Which one is best for you?
Released within a few months of each other, these two phones are both squarely aimed at those who like a large-screen mobile experience.
Note9 has the bigger screen – a whopping 6.5 inches compared to 6.1 for iPhone XR – but both are stunning to look at and would be great for watching movies on the fly.
Both have pretty impressive cameras, too, as you’d expect. iPhone XR relies on a single lens but uses the power of its A12 Bionic processor to create that sought-after bokeh effect – where a naturally blurred background makes the subject stand out more sharply in focus. It also has an array of front-facing sensors which can map your face in 3D. This lets you capture stunning portrait shots, unlock your phone with a glance and more.
Galaxy Note9 has a dual-lens main camera – with one set to 2x optical zoom and the other able to adjust according to different light levels. This allows for a natural bokeh effect and lets you zoom in without loss of quality. Both have plenty of features to explore, but what makes Note9 unique is the S-Pen. This has been upgraded since Note8 and now can be used as a remote control – especially handy when used with the camera.
Take a look at our quick guide to help decide which one is right for you.
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Apple
iPhone XR
Use Portrait Mode to create stunning images that stand out with breath-taking detail against naturally blurred backgrounds
Enjoy the latest Augmented Reality games and apps – including 3D Animoji
See everything in true-life colour on the edge-to-edge Liquid Retina HD display
Choose from a range of vibrant colours to suit your style
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Samsung
Galaxy Note9
Immerse yourself in crystal clear images and video on the 6.4-inch Infinity Display
The dual aperture camera with optical zoom adapts to light just like your eyes, so you can take beautiful pictures day and night
Control your phone remotely from up to 10 metres with the new Bluetooth S Pen
Create and share a fun Augmented Reality version of yourself with AR emojis
| Name | iPhone XR | Galaxy Note9 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |
Buy the iPhone XR |
Buy the Galaxy Note9 |
| Display | 6.1 inch all-screen LCD | 6.4 inch Infinity Display |
| Size and weight |
Height: 150.9 mm Width: 75.7 mm Depth: 0.33 mm Weight: 194 grams |
Height: 161.9 mm Width: 76.4 mm Depth: 8.8 mm Weight: 201 grams |
| Rear camera | 12 MP | 12 MP + 12 MP |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 8 MP |
| Video recording | 4K video recording at 24 fps | 4K video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps |
| Processor | A12 Bionic chip | Exynos 9810 |
| Battery | 2942 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Storage |
64 GB 128 GB 256 GB |
128 GB |
| Splash, water and dust resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Buy now | Buy the iPhone XR | Buy the Galaxy Note9 |