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Galaxy Note10+ 5G vs iPhone XS Max

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Galaxy Note10+ 5G

Starting at

£143.00
See options

iPhone XS Max

Starting at

£168.09£459.00 new
See options
(321 reviews)
(436 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy Note10+ 5G and iPhone XS Max?

Galaxy Note10+ 5G vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Note10+ 5G starts at £143, £25.09 less than the iPhone XS Max. The Galaxy Note10+ 5G is the newer model, released in 2019.

Refurbished from

£143£168.09

Chipset

Exynos 9825 (7 nm), Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Apple A12 Bionic

RAM

12 GB4 GB

Battery

4300 mAh3174 mAh

Screen size

6.8 inch6.5 inch

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLEDSuper Retina OLED
  • Chipset: Exynos 9825 (7 nm), Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Galaxy Note10+ 5G, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
  • The Galaxy Note10+ 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
  • The Galaxy Note10+ 5G has a bigger battery: 4300 mAh vs 3174 mAh.

Galaxy Note10+ 5G vs iPhone XS Max specs

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G and iPhone XS Max differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy Note10+ 5G offers a larger, higher resolution Dynamic AMOLED screen and a bigger battery, making it better for those who want more screen space and longer use between charges. It supports 5G and has more RAM, which benefits users who want faster mobile networks and multitasking. Both have similar main cameras but the Note10+ 5G has a higher resolution front camera. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen size, battery, network, or software updates.

Galaxy Note10+ 5G vs iPhone XS Max price

Galaxy Note10+ 5G vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating system type. These affect how long the device lasts on a charge and how current its software remains.

Battery Capacity

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G has a 4300 mAh battery, which is considerably larger than the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This means the Note10+ 5G generally suits users who need longer battery life throughout the day without frequent charging. The iPhone XS Max's smaller battery fits users comfortable with charging more often or who use their phone less intensively.

Operating System

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G runs on Android, offering a different user experience and app ecosystem compared to the iPhone XS Max, which runs iOS. This difference suits buyers based on their preference for operating systems.

Battery

4300 mAh3174 mAh

Fast charging

45 WN/A

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

N/AIP68

Software updates

EndedEnded Apr 2026, last iOS 18

Wireless charging

YesYes

Year of release

20192018

Galaxy Note10+ 5G vs iPhone XS Max performance

Performance involves the chipset, RAM, and storage options stocked. These affect speed, multitasking, and available space for apps and media.

Chipset

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G uses Exynos 9825 or Snapdragon 855 chipsets, while the iPhone XS Max uses Apple's A12 Bionic chip. Each chipset offers strong performance in everyday tasks and more demanding apps. Your choice depends on which platform you prefer rather than raw power differences.

RAM

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G has 12 GB of RAM compared to the iPhone XS Max's 4 GB. More RAM allows the Note10+ 5G to keep more apps open simultaneously and handle multitasking smoothly, which benefits users who run many apps or switch frequently between them.

Storage Options

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G is stocked with 256GB storage, a good size for most users. The iPhone XS Max offers more variety, from 64GB up to 512GB, suiting users who want a choice between smaller or very large storage capacities.

Chipset

Exynos 9825 (7 nm), Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Apple A12 Bionic

RAM

12 GB4 GB

Galaxy Note10+ 5G vs iPhone XS Max screen

Screen quality details include resolution, size, and type. These affect how sharp images look, the amount of visible content, and colour vibrancy.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G has a 6.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 3040, which is larger and sharper than the iPhone XS Max's 6.5 inch screen at 1242 x 2688. This suits users who want more room for watching videos, reading, or multitasking on screen.

Screen Type

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED display, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, while the iPhone XS Max has a Super Retina OLED screen. Both provide high-quality viewing but may differ slightly in colour tone and brightness, suiting different visual preferences.

Refresh rate

N/A60 Hz

Resolution

1440 x 30401242 x 2688

Screen size

6.8 inch6.5 inch

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLEDSuper Retina OLED

Galaxy Note10+ 5G vs iPhone XS Max camera

Audiovisual specs focus on the front and main cameras, important for selfies, video calls, and photography.

Front Camera Resolution

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G has a 10 megapixel front camera, higher than the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixels. This means the Note10+ 5G may capture more detail in selfies and video calls, suiting users who prioritise front-facing camera quality.

Main Camera Resolution

Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, offering similar detail for photos and videos. This makes either device suitable for everyday photography needs.

Camera type

Triple (3x)N/A

Front camera

10 megapixels7 megapixels

Main camera

12 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy Note10+ 5G vs iPhone XS Max size and design

Miscellaneous differences include network capabilities, physical size, connectors, and expandable storage. These affect connectivity, handling, and how you manage your files.

Network Compatibility

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G supports 5G networks, providing faster mobile internet where available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G, which suits users who do not require the faster speeds or are in areas without 5G coverage.

Expandable Storage

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G has a microSDXC slot, allowing storage expansion with a memory card. The iPhone XS Max does not have this feature, so storage capacity is fixed at purchase.

SIM Card Options

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G uses a physical SIM card, while the iPhone XS Max uses a physical SIM plus eSIM. The eSIM offers more flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers or plans without swapping physical cards.

Connector Type

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G uses a USB-C connector, a common standard for charging and data transfer. The iPhone XS Max uses Apple's Lightning connector, which is specific to Apple devices.

Physical Dimensions and Weight

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G measures 162.3 mm tall, 77.2 mm wide, and 7.9 mm deep, weighing 198 g. The iPhone XS Max is slightly smaller at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, and 7.7 mm deep, but a bit heavier at 208 g. These differences affect how each phone feels in the hand and pocket.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CLightning

Depth

7.9 mm7.7 mm

Height

162.3 mm157.5 mm

Mobile network

5G4G

Release date

23 August 201921 September 2018

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Physical SIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

198 g208 g

Width

77.2 mm77.4 mm

Galaxy Note10+ 5G or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy Note10+ 5G if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £143, £25.09 less than the iPhone XS Max
  • you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (4300 mAh vs 3174 mAh)

What our customers say

Customers who bought the Galaxy Note10+ 5G generally praise its condition and performance. Many describe it as being in excellent shape, sometimes better than expected for the price. Several users highlight the device as great overall, though a few mention the battery life may be shorter than the stated capacity, with about eight hours of use before needing a charge. Buyers appreciate the phone's speed and functionality, and some mention it being a repeat purchase due to its reliability and value.

Reviews of the iPhone XS Max show customers are happy with the phone's condition, often describing it as looking brand new with no scratches or dents. Battery life is mentioned by some as lasting about six hours at best, and a few note minor issues such as low call volume or Face ID not working in one case. Buyers value the phone's software and believe it offers good value, especially when choosing higher refurbishment grades. Overall, users find the iPhone XS Max performs well for their needs and appreciate the clear product descriptions.

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G suits users who want a large screen, more RAM, a bigger battery, and 5G connectivity. The iPhone XS Max fits those who prioritise software updates, a range of storage options, and the iOS ecosystem. Both devices receive positive feedback for condition and usability, making them solid refurbished choices.

Galaxy Note10+ 5G vs iPhone XS Max FAQs

Galaxy Note10+ 5G vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 9825 (7 nm), Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Galaxy Note10+ 5G, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The Galaxy Note10+ 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £143 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G has a bigger battery: 4300 mAh vs 3174 mAh.

Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G no longer gets updates. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.

Refurbished, the Galaxy Note10+ 5G comes in 256GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.

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