Note 10 Plus Vs Iphone Xs Max Is The Samsung Still Worth It

When the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus and iPhone XS Max launched in 2019, they represented the pinnacle of smartphone engineering from their respective brands. Nearly five years later, both devices are no longer supported with major OS updates or regular security patches. Yet, many users still own them—or consider buying one secondhand—due to their premium build and once-cutting-edge features. So, is the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus still a worthwhile alternative to the iPhone XS Max today? The answer depends on your priorities: longevity, ecosystem, camera quality, software support, and real-world usability.

Design and Build: Premium Materials, Different Philosophies

The Galaxy Note 10 Plus and iPhone XS Max both feature glass-and-metal construction, but their design philosophies diverge. The Note 10 Plus embraces an all-screen front with minimal bezels, a centered punch-hole selfie camera, and a sleek, symmetrical profile. At 6.8 inches, its Dynamic AMOLED display dominates the front, making it one of the largest phones ever released by Samsung at the time. In contrast, the iPhone XS Max sticks with Apple’s traditional notch design and slightly smaller 6.5-inch OLED screen. While both feel solid in hand, the Samsung offers more screen real estate and a modern aesthetic.

Samsung also removed the headphone jack—a controversial move—even though many Android users still relied on wired audio. Apple had already made that jump two years prior, so the XS Max wasn’t breaking new ground there. However, the iPhone retains stereo speakers tuned for spatial audio, giving it a slight edge in sound quality over the Note 10 Plus's AKG-tuned setup.

Tip: If you're buying used, inspect the screen curvature and S Pen slot on the Note 10 Plus—dust or damage can interfere with stylus functionality.

Performance and Software: Long-Term Support Matters

Under the hood, both phones were powered by top-tier chips in 2019: the Exynos 9825 (in most regions) or Snapdragon 855 (in the U.S.) for the Note 10 Plus, and Apple’s A12 Bionic for the XS Max. On paper, the Snapdragon variant matched or exceeded the A12 in multi-core benchmarks, but real-world fluidity and app optimization favor iOS.

Where the gap widens significantly is software support. Apple provided five years of iOS updates, meaning the iPhone XS Max received upgrades up to iOS 16. Samsung, however, limited the Note 10 series to three major Android updates—ending at Android 12 with One UI 4. This means no access to newer privacy controls, multitasking improvements, or AI-driven features available on current Samsung flagships.

“Even high-end Android phones face obsolescence faster than iPhones due to shorter update cycles.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechInsider Weekly

If you rely on apps that require the latest OS versions—such as banking apps, productivity tools, or emerging AR platforms—the iPhone XS Max may remain functional longer despite older hardware.

Camera Comparison: Strengths on Both Sides

The camera systems reflect each brand’s approach to photography. The Note 10 Plus features a quad-camera array: 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, 16MP ultra-wide, and a DepthVision sensor for live focus effects. Its strengths lie in versatility, manual control, and superior low-light processing through Night Mode. Video recording reaches 4K at 60fps with excellent stabilization, and the inclusion of pro-grade editing tools in Gallery adds value for creators.

The iPhone XS Max, while limited to dual 12MP cameras (wide and telephoto), delivers consistent color science, natural dynamic range, and seamless HDR handling. Its Smart HDR technology produces balanced exposures across scenes, and video quality remains exceptional even by today’s standards. For social media sharing and everyday shots, the iPhone often requires less post-processing.

Feature	Note 10 Plus	iPhone XS Max
Main Sensor	12MP f/1.5–2.4 variable aperture	12MP f/1.8
Ultra-Wide Lens	Yes (16MP)	No
Zoom Capability	2x optical, up to 10x digital	2x optical, 10x digital
Front Camera	10MP Dual Pixel AF	7MP TrueDepth
Video Recording	4K@60fps, gyro-EIS	4K@60fps, cinematic stabilization
Night Mode	Yes	No (introduced on iPhone 11)

In daylight, both deliver sharp, vibrant images. But in dim environments, the Note 10 Plus pulls ahead thanks to its dedicated Night Mode. Conversely, the iPhone excels in portrait mode accuracy and Face ID integration, which enhances photo tagging and secure authentication.

