Galaxy S6 vs iPhone XS Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S6
Starting at
£81.32£399.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S6 and iPhone XS Max?
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S6 starts at £81.32, £86.77 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 7420 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy S6, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2550 mAh.
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone XS Max specs
The Galaxy S6 and iPhone XS Max differ in size, screen, performance, and software support. The Galaxy S6 is smaller and lighter with a high-resolution Super AMOLED screen, making it a good fit for those wanting a compact phone. The iPhone XS Max offers a larger Super Retina OLED screen and more RAM, which suits users who prefer bigger displays and multitasking. Storage options vary too, with the iPhone offering much larger capacities. Both phones have unlocked network compatibility and 4G support, catering to a wide range of users.
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, operating systems, and physical dimensions. These affect how long the phone lasts on a charge, which software it can run, and how it feels in your hand.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XS Max has a 3174 mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy S6's 2550 mAh. This suits users who need longer battery life throughout the day. The Galaxy S6's smaller battery fits a more compact device, which may suit those prioritising size over battery endurance.
Operating System
The Galaxy S6 runs Android, while the iPhone XS Max runs iOS. Your choice depends on which operating system you prefer or are already familiar with.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance includes the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These impact how smoothly the phone runs apps, handles multitasking, and stores your data.
Processor Power
The iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic chipset, while the Galaxy S6 has the Exynos 7420 Octa. The iPhone's chipset is newer and designed for high performance, benefiting users who run intensive apps or want faster overall responsiveness.
RAM For Multitasking
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone XS Max can keep more apps open simultaneously compared to the Galaxy S6's 3 GB. This suits users who switch between several apps or keep background tasks running.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S6 is stocked with 32 GB storage, suitable for everyday use with moderate app and media storage. The iPhone XS Max offers 64 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB options, catering to users with larger storage needs for apps, photos, and videos.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, including size, resolution, and display type. These influence clarity, colour, and the amount of on-screen information.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch screen, which is larger than the Galaxy S6's 5.1 inch display. This offers more room for watching videos, gaming, or multitasking, suiting users who prefer a bigger viewing area.
Resolution
The Galaxy S6 has a 1440 x 2560 resolution, giving it a high pixel density on its smaller screen. The iPhone XS Max has a resolution of 1242 x 2688, which stretches across a larger display, providing sharp detail suited for media and reading.
Display Technology
The Galaxy S6 uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XS Max features a Super Retina OLED display, which also offers rich colours and sharp contrast. Your preference may depend on which colour tone and brightness you prefer.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features include cameras that capture photos and video, important for anyone who uses their phone for selfies or photography.
Front Camera
The iPhone XS Max has a 7 megapixel front camera, which is higher resolution than the Galaxy S6's 5 megapixels. This suits users who prefer sharper selfies or video calls.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S6 has a 16 megapixel main camera, providing more detail in photos. The iPhone XS Max has a 12 megapixel main camera, which suits users who value image processing and other camera features found in iOS.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone XS Max size and design
This section covers physical size, weight, SIM type, and network compatibility. These affect how the phone feels and how you connect to mobile networks.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S6 measures 143.4 mm tall, 70.5 mm wide, and 6.8 mm deep, weighing 138 g. The iPhone XS Max is larger at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, 7.7 mm deep, and heavier at 208 g. The Galaxy S6 suits those preferring a lighter, more compact phone while the iPhone XS Max fits users comfortable with a larger, heavier device.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S6 uses a physical SIM card. The iPhone XS Max uses a physical SIM plus eSIM, which offers flexibility for users who want to manage multiple phone numbers or plans on one device.
Carrier and Network
Both devices are unlocked and support 4G networks, making them suitable for use with a variety of UK carriers without restrictions.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S6 or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S6 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £81.32, £86.77 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 208 g)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 2550 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S6 looks like new and is ready to use straight away with a SIM card. Some mention issues with network locking and wrong charging cables, which affected their experience. Others appreciate the phone's compact size and reliable operation once set up. The Galaxy S6 appeals to those who want a smaller phone with a solid display and Android OS.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max highlight its excellent condition and good battery health at purchase. Users appreciate the clear product descriptions and the phone's performance for everyday use. Some mention minor cosmetic wear and the need for occasional battery replacement. The larger screen and iOS experience please those looking for a spacious display and up-to-date software support.
Overall, the Galaxy S6 suits buyers seeking a lighter, more compact Android phone with a sharp screen. The iPhone XS Max is ideal for those wanting a bigger screen, more storage options, and the latest iOS updates.
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 7420 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy S6, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The Galaxy S6 is cheaper refurbished, from £81.32 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2550 mAh.
The Galaxy S6 has a higher-resolution main camera: 16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S6 ended in Jun 2018. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S6 comes in 32GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
