Apple iPhone XS (256GB) vs Samsung Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)

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Side by side comparison between Apple iPhone XS vs Samsung Galaxy Note 9 phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?

9/15/2018 6:46 AM, updated: 2/24/2023 4:13 PM

Compare Samsung Galaxy Note 9 X Apple iPhone XS (256GB) 07Points

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

5.8"
AMOLED

1125x2436

12
MP

7.1mp

4GB
RAM

Hexa-core

2658
mAh

(Non removable)

23Points Samsung Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB) Compare Apple iPhone XS X

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

6.4"
AMOLED

1440x2960

12.2
MP

8mp

6GB
RAM

Octa-core

4000
mAh

(Non removable)

What's the better phone? Samsung Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)

The phonemore's choice is much more technical than personal. Therefore, you shouldn't only consider this. Our goal is to help you, but what's important to us may not be important to you. You decide which one is the best! Comment!

7 Advantages Apple iPhone XS (256GB)	vs	23 Advantages Samsung Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
+256GB (244GB available)120% More internal storage for applications and files	vs	128GB (111GB available)
+NVMe (SSD)Advantage Fastest write and read storage.	vs	UFS 2.1
+177 grams (6.2 ounces)14% Lighter	vs	201 grams (7.04 ounces)
+7.7 millimeters (0.3 inches)14% Thinner	vs	8.8 millimeters (0.35 inches)
+Stainless steel body, glass front/backAdvantage More resistant material	vs	Aluminum frame, glass front/back
+Dolby Vision/HDR10Advantage The Dolby Vision/HDR10 display provides vibrant colors and more details	vs	HDR10
+Quad-LED flashAdvantage The Quad-LED flash helps in dark places or in low light	vs	Dual-LED flash
2.25GHz 64bit Hexa-core (7nm)	vs	+2.7GHz 64bit Octa-core (10nm)11% More powerful processor, you can open your applications faster
4GB LPDDR4X	vs	+6GB LPDDR4X50% More RAM memory. Typically more responsive and better for multitasking.
Not supported	vs	+Until 1TB microSD, microSDXCAdvantage More external storage for files using memory cards
1125x2436 pixels	vs	+1440x2960 pixels56% Higher resolution screen
463 PPI	vs	+514 PPI11% Crisper display of text, images and videos because it has more pixels per inch (ppi)
5.8"	vs	+6.4"10% Larger screen
(dual camera) 12MP + 12MP	vs	+(dual camera) 12.2MP + 12MP1% Higher resolution main camera
f/1.8 (aperture)	vs	+f/1.5 (aperture)20% Diaphragm opening (Aperture) of the camera which has the smallest F number takes photos with better light exposure.
(front) 7.1MP	vs	+(front) 8MP13% Higher resolution secondary camera to take pictures and selfies
(front) Full HD (1920x1080)	vs	+(front) 2K UHD (2560x1440)78% More image quality for recording videos with the secondary camera
2300000 apps (App Store)	vs	+3500000 apps (Google Play Store)52% More apps available to download and use
(4G LTE-A) 1024 Mbps	vs	+(4G LTE-A) 1200 Mbps17% Faster for surfing the internet and download files
Not supported	vs	+ANT+Advantage Sensors help you use the device
Not supported	vs	+Fingerprint sensor (rear-mounted)Advantage Sensors help you use the device
Not supported	vs	+Heart rateAdvantage Sensors help you use the device
Not supported	vs	+Iris scannerAdvantage Sensors help you use the device
Not supported	vs	+SpO2Advantage Sensors help you use the device
2658 mAh	vs	+4000 mAh50% Battery - higher amperage (mAh) allows more device usage time, but it also depends on the hardware and use
1 slot (Single-SIM)	vs	+2 slots (Dual-SIM) (hybrid slot/shares the same microSD slot)Advantage You can have more mobile carriers/operators on the same device.
proprietary audio output	vs	+3.5mm jackAdvantage Headsets with 3.5mm Jack size are more common and easy to find in stores
Not supported	vs	+FMAdvantage The radio lets you listen to your songs and sports in general
USB 2.0 proprietary connector	vs	+USB 3.1 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-GoAdvantage Newer and faster USB version for transferring photos, mp3 or data.
USB 2.0 proprietary connector	vs	+Type-CAdvantage Reversible connector, you can stick in a USB-C cable any which way; either side is up.

