Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 11 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S9
Starting at
£116.50£449.00 new
iPhone 11 Pro Max
Starting at
£215.40£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S9 and iPhone 11 Pro Max?
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 11 Pro Max comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy S9 starts at £116.50, £98.90 less than the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
Software updates
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch.
- Screen type: Super AMOLED on the Galaxy S9, Super Retina XDR OLED on the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 11 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S9 and iPhone 11 Pro Max differ in screen size, battery capacity, camera setup, and storage options, which shape their appeal. The Galaxy S9 offers a compact 5.8 inch Super AMOLED screen and a removable storage option via microSDXC, suiting those wanting a smaller phone with expandable memory. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a larger 6.5 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen, higher battery capacity, and a triple main camera, fitting users who prioritise a bigger display, longer battery life, and versatile photography.
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 11 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 11 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and operating system. These factors influence how long the phone lasts in daily use and how current the software remains.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S9 has a 3000 mAh battery, which suits users who prefer a smaller phone and are comfortable charging more often. The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a larger 3969 mAh battery, making it better for those who want longer use between charges.
Operating System
The Galaxy S9 runs on Android, a flexible system preferred by many for customisation. The iPhone 11 Pro Max uses iOS, known for smooth integration with Apple services and apps.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 11 Pro Max performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 11 Pro Max screen
Screen quality involves size, resolution, and panel type. These affect how much you see, the sharpness of images, and the overall viewing experience.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S9's 5.8 inch screen suits those who want a compact device that fits comfortably in one hand. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen, ideal for watching videos or multitasking with more space on screen.
Resolution
The Galaxy S9 has a higher resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, which provides very sharp images on its smaller screen. The iPhone 11 Pro Max's resolution is 1242 x 2688 pixels, which is lower but spread over a larger display, still delivering detailed visuals.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S9 uses a Super AMOLED screen known for bright colours and deep blacks, suitable for vivid media viewing. The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which offers excellent contrast and brightness, enhancing viewing especially in bright conditions.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 11 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features include camera setup and front camera resolution, important for photography and video calls.
Main Camera Setup
The Galaxy S9 has a single 12 megapixel main camera, which works well for straightforward photography needs. The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a triple camera setup with three 12 megapixel lenses, giving more options for different types of shots like wide-angle or zoomed photos.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S9 has an 8 megapixel front camera, which suits basic selfies and video calls. The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 12 megapixel front camera, providing higher resolution images for selfies and clearer video chats.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 11 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity options, physical dimensions, storage choices, and SIM types that affect daily convenience and device handling.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S9 is available with 64GB or 128GB of storage and supports microSDXC cards for expandable memory, which suits users needing extra space for media and apps. The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, but does not have expandable storage, so consider the built-in capacity carefully.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S9 is smaller and lighter at 147.7 mm tall, 68.7 mm wide, 8.5 mm deep, and 163 g, making it easy to carry and use one-handed. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is larger and heavier at 15.8 cm tall, 7.78 cm wide, 0.81 cm deep, and 226 g, which fits well for those who prefer a bigger screen and do not mind the extra size.
Connector and Audio
The Galaxy S9 uses USB-C and includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is convenient for wired headphones without an adapter. The iPhone 11 Pro Max uses a Lightning connector and does not have a headphone jack, so wireless or Lightning-compatible headphones are needed.
SIM Card Compatibility
The Galaxy S9 uses a physical SIM card only. The iPhone 11 Pro Max supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, which can be helpful for users who want to use two phone numbers without swapping cards.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S9 or iPhone 11 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S9 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £116.50, £98.90 less than the iPhone 11 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (163 g vs 226 g)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the iPhone 11 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger battery (3969 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who have bought the Galaxy S9 from PhoneMart generally praise its condition, often noting that the phone looks better than expected with minimal marks. Many appreciate the smooth performance and adequate storage space, especially the 128GB option. Some mention that the battery requires a top-up by the evening, which fits users who do not mind more frequent charging. The compact size and unlocked nature make it a practical choice for everyday use. A few report minor issues like overheating or problems with charging cables, but most find the phone reliable and suitable for their needs.
Buyers of the iPhone 11 Pro Max highlight excellent condition and good battery life, with many saying it looks like new even in fair condition. Users value the larger screen and triple camera system. Some mention the battery life as very good, charging only every couple of days, though a few report heating or battery compatibility messages. The phone is described as working well and being easy to set up, with positive comments on its size and performance. The combination of physical SIM and eSIM is appreciated by users who want more flexible connectivity.
Overall, the Galaxy S9 suits those looking for a smaller, lighter Android phone with expandable storage and a headphone jack. The iPhone 11 Pro Max fits users who want a larger iOS device with strong battery life and versatile cameras, along with the latest software updates.
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 11 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 11 Pro Max comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 3000 mAh. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch.
The Galaxy S9 is cheaper refurbished, from £116.50 compared with £215.40 for the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S9 ended in Apr 2022. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S9 comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
