Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XR
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S9
Starting at
£116.50£449.00 new
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S9 and iPhone XR?
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XR comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S9 starts at £116.50, £13.80 less than the iPhone XR.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- The Galaxy S9 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- Battery: 3000 mAh on the Galaxy S9, 2942 mAh on the iPhone XR.
- The iPhone XR has a bigger screen: 6.1 inch vs 5.8 inch.
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XR specs
The Galaxy S9 and iPhone XR both come from 2018 but suit different needs. The Galaxy S9 has a sharper, smaller Super AMOLED screen and more RAM, making it a good fit if you prefer Android and a crisper display. Storage options go higher on the iPhone XR, and it includes eSIM capability. The Galaxy S9 has a microSD slot and a headphone jack, which suits users needing extra storage or wired audio. Both have single 12 megapixel cameras and similar battery sizes. Your choice depends on your preference for screen size, operating system, and connectivity features.
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XR price
Colour
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system support, and basic physical features. Both phones have similar battery sizes but differ in software update support and operating system, which affects long-term use.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S9 has a 3000 mAh battery while the iPhone XR has 2942 mAh. Both provide comparable battery capacity suitable for daily use. Your experience will depend more on software and usage patterns than this small difference.
Operating System
The Galaxy S9 runs Android, offering a flexible and customisable experience, while the iPhone XR uses iOS, known for its smooth integration and regular updates. Your preference here will guide your choice.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XR performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality shapes how you view content. The Galaxy S9 and iPhone XR offer different screen sizes, resolutions, and panel types which impact sharpness and viewing space.
Resolution and Sharpness
The Galaxy S9 has a 1440 x 2960 resolution with its 5.8 inch Super AMOLED screen, delivering a sharp and vibrant display. This suits users who value high pixel density and deep colours. The iPhone XR's 828 x 1792 resolution on a larger 6.1 inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD gives a less sharp image but more viewing area.
Screen Size
The iPhone XR's 6.1 inch screen provides extra room for watching videos or browsing. The Galaxy S9's 5.8 inch screen is more compact and easier to handle with one hand. Choose based on whether you prioritise screen space or device size.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S9's Super AMOLED screen offers vibrant colours and deep blacks, which enhance contrast and overall image quality. The iPhone XR's Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen offers consistent colours and brightness, favouring natural tones and wide viewing angles.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XR camera
Camera and front camera specs are similar, but small differences can affect selfies and photo detail.
Main Camera
Both phones have a single 12 megapixel main camera. This means they capture similar levels of detail in photos, suitable for everyday photography.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S9 has an 8 megapixel front camera, slightly higher resolution than the iPhone XR's 7 megapixels. This may offer mildly more detail in selfies or video calls for the Galaxy S9.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XR size and design
Other features include connectivity, storage, size, and physical design, which influence how you use the phone daily.
Storage Options
The iPhone XR offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options, which suits users needing more space for apps, photos, and media. The Galaxy S9 comes in 64GB and 128GB variants and supports microSDXC cards for expandable storage, letting you add more space as needed.
Connectivity and SIM
Both devices are unlocked and support 4G networks. The Galaxy S9 has a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, appealing if you want wired audio without adapters. The iPhone XR uses a Lightning connector and supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, which can be useful for managing multiple numbers or travel.
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. The iPhone XR is larger and heavier at 150.9 mm tall, 75.7 mm wide, 8.3 mm deep, and 194 g. Choose the Galaxy S9 for a more compact feel, or the iPhone XR for a larger screen with a bit more weight.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S9 or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S9 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £116.50, £13.80 less than the iPhone XR
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.8 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S9 often highlight its condition exceeding expectations, with some getting devices in almost excellent shape even from fair condition listings. They appreciate the smooth performance and sufficient storage for apps. Some note the battery may need topping up by evening, while others mention overheating. The presence of a headphone jack and expandable storage fits users who value these features. Overall, Galaxy S9 buyers find it reliable and well suited for everyday use.
Customers of the iPhone XR praise its like-new appearance and ease of setup. Many appreciate the larger screen size, suitable for watching videos or for users who prefer more screen space. Battery health is generally good, though some mention replacement batteries are not official Apple parts. The availability of higher storage options and eSIM support appeals to users needing flexibility and extra capacity. The iPhone XR is noted for running fast and smoothly, fitting buyers who want the latest iOS updates.
Both phones suit different user needs well. The Galaxy S9 matches those who prefer Android, a sharper smaller screen, and expandable storage. The iPhone XR suits users who want a larger display, longer software support, and more storage choices.
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XR FAQs
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XR comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S9 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB. Battery: 3000 mAh on the Galaxy S9, 2942 mAh on the iPhone XR.
The Galaxy S9 is cheaper refurbished, from £116.50 compared with £130.30 for the iPhone XR.
The Galaxy S9 has 3000 mAh and the iPhone XR has 2942 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S9 ended in Apr 2022. Updates for the iPhone XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S9 comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
