Iphone Xs Max Vs Galaxy S10 Three Years Later Is The Xs Max Still Worth It

It’s been over three years since Apple launched the iPhone XS Max and Samsung introduced the Galaxy S10. Both devices were flagships in 2019, representing the pinnacle of mobile technology at the time. Today, they’re no longer cutting-edge, but many users still rely on them daily. The question isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s practical: if you’re considering buying a used or refurbished model in 2024, which one holds up better? And more specifically, is the iPhone XS Max still worth it when stacked against the Galaxy S10?

The answer depends on what you value: longevity, software support, camera quality, battery life, or ecosystem integration. Let’s break down both phones through the lens of long-term ownership, real-world performance, and user experience today.

Performance and Longevity: How Do They Handle Modern Apps?

The iPhone XS Max runs on Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, while the Galaxy S10 features either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (in U.S. models) or Exynos 9820 (internationally). At launch, both were top-tier processors. But three years later, their ability to handle modern apps, multitasking, and system updates reveals stark differences.

iOS is optimized tightly with Apple’s hardware. Even though the A12 Bionic is older than the Snapdragon 855 in architectural terms, iOS 17—released in 2023—still supports the iPhone XS Max. That means users benefit from security patches, app compatibility, and new features like StandBy mode and improved Focus tools. In contrast, the Galaxy S10 stopped receiving major Android OS updates after Android 12, with security patches tapering off by late 2023.

In day-to-day use, the XS Max feels snappier than the S10 for core tasks like launching apps, switching between Safari tabs, and using messaging platforms. The S10 can lag slightly when multiple apps are open or when running heavier social media clients like Instagram or TikTok.

“Apple’s vertical integration gives older iPhones a longer effective lifespan. An XS Max in 2024 still performs like a mid-tier modern phone.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

Both phones had modest battery capacities by today’s standards. The iPhone XS Max packs a 3,174mAh battery, while the Galaxy S10 has a slightly smaller 3,400mAh unit. However, real-world endurance tells a different story due to display efficiency, software optimization, and usage patterns.

On average, XS Max users report 6–7 hours of screen-on time under moderate use: browsing, messaging, light video streaming. The S10 tends to hover around 5–6 hours under similar conditions. This difference stems partly from iOS’s aggressive background process management and the OLED panel’s adaptive brightness behavior.

Charging is another point of divergence. The XS Max supports only 18W fast charging with a compatible adapter (sold separately), while the S10 includes 15W wired fast charging out of the box. Neither supports wireless charging speeds beyond 7.5W (iPhone) or 9W (S10), so overnight charging remains the norm.

Tip: To extend battery health on either device, avoid letting the charge drop below 20% regularly and disable background app refresh for non-essential apps.

Camera Quality After Three Years: Still Competitive?

Cameras age differently than processors. While newer phones offer computational photography magic, the fundamental hardware of these two flagships was strong.

The iPhone XS Max features a dual 12MP rear setup (wide + telephoto) with optical image stabilization on both lenses. Its strength lies in consistent color science, excellent dynamic range, and superior video recording—even in 2024, its 4K 60fps footage holds up remarkably well. Low-light performance has aged less gracefully, but Night Mode (added via software update) helps close the gap.

The Galaxy S10 uses a triple-camera array: 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and a 16MP ultra-wide. The inclusion of an ultra-wide lens gave it an edge at launch, and that advantage remains useful today for architecture or group shots. Samsung’s processing tends to oversharpen and oversaturate, which some find appealing initially but less natural over time.

In side-by-side photo comparisons in daylight, the XS Max produces more balanced exposures. In low light, the S10 sometimes captures brighter scenes, but with more noise and color shifts. Video-wise, there’s no contest—the iPhone still records smoother, more stable clips with better audio capture.

