Apple iPhone XS vs Samsung Galaxy S21
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone XS delivers a premium flagship experience with its stunning 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display and reliable A12 Bionic performance, though its 60Hz refresh rate feels dated compared to modern standards. Samsung's Galaxy S21 counters with a larger 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen boasting 120Hz refresh, superior 8GB RAM versus 4GB, and a significantly larger 4000mAh battery (nearly 1.5x capacity). Camera performance favors Samsung with its 64MP telephoto offering 3x hybrid zoom and 8K video capabilities against the iPhone's 2x optical zoom. Battery life and charging advantages clearly go to the S21 with 25W wired and 15W wireless versus the iPhone's 18W wired (requiring separate purchase). However, the iPhone XS maintains advantages in software optimization, build quality materials, and ecosystem integration. At $999 versus $799, the Galaxy S21 offers substantially better value with superior specs across display, performance, battery, and connectivity including 5G support.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone XS if…
- →First 7nm A12 Bionic chip in a smartphone
- →eSIM support for dual SIM capability
- →Excellent Super Retina OLED display
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 if…
- →$200 price cut from S20 launched at $799
- →Lightweight and compact at 169 g
- →120Hz AMOLED with adaptive refresh
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone XS
Pros
- First 7nm A12 Bionic chip in a smartphone
- eSIM support for dual SIM capability
- Excellent Super Retina OLED display
- Improved Face ID speed over iPhone X
- Premium stainless steel build
Cons
- Small battery at 2658 mAh
- No ultrawide camera
- 5W charger in the box
- Minimal upgrade over iPhone X
- No Night mode for camera
Samsung Galaxy S21
Pros
- $200 price cut from S20 launched at $799
- Lightweight and compact at 169 g
- 120Hz AMOLED with adaptive refresh
- Snapdragon 888 performance
- Eye-catching Contour Cut camera design
Cons
- Plastic (Glasstic) back panel
- FHD+ only, no QHD option
- No microSD card slot
- Slow 25W charging
- No charger included in the box
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone XS | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 12 | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 177 g | 169 g |
| Material | Stainless steel frame, glass back | Aluminum frame, Glasstic back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm |
| 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/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 12 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid 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 | 2658 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired (adapter sold separately) | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 5.8 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Type | Super Retina OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2436 x 1125 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 725 | 1300 |
| 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 3.2 |
| 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.
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Apple iPhone XS or the Samsung Galaxy S21.