Galaxy S10e vs iPhone XS Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S10e
Starting at
£114.20£439.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S10e and iPhone XS Max?
Galaxy S10e vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S10e starts at £114.20, £53.89 less than the iPhone XS Max. The Galaxy S10e is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 9820 (8 nm), Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Galaxy S10e, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The Galaxy S10e has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3100 mAh.
Galaxy S10e vs iPhone XS Max specs
The Galaxy S10e and iPhone XS Max differ in several key areas that suit different types of users. The Galaxy S10e offers a smaller, lighter design with a Dynamic AMOLED screen and 6 GB of RAM, making it ideal if you prefer a compact phone with smooth multitasking and a front camera with higher megapixels. Both have similar battery sizes and unlocked network compatibility, but the Galaxy S10e includes a microSD slot and a headphone jack, while the iPhone XS Max supports eSIM and uses a Lightning connector.
Galaxy S10e vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
Galaxy S10e vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating systems. These factors influence how long the phones stay useful and how they feel in daily use.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S10e has a 3100 mAh battery and the iPhone XS Max a slightly larger 3174 mAh battery. Both are similar in size, so battery life will be comparable depending on your usage habits.
Operating System
The Galaxy S10e runs on Android, which offers customisation and a wide range of apps. The iPhone XS Max uses iOS, known for its smooth integration with Apple services and regular updates.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S10e vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options, affecting speed, multitasking, and space for apps and files.
Processor Choices
The Galaxy S10e comes with either the Exynos 9820 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, both built with modern manufacturing processes. The iPhone XS Max has the Apple A12 Bionic chipset. Each offers solid performance for everyday tasks and apps.
Memory for Multitasking
With 6 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S10e can keep more apps open simultaneously and handle multitasking smoothly. The iPhone XS Max has 4 GB of RAM, which also supports good performance but may hold fewer apps in active memory.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S10e is stocked with 128 GB of storage, suitable for most users. The iPhone XS Max offers more variety with 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, allowing you to choose the amount of storage that fits your needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S10e vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality is about size, resolution, and panel type, which influence how you experience videos, photos, and everyday use.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S10e has a 5.8 inch screen, making it more compact and easier to use with one hand. The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen, offering more space for watching videos and browsing.
Resolution
The iPhone XS Max has a higher screen resolution of 1242 x 2688 pixels compared to the Galaxy S10e's 1080 x 2280 pixels. This means the iPhone screen can show sharper images and finer details.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S10e uses a Dynamic AMOLED screen, which delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XS Max features a Super Retina OLED screen, known for its colour accuracy and brightness.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S10e vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features include camera resolutions which affect picture quality and video calls.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S10e has a 10 megapixel front camera, offering more detail for selfies and video chats. The iPhone XS Max has a 7 megapixel front camera, which also provides good quality images for most uses.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, so they are similar when it comes to capturing photos with the rear camera.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S10e vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other practical differences include connectors, size, weight, and storage expansion options, all of which affect daily convenience and personal preference.
Connector and Headphone Jack
The Galaxy S10e includes both a USB-C port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, so you can use wired headphones without an adapter. The iPhone XS Max uses a Lightning connector and does not have a headphone jack, which may require wireless or adaptor solutions.
Storage Expansion
The Galaxy S10e supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add extra storage if needed. The iPhone XS Max does not have a memory card slot, so you must choose your storage capacity when buying.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S10e is smaller and lighter, measuring 142.2 mm tall, 69.9 mm wide, and weighing 150 g. The iPhone XS Max is larger and heavier at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, and 208 g. Choose the Galaxy S10e if you want a more pocket-friendly phone or the iPhone XS Max if you prefer a bigger device.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S10e uses a physical SIM card. The iPhone XS Max supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering more flexibility for managing mobile plans.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S10e or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S10e if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £114.20, £53.89 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (10 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 3100 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S10e appreciate its condition, with many saying it looks like new and works well. They find the storage capacity suitable for their apps and photos. Some mention the size is ideal, preferring a phone that fits easily in a pocket. A few note minor wear or battery life variations, but overall they are happy with the speed and compact shape. The 6 GB RAM is praised for smooth performance and the fingerprint sensor is liked for convenience. Several customers highlight the phone as a sustainable choice.
Users of the iPhone XS Max comment on its excellent condition and reliable performance. Many say the phone looks brand new, with no noticeable scratches or dents. Battery life varies in their experience, with some needing a replacement battery after heavy use. The bigger screen and storage options are appreciated, and the simplicity of the device is praised. Some mention setup taking a little longer and a few minor issues like low call volume, but overall the phone meets their needs well.
The Galaxy S10e suits those wanting a smaller, lighter phone with expandable storage and a headphone jack. The iPhone XS Max fits users looking for a larger screen, more storage options, and ongoing software updates.
Galaxy S10e vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
Galaxy S10e vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 9820 (8 nm), Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Galaxy S10e, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The Galaxy S10e has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy S10e is cheaper refurbished, from £114.20 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3100 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S10e ended in Apr 2023. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S10e comes in 128GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
