Display

The iPhone XS Max features a bigger 6.5-inch OLED display that offers a resolution of 2688 x 1242 pixels, while the Galaxy Note 9 Sports a slightly smaller 6.4-inch display. However, the panel on Samsung’s Galaxy Note 9 has a higher resolution of 2960 x 1440 pixels compared to the iPhone XS. if you’re a fan of notch then the iPhone XS sports a notch on top of the display, which gives you more viewing area and a higher screen to body ratio in comparison to the Galaxy Note 9. 

Processor 

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is powered by an Exynos 9810 chipset. The phone is available in India in two variants 6GB/128GB and 6GB/512GB. On the other hand, the iPhone XS Max is powered by the Apple latest A12 Bionic chipset, which is coupled with 64GB, and 512GB storage options. 
However, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 offers more RAM at up to 8GB compared to the iPhone XS 4GB’s RAM. 

Camera

Both smartphones are equipped with a dual 12MP sensors at the back - 12MP wide-angle lens and 12MP telephoto lens. On paper, it looks almost the same as their previous versions. However, both the companies have done some upgrades that are not major but yet an improvement. 

At the front, the Galaxy Note 9 has an 8MP unit. This time, the Samsung has even given a control on their Bluetooth enabled S Pen that allows you to click a selfie by pressing a button on the S Pen. 

On the other hand, the Apple iPhone XS Max comes with a 7MP sensor for clicking selfies.