Galaxy S6 Edge vs iPhone XS Max: Which One Should You Buy?

iPhone XS Max edges ahead with a BeastScore of 64.2/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2015

Galaxy S6 Edge

Galaxy S6 Edge
64/ 100
Launch price$815
Apple · 2018

iPhone XS Max

iPhone XS Max
64/ 100
Launch price$1,099
Head-to-head

iPhone XS Max wins 3 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S6 Edge
Galaxy S6 Edge
1 win
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XS Max
3 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy S6 EdgeiPhone XS Max
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeediPhone XS Max
    60
    64
  • CameraiPhone XS Max
    72
    75
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityiPhone XS Max
    45
    53
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueGalaxy S6 Edge
    68
    55
Key differences
  • iPhone XS Max has the bigger battery3,174 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • iPhone XS Max charges faster18W vs 15W
  • Galaxy S6 Edge has a sharper main camera16 MP vs 12 MP
  • iPhone XS Max has the bigger screen6.5" vs 5.1"
  • Galaxy S6 Edge is lighter132 g vs 208 g
  • Galaxy S6 Edge launched cheaper$815 vs $1,099
  • iPhone XS Max has a sharper selfie camera7 MP vs 5 MP
  • iPhone XS Max has newer Bluetooth5 vs 4.1
  • iPhone XS Max has more RAM4 GB vs 3 GB
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S6 Edge
  • ✓76 g lighter (132 g vs 208 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$284 cheaper at launch ($815 vs $1,099)
  • ✓16 MP main camera
Reasons to buy iPhone XS Max
  • ✓Bigger 3,174 mAh battery (+574 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓6.5" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S6 EdgeiPhone XS Max
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLED (dual edge)OLED Super Retina HD
Screen Size5.1"6.5"
Resolution & Density2560x1440 (577 ppi)2688x1242 (458 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness784 nits peak625 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 iPhone XS Max Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 5.0iOS 12
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory3 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage32GB / 64GB / 128GB64GB / 256GB / 512GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 iPhone XS Max Wins Camera
Primary Camera16 MP, f/1.9, OIS12 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)12 MP (2x optical zoom), f/2.4, OIS
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens5 MP, f/1.97 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S6 Edge Lightest Chassis
Dimensions142.1 x 70.1 x 7 mm157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm
Weight132 g208 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedIP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,600 mAh3,174 mAh
Wired Fast Charging15W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging9W wireless charging7.5W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth4.15.0
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 2.0Lightning
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$815$1,099
Our verdict

iPhone XS Max wins — BeastScore 64.2/100

The iPhone XS Max is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,174 mAh vs 2,600 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 15W). The Galaxy S6 Edge is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (16 MP vs 12 MP).

Buy Galaxy S6 Edge if you want

Lighter: 132 g vs 208 g (76 g less) · Lower launch price: $815 vs $1,099

Buy iPhone XS Max if you want

Larger battery: 3,174 mAh vs 2,600 mAh · Optical telephoto zoom (1 telephoto lens)

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S6 Edge or iPhone XS Max?

The iPhone XS Max is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,174 mAh vs 2,600 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 15W). The Galaxy S6 Edge is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (16 MP vs 12 MP). BeastScore: Galaxy S6 Edge 63.8/100, iPhone XS Max 64.2/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S6 Edge and iPhone XS Max?

Galaxy S6 Edge has a 5.1-inch display and 2600 mAh battery. iPhone XS Max has a 6.5-inch display and 3174 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S6 Edge and iPhone XS Max compare for speed?

Galaxy S6 Edge scores 60/100 for performance; iPhone XS Max scores 64/100.

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