30 Common items in both devices

Super AMOLED

60Hz

16 million

Digital and optical zoom

PDAF: phase detection autofocus / PDAF on back camera and autofocus front camera

OIS: Optical stabilization

HDR photo/video on both cameras

+23 specs and more in the table below

Check the comparison table below for more items that are not evaluated in comparison score above.

Highlight differences

📱 Model features
	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
Change model		Choose the model
Model	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
Other model names	iPhone Xs A1920, A2097, A2098, A2100	Galaxy Note9 (Exynos) Dual-sim (6GB RAM), Samsung Crown
Country or region available	(Global, International)	(Europe), (Global, International), United Arab Emirates
Brand	Apple	Samsung
Release date	9/21/2018, Announced: 9/12/2018	8/24/2018, Announced: 8/9/2018
Depth	7.7 millimeters (0.3 inches)	8.8 millimeters (0.35 inches)
Size (width x height)	70.9 x 143.6 millimeters (2.79 x 5.65 in)	76.4 x 161.9 millimeters (3.01 x 6.37 in)
Weight	177 grams (6.2 ounces)	201 grams (7.04 ounces)
Build, materials	Stainless steel body, glass front/back	Aluminum frame, glass front/back Back: Gorilla Glass 5
Protection against water and others	IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant	IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant
📲 Display
	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
Display type	Super AMOLED	Super AMOLED
Screen size	5.8" inches	6.4" inches
Screen-to-body ratio	~81.1% (screen-to-body ratio)	~84% (screen-to-body ratio)
Display resolution	1125x2436 pixels (19.5:9)	1440x2960 pixels (18.5:9)
Touchscreen	Capacitive Multitouch 10-points	Capacitive Multitouch 10-points
Pixel density (dot pitch)	463 PPI	514 PPI
Colors	16 million	16 million
Scratch-resistant glass	Scratch-resistant glass	Gorilla Glass 5
Refresh rate	60Hz	60Hz
Display features	625nits[typ] Dolby Vision/HDR10 Oleophobic coating screen	HDR10 2.5D glass Always-On Display
🤖 Operating System
	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
System version	iOS 12	Android 8.1 Oreo
Firmware update	iOS 16	Android 10
User Interface	feature not registered	One UI 2.0 / 2.5
⚙️ Processor
	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
Chipset	64bit: Apple A12 Bionic (7nm)	64bit: Samsung Exynos 9810 (10nm)
CPU	Hexa-core, 2 processors: 2x 2.25GHz Vortex (Dual-core) 4x 1.6GHz Tempest (Quad-core)	Octa-core, 2 processors: 4x 2.7GHz Mongoose M3 (Quad-core) 4x 1.79GHz ARM Cortex-A55 (Quad-core)
GPU graphical controller	Apple GPU (4-Core)	ARM Mali-G72 MP18 (572MHz)
Performance (benchmark)	AnTuTu: 346379 (v7) Geekbench: 11472 (v4.4) GFXBench: 47fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	AnTuTu: 249124 (v7), 316449 (v8) Geekbench: 9026 (v4.4), 2092 (v5.1) GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
💽 Memory and storage
	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
RAM memory	4GB LPDDR4X	6GB LPDDR4X
Internal storage	256GB (244GB available) NVMe (SSD)	128GB (111GB available) UFS 2.1
External storage	Not supported	Until 1TB microSD, microSDXC (hybrid slot/shares the same SIM-2 slot)
📶 Mobile networks
	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
Dual-SIM	Not supported	Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card (hybrid slot/shares the same microSD slot)
SIM card	1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF)	2 slots (Dual-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF)
Maximum Download / Upload	1024/150 Mbps	1200/150 Mbps
Network technology	2G, 3G, 4G	2G, 3G, 4G
Frequency, bands	Expand band details Collapse details
GSM MHz band	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 2G network	CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900	GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 3G network	All models: CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 A2100 model: TD-SCDMA 1900/2000	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Primary 4G network	LTE Cat16 VoLTE A1920/A2100 models: LTE (Bands 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,12,13,14, 17, 18, 19,20,25,26,29,30,32,66,71) TD-LTE (Bands 34,38,39,40, 41,46) A2097 model: LTE (Bands 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,12,13,14, 17, 18, 19, 20,25,26,28,29,30,32,66) TD-LTE (Bands 34,38,39,40, 41,46) A2098 model: LTE (Bands 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,11,12,13,14, 17, 18, 19, 20,21,25,26,28,29,30,66) TD-LTE (Bands 34,38,39,40, 41,42,46)	LTE Cat18 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 29, 30) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)
Primary 5G network	Not supported	Not supported
Primary data network	GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, TD-SCDMA, UMTS, TD-HSDPA, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A
Secondary 2G network	Not supported	GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Secondary 3G network	Not supported	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Secondary 4G network	Not supported	LTE Cat18 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 29, 30) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)
