galaxy A51 runs on Android, offering a different user interface and app ecosystem compared to the iPhone XS Max, which uses iOS. Your choice here depends on which operating system you prefer and are more comfortable using.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance is driven by chipset power, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much data you can keep on your device.
Chipset and RAM
Both devices come with 4 GB of RAM, supporting everyday multitasking and app use. The Galaxy A51 uses the Exynos 9611 chipset, while the iPhone XS Max is powered by the Apple A12 Bionic. Depending on your preference for Android or iOS, this chipset choice may influence app performance and responsiveness.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy A51 is stocked with 64GB and 128GB options and includes a microSDXC slot for additional expandable storage. The iPhone XS Max offers larger storage choices from 64GB up to 512GB but does not support expandable memory. If you need more storage flexibility, the Galaxy A51 allows you to add a microSD card.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality includes resolution, size, type, and refresh rate, all of which impact how you experience visuals on the device.
Screen Size and Refresh Rate
Both phones have a 6.5 inch screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate, providing a similarly sized display and smoothness for everyday use like browsing and video watching.
Resolution and Screen Type
The iPhone XS Max features a higher resolution of 1242 x 2688 with a Super Retina OLED screen, delivering sharper images and vibrant colours. The Galaxy A51 has a 1080 x 2400 Super AMOLED screen, which also offers vivid colours and deep blacks but with slightly lower resolution. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise resolution or AMOLED screen characteristics.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera capabilities, which affect photo and video quality for selfies and main shots.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A51 has a 32 megapixel front camera, ideal for capturing detailed selfies. The iPhone XS Max has a 7 megapixel front camera, which still provides good quality but with fewer megapixels.
Main Camera
For main photography, the Galaxy A51 offers a 48 megapixel camera, which can capture more detail in photos. The iPhone XS Max has a 12 megapixel main camera, known for producing high-quality images with iOS optimisation. Choose based on whether you want higher megapixel counts or iOS camera processing.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, SIM compatibility, network support, and weight, which influence practical use and convenience.
SIM and Network
The Galaxy A51 supports dual physical SIM cards, providing flexibility for managing two phone numbers or carriers. The iPhone XS Max uses one physical SIM plus an eSIM, which also allows multiple numbers but with a different setup. Both phones support 4G network connectivity.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A51 measures 158.5 mm tall, 73.6 mm wide, and 7.9 mm deep, weighing 172 g. The iPhone XS Max is slightly smaller and slimmer at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, 7.7 mm deep, but heavier at 208 g. If weight and hand feel matter, the Galaxy A51 is lighter while the iPhone XS Max is a little wider.
Storage Expandability
The Galaxy A51 includes a microSDXC slot, allowing you to expand storage with a memory card. The iPhone XS Max does not have this feature, so you rely solely on its built-in storage.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A51 or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A51 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £96.95, £71.14 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy A51 often looks like new, even when described as fair condition. Many users appreciate its storage capacity and user interface, though some mention the battery drains faster than expected but still lasts a day with normal use. A few customers note issues with cleanliness or condition, but several praise its performance and overall satisfaction. The Galaxy A51 suits those who want a capable Android phone with good storage options and a detailed camera setup.
Reviews of the iPhone XS Max highlight its excellent condition and quality feel, with many finding it a good value for the price. The battery life has been a concern for some, lasting about six hours in one case, but others report good performance and sharp screen quality. Face ID and setup have occasionally been problematic for some users. The iPhone XS Max appeals to those who want a premium iOS device with a high-resolution display and the latest software updates.
Both devices have strong followings among customers who appreciate their specific strengths. Choose the Galaxy A51 if you prefer Android with expandable storage and higher megapixel cameras. Opt for the iPhone XS Max if you want a higher resolution screen, iOS updates, and a premium build despite a heavier weight.
Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Chipset: Exynos 9611 on the Galaxy A51, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The Galaxy A51 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
The Galaxy A51 is cheaper refurbished, from £96.95 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The Galaxy A51 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
The Galaxy A51 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy A51 no longer gets updates. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A51 comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
