Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XR
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S8+
Starting at
£99.25£305.00 new
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S8+ and iPhone XR?
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XR comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S8+ starts at £99.25, £31.05 less than the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- The Galaxy S8+ has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger battery: 3500 mAh vs 2942 mAh.
- Screen size: 6.2 inch on the Galaxy S8+, 6.1 inch on the iPhone XR.
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XR specs
The Galaxy S8+ and iPhone XR differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy S8+ offers a higher screen resolution and a Super AMOLED display, which is better for those who want sharper and more vibrant visuals. It also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage via microSDXC, appealing to users who value these features. Its physical SIM plus eSIM setup offers more flexibility for mobile plans. Both phones have similar main cameras but differ slightly in front camera resolution and screen size, fitting different preferences for photography and display. Overall, the Galaxy S8+ suits Android users who want a detailed screen and storage options, while the iPhone XR fits those who prioritise software updates and iOS features.
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XR price
Colour
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability covers software updates, operating system, and basic physical design. These factors affect how long the device stays current and how you interact with it daily.
Operating System
The Galaxy S8+ runs on Android, which offers a wide range of customisation options and app diversity. The iPhone XR uses iOS, known for its smooth integration with other Apple devices and consistent user experience. Your choice depends on which operating system you prefer and use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XR performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality affects how you see content, from watching videos to reading text and browsing apps. Size, resolution and screen type all contribute to the viewing experience.
Resolution and Display Type
The Galaxy S8+ has a 1440 x 2960 resolution on a 6.2 inch Super AMOLED screen, delivering sharper and more vibrant images with deeper contrast. This suits users who want a visually rich experience, especially for media consumption. The iPhone XR has a lower resolution of 828 x 1792 on a 6.1 inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen, which still provides clear and accurate colours but a less detailed image.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S8+ has a slightly larger screen at 6.2 inches compared to the iPhone XR's 6.1 inches. This gives a bit more room for watching videos and multitasking on the Galaxy S8+, while the iPhone XR's size may be more comfortable for one-handed use or pocket fit.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XR camera
Audiovisual specs involve the cameras and front-facing camera quality, important for photos, video calls and selfies.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, so they can capture similar levels of detail in photos. Users can expect comparable image resolution from either phone.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S8+ features an 8 megapixel front camera, offering slightly higher resolution selfies than the iPhone XR's 7 megapixel front camera. This difference may appeal to those who prioritise selfie quality.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XR size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, physical dimensions, storage options and other practical details that affect everyday use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S8+ comes with 64GB of storage and supports storage expansion with a microSDXC card. This allows users to add more space as needed. The iPhone XR offers multiple storage sizes at 64GB, 128GB and 256GB but does not support expandable storage, so you choose the amount you need upfront.
Connectivity and Ports
The Galaxy S8+ includes both USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which suits users with wired headphones or accessories that use these ports. The iPhone XR uses a Lightning connector, which works with Apple accessories and wireless options.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S8+ uses a physical SIM card, while the iPhone XR supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM. This gives iPhone XR users more flexibility to have two mobile plans simultaneously or switch plans without swapping cards.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S8+ is 159.5 mm tall, 73.4 mm wide and 8.1 mm deep, weighing 173 g. The iPhone XR is slightly shorter at 150.9 mm, wider at 75.7 mm, deeper at 8.3 mm and heavier at 194 g. These differences may impact pocket fit or how the phone feels in hand.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S8+ or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S8+ if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £99.25, £31.05 less than the iPhone XR
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3500 mAh vs 2942 mAh)
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want the newer model (2018)
What our customers say
Customers generally say the Galaxy S8+ works well and is in good condition, with many noting the phone performs satisfactorily and looks nice. Some users mention front camera issues and occasional touchscreen responsiveness problems. A few report problems with biometric sensors and battery speed. Despite this, many customers are very happy with their purchase and find the phone meets their needs.
The iPhone XR receives very positive feedback for its condition, with users saying it looks like new and runs smoothly. Customers appreciate the ease of setup, the screen size, and the overall performance. Some mention the replacement battery is not official Apple but this does not affect use significantly. The phone is described as reliable and fast, with many pleased with their purchase.
The Galaxy S8+ suits buyers who want a large, sharp screen with expandable storage and wired audio options, while the iPhone XR fits those who want ongoing software updates, dual SIM flexibility and a straightforward iOS experience.
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XR FAQs
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XR comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S8+ has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB. The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger battery: 3500 mAh vs 2942 mAh.
The Galaxy S8+ is cheaper refurbished, from £99.25 compared with £130.30 for the iPhone XR.
The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger battery: 3500 mAh vs 2942 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S8+ ended in Apr 2021. Updates for the iPhone XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S8+ comes in 64GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
