Which one is best for you?
One glance at either of these phones is enough to confirm that you’re looking at a seriously top-end model, with beautiful OLED screens curving into the edges of sleek metal casings. Flip them over and you’ll see an array of lenses, capable of shooting amazing slow-motion video and creating professional-looking images – whatever your ability.
Both are large phones, too. Galaxy Note 8 has a screen size of 6.2 inches, corner to corner, while iPhone Xs measures 5.8-inches – even though it’s not the ‘plus’ size release of 2018.
Which is best for you is probably down to how you’ll use it. iPhone XS was released a year later than Galaxy Note8 and, thanks to its TrueDepth front-facing camera, lets you securely unlock your phone at a glance, or map your expression onto a range of fun Animoji. Its 12-megapixel dual-lens camera lets you use depth-of-field effects to create beautiful images – and the built-in Portrait mode lets you create stunning selfies with just a swipe.
Note8’s big distinguishing feature is the S-Pen. This built-in stylus lets you interact with your phone in different ways. Jot a quick note, use it as a selection tool for images and video, and more. Its dual lens camera is also really impressive. Select Live Focus to produce images that keep the subject clear while gently blurring the background, then post to your favourite social media platform and let the likes roll in.
Whichever you choose, it’ll keep you entertained, help you organise your life and bring out your creative side. Check out our quick feature guide to help you choose.
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Apple
iPhone XS
Create stunningly detailed images thanks to Smart HDR – or adjust depth of field to create professional looking portraits
See more with 60% greater dynamic range than its predecessor, iPhone X
Share your feelings with 3D Animoji that mirror your own expression
Enjoy a smoother gaming and streaming experience with the new A12 Bionic chip
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Samsung
Galaxy Note8
See the big picture on a wide-aspect 6.3-inch curved Infinity Display
Take amazing pictures and video with a dual lens camera and use Live focus to instantly create professional looking images
Take notes, personalise messages create your own GIFs, and more with the S Pen
Capture all the action in Super Slo-mo video mode
Name | iPhone XS | Galaxy Note8 |
---|---|---|
Image |
Buy the iPhone XS |
Buy the Galaxy Note8 |
Display | 5.8 inches | 6.3 inches |
Size and weight |
Height: 158.2 mm Width: 77.9 mm Depth: 7.3 mm Weight: 192 grams |
Height: 162.5 mm Width: 74.8 mm Depth: 8.6 mm Weight: 195 grams |
Rear camera | Dual 12 MP | 12 MP |
Front camera | 7 MP | 8 MP |
Video recording | 4K video recording at 24fps | 2160p@30fps |
Processor | A12 bionic chip | Exynos 8895 |
Battery | 2658 mAh | 3300 mAh |
Storage |
64 GB 256 GB 512 GB |
64 GB |
Splash, water and dust resistant | Yes | Yes |
Buy now | Buy the iPhone XS | Buy the Galaxy Note8 |