Galaxy S10+ Vs iPhone 11 Pro Max

Galaxy S10+
Galaxy S10+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£115.32

Versus £330.00 new

See options
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:£181.00

Versus £749.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max, launched in September 2019, represent flagship smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both devices offer premium experiences, they differ in their operating systems and design philosophies. The Galaxy S10 Plus runs on Android, offering a customizable interface, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and streamlined user experience. These differences extend to their core hardware and feature sets, catering to distinct user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release dates and software support.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 Plus was released in March 2019, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max followed in September 2019. This six-month difference means the iPhone 11 Pro Max generally benefits from a slightly longer period of ongoing software support.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S10 Plus launched with Android 9.0 (Pie) and received major OS updates up to Android 12, along with four years of security updates. The iPhone 11 Pro Max, starting with iOS 13, is expected to receive iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from its release date, potentially offering a longer software lifespan.
  • Repairability: Both devices are designed with modern smartphone construction, which can make user repairs challenging. However, the availability of parts and repair services for both models remains generally good, especially through quality-assured refurbished options.

Year of Release

2019

2019

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S10 Plus and the iPhone 11 Pro Max were top-tier performers at their respective launches, designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking with ease.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S10 Plus is powered by either the Exynos 9820 or Snapdragon 855 processor, depending on the region, providing robust performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The iPhone 11 Pro Max features Apple's A13 Bionic chip, known for its efficient handling of complex operations and graphics-intensive applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S10 Plus offers various RAM configurations, starting from 8GB and going up to 12GB, which supports smooth multitasking. It also provides expandable storage via a microSD card slot, alongside internal options up to 1TB. The iPhone 11 Pro Max comes with 4GB of RAM, optimized by iOS for efficient performance, and internal storage options up to 512GB, without expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 Plus houses a 4100 mAh battery, providing ample power for a full day of typical use. The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 3969 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor and software, delivers extended usage times.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a key interaction point, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a 6.4-inch Quad HD+ Curved Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 11 Pro Max sports a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2688 x 1242 pixels, also known for its high contrast and color accuracy.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both screens provide excellent brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor visibility. The Dynamic AMOLED of the S10 Plus supports HDR10+, while the Super Retina XDR of the iPhone 11 Pro Max supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, enhancing media consumption with improved dynamic range.
  • Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth visual experience for most users.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1242 x 2688

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a triple rear camera setup: a 12MP wide-angle lens with a variable aperture, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 11 Pro Max also has a triple 12MP camera system, comprising wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, offering 2x optical zoom in and 2x optical zoom out.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S10 Plus is noted for its versatile lens options and features like HDR10+ video recording. The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced significant improvements in low-light photography with its Night Mode and enhanced Smart HDR for balanced exposures.
  • Front Camera and Video: The S10 Plus includes a dual front camera with a 10MP main sensor and an 8MP depth sensor for improved portrait selfies. The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera capable of 4K video recording and advanced portrait modes. Both devices offer 4K video recording capabilities at various frame rates.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several other aspects contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for modern wireless connectivity. The Galaxy S10 Plus includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C port, offering broad compatibility. The iPhone 11 Pro Max uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port and does not feature a headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S10 Plus incorporates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 11 Pro Max relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system.
  • Design and Build: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, and is IP68 rated for water and dust resistance. It weighs around 175g. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a glass front and back with a stainless steel frame, also boasting an IP68 rating for enhanced durability. It is a heavier device, weighing 226g.

Weight

175 g

226 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.5

Mobile network

4G

4G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for both the Galaxy S10 Plus and the iPhone 11 Pro Max generally highlights their strengths in different areas. Users often praise the Galaxy S10 Plus for its vibrant display, versatile camera system, and the inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage. Some common criticisms have occasionally pointed to battery drain over time for heavy users, though its initial battery performance was well-regarded.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max is frequently lauded for its strong overall performance, excellent camera capabilities, particularly in low light, and reliable software experience. Users appreciate its robust build and extended battery life compared to previous iPhone models. Some users have noted its weight and the absence of a headphone jack as considerations.

Users prioritizing display quality, camera versatility with an ultrawide lens, and the flexibility of expandable storage and a headphone jack may find the Galaxy S10 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a highly optimized ecosystem, consistent camera performance across various conditions, and a longer software update cycle may lean toward the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Both devices remain capable smartphones, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option can provide an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

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