Battery Life and Charging: Samsung Takes the Lead

The Note 10 Plus houses a 4,300mAh battery compared to the XS Max’s 3,174mAh unit. Real-world usage confirms this difference: the Samsung consistently lasts a full day under heavy load, while the iPhone often needs a midday charge after prolonged use. Additionally, Samsung supports 25W fast charging (adapter sold separately) and 4.5W reverse wireless charging—features absent on the iPhone.

Apple relies on efficient power management to extend usability, but aging batteries degrade faster without optimized charging beyond iOS 13. Meanwhile, Samsung introduced Adaptive Battery and learning patterns earlier, helping preserve charge cycles. For users who prioritize uptime and quick top-ups, the Note 10 Plus holds a tangible advantage.

Mini Case Study: Two Users, Two Choices

Consider Maria, a freelance graphic designer who bought a used Note 10 Plus in 2023. She values the S Pen for sketching mockups directly on her screen, uses DeX for desktop-like multitasking, and appreciates the microSD slot for expanding storage beyond 512GB. Despite running Android 12, she keeps essential apps updated via APKs when necessary and finds performance sufficient for her workflow.

On the other hand, James, a business consultant, chose the iPhone XS Max for its compatibility with his MacBook and iPad. He relies on iMessage, AirDrop, and Continuity features daily. Even with reduced battery health, he replaced the cell for $69 and continues using iOS 16 smoothly. His app ecosystem demands tight integration—something Android cannot replicate.

Their experiences highlight a key truth: ecosystem loyalty often outweighs raw specs.

Checklist: What to Evaluate Before Buying Either Phone Today

• ✅ Confirm current OS version and whether critical apps still run
• ✅ Test battery health (below 80% capacity indicates need for replacement)
• ✅ Check for physical wear—especially screen scratches, water damage indicators, and speaker blockages
• ✅ Verify unlock status if purchasing secondhand
• ✅ Assess availability of accessories (S Pen replacements, Lightning cables)
• ✅ Consider future-proofing: Will this device meet your needs for the next 12–18 months?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can either phone run modern apps like Instagram or WhatsApp reliably?

Yes, both devices can install and run current versions of mainstream apps as of 2024. However, some newer features (e.g., WhatsApp Communities, Instagram Reels editing tools) may be limited or unavailable due to API restrictions on older operating systems.

Is the S Pen worth choosing the Note 10 Plus over the iPhone?

Only if you actively use stylus input. The S Pen offers precise note-taking, screen recording with annotations, and gesture controls. For students, artists, or professionals managing diagrams, it adds unique utility not found on any iPhone.

Which phone holds resale value better?

Historically, the iPhone XS Max has retained higher resale value, especially in unlocked, well-maintained condition. However, demand has dropped sharply since 2023. The Note 10 Plus now sells for significantly less—often under $200—but appeals to niche markets interested in DeX or pen input.

Final Verdict: Is the Samsung Still Worth It?

The Galaxy Note 10 Plus was a bold statement in innovation—offering a massive display, powerful hardware, and the unmatched S Pen. But in 2024, its lack of ongoing software support limits long-term viability. The iPhone XS Max, while technically less advanced in screen size and charging speed, benefits from deeper ecosystem integration and extended update coverage.

If you're choosing strictly on present-day usability, neither should be your first pick over newer budget or mid-range models like the iPhone SE (2022) or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, which offer better security, efficiency, and app compatibility. However, if you’re on a tight budget and must choose between these two veterans, go with the iPhone XS Max for reliability—or the Note 10 Plus only if you genuinely need the S Pen and extra screen space.

💬 Used flagship buyer or loyal ecosystem user? Share your experience comparing older Samsung and Apple devices—we’d love to hear what kept your phone relevant beyond its prime.