Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XR
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy Note9
Starting at
£142.00
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Note9 and iPhone XR?
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £11.70 less than the Galaxy Note9.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 9810, Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 on the Galaxy Note9, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- The Galaxy Note9 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
- The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2942 mAh.
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XR specs
The Galaxy Note9 and iPhone XR, both released in 2018, offer different strengths for different users. The Galaxy Note9 suits those who value a larger, higher resolution screen and more RAM for multitasking, as well as a bigger battery and expandable storage via microSDXC. The iPhone XR appeals to users who want an iOS device with ongoing software updates, a slightly smaller screen with Liquid Retina IPS LCD technology, and multiple storage capacities. It offers dual SIM with a physical SIM and eSIM combination. Both phones have similar main camera resolution but differ slightly in front camera megapixels and device dimensions. Your choice depends on whether you prefer Android or iOS, screen type and size, and storage flexibility.
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XR price
Colour
Storage
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, operating system, and physical design. These factors influence how long you can use the phone between charges and how current the software remains.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Note9 has a 4000 mAh battery, which offers longer use between charges for active users or those who spend a lot of time on their phone. The iPhone XR's 2942 mAh battery suits everyday use with good power efficiency but may require more frequent charging for heavy use.
Operating System
Galaxy Note9 runs Android, which offers extensive customisation and app variety. The iPhone XR runs iOS, known for its consistency and integration within Apple's ecosystem. Your choice depends on which OS you prefer.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XR performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options, affecting speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on your device.
Chipset
The Galaxy Note9 is powered by either the Exynos 9810 or Snapdragon 845 chipset, providing solid performance for most tasks. The iPhone XR uses the Apple A12 Bionic, built on 7 nm technology, delivering efficient and fast processing for everyday activities and gaming.
RAM
Galaxy Note9 comes with 6 GB of RAM, allowing more apps to stay open simultaneously and smoother multitasking. The iPhone XR has 3 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use and iOS optimisation but may hold fewer apps in memory at once.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Note9 is available with 128GB of internal storage and supports a microSDXC card for expansion, ideal for users with large media libraries or files. The iPhone XR offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options but does not support expandable storage, so choosing the right capacity upfront is important.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality influences how you view content, with size, resolution, and display type playing key roles in clarity, colour, and viewing experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Note9 features a larger 6.4 inch screen with a higher resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, offering more space and sharper detail for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone XR has a 6.1 inch screen with 828 x 1792 pixels resolution, suitable for users who prefer a slightly smaller display.
Screen Type
Galaxy Note9 uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, enhancing media consumption and gaming. The iPhone XR has a Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides accurate colours and good viewing angles, ideal for everyday use.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XR camera
Audiovisual specifications focus on camera capabilities, influencing photo and video quality for selfies and main shots.
Front Camera
The Galaxy Note9 has an 8 megapixel front camera, which captures slightly more detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone XR's 7 megapixel front camera is well suited for everyday selfies and video chats.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, making them comparable for standard photography needs, whether capturing landscapes, portraits, or events.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XR size and design
This section covers additional features that affect daily convenience, network options, and device handling.
SIM and Carrier Compatibility
Both devices are unlocked. The Galaxy Note9 offers dual physical SIM slots, useful for users managing two numbers with physical cards. The iPhone XR combines a physical SIM with an eSIM, providing flexibility without needing two physical cards.
Expandable Storage
Galaxy Note9 supports microSDXC cards, ideal if you want to add extra storage later. The iPhone XR does not have this feature, so you should select your storage capacity carefully.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy Note9 measures 161.9 mm in height, 76.4 mm in width, and 8.8 mm in depth, weighing 201 g, making it a larger and slightly heavier device. The iPhone XR is 150.9 mm tall, 75.7 mm wide, 8.3 mm thick, and weighs 194 g, offering a slightly smaller and lighter feel.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy Note9 or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Note9 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 2942 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.4 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £130.30, £11.70 less than the Galaxy Note9
- you want a lighter build (194 g vs 201 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy Note9 appreciate its good features and condition, with many saying the phone looks like new and works well. Reviews highlight the phone's screen size and performance positively, with comments noting the battery life as a potential issue, sometimes requiring replacement. Some customers mention the Android 10 version and app compatibility, reflecting the phone's software situation. Overall, many users recommend the Galaxy Note9 for its value and condition, especially if you want a larger screen and more memory.
Owners of the iPhone XR praise its excellent condition and ease of setup, with many noting it looks like a new phone. The screen size suits users who prefer a balance between display area and handling. Multiple storage options are appreciated, with users choosing based on their needs. The phone runs well and feels fast, though some mention the replacement battery is not an official Apple part, causing a warning but no major issues. The iPhone XR appeals to those who want a reliable iOS experience with ongoing software updates.
Both phones attract satisfied users who value a refurbished option that looks and works well. The Galaxy Note9 suits those wanting a larger screen, expandable storage, and more RAM, while the iPhone XR is ideal for users who prefer iOS, a slightly smaller screen, and software updates.
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XR FAQs
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 9810, Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 on the Galaxy Note9, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The Galaxy Note9 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £142 for the Galaxy Note9.
The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2942 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy Note9 ended in Jul 2022. Updates for the iPhone XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Note9 comes in 128GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
