Apple iPhone XS Max vs Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
The Verdict
Both flagships commanded premium pricing in 2018-2019, yet they diverge significantly in execution. Apple's iPhone XS Max delivers refined performance via the A12 Bionic chip with seamless iOS 12 integration, while Samsung's Galaxy Note 10+ counters with superior hardware: 12GB RAM versus 4GB, a 4300mAh battery versus 3174mAh, and markedly better display specs at 1200 nits brightness and 3040x1440 resolution. Samsung's camera system proves more versatile with ultrawide and depth sensors plus 45W fast charging, compared to Apple's modest 18W adapter sold separately. However, Apple offers tighter software optimization and superior computational photography. For productivity and raw specs, Galaxy Note 10+ edges ahead with its S Pen integration and larger screen. For ecosystem continuity and performance efficiency, iPhone XS Max remains compelling. Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ offers better value given its superior battery, faster charging, and more generous RAM allocation at identical pricing.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone XS Max if…
- →Largest iPhone display at the time (6.5 inches)
- →Dual SIM with eSIM support introduced
- →Gorgeous Super Retina OLED display
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ if…
- →S Pen with air gesture controls and Bluetooth LE
- →Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- →45W super fast charging for rapid top-ups
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone XS Max
Pros
- Largest iPhone display at the time (6.5 inches)
- Dual SIM with eSIM support introduced
- Gorgeous Super Retina OLED display
- A12 Bionic with first 7nm mobile chip
- Stereo speakers with wide sound
Cons
- No ultrawide camera
- 5W charger in the box
- Very expensive starting at $1099
- No Night mode in camera
- No Wi-Fi 6 support
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
Pros
- S Pen with air gesture controls and Bluetooth LE
- Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- 45W super fast charging for rapid top-ups
- 12 GB RAM handles multitasking effortlessly
- Versatile quad-camera system with ToF depth sensor
Cons
- 60Hz display when competitors were moving to high refresh rates
- No headphone jack — a first for the Note series
- Exynos variant has weaker GPU performance than Snapdragon
- Glass back is slippery and fragile without a case
- Samsung software updates have ended
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone XS Max | Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 12 | Android 9 (One UI 1.5) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 208 g | 196 g |
| Material | Stainless steel frame, glass back | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass front and back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm | 162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 7 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps, Super Steady |
| Telephoto | 12 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom | 12 MP, f/2.1, 2x optical zoom |
| Depth | — | VGA ToF 3D sensor |
| Ultrawide | — | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3174 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired (adapter sold separately) | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.5 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Type | Super Retina OLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2688 x 1242 | 3040 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 725 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz + 4x1.6 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 640 / Mali-G76 MP12 |
| Chipset | Apple A12 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9825 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 3.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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