Feature	iPhone XS Max	Galaxy S10
Primary Camera	12MP f/1.8 OIS	12MP f/1.5–f/2.4 OIS
Telephoto	12MP f/2.4 OIS	12MP f/2.4
Ultra-Wide	No	16MP f/2.2
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2	10MP f/1.9
Video Recording	4K@60fps, extended dynamic range	4K@60fps, limited stabilization
Night Mode	Yes (iOS 13+)	Yes (One UI 2.0+)

Software Support and Ecosystem Value

This is where the iPhone pulls ahead decisively. As of 2024, the iPhone XS Max continues to receive iOS updates. It will likely get iOS 18 in fall 2024, making it one of the longest-supported smartphones ever—six years of software updates from launch.

The Galaxy S10, despite Samsung’s improved update policy in recent years, received only three major Android upgrades (from Android 9 to Android 12). No further OS updates are expected. This means newer apps may eventually drop support, and security vulnerabilities won’t be patched as frequently.

If you’re invested in Apple’s ecosystem—using a Mac, iPad, AirPods, or Apple Watch—the XS Max integrates seamlessly. Features like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and Instant Hotspot remain functional and reliable. On the Android side, the S10 works well with Samsung devices (like Galaxy Buds or SmartThings), but third-party integrations aren’t as fluid.

For users who want a phone that “just works” without constant troubleshooting, the continued iOS support makes the XS Max a smarter long-term choice, even if hardware is slightly dated.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her Galaxy S10 daily from 2019 to 2022. By early 2023, she noticed apps crashing, slow boot times, and inconsistent Wi-Fi connectivity. She considered upgrading to a newer Android phone but found the cost high for her budget. Instead, she bought a refurbished iPhone XS Max for $220.

She was surprised by how much faster iOS felt, especially when editing photos in Lightroom Mobile. The seamless sync with her MacBook made client file transfers effortless. “I didn’t expect an older iPhone to feel this responsive,” she said. “And getting iOS 17 was a bonus I didn’t know I needed.”

Her S10 now serves as a backup device, but she rarely uses it. For her workflow, the XS Max offered not just better performance, but better longevity and peace of mind.

FAQ

Can the iPhone XS Max run iOS 17 smoothly?

Yes. While not as fast as newer iPhones, the XS Max handles iOS 17 well for everyday tasks. Some animations are slightly slower, and heavy multitasking may show minor delays, but overall usability remains strong.

Is the Galaxy S10 obsolete in 2024?

Not entirely, but it’s nearing obsolescence. Without major OS updates and declining app optimization, it’s best suited for light use—calls, texts, basic browsing. Power users will notice limitations.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone XS Max retains value significantly better. After three years, a used XS Max in good condition sells for 30–40% of its original price, while the S10 fetches closer to 15–20%.

Checklist: Is the iPhone XS Max Right for You in 2024?

• ✅ Need a phone that still receives iOS updates
• ✅ Prefer smooth, consistent performance for messaging, email, and social media
• ✅ Use other Apple devices and want seamless integration
• ✅ Want reliable video recording and solid photo quality
• ✅ Are on a tight budget but don’t want a “throwaway” device
• ❌ Need all-day battery under heavy use
• ❌ Require cutting-edge camera features like periscope zoom or advanced night modes
• ❌ Want expandable storage or headphone jack (neither phone has these)

Final Verdict: Is the XS Max Still Worth It?

Three years later, the iPhone XS Max emerges as the more future-proof device. Its combination of ongoing software support, reliable build quality, and ecosystem advantages makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a dependable smartphone. The Galaxy S10, while innovative in its time, shows its age more clearly—especially in software stagnation and slower performance.

That said, neither phone matches current mid-range offerings in raw specs. If you need all-day battery, fast charging, or modern camera tricks, newer devices like the iPhone SE (2022+) or Samsung Galaxy A54 are better investments. But if you value consistency, longevity, and refinement over novelty, the iPhone XS Max remains surprisingly relevant.

🚀 Still using an older flagship? Share your experience—has your XS Max or S10 stood the test of time? Leave a comment and help others decide their next move.