Secondary data network	Not supported	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A
📷 Camera
	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
Back camera (main camera)	(dual camera) 12 megapixels 12MP f/2.452mm1.0µm	(dual camera) 12.2 megapixels 12MP telephoto f/2.41/3.4"52mm1.0µmAFOIS2x-optical-zoom
Main camera resolution	4000x3000 pixels	4032x3024 pixels
Video recording (primary)	4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps	4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps
Flash	Quad-LED flash	Dual-LED flash
Focal aperture	f/1.8 (aperture)	f/1.5 (aperture)
Focal length	28mm lens	26mm lens
Sensor size	1/2.55" inches	1/2.55" inches
Pixel size	1.4µm pixel	1.4µm pixel
Autofocus	PDAF: phase detection autofocus	PDAF on back camera and autofocus front camera
Touch focus	Supported	Supported
Image stabilization	OIS: Optical stabilization	OIS: Optical stabilization
Zoom	Digital and optical zoom	Digital and optical zoom
Face/smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection
BSI sensor	Supported	Supported
HDR	HDR photo/video on both cameras	HDR photo/video on both cameras
Camera extras	1080p@240fps	feature not registered
📸 Front camera
	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
Front camera (secondary)	7.1 megapixels	8 megapixels
Front camera resolution	3072x2304 pixels	3264x2448 pixels
Video recording (secondary)	Full HD (1920x1080)	2K UHD (2560x1440)
Front flash	Not supported	Not supported
Focal aperture	f/2.2 (aperture)	f/1.7 (aperture)
Focal length	32mm lens	25mm lens
Sensor size	feature not registered	1/3.6" inches
Pixel size	feature not registered	1.22µm pixel
🔉 Sound and multimedia
	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
Loudspeaker	Stereo sound	Stereo sound 32-bit/384kHz
Active noise cancellation	2 microphones or more	2 microphones or more
Radio	Not supported	FM
TV	Not supported	Not supported
Video formats	MPEG4, H.265, H.264, MOV	MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, DivX, XviD
Audio formats	MP3, WAV, AAX+, AIFF	MP3, OGG, eAAC+, FLAC
🔌 Connectivity
	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
USB	USB 2.0 proprietary connector	USB 3.1 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go
Audio output	proprietary audio output	3.5mm jack
TV output	Proprietary TV-out	USB Type-C SlimPort®
Bluetooth	5.0 + A2DP/LE	5.0 + A2DP/LE
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac [wifi5] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi hotspot	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac [wifi5] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot
DLNA	Not supported	Not supported
GPS	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou
NFC	Supported	Supported
Infrared port	Not supported	Not supported
🧭 Sensors
	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
Sensors	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock Gyroscope Proximity sensor	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor ANT+ Barometer Compass Face unlock Fingerprint sensor (rear-mounted) Gyroscope Hall effect Heart rate Iris scanner Proximity sensor SpO2
Vibrating alert	Supported	Supported
🔋 Battery
	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
Battery type	Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable)	Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable)
Battery capacity	2658 mAh	4000 mAh
Charger, watts	15W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 2.0	15W Wired fast charging
Inductive / wireless charging	Qi wireless charging	Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA)
Talk time autonomy	20 hours	feature not registered
Standby	feature not registered	feature not registered
➕ Other features
	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
Call control	Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands	Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands
Messaging	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail
Hands-free calling	Supported	Supported
Video calling	Supported	Supported
Ringtones	Polyphonic and customized	Polyphonic and customized
Web browser	HTML, XHTML, HTML5	HTML, XHTML, HTML5
Antenna	Internal antenna	Internal antenna
Qwerty physical keyboard	Not supported	Not supported
Miscellaneous	• Colors: Space Gray, Silver, Gold • Face ID • AirDrop, iCloud, FaceTime, Siri • Apple Pay • Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter included • Fast battery charging: 50% in 30min	• Colors: Black, Copper, Purple, Blue • S Pen Stylus (Bluetooth) • Samsung Pay • Samsung DeX
☢️ Radiation rate
	iPhone XS (256GB)	Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F/DS 128GB)
SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.)	feature not registered	feature not registered
SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.)	feature not registered	0.381W/kg (head), 1.509W/kg (body)