Iphone Xs Max Vs Note 8 In 2024 Is The Iphone Still A Better Daily Driver

In 2024, comparing the iPhone XS Max and Samsung Galaxy Note 8 may seem like revisiting ancient history in smartphone terms. Both devices launched over five years ago—Apple’s flagship in 2018, Samsung’s in 2017. Yet, surprisingly, some users still rely on them as daily drivers. Whether due to budget constraints, sentimentality, or sheer durability, these phones continue to circulate in secondary markets and personal collections. But realistically, which one holds up better today? And more importantly, does the iPhone XS Max still outperform the aging Note 8 in everyday use?

This isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about practicality: app compatibility, security updates, performance with modern software, and overall user experience in 2024. Let’s break it down.

Software Support & Longevity

The most critical factor in determining a phone’s viability in 2024 is software support. Apple continues to provide iOS updates for devices much longer than Samsung supports its older models. The iPhone XS Max launched with iOS 12 and received updates all the way through iOS 17, released in late 2023. While it won’t get iOS 18, it remains on a secure, functional operating system with recent app compatibility.

In contrast, the Galaxy Note 8 stopped receiving major Android updates after Android 9 Pie. Security patches ceased entirely by 2020. This means no official protection against new vulnerabilities, limited access to current versions of apps like WhatsApp (which dropped support for older Android versions in 2023), and frequent crashes or incompatibilities with newer services.

“After five years, software decay becomes the biggest enemy of older smartphones. Without updates, even powerful hardware can't keep up.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechLongevity Group

Tip: If you're using an unsupported device, avoid downloading unknown apps and disable auto-fill features to reduce exposure to phishing attacks.

Performance & Real-World Speed

Under the hood, both phones were flagships in their time. The iPhone XS Max uses Apple’s A12 Bionic chip—a 7nm processor that was revolutionary in 2018. Even today, iOS optimization allows it to handle basic multitasking, social media, messaging, and video streaming with relative ease. Safari remains responsive, and most lightweight productivity apps run without major hiccups.

The Note 8, powered by the Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 8895 in some regions), was also top-tier in 2017. However, Android’s less efficient memory management and increasing bloat in modern apps make this chip feel sluggish by 2024 standards. Scrolling through Instagram, loading Google Maps, or switching between Chrome tabs often results in stutters and reloads.

Benchmarks from early 2024 show the A12 scoring nearly double the Note 8’s CPU performance in Geekbench 6, despite being only a year newer. The gap widens further in GPU tasks and machine learning operations, where iOS maintains tighter integration between hardware and software.

Display, Design & Usability

The Note 8 introduced Samsung’s Infinity Display—a 6.3-inch Quad HD+ curved AMOLED panel praised for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. Paired with the S Pen, it offered unmatched productivity for note-taking and sketching. In 2024, the screen still looks good, though burn-in is common on surviving units.

The iPhone XS Max countered with a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display, slightly larger and brighter, but without the stylus functionality. Its design favors one-handed use less than the Note 8, but iOS gestures are smoother and more consistent than Samsung’s TouchWiz-based interface of that era.

However, both devices lack modern conveniences: no high refresh rate screens, facial recognition on the Note 8 is slow and unreliable, and neither has waterproofing beyond basic splash resistance. Drop survivability is low—especially with aged batteries and fragile glass backs.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone XS Max	Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Release Year	2018	2017
Latest OS	iOS 17 (supported until ~2025)	Android 9 (no further updates)
Processor	A12 Bionic	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895
Ram	4GB	6GB
Storage Options	64GB, 256GB, 512GB	64GB, 128GB, 256GB (expandable via microSD)
Battery Life (Real-World, 2024)	4–6 hours screen-on time (degraded)	3–5 hours screen-on time (degraded)
Charging	Fast charging (18W with adapter), Wireless	Fast charging, Wireless
S Pen Support	No	Yes
Current App Compatibility	Most apps still functional	Many apps crash or refuse to install
Security Updates	Last update: Early 2024	Ended in 2020

Real-World Daily Use Case

Consider Maria, a freelance writer who inherited her brother’s iPhone XS Max in 2022. She uses it primarily for email, cloud docs, audiobooks, and occasional photography. Despite the degraded battery, she gets through full workdays with a mid-afternoon charge. Messages sync across her iPad and Mac, and iCloud backups happen seamlessly. Safari handles research tabs reasonably well, and she hasn’t encountered any app incompatibility issues—even with banking apps that dropped legacy Android support.

Meanwhile, James holds onto his Note 8 because he loves the S Pen for journaling. But since 2023, he’s had to switch to Firefox because Chrome became unusable. WhatsApp warns him weekly that his device will soon be unsupported. His Google Play Store frequently fails to verify his device, blocking downloads. Though the stylus works perfectly, the phone feels increasingly isolated from the modern digital ecosystem.

This contrast highlights a key truth: longevity isn’t just about hardware—it’s about ecosystem integration and ongoing support.

Actionable Checklist: Is Your Old Phone Still Viable?

Before deciding whether to keep using either device, consider this checklist:

• ✅ Can it run current versions of essential apps (WhatsApp, Gmail, banking)?
• ✅ Does it receive security updates?
• ✅ Is the battery life sufficient for a full day?
• ✅ Are there frequent crashes or freezes during normal use?
• ✅ Can you back up data reliably?
• ✅ Is repair or replacement cost-effective?

If three or more items are marked “no,” it’s time to upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone XS Max run iOS 17 smoothly?

Yes, but with caveats. Basic functions like calls, messages, and web browsing remain fluid. However, augmented reality apps, heavy multitasking, and photo editing tools may lag. Users report increased heat under load and faster battery drain on iOS 17 compared to earlier versions.

Is the Note 8 completely obsolete in 2024?

Functionally, yes. While it can still make calls and use offline apps, its lack of security updates and app compatibility makes it risky for online banking, shopping, or messaging. Using it as a dedicated media player or sketchpad (with S Pen) is its most viable remaining role.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone XS Max retains slightly more value due to Apple’s reputation for longevity and parts availability. Refurbished units sell for $80–$120 depending on condition, while Note 8 units rarely exceed $50, often marketed as “for parts or repair.”

Final Verdict: The iPhone Still Wins—But Just Barely

In 2024, the iPhone XS Max edges out the Galaxy Note 8 not because it's inherently superior, but because Apple’s long-term software strategy gives it staying power. The combination of iOS 17 support, better app optimization, and continued security patches makes it a marginally usable daily driver—for now.

The Note 8, while innovative in its time, has been left behind by the Android ecosystem’s rapid evolution. No amount of RAM or expandable storage can compensate for outdated software and abandoned security.

That said, neither phone should be anyone’s primary device in 2024 unless absolutely necessary. Battery degradation, lack of repair-friendly designs, and growing incompatibility mean they’re living on borrowed time.

💬 Still using an iPhone XS Max or Note 8? Share your experience below. How long do you think these classics can last?