Apple iPhone XS Max Review. Apple XS max

02.06.2023 derrick_rogers Reviews

Apple iPhone XS Max Review

Apple goes bigger than ever with the iPhone XS Max—but it doesn’t come cheap.

Andrew Hayward specializes in smartphones, wearables, Smart home tech, and video games. His work has been published by TechRadar, Macworld, and others.

Apple iPhone XS Max

The Apple iPhone XS Max is one of the best big phones on the market today, if you’re willing to pay for it.

Apple iPhone XS Max

We purchased the Apple iPhone XS Max so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full product review.

When Apple introduced the first iPhone X in 2017, it represented the new gold standard of iPhone experiences. But it wasn’t the largest device—it actually felt smaller than its predecessor, the iPhone 8 Plus—and fans of large phones were left wanting. The new iPhone XS Max, on the other hand, fully commits to the big screen experience.

Like the standard iPhone XS, the XS Max improves on the sleek and innovative design of the iPhone X by packing in more power and top-of-the-line features, bringing it all together behind a huge 6.5-inch OLED display. The phone is physically about the same size as the iPhone 8 Plus, but it has a significantly larger and more immersive screen, plus all of the modern flash of Apple’s latest smartphone aesthetic.

If there’s one thing that’s been consistent about the last few generations of iPhones, it’s price: these devices are always expensive. The iPhone XS Max, as the brand’s biggest and newest smartphone, may leave you with a serious case of sticker shock. So is this the super-sized smartphone to buy, or is the iPhone XS Max just downright excessive? We tested one so see if it lives up to the price tag.

Design: Premium but needs more grip

The iPhone XS Max doesn’t make any obvious changes to the iPhone X/XS design, aside from the expanded width and height. It’s a beautifully minimal handset, with glass on both sides and a stainless steel frame. It exudes the kind of premium allure that we’ve come to expect from Apple devices over the years.

And, as the “Max” name might imply, it’s a very large phone: at 6.2 inches tall and 3.05 inches wide (and just 0.3 inches thick), we consistently struggled to reach a large chunk of the top of the screen using just one hand. The XS Max also feels a bit heavy at 7.34 ounces—nearly half a pound—though the weight is well-distributed. (The smaller, lighter iPhone XS is a better fit for single-hand usage.) And because of the glass and stainless steel materials, the XS Max can feel a bit slippery in the hand. You might not feel inclined to cover up such an attractive and clearly high-end phone, but a case can go a long way towards improving your grip on the phone and give you some extra protection on that mostly-glass design.

The iPhone XS Max feels well-constructed and the glass is very durable and scratch-resistant, although the stainless steel quickly accumulates small scuffs and scrapes from everyday use. (Again, a case can help with this). The handset also has IP68 dust and water resistance and is rated to survive being submerged in up to two meters of water for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Sadly, there’s no way to add external storage to the iPhone XS Max via a microSD card. You can buy the phone in configurations with 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB internal storage, with a 150 price bump for each tier of additional space. It’s available in Space Grey, Silver, and a new Gold finish.

Setup Process: As streamlined as Apple’s aesthetic

The iPhone XS Max has a streamlined and easy-to-understand setup process. Once your SIM card is installed, you can power the phone on and potentially get through setup in a matter of minutes if you’re not downloading and installing a large backup from a previous phone. After connecting to a Wi-Fi network or your cellular provider, you can choose whether or not to enable location services before setting up Face ID.

Hold up the front-facing camera and Apple’s facial security system creates a 3D scan of your face. It then uses that image to verify your identity when you want to unlock your phone in the future. The phone will also prompt you to create a passcode to secure the device. From there, you’ll decide whether to set it up as a new phone using a new or existing Apple ID, restore from a backup via iCloud or your computer, or transfer data from an Android phone.

The iPhone XS Max is the biggest and best iPhone to date, but all of that gloss and power comes at a steep price.

Performance: Nothing is faster

As of this writing, the iPhone XS Max has the fastest processor on the smartphone market: Apple’s A12 Bionic chip. This is the same chip used in the iPhone XS and iPhone XR smartphones. In Geekbench benchmark testing, the A12 bionic chip beats all current Android competition in both single-core and multicore testing. Granted, those phones run a different operating system—the iPhone XS Max runs iOS 12—but in everyday use, the iPhone XS Max feels incredibly swift and responsive. Getting around the interface is a breeze and you’ll rarely encounter any lag along the way. And with 4GB RAM, it’s also very capable at multitasking, letting you rapidly switch between apps.

High-performance games look fantastic on the iPhone XS Max and run fluidly. Racing game “Asphalt 9: Legends” doesn’t buckle under the weight of its glossy graphics and incredible speed, while online shooter “PUBG Mobile” maintains a solid frame rate and detail even when fighting amidst 99 rivals on an enormous battleground. With the processing power on this thing, you can play the most high-demand mobile games without missing a beat.

Connectivity: Performs well

Using the Verizon network about 10 miles north of downtown Chicago, we experienced solid and steady LTE speeds both indoors and out. Download speeds reached a high of 38Mbps and typically hovered in the 30-35Mbps range. Upload speeds were much less consistent, landing around 2-3Mbps in several tests but then reaching 20Mbps in another.

Wi-Fi performance was very strong in our testing, and the iPhone XS Max supports both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz routers.

Display Quality: A real beauty

The iPhone XS Max has a large 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display at 2688 x 1242 resolution, which crams in 458 pixels per inch. It’s an incredibly clear screen, offering plenty of detail without unsightly fuzz or jagged edges. And because it uses OLED technology, the panel is also vivid and colorful, with strong contrast and deep black levels.

Apple’s screen is also incredibly bright and still visible in direct sunlight. It also has impressive viewing angles. There are phones with higher-resolution screens out there, such as the 2960 x 1440 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display of the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, but we couldn’t see any perceptible difference in visual clarity between the devices. (Besides, Samsung provided the iPhone XS Max’s display panel.)

Of course, the iPhone XS Max retains Apple’s distinctive notch design, with a large cutout at the top of the screen to accommodate the front-facing camera and sensors. We got used to it very quickly and didn’t find it to be a distraction. If anything, the lack of a significant bezel around the screen only adds to the immersive display.

Sound Quality: Loud and clear—without a headphone jack

The stereo speakers of the iPhone XS Max produce very strong and very loud sound—although the quality starts to suffer at the upper end of that scale. In the 50-75% volume range, you can fill a quiet room with music when you don’t have speakers handy, and play clear, crisp audio from movies and TV shows. At the highest volume settings, music starts to sound constrained by the tiny speakers, but overall the phone does an admirable job.

