Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone 6S
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy Note8
Starting at
£139.32
iPhone 6S
Starting at
£32.09£149.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Note8 and iPhone 6S?
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone 6S comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 6S starts at £32.09, £107.23 less than the Galaxy Note8. The Galaxy Note8 is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 8895, Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 on the Galaxy Note8, Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S.
- The Galaxy Note8 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy Note8 has a bigger battery: 3300 mAh vs 1715 mAh.
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone 6S specs
The Galaxy Note8 and iPhone 6S differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The Galaxy Note8 offers a larger, higher resolution screen and more RAM, making it a good choice if you want more room for video and smoother multitasking. Its battery capacity is nearly double, which could mean longer use between charges. The iPhone 6S has a smaller screen and less RAM but comes in multiple storage options, including 16GB and 32GB, which may appeal if you prefer a more compact device or specific storage sizes. Both phones have 12 megapixel main cameras and unlocked 4G connectivity. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen size, multitasking, and battery or prefer a simpler device with varied storage options.
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone 6S price
Colour
Storage
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone 6S battery life and software updates
These affect how long the phone lasts on one charge and the software experience you get.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Note8 has a 3300 mAh battery, which is nearly twice the size of the iPhone 6S battery at 1715 mAh. This means the Galaxy Note8 is better suited for longer daily use without needing a recharge, which is helpful if you use your phone heavily throughout the day. The iPhone 6S might suit you if shorter battery life is not an issue or if you prefer a smaller device.
Operating System
The Galaxy Note8 runs on Android, while the iPhone 6S uses iOS. Your choice here depends on which software ecosystem you prefer and are familiar with, as this will shape your app availability, interface, and overall experience.
Software Updates
Both devices will run their existing operating systems.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone 6S performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options, which influence speed, multitasking, and how much space you have for apps and files.
Processor
The Galaxy Note8 uses the Exynos 8895 or Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 chipsets, while the iPhone 6S has the Apple A9 APL0898 chipset. Both are designed to handle everyday tasks well.
Memory
With 6 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Note8 supports keeping more apps open and running smoothly at once. The iPhone 6S has 2 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use and simpler multitasking needs.
Storage
The Galaxy Note8 is stocked with 64GB storage. The iPhone 6S offers more variety with 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models. This lets you choose a storage size that fits your needs, whether you want to save space or store more files.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone 6S screen
Screen quality impacts your viewing experience for videos, photos, and general use. Size, resolution, and screen type all play a role.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Note8 has a 6.3 inch screen, providing a larger display area for watching videos and browsing. The iPhone 6S has a 4.7 inch screen, which is more compact and easier to handle with one hand.
Resolution
With a resolution of 1440 x 2960, the Galaxy Note8 delivers sharper images and finer detail, ideal if you value crisp visuals. The iPhone 6S has a 750 x 1334 resolution that suits everyday viewing on its smaller screen.
Screen Type
The Galaxy Note8 uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, enhancing media enjoyment. The iPhone 6S features an IPS LCD screen that provides accurate colours and good visibility in various lighting.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone 6S camera
Audiovisual specs focus on the cameras, which affect your ability to capture photos and selfies with detail and clarity.
Front Camera
The Galaxy Note8 has an 8 megapixel front camera, which can capture more detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone 6S has a 5 megapixel front camera, suitable for everyday use and simpler selfies.
Main Camera
Both phones have 12 megapixel main cameras. This means they offer similar detail levels for photos taken with the rear camera, making either a good choice for photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone 6S size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical design, connectivity, and expandability, which affect how you use and carry the phone daily.
Carrier and Network
Both devices are unlocked and work with 4G mobile networks, giving you flexibility to choose your provider and get good data speeds.
Connector Types
The Galaxy Note8 has a USB-C port plus a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing more modern charging and headphone options. The iPhone 6S uses a Lightning connector alongside a 3.5mm jack, which ties into Apple accessories and charging cables.
Storage Expansion
The Galaxy Note8 supports microSDXC cards, letting you add extra storage beyond the built-in 64GB. The iPhone 6S does not have a slot for external storage, so you rely on the internal capacity you choose.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Note8 measures 162.5 mm in height, 74.8 mm in width, and 8.6 mm in depth, weighing 195 g. The iPhone 6S is smaller and lighter at 138.3 mm height, 67.1 mm width, 7.1 mm depth, and 143 g weight. If you prefer a phone that is easier to hold and pocket, the iPhone 6S suits well. The Note8 is larger and heavier, which matches its bigger screen.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy Note8 or iPhone 6S: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Note8 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3300 mAh vs 1715 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 6S if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £32.09, £107.23 less than the Galaxy Note8
- you want a lighter build (143 g vs 195 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Note8 often praise its appearance and performance, describing the phone as looking like new and working perfectly. Many appreciate its larger screen and features, calling it a great bargain. Some customers mention battery life concerns, noting they need to recharge daily. A few report issues with unlocking or battery faults, but most find the phone reliable for everyday use.
For the iPhone 6S, customers frequently highlight its excellent condition and compact size. Many are happy with the screen quality and overall performance for daily tasks. Battery health is a common topic, with some experiencing worn batteries that require charging during use, while others find the battery lasts all day. Customers value the smaller, lighter design and find it suitable as a practical, simple smartphone.
Overall, the Galaxy Note8 suits those who want a larger screen and more memory for multitasking, while the iPhone 6S appeals to users who prefer a smaller phone with several storage options and straightforward performance.
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone 6S FAQs
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone 6S comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 8895, Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 on the Galaxy Note8, Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S. The Galaxy Note8 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 6S is cheaper refurbished, from £32.09 compared with £139.32 for the Galaxy Note8.
The Galaxy Note8 has a bigger battery: 3300 mAh vs 1715 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy Note8 ended in Nov 2021. Updates for the iPhone 6S ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Note8 comes in 64GB, and the iPhone 6S in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB.
