Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone Xs Max: We pit 2018 Apple against the company’s next-gen model
What really sets the two devices apart?
Apple has now unveiled the iPhone Pro Max and it looks very much like the new and improved answer to the Xs Max. The phone made its debut at Apple’s annual launch event in Cupertino, along with the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and Apple Watch Series 5.
It’s no secret that an iPhone will set you back a small fortune and thanks to Apple’s latest releases, there’s now a whole lot of them about.
It pays to understand exactly what you’re spending money on, which is why we’ve compared the two models to see exactly what features, specs and quality you can expect and whether upgrading to the latest model really is worth it.
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone Xs Max: Design
The iPhone 11 Pro Max and the Xs Max don’t differ greatly in size, with the former coming in 6.22 x 3.06 x 0.32in and the latter 6.20 x 3.05 x 0.30in. The Pro Max is slightly heavier at 226g compared to the Xs Max’s 206g weight but you shouldn’t notice too much of a difference. Both have a 6.5in screen and share almost identical display specs in other areas.
The iPhone Xs Max has two rear cameras, one on top of the other, both of which sit fairly flush to the phone. With the addition of a third camera on the Pro Max, Apple have decided to put the third camera adjacent to the original two, rather than underneath. There’s also a chunky, raised block surrounding the cameras on the Pro Max, which is a strange move away from the sleek aesthetic of the Xs Max.
The iPhone Xs Max comes in four colours: “Space Grey”, green, gold and silver, all of which are matte. In comparison, the Pro Max is available in three similar colours – “Space Grey”, silver and gold – as well as a new “Midnight Green”.
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone Xs Max: Specifications
Below, you’ll find a handy table that details the key specifications for both iPhone models. Apple remains silent on certain topics, however, so some information is lacking.
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone Xs Max | |
| Processor | A13 Bionic chip | A12 Bionic chip |
| Storage | 64GB/256GB/512GB | 64GB/256GB/512GB |
| Memory | N/A | 4GB |
| Display | 6.5in Super Retina XDR 2,688 x 1,242 OLED | 6.5in Super Retina 2,688 x 1,242 OLED |
| Rear camera | 12MP (f/2.4), 12MP (f/1.8), 12MP (f/2.0) | 12MP (f/1.8), 12MP (f/2.4) |
| Front camera | 12MP (f/2.2) | 7MP (f/2.2) |
| Battery | N/A | 3,174mAh |
As you can see, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is clearly intended as a direct replacement for the Xs Max. Inside the phone, the biggest upgrade is to the processor – storage sizes remain unchanged.
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone Xs Max: Features
The most significant change here is to the cameras. The iPhone 11 Pro Max includes a third rear snapper, an ultra-wide lens designed to allow users to capture even more of a scene without compromising on quality. Oh, and there’s a new TrueDepth camera on the front of the phone, which can take slow-mo selfies at 1080p/120fps.
Otherwise, you’ll struggle to find many differences between the two phones. Both are IP68-rated for water and dust-resistance and can record 4K video at 60fps. Both support fast charging, although the 11 Pro Max comes with an 18W fast charger in the box. The new handset also supports Wi-Fi 6 and comes with iOS 13 preinstalled – it’s likely that the Xs Max will receive the new software update in due course, however.
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone Xs Max: Price
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is now available to buy in-store. You’ll be able to pick up the phone on contract but if you want to buy it outright it’ll set you back £1,149 for the 64GB version, £1,299 for the 256GB and £1,499 for the 512GB model.
You can pick up a 64GB iPhone Xs Max now for £1,049. Prices for the 256GB and 512GB version will set you back a little more, costing £1,249 and £1,449 respectively.
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone Xs Max: Verdict
These prices make forming a verdict pretty straightforward. There’s really no reason to save a mere £50 on the iPhone Xs Max, and Apple knows it; last year’s handset is no longer available to purchase directly from the Apple website. Our expert advice is to plump for the iPhone 11 Pro Max: if you really need the most expensive handset on offer, the Pro Max is well worth the extra £50.
