Iphone Xs Max Vs Galaxy S10 Plus Which Phone Still Wins In Current Year

Released just months apart in 2019, the iPhone XS Max and Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus represented the peak of smartphone engineering at the time. The former brought Apple’s first dual-SIM iPhone with a massive OLED display; the latter delivered Samsung’s most refined design yet, complete with a dynamic AMOLED screen, triple rear cameras, and expandable storage. Fast forward to today—2024—and both devices are well beyond their prime support cycles. Yet, they still appear on secondhand marketplaces, budget upgrade lists, and nostalgic tech discussions. So, which one actually holds up better in real-world usage now?

This isn’t about nostalgia or brand loyalty. It’s a practical assessment of usability, software support, battery longevity, camera performance, and ecosystem integration five years after launch. For users considering a low-cost flagship or someone holding onto an older device, this comparison offers clarity on where each phone stands today.

Performance and Real-World Speed in 2024

The iPhone XS Max is powered by Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, built on a 7nm process with a six-core CPU and four-core GPU. At launch, it was significantly faster than any Android competitor. The Galaxy S10 Plus uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820 in some regions), also a 7nm chipset, known for solid multitasking and gaming performance.

In 2024, neither chip meets modern benchmarks for flagship status, but the A12 Bionic still outperforms expectations. iOS remains highly optimized for older hardware, allowing the XS Max to handle everyday tasks like web browsing, messaging, and even light video editing without major hiccups. Apps launch quickly, and animations remain smooth—though app cold starts can lag as internal storage fills.

The S10 Plus, while initially powerful, shows more strain under current Android versions. Even with One UI 6 based on Android 14, background app retention suffers, and system updates feel sluggish. The Exynos variant, in particular, struggles with thermal throttling and slower app response over time. Users report longer boot times and inconsistent performance when switching between apps.

“iOS extends usable life through tight hardware-software integration. An A12 device in 2024 behaves more like a mid-tier phone than a relic.” — David Lin, Mobile Systems Analyst

Tip: If using either device in 2024, keep storage below 70% capacity to maintain responsiveness.

Software Support and Security Updates

This is where the divide becomes stark. Apple provided iOS updates to the iPhone XS Max all the way up to iOS 17, released in September 2023. While not all new features are supported—such as StandBy mode or advanced Siri integrations—the core OS remains secure and functional. Critical security patches continue to roll out, extending its safe usability into 2024.

Samsung officially ended major Android upgrades for the Galaxy S10 series with Android 13. Security updates have also ceased as of early 2024. This means no further vulnerability patches, leaving the device exposed to emerging threats—especially concerning for users accessing banking apps, email, or cloud services.

Without ongoing security support, the S10 Plus becomes increasingly risky for daily use. Custom ROMs like LineageOS offer a workaround, but they require technical know-how and void warranties or carrier compatibility.

Display and Durability After Five Years

Both phones featured top-tier displays in their era. The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5-inch Super Retina HD OLED with 120-nit peak brightness and True Tone. The S10 Plus counters with a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, HDR10+ support, and higher resolution (1440p). In side-by-side viewing today, the S10 Plus still delivers slightly richer colors and deeper blacks, assuming the panel hasn’t degraded.

However, OLED burn-in is a growing concern. Long-term S10 Plus users report faint ghosting of navigation bars and status icons—especially if static elements were frequently displayed. The iPhone’s lower default brightness and adaptive refresh cues help mitigate this, though neither device supports high refresh rates.

Durability varies widely based on usage history. Both phones carry glass backs and aluminum frames, prone to cracks from drops. Water resistance (IP68 on both) degrades over time due to seal wear. Realistically, few units today retain full water protection unless meticulously maintained.

Camera Performance Today: Still Capable?

Cameras age differently than processors. While hardware doesn’t degrade, software enhancements in newer phones make older systems feel limited. The iPhone XS Max uses a dual 12MP setup (wide + telephoto) with Smart HDR and Portrait Mode. Photos in good light remain detailed and color-accurate, thanks to Apple’s consistent processing pipeline.

The S10 Plus boasts a triple-camera array: 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, and a 16MP ultra-wide. The extra lens gives it versatility the iPhone lacks. However, image processing on older Samsung firmware now struggles with noise reduction and white balance accuracy. Low-light shots often appear grainy or oversharpened.

