Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XS
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy Note9
Starting at
£142.00
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Note9 and iPhone XS?
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £3.65 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 on the iPhone XS.
- The Galaxy Note9 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XS specs
The Galaxy Note9 and iPhone XS, both released in 2018, offer distinct experiences suited to different needs. The Galaxy Note9 features a larger 6.4 inch Super AMOLED screen and a bigger 4000 mAh battery, making it a good choice for users who prioritise screen size and longer battery life. Performance varies with the Note9 offering more RAM and expandable storage, while the iPhone XS provides different storage options and a different chipset. Other differences in size, weight and SIM setup also influence which device fits your preferences better.
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XS price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system updates and general build, all key for how long your phone keeps running well. The Galaxy Note9 and iPhone XS both use different software and battery sizes, which affect daily use and longevity.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Note9 has a 4000 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This means the Note9 can offer longer usage between charges, which suits those who spend more time away from a power source. The iPhone XS still offers solid battery life but may require more frequent charging during heavy use.
Operating System
The Galaxy Note9 runs on Android, offering flexibility and customisation, while the iPhone XS uses iOS, known for its streamlined user experience. Your choice here depends on your preference for software ecosystems and app availability.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XS performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both devices have different setups that suit different usage patterns, whether you multitask heavily or prefer specific storage capacities.
Processor Options
The Galaxy Note9 uses either an Exynos 9810 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, while the iPhone XS runs on the Apple A12 Bionic chip. Each chipset offers strong performance for everyday tasks and apps, but they belong to different platforms, affecting app compatibility and optimisation.
Memory Capacity
With 6 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Note9 supports keeping more apps active in the background, which helps with multitasking. The iPhone XS has 4 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth performance within iOS's efficient memory management.
Storage Choices
The Galaxy Note9 is stocked with 128 GB of storage, providing ample space for apps and media. The iPhone XS offers 64 GB and 256 GB options, allowing you to choose between a simpler setup or more storage for photos, videos and apps.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your phone. Differences in size, resolution and screen type shape the experience for watching videos, browsing and gaming.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Note9 has a larger 6.4 inch screen, giving more room for videos, games and multitasking. The iPhone XS's 5.8 inch display makes it easier to hold and use with one hand, appealing if you prefer a more compact device.
Resolution
With a resolution of 1440 by 2960 pixels, the Galaxy Note9 offers a sharper image, which is noticeable when viewing high-detail content. The iPhone XS has a resolution of 1125 by 2436 pixels, providing clear visuals suited to its smaller screen size.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy Note9 uses Super AMOLED technology, known for vivid colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XS features Super Retina OLED, delivering similarly rich colours and contrast. Both screens offer excellent display quality.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera quality and front-facing sensors, important for selfies, video calls and photography.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy Note9 has an 8 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail for selfies and video chats. The iPhone XS offers a 7 megapixel front camera, which also provides good quality images and video.
Main Camera Resolution
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, making them capable of producing detailed photos. Camera performance will depend on other factors, but in terms of resolution, they are equal.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XS size and design
Other practical differences include size, weight, SIM configurations and storage expandability, which affect daily convenience and how you use your phone.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy Note9 is larger and heavier, measuring 161.9 mm by 76.4 mm and weighing 201 g. This suits users who prefer a bigger handset and don't mind the extra weight. The iPhone XS is smaller at 143.6 mm by 70.9 mm and lighter at 177 g, ideal if you want a more pocketable phone.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy Note9 supports dual physical SIM cards, which is useful if you need to manage two phone numbers separately. The iPhone XS uses one physical SIM plus an eSIM, allowing for one physical and one digital SIM, which can be convenient for some users.
Storage Expansion
The Galaxy Note9 includes a microSDXC slot, so you can add more storage if needed, ideal for those who keep large media libraries. The iPhone XS does not have expandable storage, so you choose your storage size at purchase.
Network and Carrier
Both phones are unlocked and compatible with 4G networks, offering flexibility to use with various carriers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy Note9 or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Note9 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.4 inch vs 5.8 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £138.35, £3.65 less than the Galaxy Note9
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 201 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Note9 appreciate its condition and features, often highlighting the phone's large screen and good performance. Many say it looks and feels like new, with some noting very good condition for the price paid. Battery life is a common topic, with some users needing to replace it for longer use. A few mention issues with battery heating or app compatibility due to software versions, but overall the phone is seen as reliable for everyday use and a cost-effective option.
The iPhone XS receives praise for its compact size and smooth performance. Users note excellent condition and a like-new appearance, with battery life lasting well for daily tasks. The camera quality is appreciated, especially for photos. Some customers report minor marks or issues with specific parts, but most find the phone runs smoothly and is easy to set up. The option of larger storage sizes is welcomed by those with many apps and photos.
Both devices suit different preferences: the Galaxy Note9 is preferred by those who want a bigger screen and expandable storage, while the iPhone XS fits users who value a smaller device with up-to-date software and strong camera performance.
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XS FAQs
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 9810, Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 on the Galaxy Note9, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The Galaxy Note9 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £142 for the Galaxy Note9.
The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy Note9 ended in Jul 2022. Updates for the iPhone XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Note9 comes in 128GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
