Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S8+
Starting at
£99.25£305.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S8+ and iPhone XS Max?
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy S8+ starts at £99.25, £68.84 less than the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max 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 3174 mAh.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 6.2 inch.
- Screen type: Super AMOLED on the Galaxy S8+, Super Retina OLED on the iPhone XS Max.
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS Max specs
The Galaxy S8+ and iPhone XS Max differ in several key areas that suit different types of users. The Galaxy S8+ offers a slightly smaller but higher resolution Super AMOLED screen and keeps a headphone jack and USB-C connector, which suits those who prefer these features. Storage options vary with the iPhone XS Max offering up to 512GB, while the Galaxy S8+ comes with 64GB and a microSD slot for expanding storage. Those who want eSIM support will find that only on the iPhone XS Max. Overall, the Galaxy S8+ fits users who want a versatile port setup and expandable storage, while the iPhone XS Max suits those needing newer software and a larger screen.
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability includes software updates, operating systems, and some physical dimensions. Both devices use different operating systems, catering to preferences between Android and iOS.
Operating System Choice
The Galaxy S8+ runs on Android, offering flexibility and customisation. The iPhone XS Max uses iOS, known for its smooth integration and app ecosystem. Your choice depends on which operating system you prefer.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS Max performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, and type, all of which affect how you view content. Both screens use OLED technology but with different branding and sizes, which can influence your experience when watching videos or browsing.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch screen, offering a larger viewing area that suits watching videos or multitasking. The Galaxy S8+ has a 6.2 inch screen, which is still roomy but more compact for one-handed use or fitting in pockets.
Resolution and Display Type
The Galaxy S8+ has a higher resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels on its Super AMOLED screen, which can provide sharper images and more detail. The iPhone XS Max has a 1242 x 2688 resolution with a Super Retina OLED screen, designed for bright and accurate colours. Both offer vibrant displays suited to media consumption.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features include front and main cameras. These affect your video calls, selfies, and photo quality, both important for everyday photography and communication.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S8+ has an 8 megapixel front camera, which may capture more detail in selfies or video calls compared to the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixel front camera. Users who take frequent selfies might prefer the Galaxy S8+ for this reason.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, so they can capture photos with similar pixel detail. The choice here will depend more on software and user preference than megapixels alone.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, physical size, storage expansion, and SIM options. These influence daily use, comfort, and flexibility when choosing a device.
Connector and Headphone Jack
The Galaxy S8+ includes both a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which suits users who want wired headphones without an adapter. The iPhone XS Max uses a Lightning connector without a headphone jack, so wired audio requires adapters or wireless options.
Storage and Expansion
The Galaxy S8+ comes with 64GB of storage and supports microSDXC cards for expanding storage. The iPhone XS Max offers multiple storage options: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, but does not support microSD cards. If you prefer to expand storage later, the Galaxy S8+ suits you, while those wanting larger built-in storage can choose the iPhone XS Max.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S8+ uses a physical SIM card. The iPhone XS Max supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering more flexibility for those needing dual numbers or easier carrier switching.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S8+ measures 159.5 mm in height and 73.4 mm in width, with a depth of 8.1 mm and weighs 173 g, making it lighter and slightly narrower. The iPhone XS Max is 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, 7.7 mm deep, and weighs 208 g, offering a bigger screen but a heavier device. Choose the Galaxy S8+ for a lighter hold and the iPhone XS Max for a larger display area.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
Galaxy S8+ or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S8+ if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £99.25, £68.84 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want a bigger battery (3500 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.2 inch)
- you want the newer model (2018)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S8+ find it works well for everyday use, with many praising its condition and performance. Some mention issues with the front camera and biometric features, while others report slow performance or battery concerns. However, many are very happy with their purchase and the phone's overall functionality, especially for media use and general tasks.
For the iPhone XS Max, customers appreciate its excellent condition and the quality of the screen and build. Some report minor battery wear or setup delays, but most find it meets their needs well. A few mention problems with Face ID or call volume initially, but replacements and repairs have resolved these. The device is valued for its clear display and smooth operation with iOS.
Overall, the Galaxy S8+ suits buyers looking for a lighter phone with expandable storage and a strong front camera. The iPhone XS Max appeals to users wanting a larger screen, newer software updates, and options for higher built-in storage.
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger battery: 3500 mAh vs 3174 mAh. The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 6.2 inch.
The Galaxy S8+ is cheaper refurbished, from £99.25 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger battery: 3500 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S8+ ended in Apr 2021. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S8+ comes in 64GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