Video recording favors the iPhone. The XS Max still shoots stable 4K at 60fps with excellent audio capture and stabilization—useful for vlogging or social media. The S10 Plus matches resolution but lacks comparable gyro data and tone consistency across clips.

Feature	iPhone XS Max	Galaxy S10 Plus
Primary Camera	12MP f/1.8	12MP f/1.5–f/2.4 variable
Ultra-Wide Lens	No	Yes (16MP)
Front Camera	7MP TrueDepth	10MP main + 8MP RGB depth
Video Recording	4K@60fps, stereo audio	4K@60fps, mono emphasis
Night Mode	No native support	Limited Nightography

Mini Case Study: Daily Driver Test (2023–2024)

A freelance photographer used the iPhone XS Max for six months as a secondary device, relying solely on its camera for Instagram content. Despite lacking night mode, they found the color science consistent with their newer iPhone 14, making post-processing easier. Battery drain during extended shooting sessions was notable, but overall reliability exceeded expectations. In contrast, a colleague using an S10 Plus reported overheating during 4K recording and inconsistent focus tracking—issues absent on the Apple device.

Battery Life and Charging Options Now

Original batteries are long past their prime. The XS Max started with a 3,174mAh cell; the S10 Plus had 4,100mAh. After 500+ charge cycles, actual capacity typically drops to 60–70%. Users commonly report needing midday charging even with light use.

iPhones display maximum capacity in Settings > Battery, helping users assess health. Third-party replacements are widely available and restore near-original performance. Samsung’s larger battery gave it an edge in 2019, but without official recalibration tools, users must rely on third-party diagnostics.

Charging speed remains a limitation. The XS Max supports only 18W fast charging with a USB-C adapter (not included), while the S10 Plus handles 15W wired and 9W wireless. Neither supports modern standards like 30W+ PD or Qi2.

Tip: Replace the battery on either device if capacity falls below 80%—it dramatically improves daily usability.

Checklist: Is Either Phone Still Viable in 2024?

• ✅ Has the device received recent security updates?
• ✅ Is the battery health above 80% or recently replaced?
• ✅ Does it have at least 64GB of storage with 20% free space?
• ✅ Are you comfortable with potential app slowdowns?
• ✅ Do you need modern features like Face ID alternatives or foldable flexibility?
• ✅ Will this be your primary device or backup?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I safely use an iPhone XS Max in 2024?

Yes, especially if updated to iOS 17. Apple continues to issue critical security patches, and the A12 chip handles essential apps efficiently. It's best suited as a secondary phone or for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.

Is the Galaxy S10 Plus obsolete now?

Effectively, yes. With no OS or security updates, continued use poses privacy and functionality risks. While technically operational, it should not be used for sensitive tasks like online banking or work communications.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone XS Max retains slightly higher resale value due to longer software support and brand consistency. However, both models have depreciated significantly—expect $50–$120 depending on condition.

Final Verdict: Who Wins in 2024?

The iPhone XS Max emerges as the more viable option today—not because it was superior in 2019, but because Apple’s update policy and ecosystem integration extend its functional lifespan. It receives modern security patches, runs current apps reasonably well, and integrates seamlessly with iCloud, AirPods, and Apple Watch.

The Galaxy S10 Plus, despite its innovative features at launch, falters under outdated software and discontinued support. Its hardware may have been more ambitious, but without updates, it becomes a liability rather than an asset.

If choosing between the two in 2024, the decision isn’t close: the iPhone XS Max still functions as a competent daily driver with proper maintenance. The S10 Plus belongs in recycling or as a dedicated media player—nothing more.

“The true test of a smartphone isn’t its launch hype, but how gracefully it ages. By that measure, Apple’s long-term support model wins again.” — TechLongevity Report, 2023 Edition

Take Action: Make the Most of Your Older Device

Whether you’re holding onto an old favorite or considering a secondhand deal, don’t assume “flagship once” means “usable forever.” Prioritize software support, battery health, and security. For the iPhone XS Max, a fresh battery and clean install can add another year of service. For the S10 Plus, consider repurposing it—as a smart home controller, car dashcam, or kid’s learning tablet—rather than risking exposure as a primary phone.

💬 Still using an XS Max or S10 Plus? Share your experience—what works, what doesn’t, and how long you’ve kept it going!