Samsung Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB) vs Apple iPhone XS Max (256GB)

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Side by side comparison between Samsung Galaxy A21s vs Apple iPhone XS Max phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?

3/6/2021 3:35 PM, updated: 9/8/2022 2:26 PM

Compare Apple iPhone XS Max X Samsung Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB) 12Points

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

6.5"
PLS

720x1600

48
MP

13mp

3GB
RAM

Octa-core

5000
mAh

(Non removable)

23Points Apple iPhone XS Max (256GB) Compare Samsung Galaxy A21s X

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

6.5"
AMOLED

1242x2688

12
MP

7.1mp

4GB
RAM

Hexa-core

3174
mAh

(Non removable)

What's the better phone? Apple iPhone XS Max (256GB)

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!

12 Advantages Samsung Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	vs	23 Advantages Apple iPhone XS Max (256GB)
+Until 512GB microSD, microSDXCAdvantage More external storage for files using memory cards	vs	Not supported
+192 grams (6.72 ounces)8% Lighter	vs	208 grams (7.28 ounces)
+(quad camera) 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP150% Higher resolution main camera	vs	(dual camera) 12MP + 12MP
+1/2" inches28% The larger sensor camera lets you take photos with better depth.	vs	1/2.55" inches
+(front) 13MP81% Higher resolution secondary camera to take pictures and selfies	vs	(front) 7.1MP
+3500000 apps (Google Play Store)52% More apps available to download and use	vs	2300000 apps (App Store)
+Fingerprint sensor (rear-mounted)Advantage Sensors help you use the device	vs	Not supported
+5000 mAh58% Battery - higher amperage (mAh) allows more device usage time, but it also depends on the hardware and use	vs	3174 mAh
+2 slots (Dual-SIM) (dedicated slot)Advantage You can have more mobile carriers/operators on the same device.	vs	1 slot (Single-SIM)
+3.5mm jackAdvantage Headsets with 3.5mm Jack size are more common and easy to find in stores	vs	proprietary audio output
+FMAdvantage The radio lets you listen to your songs and sports in general	vs	Not supported
+Type-CAdvantage Reversible connector, you can stick in a USB-C cable any which way; either side is up.	vs	USB 2.0 proprietary connector
2GHz 64bit Octa-core (8nm)	vs	+2.25GHz 64bit Hexa-core (7nm)4% More powerful processor, you can open your applications faster
3GB LPDDR4X	vs	+4GB LPDDR4X33% More RAM memory. Typically more responsive and better for multitasking.
64GB (48GB available)	vs	+256GB (244GB available)4 times More internal storage for applications and files
eMMC 5.1	vs	+NVMe (SSD)Advantage Fastest write and read storage.
8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches)	vs	+7.7 millimeters (0.3 inches)16% Thinner
Plastic body, glass front	vs	+Stainless steel body, glass front/backAdvantage More resistant material
TFT PLS	vs	+Super AMOLEDAdvantage Super AMOLED display is brighter and more vivid
Not supported	vs	+Dolby Vision/HDR10Advantage The Dolby Vision/HDR10 display provides vibrant colors and more details
720x1600 pixels	vs	+1242x2688 pixels190% Higher resolution screen
270 PPI	vs	+456 PPI69% Crisper display of text, images and videos because it has more pixels per inch (ppi)
LED flash	vs	+Quad-LED flashAdvantage The Quad-LED flash helps in dark places or in low light
Only digital zoom	vs	+Digital and optical zoomAdvantage The zoom allows for better focus and approach to take pictures
EIS: Digital stabilization	vs	+OIS: Optical stabilizationAdvantage Image stabilization prevents blurry photos and helps in recording motion video
f/2.0 (aperture)	vs	+f/1.8 (aperture)11% Diaphragm opening (Aperture) of the camera which has the smallest F number takes photos with better light exposure.
Full HD (1920x1080)	vs	+4K UHD (3840x2160)3 times More image quality for recording videos with the primary camera
(4G LTE-A) 300 Mbps	vs	+(4G LTE-A) 1024 Mbps2 times Faster for surfing the internet and download files
Virtual ambient light sensor	vs	+Ambient light sensorAdvantage Sensors help you use the device
Not supported	vs	+BarometerAdvantage Sensors help you use the device
Not supported	vs	+Qi wireless chargingAdvantage Wireless charging is another way to charge the battery.
Mono sound (not stereo)	vs	+Stereo soundAdvantage Better sound quality for listening to music or clearer hands-free calls
Not supported	vs	+NFCAdvantage NFC allows you to make payments by approach quickly and securely
Not supported	vs	+Scratch-resistant glassAdvantage Protection against scratches on the screen lets you carry your phone with your keys
Not supported	vs	+IP68 certifiedAdvantage Protection against water allows you talk to your friends in the rain, for example