Unfortunately, if you’re planning to use headphones, you’ll either need a Bluetooth wireless device (like Apple’s Airpods), headphones with a Lightning connector (like the earbuds included with the phone), or a dongle adapter for a standard 3.5mm jack. That’s because the iPhone XS Max doesn’t have a dedicated headphone port. Apple has also stopped bundling the adapter dongle with new iPhones, so you’ll have to pay an extra 10 to buy it separately. Call quality proved to be strong on both ends of conversations, whether in a quiet room or in a noisy, crowded one.

Camera/Video Quality: Impressive snaps

The iPhone XS Max has one of the most impressive camera setups on the market today, with a pair of back cameras that capture brilliant snapshots and dazzling video. They also include a few compelling software perks.

On the back, you’ll find a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens at f/1.8 aperture and another 12-megapixel secondary telephoto lens at a narrower f/2.2 aperture. The secondary lens provides a 2x optical zoom feature that gets in close without losing detail. Both lenses have optical image stabilization to steady your shots, plus they utilize Apple’s new Smart HDR feature to automatically snap and merge together several different exposures for a more nuanced and true-to-life look in the final photo.

In good lighting, the iPhone XS Max produces reliably strong and clear snapshots. The back cameras FOCUS rapidly and deliver crisp detail with accurate coloring. Low-light shots show a lot more noise, as is common for smartphone cameras. The Google Pixel 3 and Samsung Galaxy S9 get better photo results in low light, but the iPhone XS Max still performs solidly.

The iPhone XS Max has one of the most impressive camera setups on the market today, with a pair of back cameras that capture brilliant snapshots and dazzling video.

The dual-camera Portrait mode, which uses depth data to blur the backdrops of photos, works better than ever on the XS phones, with crisp differentiation between your subject and the background. And now, you can even alter the level of background blur at any time after the fact using a simple slider bar. It’s a very neat trick.

When it comes to video recording, the iPhone XS Max is as good as any other phone out there. It shoots 4K video up to 60 frames per second, with extended dynamic range up to 30fps. The results are smooth, detailed, and consistently impressive. It’s no wonder that directors are shooting feature films with iPhones—Apple’s handsets just keep getting better in this department.

The iPhone XS Max’s seven-megapixel f/2.2 wide-angle front-facing camera does a great job of capturing crisp selfies, including stellar Portrait mode shots. But there’s quite a bit more to the front-facing camera setup. The TrueDepth camera system uses an infrared camera and flood illuminator to create a 3D depth map of your face, enabling advanced security features and some entertaining perks. Since this phone doesn’t have a fingerprint reader, Face ID is the iPhone XS Max’s security system, and it works like a charm the vast majority of the time. It’ll quickly recognize your face and unlock the phone, even when wearing sunglasses or a hat. And the TrueDepth system also enables goofy features like Animoji and Memoji, which match emoji or a cartoon avatar of your face with your facial movements and mannerisms.

Want to take a look at some other options? Check out our guide to the iPhone X.

Battery: We’d hoped for better

As is typical for iPhones, the iPhone XS Max has good but not exceptional battery life. The 3,174 mAh battery is rated by Apple for up to 13 hours of internet usage or 15 hours of video playback. In everyday mixed-usage testing, we found that we ended most days with about 10-20% left in the charge.

Average users will be able to get through most days without a top-up, but anyone streaming a lot of media or playing high-performance games may find themselves running out of juice by the end of the afternoon. Luckily, the iPhone XS Max support fast charging with an 18W or higher adapter (sold separately) and fast wireless charging up to 7.5W.

Other large handsets, including the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and Huawei P20 Pro, have a 4,000mAh pack inside, which is more likely to last the whole day (and sometimes even into a second). The iPhone XS Max can’t quite stack up to those handsets in this category, but it gets the job done most of the time.

Interested in reading more reviews? Take a look at our tips to extend your iPhone battery life.

Software: Polished and intuitive

The iPhone XS Max ships with Apple’s iOS 12 operating system onboard, and it’s an impressively smooth and user-friendly experience. While rival Android systems provide more customization options, iOS 12 is streamlined and swift, letting you zip through apps and settings with ease and typically find what you’re looking for without much fuss.

Since current iPhones no longer have a physical home button, the XS Max uses an array of gesture controls to navigate around the phone. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go home, swipe left or right on that little bottom bar to switch between open apps, and swipe up and hold for a moment to scroll through all open apps.

If you’re used to the old way of getting around an iPhone, this may take some getting used to. But the gesture-based approach quickly becomes second nature, and we’ve found to it to be an even faster and more efficient way of getting around a smartphone. It’s no wonder that many Android phones have introduced similar gestures of late.

Apple’s phones also have the built-in FaceTime video chat app, as well as iMessages, which lets you send free text and media messages with other iOS users. Other exclusive iOS features include the Apple Pay digital payment system and Siri virtual assistant, which can answer queries, pull up apps, and compose messages.

The iOS App Store has a wealth of apps and games available to download, both free and paid. While it shares many apps with Android’s Play Store, the App Store often gets high-profile releases before Android. It also has a lot of exclusive releases that never make it to rival mobile operating systems.

Need some more help finding what you’re looking for? Read through our guide to picking the right iPhone.

Price: Incredibly expensive

The Apple iPhone XS Max is currently the most expensive smartphone on the market, starting at 1099 and ranging up to 1449 depending on storage capacity. That’s an incredible amount to pay for a phone, especially considering that many Android phones with comparable features and specifications cost hundreds of dollars less.

However, this kind of pricing is typical for Apple: you’ll pay more for an iPhone, but get a very polished and premium smartphone experience. And in this case, the huge size of the phone makes the price tag higher than ever. If you’re willing to pay for the largest and best-possible iPhone experience right now, this is it. However, the iPhone XR, which has a smaller 6.1-inch screen and trims down some of the specifications, is much more affordable at 749.

Apple iPhone XS Max vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 9

When compared with Samsung’s latest extra-large phone, the Galaxy Note 9, there are several similarities but also a few key differences. Both are beautiful, sleek handsets with enormous screens—and the Note 9’s 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panel is a bit higher-resolution than the iPhone’s. Samsung’s offering also has better battery life, expandable storage, and a headphone jack. And, if you like the stylus functionality, the S Pen that comes with the Note 9 is a niche but appealing feature that the iPhone can’t match. It’s also priced at 999, a full 100 less than the iPhone XS Max.

