Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S8+
Starting at
£99.25£305.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S8+ and iPhone XS?
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy S8+ starts at £99.25, £39.10 less than the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
Software updates
- The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger battery: 3500 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
- The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger screen: 6.2 inch vs 5.8 inch.
- Screen type: Super AMOLED on the Galaxy S8+, Super Retina OLED on the iPhone XS.
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS specs
The Galaxy S8+ and iPhone XS differ in several areas that suit different needs. The Galaxy S8+ offers a larger 6.2 inch Super AMOLED screen with higher resolution and a microSDXC slot for expandable storage, making it suitable if you want a spacious display and extra storage options. The iPhone XS also offers multiple storage sizes including 256GB and supports eSIM, which adds flexibility for mobile plans. Both phones have 4 GB RAM and unlocked carriers. These differences mean the Galaxy S8+ is well suited for users who prefer Android and more screen space, while the iPhone XS is better if you want ongoing software updates and iOS features.
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS price
Colour
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability and software support can affect how long a phone stays current and secure. The Galaxy S8+ and iPhone XS differ in software updates and operating system, which can influence your experience.
Software Update Compatibility
If keeping your phone updated for security and apps is important, the iPhone XS is suited for that.
Operating System
The Galaxy S8+ runs on Android, offering a flexible and customisable experience that suits users who prefer that ecosystem. The iPhone XS runs on iOS, which is known for smooth integration within Apple's environment and regular updates. Your choice here depends on which system you prefer for daily use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality influences how you view content and interact with your phone. The Galaxy S8+ and iPhone XS differ in screen size, type, and resolution, which affect your viewing experience.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S8+ has a larger 6.2 inch screen, giving you more room for watching videos and browsing. The iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch screen, which is slightly smaller and more compact, suited if you prefer a phone that fits more easily in one hand or pocket.
Screen Resolution
The Galaxy S8+ offers a higher resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, which provides sharper detail for photos and text. The iPhone XS has a resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels, still very clear but with fewer pixels overall. If you want the highest pixel density for detailed viewing, the Galaxy S8+ is a good fit.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S8+ uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XS has a Super Retina OLED screen, which also delivers excellent colour accuracy and contrast. Both screens offer quality displays, so this comes down to personal preference for colour tone and feel.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS camera
Camera and front camera quality affect your photos and video calls. Both phones have similar main cameras but differ slightly in front camera resolution.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S8+ features an 8 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video chats. The iPhone XS has a 7 megapixel front camera, which still produces good quality images but with slightly fewer pixels. If front camera detail is a priority, the Galaxy S8+ offers a higher pixel count.
Main Camera
Both the Galaxy S8+ and iPhone XS have 12 megapixel main cameras, delivering similar detail levels in photos. This means both phones are capable of good quality pictures with similar resolution.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS size and design
Several practical features set these phones apart, from storage options to connectors and SIM compatibility. These differences can impact how you use the phone day to day.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S8+ is stocked with 64GB storage, while the iPhone XS offers 64GB and 256GB options. If you need more built-in storage for apps and media, the iPhone XS provides a larger capacity choice.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy S8+ supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add extra storage for photos, videos, and files. The iPhone XS does not have a microSD slot, so storage depends solely on the internal capacity you choose.
Connectors
The Galaxy S8+ includes both USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is convenient if you use wired headphones without an adapter. The iPhone XS uses the Lightning connector, which is standard for Apple devices but requires adapters for some accessories.
SIM Card Types
The Galaxy S8+ uses a physical SIM card. The iPhone XS supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, which offers flexibility to use multiple mobile plans or switch carriers without changing physical cards.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S8+ measures 159.5 mm in height, 73.4 mm in width, and 8.1 mm in depth, weighing 173 g. The iPhone XS is slightly smaller and thicker at 143.6 mm height, 70.9 mm width, 7.7 mm depth, and weighs 177 g. The Galaxy S8+ is taller but thinner, while the iPhone XS is more compact overall.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S8+ or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S8+ if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £99.25, £39.10 less than the iPhone XS
- you want a bigger battery (3500 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.2 inch vs 5.8 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want the newer model (2018)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S8+ generally appreciate its condition and performance, with many saying it works well and looks good. Several users mention satisfaction with the phone for everyday use, although some report issues with the front camera, biometric sensors, or touch responsiveness. Battery life and speed were noted as weak points by a few, but many found the phone suitable for their needs.
Reviews for the iPhone XS highlight its excellent condition, often described as looking like new and running smoothly. Customers value the smooth performance and good battery life, especially with the 256GB model. Some experienced minor screen or camera issues, but most found the camera quality good and battery life sufficient. A few mentioned temperature or front camera faults, but these were exceptions.
Overall, the Galaxy S8+ suits users who want a larger screen and expandable storage with Android flexibility, while the iPhone XS appeals to those who prioritise up-to-date software, a compact design, and multiple storage options.
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS FAQs
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger battery: 3500 mAh vs 2658 mAh. The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger screen: 6.2 inch vs 5.8 inch.
The Galaxy S8+ is cheaper refurbished, from £99.25 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.
The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger battery: 3500 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S8+ ended in Apr 2021. Updates for the iPhone XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S8+ comes in 64GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
