Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) vs Apple iPhone XS Max (256GB)
Side by side comparison between Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs Apple iPhone XS Max phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?
,
6.4"
AMOLED
AMOLED
1080x2400
12.2
MP
MP
32mp
6GB
RAM
RAM
Octa-core
4500
mAh
mAh
(Non removable)
vs
6.5"
AMOLED
AMOLED
1242x2688
12
MP
MP
7.1mp
4GB
RAM
RAM
Hexa-core
3174
mAh
mAh
(Non removable)
What's the better phone? Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/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!
27 Common items in both devices |
Dynamic AMOLED / Super AMOLED |
HDR10+ / Dolby Vision/HDR10 |
16 million |
Digital and optical zoom |
PDAF: phase detection autofocus |
OIS: Optical stabilization |
HDR photo/video on both cameras |
+20 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 Clear highlight📱 Model features | ||
Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | iPhone XS Max (256GB) | |
Model | Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | iPhone XS Max (256GB) |
Other model names | Galaxy S21 FE 5G SM-G990B/Dual-SIM (Exynos) | iPhone Xs Max A1921, A2101, A2102, A2104 |
Country or region available | (Global, International) | (Global, International) |
Brand | Samsung | Apple |
Release date | 1/7/2022, Announced: 1/4/2022 | 9/21/2018, Announced: 9/12/2018 |
Depth | 7.9 millimeters (0.31 inches) | 7.7 millimeters (0.3 inches) |
Size (width x height) | 74.5 x 155.7 millimeters (2.93 x 6.13 in) | 77.4 x 157.5 millimeters (3.05 x 6.2 in) |
Weight | 177 grams (6.2 ounces) | 208 grams (7.28 ounces) |
Build, materials | Aluminum body, glass front, plastic back | Stainless steel body, glass front/back |
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 | ||
Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | iPhone XS Max (256GB) | |
Display type | Dynamic AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
Screen size | 6.4" inches | 6.5" inches |
Screen-to-body ratio | ~85.3% (screen-to-body ratio) | ~85.1% (screen-to-body ratio) |
Display resolution | 1080x2400 pixels (20:9) | 1242x2688 pixels (19.5:9) |
Touchscreen | Capacitive Multitouch 10-points | Capacitive Multitouch 10-points |
Pixel density (dot pitch) | 411 PPI | 456 PPI |
Colors | 16 million | 16 million |
Scratch-resistant glass | Gorilla Glass Victus | Scratch-resistant glass |
Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
Display features | 1300nits[peak] HDR10+ Always-On Display | 625nits[typ] Dolby Vision/HDR10 Oleophobic coating screen |
🤖 Operating System | ||
Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | iPhone XS Max (256GB) | |
System version | Android 12 | iOS 12 |
Firmware update | Android 14 | iOS 16 |
User Interface | One UI 4.1 / 5.1 / 6.0 | feature not registered |
⚙️ Processor | ||
Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | iPhone XS Max (256GB) | |
Chipset | 64bit: Samsung Exynos 2100 (5nm) | 64bit: Apple A12 Bionic (7nm) |
CPU | Octa-core, 3 processors: 1x 2.9GHz ARM Cortex-X1 (Single-core) 3x 2.8GHz ARM Cortex-A78 (Triple-core) 4x 2.2GHz ARM Cortex-A55 (Quad-core) | Hexa-core, 2 processors: 2x 2.25GHz Vortex (Dual-core) 4x 1.6GHz Tempest (Quad-core) |
GPU graphical controller | ARM Mali-G78 MP14 (854MHz) | Apple GPU (4-Core) |
Performance (benchmark) | feature not registered | AnTuTu: 353210 (v7) Geekbench: 11432 (v4.4) GFXBench: 47fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
💽 Memory and storage | ||
Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | iPhone XS Max (256GB) | |
RAM memory | 6GB LPDDR5 | 4GB LPDDR4X |
Internal storage | 128GB (97GB available) UFS 3.1 | 256GB (244GB available) NVMe (SSD) |
External storage | Not supported | Not supported |
📶 Mobile networks | ||
Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | iPhone XS Max (256GB) | |
Dual-SIM | Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card | Not supported |
SIM card | 2 slots (Dual-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) | 1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) |
Maximum Download / Upload | 2000/1024 Mbps | 1024/150 Mbps |
Network technology | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G | 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 Cat20 (1, 3, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41) VoLTE | 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 | SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78, 79) | Not supported |