On the other hand, you get more power with the iPhone XS Max, and iOS 12 offers a smoother everyday navigational experience. The App Store is also better equipped, and the difference in screen resolution is more or less negligible. Perhaps the greatest deciding factor has to do with the devices you already own—if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem of products and already know you love the iPhone experience, the XS Max offers the most premium version to date.

In both cases, these phones are super powerful and can handle any games, apps, or media thrown at them. They’re also very expensive. If you don’t need a stylus and you’re not a die-hard iOS aficionado, then you might consider other large Android phones that can save a bit more cash.

Need some more help finding what you’re looking for? Read through our best smartphones article.

Beautiful and powerful, but extravagantly priced.

The iPhone XS Max is the biggest and best iPhone to date, but all of that gloss and power comes at a steep price. The 1099 base price is the most Apple has ever charged for one of its phones, and it really is an extravagant amount—one that puts it out of reach for many prospective buyers. We highly recommend it if you can handle the price, but otherwise you might consider the trimmed down iPhone XR for 749 or one of many top Android phones that offer the same kind of big screen without breaking the 1,000 mark.

Apple iPhone XS Max

802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5.0, GSM: 850, 900, 1,800, 1,900 MHz; UMTS: B1, B2, B4, B5, B8; LTE: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B14, B17, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B29, B30, B32, B34, B38, B39, B40, B41, B46, B66., LTE, GPS

Pricecompare

price: 55%, performance: 96%, features: 81%, display: 95% mobility: 81%, workmanship: 88%, ergonomy: 81%, emissions: 94%

Reviews for the Apple iPhone XS Max

85.5% Apple iPhone XS Max Smartphone Review | NotebookcheckThe iPhone XS Max is Apple’s largest and most expensive iPhone yet. However, Apple has not brought as many new features to the party as many would have liked. Find out in our review whether bigger and faster is enough for the iPhone XS Max to take our coveted throne at the top of the smartphone pile. Update: Test completed.

90% iPhone XS Max reviewSource: 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. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/07/2021Rating: Total score: 90%

100% Apple iPhone XS Max review: It’s all about the displaySource: Lint Even after 18 months using it the iPhone XS Max is hard to fault. It’s fluid, fast and effortless, and is a premium package that looks and feels great in the hand. It’s also significantly cheaper than the 11 Pro Max. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/27/2020Rating: Total score: 100%

90% iPhone XS Max and iPhone XS review: The Max steals the showSource: Tom’s Guide Archive.org versionThe iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are among the best phones you can buy, and if you’ve been holding off on upgrading your iPhone 7 or iPhone 6s, either one of these handsets will feel like a huge leap forward. The cameras are miles better — especially in low light — and the A12 chip provides a big speed boost. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/05/2019Rating: Total score: 90%

74% Apple iPhone XS Max Audio reviewSource: DxOMark Archive.org versionOverall, 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 good spatial results and its impressive results for handling higher volumes with relatively little distortion make it clear that Apple has ensured that the iPhone XS Max will maintain a leading position in audio playback and recording for some time to come. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/10/2019Rating: Total score: 74%

90% iPhone XS Max reviewSource: Techradar Archive.org versionApple 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. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/19/2019Rating: Total score: 90%

100% Apple iPhone XS Max review: It’s all about the displaySource: Lint Archive.org versionEven after nearly a year using it the iPhone XS Max is hard to fault. It’s fluid, fast and effortless, and is a premium package that looks and feels great in the hand. Of course, you could look down the spec list and say “OnePlus 7 Pro has a much better display” or “the Pixel 3 takes better photos”, but neither of those elements are so noticeably different that you feel you’d miss out. What’s more, iPhone still offers a fantastic all-round experience thanks to quality design, display, camera, battery life and. let’s not forget. it’s very strong ecosystem. It may be too big for some, or too expensive for others, but there’s always the iPhone XS or iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max for those who think the former, and the upcoming iPhone XR or 11 for those who think the latter. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/13/2019Rating: Total score: 100%

80% iPhone XS Max reviewSource: Macworld.co.uk Archive.org versionIn some ways the XS Max could be your perfect phone. It brings the option of a larger screen to those for whom 5.8in just isn’t enough and is the first iPhone to cater for those who need two SIMs. It also brings upgrades to photos (Smart HDR), videos (extended dynamic range) and audio (better stereo). However, it remains tricky to justify the high price, especially if 64GB isn’t enough storage for you. Battery life could be better and while performance is great, it isn’t a huge jump up from the iPhone 8 or X. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/13/2019Rating: Total score: 80%

90% iPhone XS Max and iPhone XS Review: The Max Steals the ShowSource: Tom’s Guide Archive.org versionThe iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are among the best phones you can buy, and if you’ve been holding off on upgrading your iPhone 7 or iPhone 6s, either one of these handsets will feel like a huge leap forward. The cameras are miles better — especially in low light — and the A12 chip provides a big speed boost. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/10/2019Rating: Total score: 90%

100% Apple iPhone XS Max review: Holding strongSource: Lint Archive.org versionIt may be too big for some, or too expensive for others, but there’s always the iPhone XS for those who think the former, and the upcoming iPhone XR for those who think the latter. If you want the biggest, baddest iPhone in town, the XS Max is the one for you. It’s glorious. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/24/2019Rating: Total score: 100%

90% iPhone XS Max reviewSource: Techradar Archive.org versionApple 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. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/08/2019Rating: Total score: 90%

77% iPhone XS Max camera review: An easy-to-use camera that won’t fail (or amaze) youSource: Android Authority Archive.org versionTo me, the iPhone is the phone for the average consumer. It simplifies complexity. I think this idea also reflects in its camera. The iPhone XS Max has a good camera that seems to do everything well, but nothing amazingly. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/03/2019Rating: Total score: 77%

Apple iPhone XS Max front camera reviewSource: DxOMark Archive.org versionFor iPhone enthusiasts wedded to the iOS ecosystem, it’s important that Apple stays on top of its game for photography. It has by and large done that with its rear cameras, and iPhone devices always rank high in our database of smartphone image quality. Now that more and more smartphone images are selfies, however, manufacturers are aware they need to continue developing front cameras to keep consumers loyal. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/22/2019

90% iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max ReviewSource: NDTV Gadgets Archive.org versionOn the other hand, if you don’t have access to unlimited funds, you should seriously give the iPhone XR a look. Despite lacking a few features of its more expensive brethren, it isn’t a compromised device by any means. Read our iPhone XR review to decide if it should be your next smartphone. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/31/2018Rating: Total score: 90% price: 60% performance: 100% display: 90% mobility: 80% workmanship: 90%

80% iPhone XS Max ReviewSource: Trusted Reviews Archive.org versionIt’s expensive and won’t be for everyone, but the iPhone XS Max is a great phone in just about every area. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/24/2018Rating: Total score: 80% price: 60% performance: 100% display: 100% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%

Here’s what you can buy for your home for the price of an iPhone XS Max (512GB)Source: Hardware Zone Archive.org versionYou could also get a pretty capable portable gaming system such as the Asus ROG Hero II GL504GM. Packed with good hardware like an Intel Core i7-8750H processor, 16GB of memory, a GeForce GTX 1060 GPU, 128GB of PCIe SSD, a 1TB HDD and a 144Hz G-Sync IPS display, this notebook has all the bases covered. It looks Smart and can pass of as a busniess notebook without usual hallmark appearance of a gaming notebook. and it’s now going for just S2,598 at Courts. That’s 100 off the recommended retail price and is just a 250 top-up to get a competent gaming notebook over the maximum capacity edition of the iPhone XS Max. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/07/2018

89% Apple iPhone XS Max review:Source: CNet Archive.org versionThe supersize iPhone XS Max crams a 6.5-inch screen and all of the same great features of the iPhone XS into a Plus-sized body.- but it’s not as huge a leap up as you might think. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/28/2018Rating: Total score: 89% performance: 100% workmanship: 90%

84% iPhone XS Max Review: iPhone XS, eXpanded Edition!Source: Tech PP Archive.org versionThis is simply a whole lot of really Smart phone for a lot of money. But the odd pesky bug and random crash aside, it really has nothing going against it. And a truckload loaded in its favor – that display, that camera, that sound…we could go on, but well, you have read it already. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/26/2018Rating: Total score: 84% price: 70% performance: 90% workmanship: 85%

80% Apple iPhone XS XS Max ReviewSource: Toptenreviews Archive.org versionThese are amazing devices, but habe become so expensive that carrying one starts to feel more of a worry than a treat. Comparison, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/25/2018Rating: Total score: 80%

iPhone XS and XS Max Camera Review: Stepping it upSource: Mobile Syrup Archive.org versionI suspect the average user will feel satisfied with the results, but I do wonder about those who have experienced shooting with different devices. I have surprised more than a few iPhone users with results from other phones. In some circumstances, the iPhone XS and XS Max might turn the tables instead. Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 10/22/2018

100% Apple iPhone XS Max review: It’s all about the displaySource: Lint Archive.org versionAs an overall experience, the iPhone XS Max is hard to fault. It’s fluid, fast and effortless, and is a premium package that looks and feels great in the hand. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/18/2018Rating: Total score: 100%

80% Apple iPhone XS Max Review: Greatest iPhone Ever, But Android Flagships Are Way AheadSource: Tech2 Archive.org versionIs this the best iPhone money can buy? Absolutely. Does it make sense to spend so much on a phone, even if it’s an iPhone? Absolutely not. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/17/2018Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 90% display: 90% mobility: 70% workmanship: 80%

iPhone XS Max review: Bigger, better, fasterSource: Neowin Archive.org versionThe main conclusion to any iPhone XS review that you’re going to read is that it’s a worthy upgrade from iPhone 8 and earlier, and you shouldn’t spend the money if you’re coming from an iPhone X. Of course, many of us are now on yearly upgrade plans, where it still makes some level of sense to do so. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/13/2018

80% iPhone XS Max ReviewSource: Trusted Reviews Archive.org versionIt’s expensive and won’t be for everyone, but the iPhone XS Max is a great phone in just about every area. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/12/2018Rating: Total score: 80% price: 60% performance: 100% display: 100% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%

iPhone XS/XS Max Camera Review: The best cameras ever on iPhones? Yus!Source: Tech PP Archive.org versionThat said, there can be no doubt that these cameras are among the best in phoneland in best iPhone tradition, and perhaps the best reason for anyone on an older iPhone to upgrade. Most significantly, however, the new iPhone cameras continue to largely stick to the virtues that made the iPhone perhaps the most used camera in the world: they are simple to use (the UI remains as uncluttered as ever), they work fast, and their results – for all the talk of Smart HDR and Beautygate – are closer to what one sees rather than what would please one. Good old WYSWYG – no cameras bite reality quite as well as these ones do, in spite of all the computational magic and the mild enhancements on the selfie front. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/12/2018

74% Apple iPhone XS Max 512GB ReviewSource: Think Digit Archive.org versionAt Rs 144990, the iPhone XS Max is not only the most expensive iPhone, but also the best. Its performance is far ahead of its Android counterparts, but when it comes to the camera, it just barely manages to creep past the Pixel 2XL. The iPhone XS Max may be an ideal smartphone for many users, incorporating the best of everything, but you are bound to baulk at the price, especially when you realise that this time, not only is there no fast charger in the box, but the lightning to 3.5mm converter has been removed as well. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/09/2018Rating: Total score: 74%

92% Apple iPhone XS Max – bigger is much betterSource: Gadgetguy Archive.org versionSo, is the iPhone XS Max worth the money? That depends on how you’re paying for it, and if having the ‘best’ is worth it to you. It is indeed a very impressive, cutting edge phone that offers just about the best of everything: looks, performance, camera quality, features, screen, smarts, speakers and more. Is it better than a Samsung Galaxy Note9? Its camera and screen are comparable, and it doesn’t have an S-Pen (stylus) if that’s important to you. However, for many that want to stay within the Apple camp, or even those jumping ship from Android, the iPhone XS, and XS Max especially, will be sure to surprise and delight. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/08/2018Rating: Total score: 92% price: 80% performance: 100% workmanship: 83%

iPhone XS Max review: Big is beautifulSource: Bill Bennett Archive.org versionFew people buy a new phone every year. Even fewer are going to do that when the asking price is in the two to three grand range. It’s questionable whether those moving from an iPhone X to the XS Max would get much from an upgrade other than the bigger screen. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/07/2018