21 Common items in both devices

60Hz

16 million

6.5"

PDAF: phase detection autofocus

HDR photo on both cameras / HDR photo/video on both cameras

(front) Full HD (1920x1080)

4G LTE-A

+14 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
	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
Change model		Choose the model
Model	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
Other model names	Galaxy A21s SM-A217M/Dual-Sim (64GB + 3GB RAM)	iPhone Xs Max A1921, A2101, A2102, A2104
Country or region available	(Latin America), Brazil	(Global, International)
Brand	Samsung	Apple
Release date	6/2/2020, Announced: 5/15/2020	9/21/2018, Announced: 9/12/2018
Depth	8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches)	7.7 millimeters (0.3 inches)
Size (width x height)	75.3 x 163.7 millimeters (2.96 x 6.44 in)	77.4 x 157.5 millimeters (3.05 x 6.2 in)
Weight	192 grams (6.72 ounces)	208 grams (7.28 ounces)
Build, materials	Plastic body, glass front	Stainless steel body, glass front/back
Protection against water and others	Not supported	IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant
📲 Display
	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
Display type	TFT PLS	Super AMOLED
Screen size	6.5" inches	6.5" inches
Screen-to-body ratio	~82.8% (screen-to-body ratio)	~85.1% (screen-to-body ratio)
Display resolution	720x1600 pixels (20:9)	1242x2688 pixels (19.5:9)
Touchscreen	Capacitive Multitouch	Capacitive Multitouch 10-points
Pixel density (dot pitch)	270 PPI	456 PPI
Colors	16 million	16 million
Scratch-resistant glass	Not supported	Scratch-resistant glass
Refresh rate	60Hz	60Hz
Display features	Not supported	625nits[typ] Dolby Vision/HDR10 Oleophobic coating screen
🤖 Operating System
	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
System version	Android 10	iOS 12
Firmware update	Android 12	iOS 16
User Interface	One UI 2.0 / 3.1 / 4.1	feature not registered
⚙️ Processor
	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
Chipset	64bit: Samsung Exynos 850 (8nm)	64bit: Apple A12 Bionic (7nm)
CPU	Octa-core, 1 processor: 8x 2GHz ARM Cortex-A55 (Octa-core)	Hexa-core, 2 processors: 2x 2.25GHz Vortex (Dual-core) 4x 1.6GHz Tempest (Quad-core)
GPU graphical controller	ARM Mali-G52 MP1	Apple GPU (4-Core)
Performance (benchmark)	AnTuTu: 107157 (v8) Geekbench: 1100 (v5.1) GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	AnTuTu: 353210 (v7) Geekbench: 11432 (v4.4) GFXBench: 47fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
💽 Memory and storage
	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
RAM memory	3GB LPDDR4X	4GB LPDDR4X
Internal storage	64GB (48GB available) eMMC 5.1	256GB (244GB available) NVMe (SSD)
External storage	Until 512GB microSD, microSDXC (dedicated slot)	Not supported
📶 Mobile networks
	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
Dual-SIM	Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card (dedicated slot)	Not supported
SIM card	2 slots (Dual-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF)	1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF)
Maximum Download / Upload	300/150 Mbps	1024/150 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	GSM 850/900/1800/1900	CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 3G network	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100	All models: CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 A2104 model: TD-SCDMA 1900/2000
Primary 4G network	LTE Cat7/13 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 66) TD-LTE (38, 40, 41)	LTE Cat16 VoLTE A1921/A2104 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) A2101 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) A2102 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)
Primary 5G network	Not supported	Not supported
Primary data network	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A	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
Secondary 2G network	GSM 850/900/1800/1900	Not supported
Secondary 3G network	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100	Not supported