Primary data network | GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA | 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 Cat20 (1, 3, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41) VoLTE | Not supported |
Secondary data network | GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA | Not supported |
📷 Camera | ||
Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | iPhone XS Max (256GB) | |
Back camera (main camera) | (triple camera) 12.2 megapixels 12MP ultrawide f/2.2123°13mm1/3"1.12µm 8MP telephoto f/2.476mm1/4.5"1.0µmPDAFOIS3x-optical-zoom | (dual camera) 12 megapixels 12MP f/2.452mm1.0µm |
Main camera resolution | 4032x3024 pixels | 4000x3000 pixels |
Video recording (primary) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps | 4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps |
Flash | LED flash | Quad-LED flash |
Focal aperture | f/1.8 (aperture) | f/1.8 (aperture) |
Focal length | 26mm lens | 28mm lens |
Sensor size | 1/1.76" inches | 1/2.55" inches |
Pixel size | 1.8µm pixel | 1.4µm pixel |
Autofocus | PDAF: phase detection autofocus | PDAF: phase detection autofocus |
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 | 4K@30/60fps 1080p@30/60fps 1080p@240fps (slow motion) 720p@960fps (slow motion) | 1080p@240fps |
📸 Front camera | ||
Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | iPhone XS Max (256GB) | |
Front camera (secondary) | 32 megapixels | 7.1 megapixels |
Front camera resolution | 6528x4896 pixels | 3072x2304 pixels |
Video recording (secondary) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) | Full HD (1920x1080) |
Front flash | Not supported | Not supported |
Focal aperture | f/2.2 (aperture) | f/2.2 (aperture) |
Focal length | 26mm lens | 32mm lens |
Sensor size | 1/2.74" inches | feature not registered |
Pixel size | 0.8µm pixel | feature not registered |
🔉 Sound and multimedia | ||
Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | iPhone XS Max (256GB) | |
Loudspeaker | Stereo sound 32-bit/384kHz Dolby Atmos Tuned by AKG | Stereo sound |
Active noise cancellation | 2 microphones or more | 2 microphones or more |
Radio | Not supported | 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 S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | iPhone XS Max (256GB) | |
USB | USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go | USB 2.0 proprietary connector |
Audio output | Type-C reversible connector | proprietary audio output |
TV output | USB Type-C SlimPort® | Proprietary TV-out |
Bluetooth | 5.0 + A2DP/LE | 5.0 + A2DP/LE |
WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac [wifi5] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi hotspot |
DLNA | Supported | Not supported |
GPS | A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou | A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
NFC | Supported | Supported |
Infrared port | Not supported | Not supported |
🧭 Sensors | ||
Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | iPhone XS Max (256GB) | |
Sensors | Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gyroscope Hall effect Proximity sensor | Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock Gyroscope Proximity sensor |
Vibrating alert | Supported | Supported |
🔋 Battery | ||
Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | iPhone XS Max (256GB) | |
Battery type | LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable) | Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable) |
Battery capacity | 4500 mAh | 3174 mAh |
Charger, watts | 25W Wired fast charging Reverse charging by cable USB Power Delivery 3.0 | 15W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 2.0 |
Inductive / wireless charging | 15W Qi wireless charging 4.5W Reverse wireless charging | Qi wireless charging |
Talk time autonomy | feature not registered | 25 hours (1 days) |
Standby | feature not registered | feature not registered |
➕ Other features | ||
Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | 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: Graphite, White, Lavender, Olive | • 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 S21 FE (SM-G990B/DS 128GB) | iPhone XS Max (256GB) | |
SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.) | 0.65W/kg (head), 0.61W/kg (body) | feature not registered |
SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.) | 0.952W/kg (head), 1.48W/kg (body) | feature not registered |