Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XS Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S9
Starting at
£116.50£449.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S9 and iPhone XS Max?
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy S9 starts at £116.50, £51.59 less than the iPhone XS Max.
Refurbished from
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
Software updates
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch.
- Screen type: Super AMOLED on the Galaxy S9, Super Retina OLED on the iPhone XS Max.
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XS Max specs
The Galaxy S9 and iPhone XS Max, both released in 2018, offer distinct experiences suited to different preferences. The Galaxy S9 has a smaller but sharper Super AMOLED screen and includes a headphone jack plus a microSDXC slot for expandable storage. Battery capacities are close, but the iPhone XS Max has a slight edge. Both have 4GB RAM and 12-megapixel main cameras, while the Galaxy S9 has a slightly higher resolution front camera. Storage options on the iPhone XS Max go up to 512GB, which suits those needing more space. Each device suits users who prioritise different features like screen size, storage flexibility or software updates.
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, operating system updates and physical design. These affect how long you can use the phone between charges and how long you will receive software improvements and security patches.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XS Max has a 3174 mAh battery compared to the Galaxy S9's 3000 mAh. This means the iPhone XS Max may offer slightly longer use between charges, which could be important if you often use your phone throughout the day without easy access to charging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XS Max performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality influences how you experience videos, games and everyday use. Differences in size, resolution and screen type affect clarity, colour and viewing comfort.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch screen, which is noticeably larger than the Galaxy S9's 5.8 inch display. This extra space suits watching videos or multitasking on a bigger display.
Resolution
The Galaxy S9 has a higher pixel resolution of 1440 x 2960 compared to the iPhone XS Max's 1242 x 2688. This sharper resolution can make text and images appear crisper, which benefits users who value detail and clarity.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S9 uses a Super AMOLED screen known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XS Max features a Super Retina OLED display, which also delivers rich colours and contrast. Both offer high-quality visual experiences suited to different preferences.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XS Max camera
The audiovisual features cover camera quality and front-facing options, which matter if you take photos or enjoy video calls and selfies.
Main Camera
Both the Galaxy S9 and iPhone XS Max feature 12 megapixel main cameras. This means they can capture similar levels of detail in photos, making either a good choice for everyday photography.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S9 has an 8 megapixel front camera, which offers slightly more resolution than the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixels. This is beneficial for selfies or video calls if you want sharper front-facing images.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XS Max size and design
This section covers additional features like connectivity, physical size, network compatibility and storage options. These details influence everyday convenience and phone handling.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy S9 comes in 64GB and 128GB options, providing straightforward storage choices. The iPhone XS Max offers more variety with 64GB, 256GB and 512GB models, catering to users needing significant space for apps, photos and media.
Expandability
The Galaxy S9 supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add extra storage as needed. The iPhone XS Max does not have this option, so storage is fixed at purchase.
Connectivity Ports
The Galaxy S9 includes both a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. This suits users who want to use traditional wired headphones without an adapter. The iPhone XS Max uses a Lightning connector, which requires compatible accessories.
SIM Options
The iPhone XS Max supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, providing greater flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers or plans. The Galaxy S9 uses a single physical SIM.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S9 measures 147.7 mm tall, 68.7 mm wide and 8.5 mm deep, weighing 163 g, making it more compact and lighter. The iPhone XS Max is larger at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, 7.7 mm deep and heavier at 208 g. This means the Galaxy S9 suits those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S9 or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S9 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £116.50, £51.59 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (163 g vs 208 g)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch)
What our customers say
Customers buying the Galaxy S9 often comment on its condition and performance for everyday use. Many say their devices look better than expected, even when bought in fair or below excellent condition. The Galaxy S9 is praised for smooth operation and adequate storage, with some users noting the battery requires topping up by evening. The phone's size and unlocked status appeal to those wanting a reliable, compact Android device. Some mention minor issues like overheating or a non-working charging cable, but overall customers are satisfied with its usability and value.
Reviews of the iPhone XS Max highlight satisfaction with its appearance and functionality, with many stating the phone looks like new and runs well. The variety of storage options and the latest iOS compatibility are appreciated. Some customers mention long battery life, while others report shorter usage times. The device's larger size suits users wanting a spacious display. A few note minor hardware concerns like Face ID or call volume, but the majority are happy with the phone's quality and performance.
The Galaxy S9 is a good match if you want a lighter, smaller phone with expandable storage and a headphone jack. The iPhone XS Max suits those who prefer a larger screen, more storage choices and ongoing software updates.
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
Galaxy S9 vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh. The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch.
The Galaxy S9 is cheaper refurbished, from £116.50 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S9 ended in Apr 2022. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S9 comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