100% Apple iPhone XS Max review: The best iPhone everSource: It Pro Archive.org versionThe new iPhone is, without question, the best phone Apple has ever produced. It’s got an astonishing camera, an improved battery and a gorgeous screen. but whether you think it’s worth the extortionate price is up to you. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/05/2018Rating: Total score: 100%

80% iPhone XS Max Review: Big, Bold And Beautiful – But At What Cost?Source: Know Your Mobile Archive.org versionThe biggest and most powerful iPhone yet, and the perfect phone for on-the-move media consumers. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/05/2018Rating: Total score: 80%

90% iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max review: It’s time for older iPhone owners to jump on the X bandwagonSource: Macworld.co.uk Archive.org versionThe iPhone X was a smartphone that re-energized the iPhone line after what seemed like a long period of stagnation. So the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have a difficult job following up a tough act. But the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max do a great job on their own and they do not disappoint. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/05/2018Rating: Total score: 90%

100% iPhone XS Max reviewSource: Stuff TV Archive.org versionA premium phone with a premium price tag. But for Plus fans who couldn’t commit to iPhone X last year, it’s worth the outlay. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/05/2018Rating: Total score: 100%

It killed me to return my iPhone XS MaxSource: Cult of Mac Archive.org versionFor the first time in 11 years, I did not get Apple’s latest iPhone delivered to my door on launch day. I’ve been using an iPhone X since last November and I was still happy with it; I certainly didn’t see the need to drop another 999 on what seemed like a slightly better device. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/05/2018

iPhone XS Max In 2023! (Still Worth Buying?)

The iPhone XS XS Max Review: Unveiling the Silicon SecretsSource: AnandTech Archive.org versionOverall, are the new iPhones worth it to upgrade to? If you’re an iPhone X user, I think my answer is no. If you’re coming from an older device, then my answer is… wait it out. When having a hands-on with the XR at the keynote event, my first thought was that this would be the model that would see the most success for Apple this generation. The problem here is that Apple is asking for a lot of money – if you’re entrenched in the iOS ecosystem, I think it’s best to evaluate the individual pros and upgrades that the new iPhone XS brings over your current device. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/05/2018

iPhone XS Max and iPhone XS Review: The Max Steals the ShowSource: Tom’s Guide Archive.org versionThe iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are among the best phones you can buy, and if you’ve been holding off on upgrading your iPhone 7 or iPhone 6s, either one of these handsets will feel like a huge leap forward. The cameras are miles better — especially in low light — and the A12 chip provides a big speed boost. Between the two, I’d opt for the iPhone XS Max because of its bigger and more immersive 6.5-inch display and longer battery life, but the iPhone XS is the new iPhone to get if you want something more one-hand friendly. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/04/2018

80% Apple iPhone XS Max review: All that glitters is GoldSource: Gadgets Now Archive.org versionThe iPhone XS Max is a solid upgrade on the iPhone X and easily the best iPhone Apple has ever made. The screen is beautiful to look at, the performance is unmatched and even though the cameras aren’t brilliant they are really good. The 512GB variant we got for review is priced at Rs 1,44,900. Look from any angle, and it is a phone that costs way too much. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/03/2018Rating: Total score: 80%

Apple iPhone XS Max review: Flagship imaging powerSource: DxOMark Archive.org versionThe 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 stabilization work swiftly and efficiently, and the camera is very reliable overall, consistently delivering good results. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/03/2018

88% Apple iPhone XS Max reviewSource: GSM Arena Archive.org versionThe iPhone XS Max supports both wireless charging and fast wired charging, though obviously, you can’t benefit from either out of the box. This year Apple has also ditched the 3.5mm-to-Lightning adapter, so if you need one. that’ll be extra 9. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/01/2018Rating: Total score: 88%

iPhone XS Max and iPhone XS Review: The Max Steals the ShowSource: Tom’s Guide Archive.org versionWhile pricey, the iPhone XS Max delivers an immersive 6.5-inch display, blazing performance and excellent cameras in an elegant design. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/01/2018

iPhone XS, XS Max Review: Get The Big OneSource: Forbes Archive.org versionBut to be honest, me complaining about this is like talking to a wall. Most Apple fans do not care, and the company will continue to see record numbers of units regardless. It seems that Apple can afford to be stubborn because their products are revolutionary, and they provide, as ever, a compelling overall package for the vast majority of users. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/01/2018

87% iPhone XS and XS Max Review: Vs. The Best Android PhonesSource: Ubergizmo English Archive.org versionIt’s that time of the year, and iPhone users can get busy shopping after the new iPhone XS, and XS Max have been announced. We’re sorry if you’ve bought your iPhone X last month, and maybe we can suggest reading Ubergizmo more often to keep up with these launches. Let’s get to business and look at how the new iPhone XS and XS Max perform, including against some of the best Android handsets. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/01/2018Rating: Total score: 87%

iPhone XS Max can replace your iPad mini [Review]Source: Cult of Mac Archive.org versionThere’s an old saying: the best computer is the one you have with you. And you iPhone is always going to be with you. The iPad mini, on the other hand, is something extra you have to remember to bring. Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/30/2018

90% Apple iPhone XS Max review: Yes, this comes at a hefty price, but you won’t regret itSource: The Indian Express Archive.org versionThe best phone has to come at a price, and in India that is Rs 1,09,900. But if you can afford it, the chances are you will not regret it one bit. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/29/2018Rating: Total score: 90%

80% iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max Review: Here comes the futureSource: Slashgear Archive.org versionDespite just preaching restraint, I can’t really criticize you for wanting to just pick up the iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max today rather than waiting. Apple’s new flagships look and feel great; their cameras are reliably excellent; and they have the performance and screen quality you’d hope for. That doesn’t, though, make them the right smartphones for everybody. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/28/2018Rating: Total score: 80%

80% iPhone XS Max reviewSource: Tech Advisor Archive.org versionIn some ways the XS Max could be your perfect phone. It brings the option of a larger screen to those for whom 5.8in just isn’t enough and is the first iPhone to cater for those who need two SIMs. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/28/2018Rating: Total score: 80%

96% iPhone XS Max review: The iPhone’s future is big and brightSource: Zdnet.com Archive.org versionThe iPhone XS Max is the best iPhone Apple has ever made. Sure, that can be said about each year’s new iPhone crop, but the iPhone XS Max sets the bar for iPhone and Android smartphones. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/28/2018Rating: Total score: 96%