Secondary 4G network	LTE Cat7/13 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 66) TD-LTE (38, 40, 41)	Not supported
Secondary data network	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A	Not supported
📷 Camera
	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
Back camera (main camera)	(quad camera) 48 megapixels 8MP ultrawide f/2.21/4"1.12µm123° 2MP macro f/2.4 2MP depth f/2.4	(dual camera) 12 megapixels 12MP f/2.452mm1.0µm
Main camera resolution	8000x6000 pixels	4000x3000 pixels
Video recording (primary)	Full HD (1920x1080) 30 fps	4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps
Flash	LED flash	Quad-LED flash
Focal aperture	f/2.0 (aperture)	f/1.8 (aperture)
Focal length	26mm lens	28mm lens
Sensor size	1/2" inches	1/2.55" inches
Pixel size	0.8µm pixel	1.4µm pixel
Autofocus	PDAF: phase detection autofocus	PDAF: phase detection autofocus
Touch focus	Supported	Supported
Image stabilization	EIS: Digital stabilization	OIS: Optical stabilization
Zoom	Only digital zoom	Digital and optical zoom
Face/smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection
BSI sensor	Not supported	Supported
HDR	HDR photo on both cameras	HDR photo/video on both cameras
Camera extras	feature not registered	1080p@240fps
📸 Front camera
	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
Front camera (secondary)	13 megapixels	7.1 megapixels
Front camera resolution	4128x3096 pixels	3072x2304 pixels
Video recording (secondary)	Full HD (1920x1080)	Full HD (1920x1080)
Front flash	Not supported	Not supported
Focal aperture	f/2.2 (aperture)	f/2.2 (aperture)
Focal length	feature not registered	32mm lens
Sensor size	1/3.1" inches	feature not registered
Pixel size	1.12µm pixel	feature not registered
🔉 Sound and multimedia
	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
Loudspeaker	Mono sound (not stereo)	Stereo sound
Active noise cancellation	2 microphones or more	2 microphones or more
Radio	FM	Not supported
TV	Not supported	Not supported
Video formats	MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV	MPEG4, H.265, H.264, MOV
Audio formats	MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC	MP3, WAV, AAX+, AIFF
🔌 Connectivity
	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
USB	USB 2.0 Type-C reversible connector	USB 2.0 proprietary connector
Audio output	3.5mm jack	proprietary audio output
TV output	Not supported	Proprietary TV-out
Bluetooth	5.0 + A2DP/LE	5.0 + A2DP/LE
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac [wifi5] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac [wifi5] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi hotspot
DLNA	Not supported	Not supported
GPS	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
NFC	Not supported	Supported
Infrared port	Not supported	Not supported
🧭 Sensors
	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
Sensors	Accelerometer Compass Face unlock Fingerprint sensor (rear-mounted) Gyroscope Proximity sensor Virtual ambient light sensor	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock Gyroscope Proximity sensor
Vibrating alert	Supported	Supported
🔋 Battery
	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
Battery type	LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable)	Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable)
Battery capacity	5000 mAh	3174 mAh
Charger, watts	15W (9V/1.67A) Wired fast charging	15W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 2.0
Inductive / wireless charging	Not supported	Qi wireless charging
Talk time autonomy	feature not registered	25 hours (1 days)
Standby	feature not registered	feature not registered
➕ Other features
	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
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: Black, White, Blue, Red	• 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
☢️ Radiation rate
	Galaxy A21s (SM-A217M/DS 64GB/3GB)	iPhone XS Max (256GB)
SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.)	0.54W/kg (head), 1.14W/kg (body)	feature not registered
SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.)	feature not registered	feature not registered