Iphone 11 Pro Max Vs Galaxy S10 Plus Is The Iphone Still Worth It In Current Year 2

In 2024, comparing the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus might seem like revisiting old ground. Both devices launched in 2019—Apple’s flagship in September, Samsung’s earlier that spring. Yet, they remain in circulation through secondhand markets, refurbished deals, and even carrier promotions. For budget-conscious buyers or those upgrading from older models, the question persists: after five years, is the iPhone 11 Pro Max still a better investment than the Galaxy S10 Plus?

The answer isn’t just about specs on paper. It hinges on ecosystem loyalty, software longevity, camera consistency, and real-world usability in today’s app-heavy environment. Let’s break down both phones across critical categories to determine which holds up—and whether Apple’s premium still pays off.

Performance and Software Longevity

The iPhone 11 Pro Max runs on Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, built on a 7nm process with a hexa-core CPU and quad-core GPU. At launch, it outperformed every Android competitor, including the Galaxy S10 Plus, which used either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (U.S.) or Exynos 9820 (international). Even in 2024, the A13 remains impressively capable for everyday tasks—social media, streaming, navigation, and even light gaming.

More importantly, Apple continues to support the iPhone 11 series with iOS updates. As of 2024, these devices run iOS 17, receiving security patches and feature improvements. In contrast, the Galaxy S10 Plus stopped receiving major Android OS updates after Android 12, with security patches now discontinued. This disparity is significant: ongoing software support means better app compatibility, improved privacy tools, and longer functional life.

Tip: When buying older flagships, prioritize software support over raw hardware. A device with current OS updates will feel faster and more secure.

Samsung’s update policy at the time offered two major OS upgrades, whereas Apple routinely provides five to six years of support. For users who keep phones beyond two years, this becomes a decisive advantage.

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results

Both phones were photography leaders in 2019, but their approaches differ. The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced Apple’s triple-lens system: 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto. Its strengths lie in consistent color science, excellent dynamic range, and superior video stabilization—especially in 4K at 60fps. Night mode, introduced that year, gave Apple an edge in low-light stills.

The Galaxy S10 Plus featured a triple rear setup as well: 12MP wide (variable aperture f/1.5–f/2.4), 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. Samsung leaned into aggressive HDR processing, producing vibrant, high-contrast images. While visually striking, these photos sometimes lack natural tone reproduction compared to Apple’s more neutral profile.

In 2024, the iPhone’s computational photography algorithms continue to benefit from iOS updates. Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and improved noise reduction enhance older hardware. The Galaxy S10’s camera, while still competent, doesn’t receive algorithmic refinements, making its output feel dated next to modern standards.

“Even without new hardware, Apple’s machine learning models improve photo quality over time through software alone.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK (2023)

Battery Life and Charging Experience

The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 3,969mAh battery; the Galaxy S10 Plus packs a slightly larger 4,100mAh unit. In practice, both deliver all-day use under moderate conditions. However, real-world endurance favors the iPhone due to iOS optimization. Background app refresh, location services, and display management are tightly controlled, reducing drain.

Charging is where differences emerge. The S10 Plus supports 15W wireless charging and 12W fast wired charging. The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers 18W fast charging (with compatible adapter) and 7.5W MagSafe-style wireless charging. Apple’s higher peak speed is meaningful, but only if you buy a separate charger—neither phone includes one in the box post-2020.

After five years, battery health is a bigger concern than original capacity. iPhones report battery health percentage directly in Settings, allowing users to monitor degradation. Samsung didn’t offer this transparency until later models, making it harder to assess a used S10 Plus’s condition.

Durability and Build Quality

Both devices feature glass backs and aluminum frames, with IP68 water resistance. However, real-world durability varies. The iPhone 11 Pro Max uses textured matte glass, which resists fingerprints and minor scratches better than the S10 Plus’s glossy finish. Users report fewer micro-scratches on the iPhone even after years of pocket carry.

Drop performance is comparable, though tempered by screen size and grip. The 6.5-inch iPhone is large, but its squared edges provide tactile feedback. The S10 Plus, with curved edges and thinner bezels, can feel slippery. Neither has Gorilla Glass Victus-level protection, so screen protectors are strongly advised for long-term use.

Feature Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone 11 Pro Max	Galaxy S10 Plus
Release Year	2019	2019
Chipset	A13 Bionic	Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820
OS Support (2024)	iOS 17	Android 12 (no updates)
Rear Cameras	Triple 12MP (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto)	Triple 12+12+16MP
Front Camera	12MP TrueDepth	10MP + 8MP depth
Battery Capacity	3,969 mAh	4,100 mAh
Fast Charging	18W (adapter sold separately)	12W
Water Resistance	IP68 (4m for 30 mins)	IP68 (1.5m for 30 mins)
Expandable Storage	No	Yes (microSD up to 512GB)
Headphone Jack	No	Yes

Real-World Example: Two Users, Five Years Later

Consider two hypothetical users: Maria bought an iPhone 11 Pro Max in 2019 and kept it. By 2024, she upgraded to iOS 17, uses modern banking apps, FaceTimes daily, and records 4K videos of her kids. Her phone shows 82% battery health, replaced once under AppleCare.

John purchased a Galaxy S10 Plus the same year. He received updates through 2021, then noticed apps becoming sluggish. By 2023, some newer versions no longer supported his device. His camera app lags, and he avoids downloading large apps. Though the hardware still functions, the experience feels outdated.

This scenario reflects broader trends: iOS devices age more gracefully due to sustained optimization, while Android flagships of that era weren’t designed for half-decade lifespans.

Checklist: Is a Used iPhone 11 Pro Max Right for You?

• ✅ Need reliable performance for social media, calls, and messaging? Yes.
• ✅ Want access to current iOS features and App Store support? Yes.
• ✅ Prefer seamless integration with AirPods, Mac, or Apple Watch? Yes.
• ✅ Require expandable storage or headphone jack? No—consider Android instead.
• ✅ Looking for the cheapest possible smartphone? Look at newer budget models.
• ✅ Planning to keep the phone for 2+ years? iPhone offers better long-term ROI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 11 Pro Max handle TikTok and Instagram Reels in 2024?

Absolutely. The A13 handles video editing, filters, and live streaming smoothly. Apps are optimized for older iPhones, and iOS 17 runs them efficiently.

Is the Galaxy S10 Plus obsolete?

It’s functionally limited. While usable for basic tasks, lack of updates makes it vulnerable to security risks and incompatible with future app versions. Not recommended for primary use in 2024.

Should I replace the battery before buying a used iPhone 11 Pro Max?

Yes. Check battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If below 80%, factor in a $50–$70 replacement cost. A fresh battery restores near-new endurance.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone Still Worth It?

In 2024, the iPhone 11 Pro Max outperforms the Galaxy S10 Plus not because of superior original hardware, but due to enduring software support and ecosystem cohesion. While both phones are technically outdated, the iPhone remains functional, secure, and integrated into modern digital life. The S10 Plus, despite strong initial specs, has fallen behind in usability and safety.

If you're considering either device secondhand, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is the smarter choice—provided the battery is in good condition. It delivers a cohesive experience, reliable camera performance, and access to the latest iOS features. For users already in the Apple ecosystem, the decision is even clearer.

The takeaway isn’t just about these two phones. It underscores a broader trend: Apple’s long-term software commitment adds tangible value, turning a five-year-old flagship into a viable daily driver. Samsung has since improved its update policy (now offering seven years on recent models), but for legacy devices, iOS still wins on longevity.

💬 Have you used either phone in 2024? Share your experience—battery life, app performance, camera quality—and help others decide what’s truly worth keeping.