100% Apple iPhone XS Max reviewSource: What Hi-Fi Archive.org versionThe iPhone XS Max is simply the best smartphone for movies and music that you can currently buy. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/27/2018Rating: Total score: 100%

80% iPhone XS Max ReviewSource: Trusted Reviews Archive.org versionIt’s expensive and won’t be for everyone, but the iPhone XS Max is a great phone in just about every area. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/27/2018Rating: Total score: 80% price: 60% performance: 100% display: 100% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%

iPhone XS Max: A condensed reviewSource: Cult of Mac Archive.org versionEverything is very fast and responsive. Apps spring right open. Photos scroll without delay. Maps render without a hiccup. Everything is basically instantaneous, and it’s a joy. Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/26/2018

100% Apple iPhone XS Max review: the best gets biggerSource: T3 Archive.org versionApple’s most advanced phone gets even more advanced. iPhone X owners won’t find a lot here to tempt them other than the camera, but coming from an older iPhone will be a revelation. If you want the most premium handset possible, you’ve found it. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/26/2018Rating: Total score: 100%

93% Apple iPhone XS and XS Max ReviewSource: Phone Arena Archive.org versionThe iPhone XS and XS Max are your best choice if you’re looking for a no-compromise smartphone experience (and money’s not an issue). They are not perfect, but their few imperfections are vastly outnumbered by the many, many things they get just right. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/26/2018Rating: Total score: 93%

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max review DifferencesSource: Phone World Archive.org versionAfter seeing all these heavy of 2018 iPhones, I am not impressed at all. They are way too expensive with a few new features, that doesn’t require this much money. If you are having iPhone X and thinking to upgrade then I will say a big NO, and if you are upgrading from iPhone 6 or iPhone 8 then you can but still think of this much money in which you can get a used car. The choice is yours, do tell us in Комментарии и мнения владельцев! Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 09/24/2018

85% Apple iPhone XS and XS Max review: X evolvedSource: Hardware Zone Archive.org versionThose are insane for any smartphone, but if you’re an Apple fan, you should already be used to premium pricing. Whether you’re willing to shell out that much for a smartphone is up to you, but if you’re on the fence, it’s worth noting that the original iPhone X is now 10 percent cheaper (but only at the Apple Store), and don’t forget, the much more affordable iPhone XR, which shares many of the same features as the XS, is coming next month. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/23/2018Rating: Total score: 85% price: 65% performance: 95% workmanship: 85%

90% Apple iPhone XS MaxSource: PC Mag Archive.org versionThe iPhone XS Max is the best expression of Apple’s smartphone philosophy so far, with a giant, gorgeous screen connecting you to everything. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/22/2018Rating: Total score: 90%

89% Apple iPhone XS Max review:Source: CNet Archive.org versionThe supersize iPhone XS Max crams a 6.5-inch screen and all of the same great features of the iPhone XS into a Plus-sized body.- but it’s not as huge a leap up as you might think. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/21/2018Rating: Total score: 89% performance: 100% workmanship: 90%

90% Apple iPhone XS and XS Max review: Pricey but future-proofSource: Engadget Archive.org versionFor better or worse, the iPhone XS Max is just a massive iPhone XS. That’s great in some ways: its 6.5-inch display is fantastic for watching videos and lining up photos, and there’s a much better battery here, too. That said, only a few app and services so far make meaningful use of all this extra screen space. Beyond that, it’s simply going to be too much phone for some people to use comfortably with one hand. (You really need to try it before buying, if possible.) Even so, this is still Apple’s best big smartphone, and it’s more than enough to give Android’s best a run for their money. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/21/2018Rating: Total score: 90%

iPhone XS and XS Max review: few compromises, but few changes tooSource: Sydney Morning Herald Archive.org versionAnd one area where Apple has cut corners is with the power cable. Despite every modern Apple laptop being USB C only, the iPhone still ships with a USB A cable, and the tiny little power adaptor pumps out a measly 5W, so fast charging is only possible by buying another cable and adaptor. This seems ridiculous on a phone with few other compromises. Comparison, online available, Short, Date: 09/19/2018

iPhone XS and XS Max Review: Expected iterationSource: Mobile Syrup Archive.org versionThe iPhone XS and XS Max are stellar smartphones. The pair of devices answer many of the complaints surrounding the iPhone X, including the lack of a larger display option, and the phone’s sometimes questionable build quality. Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/18/2018

85% Apple iPhone XS And XS Max Review: Smoothed OutSource: The Verge Archive.org versionFor everyone else, I think it’s worth waiting to see how the iPhone XR turns out before rushing in. It has the same processor and the same main camera for 750. The only major question is how good its 6.1-inch LCD will look in comparison to the OLED on the XS. But for that, we’ll just have to wait and see next month. Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 09/18/2018Rating: Total score: 85%

iPhone XS Max: a photo editor’s take on Apple’s latest and greatestSource: Sydney Morning Herald Archive.org versionIt appears as though it’s exercising different apertures, post taking the shot, but it’s down to the software, King says. “Although I think Apple is pretty transparent about that.” Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/18/2018

90% 5 Reasons You Need The iPhone XS And XS Max In Your LifeSource: Best Products Archive.org versionWhile 1,000 (and up) is surely a lot to spend on a smartphone, we have reached a point where four-digit price tags have become standard for premium offerings. Thankfully, all U.S. carriers offer great trade-in incentives, as well as the option to get a device via monthly installments so you avoid paying face value in one mass sum. Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 09/18/2018Rating: Total score: 90%

90% iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max review: Crazy good phones at crazy high pricesSource: India Today Archive.org versionThis is a phone that is fast not just now, but it will remain fast for another two or three years. It is a phone that will get regular software updates. It’s a phone that offers you better privacy. You can get a better camera in an Android phone like the Pixel 2. Or you can get a great screen in the Note 9. Or fantastic software in OnePlus 6. And these are more affordable phones. But there are something you can get only in the iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max. And that is worth paying the high price. Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 09/18/2018Rating: Total score: 90%

iPhone XS Max hands-on reviewSource: Stuff TV Archive.org versionIt has lots of subtle upgrades, from the increased waterproofing to the longer battery life and then some bigger changes, such as the improved cameras, faster processor and upgraded colours on the display compared to the iPhone X. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/13/2018

Apple iPhone XS Max initial review: Is bigger better?Source: Lint Archive.org versionThe iPhone Plus range has always fitted a certain type of phone user and the iPhone XS Max answers to those people’s needs in a post-Touch ID button world. If you’ve been a fan of the Plus models in the past, this is certainly going to be a device that you’ll want to take a closer look at. But save your pennies. it’s also the most expensive phone on the market. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/13/2018

