Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy Note8
Starting at
£139.32
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Note8 and iPhone XS Max?
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Note8 starts at £139.32, £28.77 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 8895, Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 on the Galaxy Note8, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The Galaxy Note8 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Note8 has a bigger battery: 3300 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS Max specs
The Galaxy Note8 and iPhone XS Max offer distinct experiences suited to different users. The Galaxy Note8 has a slightly smaller screen with a higher resolution and more RAM, making it well suited for users who want a sharp display and multitasking ability. Its battery is larger, and it supports expandable storage via microSDXC, ideal if you want to add more space later. Its screen is larger but with a lower resolution, and it comes with both physical SIM and eSIM options, making it flexible for network use. Choose the Note8 for Android and screen detail, or the iPhone XS Max for iOS and storage variety.
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS Max price
Storage
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, operating system, and physical design. These aspects affect daily use, device longevity, and how long the phone stays current with software.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Note8 has a 3300 mAh battery, while the iPhone XS Max has a 3174 mAh battery. The Note8's larger battery may offer longer use between charges, which suits users who need extended battery life throughout the day.
Operating System
The Galaxy Note8 runs Android, offering flexibility and customisation typical of that OS. The iPhone XS Max runs iOS, known for its smooth integration and app ecosystem. Your choice depends on which system you prefer.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These factors determine speed, multitasking ability, and how much data you can keep on your device.
Chipset
The Galaxy Note8 uses either the Exynos 8895 or Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 chipset, while the iPhone XS Max runs on the Apple A12 Bionic. Each chipset provides solid performance, but your preference may depend on the operating system and app compatibility.
Memory
The Galaxy Note8 has 6 GB of RAM, which helps keep many apps open and running smoothly. The iPhone XS Max has 4 GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking within iOS.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Note8 is stocked with 64GB of storage. The iPhone XS Max comes in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB versions, giving more flexibility if you need greater onboard storage.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how you experience videos, photos, and everyday use. This includes screen size, resolution, and display technology.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Note8 has a 6.3 inch screen, while the iPhone XS Max has a slightly larger 6.5 inch screen. The XS Max's bigger display offers more room for viewing content.
Resolution
The Galaxy Note8 has a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, providing a very sharp and detailed display. The iPhone XS Max has a resolution of 1242 x 2688 pixels, which is lower but still delivers good clarity for most uses.
Screen Type
The Galaxy Note8 uses a Super AMOLED screen known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XS Max uses a Super Retina OLED display, which also offers rich colours and excellent contrast.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features include camera resolution, which can affect photo and video quality, especially for selfies and video calls.
Front Camera
The Galaxy Note8 has an 8 megapixel front camera, offering slightly more detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS Max has a 7 megapixel front camera, which still captures clear images.
Main Camera
Both phones have 12 megapixel main cameras. This means they capture similar detail levels for photos and videos, suitable for everyday photography.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, physical size, and other practical details that shape how you use the phone daily.
Connectivity and Ports
The Galaxy Note8 includes both USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to use wired headphones without an adapter. The iPhone XS Max uses a Lightning connector, which works with Apple accessories and requires adapters for some wired headphones.
SIM and Network
The Galaxy Note8 uses a physical SIM card, while the iPhone XS Max supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, allowing more flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers or plans. Both support 4G mobile networks.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy Note8 measures 162.5 mm in height, 74.8 mm in width, and is 8.6 mm thick, weighing 195 g. The iPhone XS Max is slightly smaller at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, and thinner at 7.7 mm, but it weighs more at 208 g. Your choice may depend on how the size and weight feel in your hand.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy Note8 supports microSDXC cards, so you can add more storage if needed. The iPhone XS Max does not have a card slot, so storage is fixed based on the model you choose.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy Note8 or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Note8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £139.32, £28.77 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3300 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.3 inch)
- you want the newer model (2018)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy Note8 often praise its appearance, saying it looks brand new and works perfectly. Many find it a bargain and top rate for the price. Some note issues with battery life, mentioning it can be short and needing frequent recharge. There are a few reports of problems with unlocking or initial charging quirks, but most are happy with the phone's performance and condition. The larger screen and Android OS suit users wanting a spacious display and multitasking.
Customers of the iPhone XS Max appreciate its excellent condition and reliable performance. Many say the phone looks like new with no scratches or dents. Battery life is generally seen as good, though one customer mentioned it lasting about six hours at best before trading it in. The phone's simplicity and clear product descriptions are also appreciated, along with the flexibility of storage options and iOS experience. A few mention minor issues like call volume or setup time, but overall satisfaction is high.
Both phones suit users who want a refurbished device in good condition, with the Note8 appealing to those who prefer a sharper screen and Android features, and the iPhone XS Max fitting users who want iOS with flexible storage and software updates.
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
Galaxy Note8 vs iPhone XS Max 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 Max. The Galaxy Note8 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Note8 is cheaper refurbished, from £139.32 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The Galaxy Note8 has a bigger battery: 3300 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy Note8 ended in Nov 2021. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Note8 comes in 64GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
