Iphone Xs Max Vs Galaxy S10 Which Phone Still Wins In 2024

In 2024, smartphones evolve at a breakneck pace. Flagships from just five years ago are often considered obsolete. Yet some devices age better than others. The iPhone XS Max (2018) and the Samsung Galaxy S10 (2019) were both premium flagships in their time — but how do they stack up today? For users considering a budget-friendly upgrade or holding onto an older device, this head-to-head analysis reveals which phone still delivers a usable, satisfying experience in 2024.

This isn't just about nostalgia. It's about practical longevity, software support, app compatibility, and day-to-day reliability. Both phones once defined mobile excellence. Now, we examine their strengths and weaknesses through the lens of modern expectations: app responsiveness, camera quality, security updates, and overall user satisfaction.

Performance and Real-World Speed in 2024

The heart of any smartphone is its processor. In 2018, Apple’s A12 Bionic chip set a new benchmark for mobile performance. The iPhone XS Max paired that chip with 4GB of RAM, delivering smooth multitasking and excellent app optimization thanks to iOS’s tight hardware-software integration.

Samsung countered in 2019 with the Galaxy S10, powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (in the U.S.) or Exynos 9820 (internationally). While powerful for its time, the Exynos variant was notably less efficient, affecting long-term thermal performance and battery life.

Fast forward to 2024: the A12 Bionic still handles most daily tasks competently. Basic web browsing, messaging, email, and even light gaming remain functional. However, newer apps like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and advanced photo editors show noticeable lag. iOS 17 supports the XS Max, but background app refresh and memory management feel strained compared to newer models.

The Galaxy S10, meanwhile, maxed out at Android 12 with One UI 4.1. No further OS updates are coming, and Google Play Services now run on legacy compatibility layers. This leads to slower app launches, increased crashes in resource-heavy applications, and limited access to new features in banking or productivity apps requiring modern APIs.

Tip: If you're using either phone in 2024, disable animations, reduce background processes, and avoid installing too many apps to preserve responsiveness.

Camera Comparison: Legacy Lenses Meet Modern Standards

Photography remains one of the most demanding smartphone functions. Let’s assess how these older cameras perform against today’s social media and computational photography standards.

The iPhone XS Max features a dual 12MP rear system: wide and telephoto lenses with optical image stabilization (OIS) on both. Apple’s color science and dynamic range were industry-leading in 2018. In daylight, photos still hold up well — natural tones, accurate exposure, and decent detail. Low-light performance, however, lacks Night Mode, resulting in grainy, underexposed shots unless lit well.

The Galaxy S10 introduced a triple-camera setup: 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and a 16MP ultra-wide. The ultra-wide lens gave it an edge for landscapes and group shots — a feature the XS Max lacked entirely. Samsung’s HDR processing and scene optimizer helped boost vibrancy, though sometimes at the cost of realism.

In 2024, the S10’s wider field of view and better close-up focus give it slight versatility advantages. But iOS 17’s continued camera algorithm updates provide the XS Max with improved Smart HDR and portrait lighting effects not available at launch. Neither phone matches current mid-range devices in night photography, but for casual snapshots and video calls, both remain serviceable.

“Older flagships can still capture meaningful moments — just don’t expect AI-powered magic.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechLens Review

Battery Life and Charging: Where Age Shows Most

Battery degradation is inevitable. After five to six years, lithium-ion cells lose significant capacity. Apple estimates the XS Max battery degrades to 80% after 500 full charge cycles. Most units in 2024 are far beyond that point.

Real-world testing shows the XS Max lasting around 4–5 hours of screen-on time with moderate use — barely enough for a workday without a charger. Fast charging is limited to 18W with a compatible adapter (not included), but aging batteries absorb charge inefficiently, leading to longer top-ups and heat buildup.

The Galaxy S10 launched with a 4,100mAh battery and supports 15W fast charging via Adaptive Fast Charging. In 2024, typical battery health is between 65–75%, translating to 3.5–4.5 hours of screen time. Wireless charging works, but repeated use accelerates wear. Users report needing midday top-ups even with power-saving modes enabled.

