Which one is best for you?
Amongst the most sought-after releases of 2018, iPhone XR and Samsung Galaxy S9 are both beautiful-looking phones with large screens, super-fast processors, sophisticated cameras and more.
So which should you choose? Look closely and you’ll see some subtle differences in how they work and what they do.
Both have edge-to-edge screens for example. Galaxy S9 has a 5.8-inch OLED display that creates true blacks and realistic colours. iPhone XR, on the other hand, has a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina (LCD) display. It senses the lighting around you and adjusts the white balance to ensure the colours always look natural.
And both have 12-megapixel main cameras, each with their individual strengths. The Galaxy S9 has a variable aperture lens that can adjust different light levels and produce natural background blurring effects. iPhone XR uses the power of its A12 Bionic chip to create depth-of-field effects too, even allowing you to fine-tune the focus of the background before you save. Plus, it can take shots at different exposure levels, then knit them together to create amazingly lifelike images.
Developers and game designers are really pushing the boundaries of what our phones can offer us – and not surprisingly, both iPhone XR and Galaxy S9 are optimised for augmented reality. Want to see how a new espresso machine would look in your kitchen, or battle friends real-time in a 3D virtual world that you view through your screen? If so, either would be a great choice.
Still can’t decide? See our feature guide for more ideas and inspiration.
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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 S9
Capture all the action and stretch time with Super Slow-mo video mode – then loop and add music to create awesome GIFs
Take superb pictures even in super low light with a lens that adapts like the human eye
Create and personalise your own animated emoji, and use it to share stories with friends
Use Intelligent Scan to unlock your phone securely with ease – even in low light
| Name | iPhone XR | Galaxy S9 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |
Buy the iPhone XR |
Buy the Galaxy S9 |
| Display | 6.1 inch all-screen LCD | 5.8 inch Infinity Display |
| Size and weight |
Height: 150.9 mm Width: 75.7 mm Depth: 0.33 mm Weight: 194 grams |
Height: 147.7 mm Width: 68.7 mm Depth: 8.5 mm Weight: 163 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 60fps |
| Processor | A12 Bionic chip |
Octa-core Exynos 9810 |
| Battery | 2942 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Storage |
64 GB 128 GB 256 GB |
64 GB |
| Splash, water and dust resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Buy now | Buy the iPhone XR | Buy the Galaxy S9 |