iPhone XS vs Galaxy Note8

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.

Name iPhone XS Galaxy Note8
Image note 9
Buy the iPhone XS
Choose a Device
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