iPhone XS Max vs iPhone XS – 5 Differences

You want to upgrade to the 2018 iPhone lineup and haven’t decided which one suits you best, the iPhone XS Max or the iPhone X? In this article I’ll highlight all the differences, between the two devices, in an attempt to help you with your choice. To tell you from the start, don’t expect major distinctions. This we’re talking about an iPhone XS Max and not an iPhone XS Plus. The name change isn’t a coincidence!

Past lineups had the oversized iPhone labeled with the “Plus” distinction not only because of the bigger screen, but also because it packed extra hardware, like the dual-lens Camera for example. In the case of the iPhone XS generation, there is no hardware difference excepting the display real-estate and of course the battery that has to be able to handle the extra pixels. Thus we’re talking about the iPhone XS Max which is a maxed out version of its 5.8-inch sibling.

iPhone XS vs iPhone XS Max Differences
1. Screen Size & Resolution
Let’s start with the obvious and the most important difference between the two devices. The iPhone XS comes with a 5.8-inch diagonal, while the XS Max’s diagonal measures 6.5-inches. Both devices have the same for factor. The size of the notch, is the same in both models.
Display Resolution: 2436 x 1125 pixels at 458 ppi vs 2688 x 1242 pixels at 458 ppi.

2. Height – Width – Depth
The iPhone XS Max is 13.9m taller, 6.5 m wider as the iPhone XS. When it comes to the thickness both devices are equal. The complete physical dimensions are:
5.65 inches (143.6 mm) x 2.79 inches (70.9 mm) x 0.30 inch (7.7 mm) vs 6.20 inches (157.5 mm) x 3.05 inches (77.4 mm) x 0.30 inch (7.7 mm)

3. Weight
As expected, the iPhone XS Max is heavier as its smaller sibling. It’s exactly 31 grams heavier, weighing 7.34 ounces (208 grams) versus the 6.24 ounces (177 grams) measured by the iPhone XS!

4. Battery Life
Obviously, because of the larger enclosure the Max has physically a larger battery than the iPhone XS. Nevertheless, the larger model has to power more pixels. The iPhone XS packs 2,659 mAh, which is surprisingly a bit less when compared to the 2,716 mAh available in last year’s iPhone X. The iPhone XS Max battery has a capacity of 3,174 mAh.
According to Apple this translates to:
– The iPhone XS as lasting up to 30 minutes more than the iPhone X and the iPhone XS Max as lasting 90 minutes more than the same 2017 flagship. Which means that the 6.5-inch OLED iPhone has an 60-minute longer endurance when compared to its smaller sibling.
– If we compare the Talk Time, it’s 20 hours versus 25 hours for the XS Max.
Internet usage also lasts on average 1 hour longer on the 6.5-inch display, 12 hours versus 13 hours.
– Video playback comparison endurance the iPhone XS scores 14 hours while the Max manages 15 hours.
– Audio playback stats, provided by Apple, measure 60 hours versus 65 hours.
Fact: When it comes to fast-charging both devices can reach 50% of battery level in 30 minutes.

5. Price
Last but not least we have to also compare the costs. The iPhone XS starts from $999 for the 64 GB option while the iPhone XS Max is $100 more expensive starting at $1099. Here is the complete price comparison:
$999 (64 GB), $1149 (256 GB), $1349 (512 GB) vs $1099 (64 GB), $1249 (256 GB), $1449 (512 GB)

Conclusion: These are all differences that we could find between the iPhone XS and the XS Max. Basically you’re paying $100 for the larger display and bigger battery. If the size of the device doesn’t bother you it’s probably worth it to pick the Max. We’re talking only about a %10 price difference. Even if you have small hands, you have the Reachability feature to help you out. Nevertheless carrying a 6.5-inch smartphone might be problematic, especially if you like to wear your device in one of your pockets. What do you think? Share your comments!

Related: You might be also interested in the iPhone X v iPhone XS comparison!