Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy Note8
Starting at
£139.32
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Note8 and iPhone XS?
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £0.97 less than the Galaxy Note8. The iPhone XS is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 8895, Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 on the Galaxy Note8, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The Galaxy Note8 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Note8 has a bigger battery: 3300 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS specs
The Galaxy Note8 and iPhone XS differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy Note8 offers a larger 6.3 inch Super AMOLED screen and a bigger 3300 mAh battery, making it a good option if you want a roomier display and longer battery capacity. Galaxy Note8 uses Android with 6 GB RAM while iPhone XS runs iOS with 4 GB RAM paired with the Apple A12 Bionic chip. Storage options also vary, with the iPhone XS stocked in 64GB and 256GB, while the Note8 comes in 64GB and supports microSD cards for extra space. Choose the Note8 for a larger screen and expandable storage. Pick the iPhone XS for software updates and a compact design.
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS price
Storage
- 64GBSold out
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Battery size, software updates and operating system shape how long the devices last day to day and over time. These differences help you decide which phone fits your lifespan expectations and OS preference.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Note8 has a 3300 mAh battery, which suits users who want longer usage between charges. The iPhone XS has a 2658 mAh battery, which is smaller but may still offer full-day use depending on your habits. If you prioritise battery size for longer unplugged use, the Note8 is the better fit.
Software Updates
This matters if you want your device to stay current with software advancements.
Operating Systems
The Galaxy Note8 runs on Android, offering customisation and compatibility with a wide range of apps. The iPhone XS runs on iOS, known for its smooth integration with Apple services and regular updates. Your choice depends on which operating system you prefer and are accustomed to.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM and storage options. These affect speed, multitasking and how much you can keep on your phone.
Processor Power
The Galaxy Note8 uses either the Exynos 8895 or Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 chipset, while the iPhone XS features the Apple A12 Bionic chip. The iPhone XS chipset is designed specifically for iOS, which can provide smooth and efficient performance for everyday tasks and demanding apps.
Memory Capacity
The Galaxy Note8 comes with 6 GB RAM, which is well suited for keeping multiple apps open and multitasking. The iPhone XS has 4 GB RAM, which supports smooth operation within iOS, especially when paired with its A12 Bionic chip.
Storage Options
You can find the Galaxy Note8 with 64GB storage and the option to expand via a microSDXC card, ideal if you want more space for photos or media. The iPhone XS comes in 64GB and 256GB versions, offering more built-in storage choices but without expandable memory.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS screen
Screen size, resolution and type influence how you experience media, apps and everyday use. Both screens use OLED technology but differ in size and detail.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Note8 features a large 6.3 inch screen, offering more room for watching videos, browsing and typing. The iPhone XS has a smaller 5.8 inch screen, which makes it more compact and easier to handle with one hand.
Resolution and Display
The Galaxy Note8 has a higher resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, giving you sharper detail on its bigger screen. The iPhone XS has a resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels, still sharp and clear with its Super Retina OLED display. Both screens provide vibrant colours and deep blacks thanks to OLED technology.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS camera
Camera quality and front-facing cameras matter if you take photos, make video calls or use face recognition. Both phones have 12 megapixel main cameras but differ slightly in front camera detail.
Main Camera
Both the Galaxy Note8 and iPhone XS have 12 megapixel main cameras. This means you can expect comparable detail in your photos, suitable for everyday photography and sharing.
Front Camera
The Galaxy Note8 comes with an 8 megapixel front camera, which suits those who want higher detail for selfies or video chats. The iPhone XS has a 7 megapixel front camera, still offering good quality for video calls and selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS size and design
Other details like connectors, physical size, network compatibility and SIM options affect how the phones fit your daily life and accessories.
Connectors and Audio
The Galaxy Note8 uses USB-C and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to use standard headphones without an adapter. The iPhone XS has a Lightning connector, which fits Apple accessories and requires adapters for most standard headphones.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Note8 is bigger and heavier, measuring 162.5 mm tall, 74.8 mm wide and 8.6 mm thick, weighing 195 g. The iPhone XS is more compact at 143.6 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide and 7.7 mm thick, weighing 177 g. Choose the Note8 for a larger but heavier device or the iPhone XS for a smaller, lighter phone.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 4G networks and come unlocked for use with any carrier. The Galaxy Note8 has a physical SIM slot. The iPhone XS has both a physical SIM and an eSIM, giving you more flexibility for managing multiple numbers or plans.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy Note8 supports microSDXC cards for storage expansion, which is useful if you want to add space for media or files. The iPhone XS does not offer expandable storage, so you choose from fixed internal sizes.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy Note8 or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Note8 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3300 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 5.8 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £138.35, £0.97 less than the Galaxy Note8
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 195 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy Note8 looks like new and many praise its overall quality and performance. Several find it a bargain and appreciate the size and condition. Some mention battery life as an issue, with frequent recharging needed. A few report problems with locked phones or battery faults, but most reviews describe the phone as perfect or excellent. The large screen and familiar Android system suit those who want roomier use and flexibility with accessories like headphones.
Reviews for the iPhone XS highlight its excellent condition and smooth performance. Customers appreciate the compact size and camera quality, noting good battery life for daily use. A few mention minor marks or occasional faults with the front camera or screen, but most find the phone spotless and reliable. The option of 256GB storage and eSIM support appeals to those needing more space and flexible connectivity. The iPhone XS suits buyers who prefer iOS, value software updates and want a premium feel in a smaller device.
Overall, the Galaxy Note8 fits those who want a larger screen, expandable storage and Android experience. The iPhone XS appeals to users who want ongoing software support, compact design and iOS features.
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS FAQs
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 8895, Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 on the Galaxy Note8, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The Galaxy Note8 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £139.32 for the Galaxy Note8.
The Galaxy Note8 has a bigger battery: 3300 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy Note8 ended in Nov 2021. Updates for the iPhone XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Note8 comes in 64GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