Hands on: Apple iPhone XS Max reviewSource: What Hi-Fi Archive.org versionIn our brief time with the phone it does have the potential to be Apple’s best-ever iPhone, but we’ll give you the definitive verdict once our review sample lands. Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/13/2018

iPhone XS Max: Biggest screen, battery and iPhone price tag everSource: CNet Archive.org versionApple wasn’t kidding when it called this phone the iPhone XS Max. When you see it in person, there’s no question that this hulking behemoth deserves its name. It looks strikingly similar to an iPhone 8 Plus.- already a big phone.- that grew an even larger, better screen. Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/12/2018

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max Hands-on: Apple’s giant new smartphoneSource: Mobile Syrup Archive.org versionApple’s just announced iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are not the quantum leap forward some were likely hoping for when it comes to the tech giant’s smartphone line. Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 09/12/2018

[Review] iPhone XS Max: potência de sobra a preços pornográficosSource: Gizmodo Archive.org versionÉ óbvio que tem muita gente que compra fora do Brasil: o preço é menos proibitivo, mesmo com o dólar a quase R 4, mas não tem parcelamento. OS R 7 mil do iPhone XS mais simples vira cerca de R 4.400 nos EUA (incluindo taxas). Então, meu chute, é que esta nova versão chegue às mãos de pessoas endinheiradas entusiastas da marca ou desenvolvedores que trabalham em aplicações que usam o potencial do chip A12 Bionic. Mesmo assim, para estes públicos que precisam de desempenho, tem o iPhone XR. Ele tem o mesmo chip A12, mas tem uma tela com qualidade inferior e apenas uma câmera na traseira. O preço não é dos mais camaradas, mas, pelo menos, ele começa em R 5.199.Positive: Big screen; powerful processor; high performance; impressive display. Negative: High price. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/26/2018

Foreign Reviews

Test und Vergleich zum iPhone XS und XS MaxSource: WinFuture DE→EN Archive.org version Comparison, online available, Short, Date: 12/25/2018

86% Auf der ÜberholspurSource: Connect. 12/18 Single Review. Long, Date: 11/01/2018Rating: Total score: 86% features: 85% mobility: 100% ergonomy: 77%

Kein Grund, um vom Note 9 zu wechselnSource: Futurezone.at DE→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/08/2018

90% Apple iPhone XS Max Nur eins ist noch besserSource: Inside Handy DE→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/05/2018Rating: Total score: 90%

Apple iPhone XS Max Profi-Kamera und WLAN-ProblemeSource: Mac Welt DE→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/28/2018

Apple iPhone XS Max Maximum TelephonumSource: Computerbase DE→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/27/2018

Apple iPhone XS Max Das iPhone XS Max ist groß und starkSource: n-TV DE→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/27/2018

iPhone XS MaxSource: WinFuture DE→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/26/2018

96% Apple iPhone XS Max zu teuer aber dennoch herausragend?Source: Tech.de DE→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/24/2018Rating: Total score: 96% performance: 100% display: 98% mobility: 92% workmanship: 96%

93% iPhone XS Max im Test: Apples neues Phablet-FlaggschiffSource: Teltarif DE→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/24/2018Rating: Total score: 93% price: 68% performance: 90% display: 90% mobility: 70% workmanship: 90%

Apple iPhone XS Max Was kann das neue Apple-Handy? Der Preis ist jedenfalls saftig Source: Der Standard DE→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/23/2018

Lohnen sich iPhone XS und iPhone XS Max?Source: Focus Online DE→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/21/2018

Apple iPhone XS Max Das Smartphone zum Preis eines iMacSource: Golem DE→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/21/2018

Apple iPhone XS Max das bislang größte iPhoneSource: Curved DE→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/12/2018

90% iOS-SmartphoneSource: Com! 8/18 Single Review. Short, Date: 08/01/2018Rating: Total score: 90%

93% iPhone XS Max, análisis y opiniónSource: Computerhoy ES→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/06/2018Rating: Total score: 93% features: 100% display: 90% mobility: 80% workmanship: 90%

93% Apple iPhone XS Max, análisisSource: MuyComputer ES→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/04/2018Rating: Total score: 93% performance: 100% display: 95% mobility: 90% workmanship: 95%

92% iPhone XS Max, análisis: ser el iPhone más caro exige lo mejor en todoSource: Xataka ES→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/28/2018Rating: Total score: 92% performance: 98% display: 95% mobility: 85% workmanship: 93%

95% iPhone XS y XS MaxSource: Hipertextual ES→EN Archive.org version Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/18/2018Rating: Total score: 95%

Prueba iPhone XS Max: el gigante de Apple con mucha bateríaSource: Zona Movilidad ES→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Big screen; long battery life. Negative: Expensive. Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 01/19/2019

iPhone XS Max, análisis tras un mes de uso: convence como usuario pero no como clienteSource: Xataka ES→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Powerful hardware; high performance; excellent cameras. Negative: High price. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/04/2018

Análisis iPhone XS Max, la pantalla más grande en un iPhoneSource: Tuexperto ES→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Big screen. Negative: Heavy and bulky. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/05/2018

iPhone XS Max, Mi Experiencia Tras Un Mes De UsoSource: Tuexperto ES→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Big screen; excellent display; powerful hardware; high performance; impressive cameras. Negative: Expensive. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/16/2018

▷iPhone XS Max, [Pros Contras] Ventajas y DesventajasSource: Mi Mundo Gadget ES→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Excellent display; powerful processor; solid workmanship; support waterproof and dust avoiding. Negative: Heavy and bulky; classical design; no microSD card slot; expensive. Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/21/2018

iPhone XS Max, primeras impresiones: grande en todo, incluido un precio nunca vistoSource: Xataka ES→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Powerful hardware; large screen; excellent display; high performance; long battery life. Negative: High price. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/21/2018

80% Apple iPhone XS MaxSource: PC Guia PT→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 02/07/2019Rating: Total score: 80%

90% Análise: Apple iPhone XS Max – A confirmação do sucessoSource: Pplware PT→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/25/2018Rating: Total score: 90% performance: 100% display: 90% mobility: 90% workmanship: 90%

iPhone XS Max – Primeiras impressões ao topo de gama da AppleSource: Pplware PT→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Big screen; excellent display; nice cameras; long battery life. Negative: High price. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/21/2018

