Galaxy S7 vs iPhone XS Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S7
Starting at
£78.66£489.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S7 and iPhone XS Max?
Galaxy S7 vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S7 starts at £78.66, £89.43 less than the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 (14 nm), Exynos 8 Octa 8890 on the Galaxy S7, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5.1 inch.
Galaxy S7 vs iPhone XS Max specs
The Galaxy S7 and iPhone XS Max differ in several key ways that suit different users. The Galaxy S7 is smaller and lighter, with a 5.1 inch Super AMOLED screen and supports a microSDXC card for extra storage, making it a good fit for those who prefer a compact phone with expandable storage. The Galaxy S7 uses Android and includes dual physical SIMs, while the iPhone XS Max runs iOS and offers a physical SIM plus eSIM for flexible network options. Both come unlocked and support 4G.
Galaxy S7 vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
Galaxy S7 vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support, operating systems, and design features. These affect how long the device receives updates and the overall user experience.
Software Updates
This is important if you want ongoing software improvements and security.
Operating System
The Galaxy S7 runs on Android, offering a familiar and customisable experience for those who prefer that ecosystem. The iPhone XS Max uses iOS, known for its streamlined interface and integration with other Apple devices. Your choice depends on which operating system you prefer.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S7 vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance includes the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much data you can keep on the device.
Processor
The Galaxy S7 is powered by either the Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 or the Exynos 8 Octa 8890 chipset. The iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic chip. Both provide capable performance, but the iPhone XS Max's chipset is from a newer generation.
Memory
Both devices have 4 GB of RAM, which supports everyday multitasking and app use. This amount keeps multiple apps open and responsive on both phones.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy S7 comes with 32GB of storage, suitable for basic use and media storage. The iPhone XS Max offers larger storage options at 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, which accommodates more apps, photos, and videos without needing external storage.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S7 vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality influences how you view content and interact with the device. Differences include size, resolution, and screen technology.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S7 has a 5.1 inch screen, making it a more compact device that fits easily in one hand. The iPhone XS Max has a much larger 6.5 inch screen, offering more room for video, gaming, and multitasking.
Resolution and Display
The Galaxy S7's screen resolution is 1440 x 2560 pixels with a Super AMOLED display that delivers vivid colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XS Max has a resolution of 1242 x 2688 pixels and uses a Super Retina OLED screen, providing sharp and bright visuals with high pixel density suited for detailed images and text.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S7 vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features include the front and main cameras. These determine the quality of photos and video calls.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S7 has a 5 megapixel front camera, which is suitable for selfies and video chats. The iPhone XS Max offers a 7 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail and potentially sharper images for selfies and video calls.
Main Camera
Both the Galaxy S7 and iPhone XS Max have 12 megapixel main cameras. This means they both can capture photos with similar pixel resolution, supporting good quality pictures in a variety of lighting conditions.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S7 vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous features cover physical dimensions, network compatibility, SIM options, and memory expansion. These affect usability and convenience.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S7 measures 142.4 mm by 69.6 mm with a depth of 7.9 mm and weighs 152 g, making it lighter and smaller. The iPhone XS Max is larger at 157.5 mm by 77.4 mm with a depth of 7.7 mm and weighs 208 g, offering a more substantial feel and bigger screen area.
SIM and Network
The Galaxy S7 supports dual physical SIM cards, allowing two separate phone numbers or networks. The iPhone XS Max supports one physical SIM plus an eSIM, which can be more flexible for switching networks without changing physical cards. Both phones support 4G networks and are unlocked for use with any carrier.
Storage Expansion
The Galaxy S7 includes a microSDXC card slot, so you can expand storage with a memory card if needed. The iPhone XS Max does not have a memory card slot, so storage capacity depends on the model you choose when buying.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S7 or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S7 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £78.66, £89.43 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want a lighter build (152 g vs 208 g)
- you want a memory card slot
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.1 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (7 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy S7 often mention the good condition of the phone and fair pricing. Some find the battery life to be quite short, needing frequent charging even with minimal use. The compact size suits users who want a phone that fits comfortably in one hand. Some mention difficulty with setup or minor issues like a side switch that is unresponsive. Overall, the Galaxy S7 appeals to those who want a smaller device with expandable storage and are prepared for shorter battery endurance.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max highlight its like-new condition and good battery life, with some customers noting it performs well for their needs. The larger screen size is appreciated for media and general use. A few customers report issues with setup or specific features like Face ID, but many praise the clear product descriptions and excellent device condition. The variety of storage options and the premium feel suit users wanting a larger, fully featured smartphone.
The Galaxy S7 is a practical choice for those who prefer a smaller Android phone with memory expansion and dual SIMs. The iPhone XS Max fits users who want a bigger screen, higher storage options, and ongoing software updates in the iOS ecosystem.
Galaxy S7 vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
Galaxy S7 vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 (14 nm), Exynos 8 Octa 8890 on the Galaxy S7, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy S7 is cheaper refurbished, from £78.66 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S7 ended in Jun 2019. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S7 comes in 32GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