Feature	iPhone XS Max	Galaxy S10
Original Battery Capacity	3,174 mAh	4,100 mAh
Current Avg. Screen Time (2024)	4–5 hrs	3.5–4.5 hrs
Fast Charging Support	18W (with USB-C PD adapter)	15W (Adaptive Fast Charging)
Wireless Charging	Yes (Qi)	Yes (Qi + Fast Wireless)
Software Power Management	iOS Optimized Charging	Adaptive Battery (on Android 12)

Software Support and Security: The Hidden Divide

One critical factor separating these two in 2024 is ongoing software support. Apple continues to offer iOS 17 on the iPhone XS Max, including security patches released as recently as March 2024. While feature updates are minimal, core services like iMessage, FaceTime, iCloud, and Safari remain secure and functional.

Samsung ended major OS updates for the Galaxy S10 in 2022 and stopped security patches in early 2023. As of 2024, the device no longer receives official fixes for vulnerabilities. This poses real risks, especially when handling sensitive data like banking apps or personal emails. Some third-party ROMs offer updated Android versions, but they require technical expertise and void warranties.

App developers increasingly target Android 10+ and iOS 15+. While most apps still install on these devices, future compatibility is uncertain. For example, WhatsApp plans to drop support for older Android versions soon, potentially affecting the S10.

Tip: Avoid storing sensitive financial data on unsupported devices. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.

Mini Case Study: Daily Driver Dilemma

Consider Mark, a freelance writer who’s held onto his iPhone XS Max since 2019. He values iOS simplicity and doesn’t want to migrate his ecosystem. In 2024, he finds the phone sluggish when switching between research tabs and writing apps. His battery dies by noon. He replaced the battery in 2022, but performance hasn’t recovered.

He tested a used Galaxy S10 as a backup. Though it booted faster initially, outdated software caused login issues with his cloud storage provider. Apps crashed more frequently, and GPS navigation stuttered during commutes. Ultimately, he stuck with the XS Max due to continued iOS updates, despite its limitations.

Mark’s story reflects a broader trend: longevity isn’t just about hardware. Ecosystem continuity and security matter more over time.

Checklist: Is Your Old Phone Still Viable in 2024?

• ✅ Does it receive current security updates?
• ✅ Can it run essential apps (banking, messaging, maps) without crashing?
• ✅ Is battery life sufficient for half a day of use?
• ✅ Are replacement parts or repair options still available?
• ✅ Do you trust it with personal data given its age?
• ✅ Have you backed up data regularly?

If three or more answers are “no,” it may be time to upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy accessories for the iPhone XS Max or Galaxy S10?

Yes, but selection is dwindling. Third-party cases and screen protectors are still widely available online. Official Apple chargers and certified cables work fine, but Samsung has discontinued most S10-specific accessories.

Which phone has better resale value in 2024?

The iPhone XS Max generally retains slightly higher resale value due to stronger brand loyalty and longer software support. However, both phones sell for under $100 in used markets.

Is either phone suitable as a secondary device?

Absolutely. Both make decent backup phones for calls, texts, or offline media playback. Just avoid relying on them for banking, shopping, or sensitive logins due to outdated security frameworks.

Final Verdict: Which Phone Wins in 2024?

The iPhone XS Max takes the win — narrowly. Its continued iOS 17 support, stronger app optimization, and more consistent performance edge out the Galaxy S10’s superior original specs. While neither phone meets modern flagship standards, the XS Max offers greater peace of mind in terms of security and ecosystem integration.

That said, both are firmly in end-of-life territory. They should not be primary devices for anyone relying on digital services, remote work, or social connectivity. If you’re still using one, treat it as a transitional tool while planning an upgrade within the next year.

Technology moves fast, but thoughtful usage extends value. Whether you choose to hold on or move on, understanding the limits of aging hardware empowers smarter decisions.

🚀 Still using an older flagship? Share your experience in the comments — what keeps you loyal, and what finally pushed you to upgrade?