In this article, I give you my Apple iPhone Xs VS Xs Max Comparison with specs included. The “S” in the name indicates incremental and small changes for the 5.8-inch iPhone XS, which was introduced last year alongside the iPhone X.
Many of you may be more interested in the XS Max, especially if you were previously an iPhone Plus user or if you tend to prefer larger phablet-sized devices that offer a bigger screen. The display size of the iPhone XS Max is 6.5 inches. It’s not significantly heavier, weighing 208 grams compared to 177 grams for the XS, so the weight difference isn’t overwhelmingly noticeable in your pocket.
If you own an iPhone X, I would recommend holding off on upgrading to the XS unless you have an annual upgrade plan with your carrier. However, if you’ve been waiting for a larger iPhone, then you should definitely consider making the jump to the XS Max.
As is customary with iPhones, there are three different storage capacities available, with each increase in storage costing an additional $100. The base model of the 5.8-inch XS starts at $999, while the XS Max is priced at $1,099.
The base model offers 64GB of storage, which might have seemed generous in the past but is now fairly standard among high-end smartphones, including those that run on Android. There’s also no option for expandable memory, as there’s no microSD card slot. However, my perspective on storage has changed over time. I used to prioritize higher storage capacities, but now, with so much media being streamed—such as music and videos from services like Netflix, Amazon Video, Apple Music, and Spotify—I find that I store less on my phone. Instead, the primary content on my device consists of the photos and videos I capture.
Your usage may differ based on how you engage with your phone, so it’s ultimately up to you to decide on the appropriate storage capacity. The highest available capacity is 512GB, which is half a terabyte. While it’s quite expensive, it offers substantial storage for users who truly need it.
Both phones feature a glass front and back. Although Apple claims to have used tougher glass, early drop tests revealed that it is only slightly less prone to breakage than the iPhone X. As such, investing in a good case is still advisable.
Speaking of cases, I’ve been using the Spigen Ultra Hybrid (available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Vcv9Xv *Paid Link) and their thin sheath cases, which are even lighter than the Apple silicone case while still offering good impact and scratch protection. The clear case I’ve been using for last year’s iPhone X has held up well; it hasn’t stretched or degraded in appearance.
One positive aspect of the iPhones is that both the XS and XS Max come equipped with the same internal components. Previously, larger models often had advantages like better cameras or more RAM.
When comparing the iPhone XS and XS Max, several key similarities and differences become apparent, particularly concerning size, performance, and features.
Firstly, it’s important to note that both models have identical camera setups, RAM capacities, and processors. This means that whether you choose the XS or XS Max, you’ll benefit from the same high-quality camera performance, multitasking capabilities, and processing power thanks to the Apple A12 Bionic chip.
However, they differ significantly in size. The XS Max features a larger display, which results in a higher resolution and slightly lower pixel density due to the screen’s size. This makes the XS Max more suitable for users who prioritize a large screen for multimedia consumption, gaming, or productivity.
Additionally, the larger size of the XS Max accommodates a bigger battery, similar to the iPhone Plus models from previous years. This translates to a longer battery life, offering users extended usage times between charges. Although the difference in battery life between the XS and XS Max may not be as striking as in earlier models, the XS Max still provides up to 45 minutes of additional screen-on time compared to the XS.
Both devices also feature Apple’s Face ID for secure biometric authentication, eliminating the need for a fingerprint scanner. The TrueDepth camera system allows for advanced facial recognition, ensuring fast and secure authentication even in low-light conditions. This is a significant advantage over competing devices that might offer less reliable facial recognition or rely on weaker biometric methods.
In terms of design, the XS and XS Max showcase a similar aesthetic, with nearly identical dimensions and overall appearance.