Iphone Xs Max Vs Galaxy S10 Plus Which Flagship Still Wins In 2024

It’s been nearly half a decade since the iPhone XS Max and Galaxy S10 Plus launched as premium flagships. While newer models dominate headlines, many users still rely on these devices daily. In 2024, both phones are well past their prime, yet they remain in circulation—often passed down, resold, or used as secondary devices. But which one holds up better under modern demands? This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about real-world usability in an era of AI-powered apps, high-refresh-rate displays, and demanding software updates.

Despite their age, both phones offer surprisingly capable hardware. The decision between them now hinges less on raw specs and more on ecosystem fit, long-term support, and how each handles day-to-day tasks like messaging, browsing, photography, and media consumption. Let’s break down where each device stands in 2024 and determine which aging giant still has the edge.

Performance and Software Longevity

The A12 Bionic chip in the iPhone XS Max was a powerhouse in 2018, and Apple’s tight integration of hardware and software continues to pay dividends. As of 2024, the XS Max supports iOS 17, making it one of the longest-supported smartphones in history. That means access to the latest security patches, features like StandBy mode, improved autocorrect, and enhanced privacy tools. However, performance isn’t flawless—some animations feel sluggish, app launches can lag, and multitasking is limited compared to modern iPhones.

In contrast, the Galaxy S10 Plus, powered by the Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820 depending on region), has reached the end of its software lifecycle. Samsung officially ended major Android updates for the S10 series with Android 12, though some regions received One UI 5 based on Android 13 through a legacy update. No further OS upgrades are expected, and security patches have become infrequent. This creates a growing vulnerability gap and limits compatibility with newer apps that require recent APIs.

Tip: If you're using either device in 2024, disable heavy animations and background app refresh to improve responsiveness.

Display and Build Quality Comparison

The Galaxy S10 Plus introduced a dynamic curved AMOLED display with a hole-punch front camera—a design trend that persists today. Its 6.4-inch Quad HD+ (1440 x 3040) screen remains vibrant, sharp, and highly readable even in sunlight. The adaptive brightness and HDR10+ support make it ideal for streaming content. Meanwhile, the iPhone XS Max features a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED at 1242 x 2688 resolution. While color accuracy is excellent, especially for creative work, the fixed 60Hz refresh rate feels dated next to modern 120Hz panels.

In terms of build, both phones use glass-and-metal designs with IP68 water resistance. However, the S10 Plus’s ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, once cutting-edge, has aged poorly—slower and less reliable than modern optical or capacitive sensors. The iPhone’s Face ID remains impressively fast and secure, even in low light, thanks to consistent software optimization.

“Even in 2024, Apple’s focus on long-term software support gives older iPhones a usability edge most Android counterparts can’t match.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Capabilities in Modern Use

On paper, the S10 Plus had a triple-camera system: 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. The iPhone XS Max only featured dual 12MP lenses—wide and telephoto—without ultra-wide coverage. At launch, Samsung offered more versatility. Today, however, processing and consistency matter more than megapixels.

iOS’s computational photography improvements have trickled down to older devices. The XS Max benefits from Smart HDR and better noise reduction in low light, producing natural skin tones and balanced exposures. Night Mode isn’t available on this model, but third-party apps can fill the gap. Samsung’s camera app remains functional, but image processing on Android 12/13 feels slower, and detail retention in shadows has degraded over time due to lack of tuning updates.

For video, the iPhone still excels. It captures stabilized 4K at 60fps with superior audio filtering and dynamic range. The S10 Plus matches that spec, but wind noise and inconsistent stabilization make outdoor clips less polished.

Real-World Example: Travel Photography in 2024

Consider Sarah, a freelance writer who travels frequently and uses her old S10 Plus as a backup phone. During a trip to Lisbon, she found the ultra-wide lens useful for capturing narrow alleyways. However, in dimly lit restaurants, her photos came out muddy, and the phone struggled to focus quickly. When she borrowed a friend’s XS Max, she noticed faster shot-to-shot times and cleaner low-light results—even without Night Mode. Though lacking an ultra-wide lens, the iPhone’s consistency made post-processing easier and reduced the number of unusable shots.

