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Apple iPhone Xs Max review

8.9/10 AVG.
RATING
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Apple iPhone Xs Max
Apple iPhone Xs Max
Apple iPhone Xs Max
Apple iPhone Xs Max
Apple iPhone Xs Max
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8.9/10
Informr score
The Apple iPhone Xs Max currently has an Informr score of 8.9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 56 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The Apple iPhone Xs Max marks the top end of Apple’s 2018 phone line-up. But unlike previous years, the Max doesn’t offer features you can’t find in other iPhones.

It’s the same phone as the iPhone Xs -- just with a larger 6.5-inch screen. However, the larger screen also includes a higher resolution of 2688-by-1242 pixels. This means you don’t have to sacrifice clarity or detail to enjoy the larger screen.

The increase in the phone’s size adds just over an ounce to the weight of the device. So it’s still ultra portable. However, the larger size made it harder for reviewers to use in one hand. Even those with larger hands might struggle.

Otherwise, it’s the same blazing performance, beautiful screen, and powerful camera you’ll find in the Xs. For a full summary of what to expect, check out our iPhone Xs summary.


iOS
Operating system
Operating system
iOS
2.49 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.49 GHz
6.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
6.5"
12+ MP, f/1.8
Camera
Camera
12+ MP, f/1.8
3174 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TechRadar
TechRadar

Apple finally delivers an iPhone with a huge screen, and for movie-watching, game-playing fans the iPhone XS Max is an exciting new addition to the range. It certainly costs a lot, but if you can get past the price (which many won't be able to) the XS Max offers up a super, supersized experience.

- Gareth Beavis, TechRadar
Gear Hungry
Gear Hungry

But what people are wondering is its difference with the iPhone XS. Admittedly, there is not a lot of difference save for the size and battery life. With the rate the iPhones are taking now, it proves to be a lot more expensive for every model given that not much has changed when compared to the pre...

- Jordan Carter, Gear Hungry
DxOMark
DxOMark

Overall, it’s a little surprising to see the older iPhone XS Max beat more recent flagship devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ and Apple’s own iPhone 11 Pro Max, and that it is surpassed only by the Huawei Mate 20 X. Despite the need for improvement to memo and voice recording, the XS Max’s...

- Kris Sangani, DxOMark
The Standard
The Standard

The XS Max, however, with its sumptuous screen and long battery life, is a highly attractive step up for everyone, assuming it fits your hands. You can’t get away from the fact that these phones are very expensive. But they’re also arguably the best smartphones yet.

- David Phelan, The Standard
DxOMark
DxOMark

The Apple iPhone XS Max comes with one of the best mobile cameras we have ever tested, and in many areas offers noticeable improvements over last year’s iPhone X. Both still and video image quality in bright light are excellent, with a very wide dynamic range and good detail. Autofocus and image sta...

- Lars Rehm, DxOMark


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


The iPhone Xs Max price will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. You can compare Apple iPhone Xs Max prices from around the web here on The Informr.


Apple backs up the iPhone Xs Max with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your iPhone Xs Max has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Apple support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Apple's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
6.5"

The Apple iPhone Xs Max's screen size is 6.5 inches with 1242 x 2688 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.49 GHz

There is a Apple A12 Bionic Hexa core 2.49 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the iOS 12 (Update Available: 14) operating system (OS).

Camera
12+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 12+ MP, f/1.8 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 7+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
64/256/512 GB

Internal memory is 64/256/ 512 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
3174mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 3174 mAh battery. Apple's performance ratings are 1500 minutes, 780 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

iPhone Xs Max Specs

Overview
Release Date September 21, 2018
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System iOS 12 (Update Available: 14)

Compare iOS Smartphones

Processor Apple A12 Bionic Hexa core 2.49 GHz
Internal Storage 64/256/512 GB
RAM 4 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.16 W/kg
Body: 1.17 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Headphones, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM Yes
Connectivity
USB Lightning
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot No
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
12+ Megapixels, f/1.8
Zoom
2x optical, 10x digital
Flash
Yes (Quad LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Multi-shot, Panorama, Red-eye reduction, Self-timer, Dual camera feature (12 MP 2nd camera, f/2.4), HDR, Slow motion recording
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 60 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
7+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Aperture f/2.2
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 60 fps
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology OLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1242 x 2688 pixels
Pixel Density 458 pixels
Size 6.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating Yes
Additional Display Features Capacitive touchscreen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3174 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging Yes
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Up to 900 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 780 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 638 minutes
Talk Time Up to 1500 minutes
Standby Time Up to 10 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Stainless steel
Colors Gold, Space Gray, Silver
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.7 x 7.7 x 0.8 cm (6.2 x 3 x 0.3 in)
Weight 208 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Water Resistant
Rugged design No
IP Rating IP 68
Headset Jack No
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
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