Apple iPhone XS Max vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
The Verdict
iPhone XS Max delivers a refined premium experience with its stunning 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display and exceptional A12 Bionic performance, though it lacks 5G and refreshes at only 60Hz. Galaxy Z Flip 3 counters with a more powerful Snapdragon 888, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 8GB RAM, and 5G connectivity at a lower price point, plus the novelty of a foldable form factor. Battery capacities are comparable (3174mAh vs 3300mAh), though the Z Flip 3's 10W wireless charging edges out Apple's 7.5W. Camera systems are similarly capable dual setups. However, iPhone XS Max's maturity as a traditional flagship and iOS reliability remain strong selling points for Apple ecosystem users. For innovation and raw specs, Z Flip 3 offers better value, but XS Max suits those prioritizing display quality and software polish.
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 Z Flip 3 if…
- →First mainstream affordable foldable at $999
- →IPX8 water resistance on a foldable
- →Much larger cover screen than Flip 5G
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 Z Flip 3
Pros
- First mainstream affordable foldable at $999
- IPX8 water resistance on a foldable
- Much larger cover screen than Flip 5G
- Compact and stylish when folded
- 120Hz inner display
Cons
- Poor battery life with 3300 mAh
- Slow 15W charging
- Dual 12 MP cameras are basic
- Visible display crease
- Snapdragon 888 thermal issues
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone XS Max | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 12 | Android 11, One UI 3.1.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 208 g | 183 g |
| Material | Stainless steel frame, glass back | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm (unfolded) |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 7 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 12 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom | — |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3174 mAh | 3300 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired (adapter sold separately) | 15W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 10W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.5 inches | 6.7 inches (inner), 1.9 inches (cover) |
| Type | Super Retina OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, foldable |
| Resolution | 2688 x 1242 | 2640 x 1080 (inner), 512 x 260 (cover) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz (inner) |
| Brightness (nits) | 725 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz + 4x1.6 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Apple A12 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
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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