Battery Life and Charging Options

The XS Max packs a 3,174mAh battery, while the S10 Plus has a slightly larger 4,100mAh unit. In practice, the S10 Plus often lasts longer per charge, especially with its adaptive resolution and brightness. However, battery degradation after five years affects both devices significantly. Users report needing midday charging regardless of brand.

Charging options differ starkly. The iPhone ships with a slow 5W charger; upgrading to a 18W USB-C adapter improves recharge speed dramatically. The S10 Plus supports 15W wireless charging and 12W fast charging out of the box, giving it an advantage for convenience. It also supports reverse wireless charging—useful for powering up earbuds or smartwatches in a pinch.

Feature	iPhone XS Max	Galaxy S10 Plus
Latest OS Support	iOS 17	Android 13 / One UI 5 (Legacy)
Processor	A12 Bionic	Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (Wide, Telephoto)	Triple 12MP+12MP+16MP (Wide, Tele, Ultra-Wide)
Front Camera	7MP TrueDepth	10MP + 8MP Depth Sensor
Battery Capacity	3,174 mAh	4,100 mAh
Fast Charging	Up to 18W (with adapter)	15W (included support)
Wireless Charging	Yes (Qi)	Yes (Qi + Reverse)
Headphone Jack	No	Yes

Final Verdict: Who Wins in 2024?

If you’re choosing between these two phones today—perhaps buying secondhand or deciding which to keep—the iPhone XS Max emerges as the more future-proof option. Its continued iOS 17 support ensures better security, smoother app compatibility, and access to modern features. The App Store ecosystem also tends to prioritize iOS updates, meaning banking, social media, and productivity apps run more reliably on supported iPhones.

The Galaxy S10 Plus counters with hardware advantages: longer original battery life, headphone jack, expandable storage via microSD, and reverse wireless charging. These features still appeal to power users who value flexibility. However, the lack of ongoing software support is a critical flaw. Without regular updates, the risk of security vulnerabilities increases, and new app versions may stop functioning altogether.

Tip: Reset all settings or perform a clean OS reinstall to regain performance if your device feels sluggish.

Checklist: Preparing an Older Phone for 2024 Use

• Update to the latest available OS version
• Remove unused apps to free up storage
• Disable background app refresh and animations
• Install a reputable mobile antivirus (especially on Android)
• Replace the battery if health is below 80%
• Use strong passcodes and enable two-factor authentication
• Back up data regularly to cloud or computer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone XS Max run iOS 18?

As of mid-2024, Apple has not confirmed iOS 18 support for the XS Max. Given that the iPhone XR (same generation) was dropped at iOS 17, it’s likely the XS Max will not receive iOS 18. Users should prepare for the end of support.

Is the Galaxy S10 Plus still secure to use?

While technically functional, the lack of regular security patches makes it increasingly risky, especially for handling sensitive data like banking or email. If used, avoid downloading unknown apps and consider using it as a secondary, non-critical device.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone XS Max retains value more effectively due to Apple’s reputation for longevity and consistent software updates. Even in 2024, unlocked models in good condition sell for $100–$180, while the S10 Plus typically fetches $70–$130, depending on storage and condition.

Conclusion: Make the Smart Choice for Today’s Needs

The battle between the iPhone XS Max and Galaxy S10 Plus in 2024 isn’t about which was better at launch—it’s about which adapts better to the present. The XS Max wins on software support, ecosystem reliability, and sustained performance. The S10 Plus offers hardware perks that were ahead of their time, but without ongoing updates, its relevance fades faster.

For anyone relying on an older flagship, the lesson is clear: long-term software support matters more than initial specs. If you’re still using either device, take steps to optimize performance and security. And if you’re choosing between them, go with the iPhone unless you specifically need the headphone jack or microSD slot.

💬 Still using an XS Max or S10 Plus in 2024? Share your experience—what works, what doesn’t—and help others decide whether these classics deserve another year of service.