85% Recensione iPhone XS MaxSource: Mobile World IT→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/25/2018Rating: Total score: 85% price: 55% features: 90% display: 90% mobility: 80% workmanship: 85% ergonomy: 85%

89% Recensione Apple iPhone XS MAX: è MAX in tutto!Source: HDblog.it IT→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/26/2018Rating: Total score: 89%

85% Recensione iPhone XS Max AppleSource: Andrea Galeazzi IT→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/26/2018Rating: Total score: 85% price: 60% display: 95% mobility: 79% workmanship: 88%

iPhone XS Max, display e prezzo mai così in altoSource: Leonardo.it Tech IT→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Excellent display; great cameras; nice performance; support dual SIM. Negative: High price. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/01/2018

9% Review: Apple iPhone XS Max – Prima zakelijke smartphone, maar met een fors prijskaartjeSource: Techzine NL→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/03/2018Rating: Total score: 9% performance: 100% display: 100% workmanship: 90%

90% iPhone XS Max Review. Een krachtpatserSource: XGN NL→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/28/2018Rating: Total score: 90%

90% Test de l’iPhone XS Max : une évidence pour les utilisateurs d’iPhone 6/7/8 PlusSource: CNet France FR→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/23/2018Rating: Total score: 90%

80% Test de l’iPhone XS Max d’Apple : l’iPhone de tous les excèsSource: Phonandroid FR→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/25/2018Rating: Total score: 80%

86% Test : iPhone XS Max, plus grand, plus puissant, que vaut l’effort maximum d’Apple ?Source: 01Net FR→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/21/2018Rating: Total score: 86% performance: 100% mobility: 80%

Test de l’iPhone XS Max : le meilleur des iPhones est là pour vousSource: Top for Phone FR→EN Archive.org versionNegative: No microSD card slot; no USB-C; high price. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/14/2018

Notre Premier Avis Sur L’Apple iPhone XS MaxSource: Frandroid FR→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Large screen; nice design; good display; high performance; large battery capacity. Negative: High price. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/22/2018

iPhone XR, XS en XS Max de verschillenSource: Portables4Gamers FR→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Big screen; beautiful design; excellent cameras; nice display; powerful hardware. Negative: Relatively high price. Comparison, online available, Short, Date: 09/14/2018

iPhone XS Max – mamy go! Oto nasze pierwsze wrażeniaSource: Android.com.pl PL→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Excellent cameras; high autonomy; nice display. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/30/2018

98% iPhone XS Max incelemesiSource: Log.com.tr TR→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/30/2018Rating: Total score: 98%

90% iPhone XS Max 256Gb. Выбрал прошлогодний флагман и очень доволен!Source: Helpix RU→EN Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/03/2020Rating: Total score: 90%

99% Apple iPhone XS Max. Снова в сектеSource: Helpix RU→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/22/2018Rating: Total score: 99%

80% Обзор Apple iPhone XS Max: за что просят сто тысяч?Source: Hi-Tech Mail RU→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/22/2018Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 100% display: 100% mobility: 70% workmanship: 70%

Четыре месяца с iPhone XS Max: смартфон или автомобиль?Source: Hitech Vesti RU→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Powerful hardware; high performance. Negative: Very expensive. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/30/2019

Предварительный обзор iPhone XS MaxSource: i2Hard RU→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Nice display; good cameras. Negative: High price; relatively bulky. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/22/2018

Hơn 25 triệu, iPhone XS Max liệu còn hấp dẫn trong năm 2020?Source: FPT shop VN→ENPositive: Beautiful design; solid workmanship; powerful hardware; high performance; excellent display; nice dual cameras. Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/22/2020

Đánh giá iPhone XS Max cập nhật iOS 13: vẫn rất mượt mà, vẫn còn ‘ngon’ lắmSource: The Gioididong VN→ENPositive: Powerful hardware; high performance; excellent display; long battery life. Negative: Relatively high price. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/10/2020

Đánh giá iPhone XS Max cập nhật iOS 13: vẫn rất mượt mà, vẫn còn ‘ngon’ lắmSource: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Powerful hardware; high gaming performance; excellent cameras. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/22/2019

Đánh giá iPhone XS Max cập nhật iOS 13: vẫn rất mượt mà, vẫn còn ‘ngon’ lắmSource: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Premium design; powerful hardware; high performance; excellent cameras. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/21/2019

Bỏ qua về giá, iPhone XS Max vẫn xứng đáng là chiếc smartphone đáng mua nhất hiện naySource: FPT shop VN→EN Archive.org versionPositive: High performance; premium design; excellent speakers; great cameras. Negative: Expensive. Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/08/2019

Đánh giá chi tiết iPhone XS Max: Liệu có xứng đáng với mức giá “đắt đỏ”?Source: Viettelstore VN→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Premium design; powerful hardware; high performance; excellent display. Negative: Heavy and bulky; high price. Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/07/2018

Đánh Giá iPhone XS Max: Lớn Nhất, Đắt Nhất, Tốt Nhất?Source: VNReview VN→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Excellent display; impressive cameras; big screen; solid workmanship. Negative: Relatively high price. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/10/2018

Đánh giá chi tiết iPhone XS Max: Quá xá đã! Có tiền nên mua liền!Source: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Big screen; long battery life; quick charging. Negative: Relatively high price. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/09/2018

Trên tay và đánh giá nhanh iPhone XS Max tại Việt Nam: Sức hút khó cưỡngSource: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Big screen; nice display; elegant design; high performance; long battery life; excellent cameras. Negative: High price. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/23/2018

Trên tay và đánh giá nhanh iPhone XS Max: Không thể tuyệt vời hơnSource: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Big screen; powerful hardware; high performance; large battery capacity; excellent cameras. Negative: High price. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/14/2018

Đánh giá iPhone XS Max: iPhone có màn hình lớn nhất từ trước tới naySource: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Big screen; excellent display; premium design; powerful hardware; nice cameras. Negative: High price. Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/13/2018

95% Test Apple iPhone XS MaxSource: Tek.no NO→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/18/2018Rating: Total score: 95%

TEST: iPhone XS MaxSource: Dinside NO→EN Archive.org versionPositive: High performance; nice cameras; decent display; face ID; good speakers. Negative: High price. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/11/2018

80% Apple iPhone XS Max [TEST]: Max skærm, Max pris, Max iPhoneSource: Alt om Data DA→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/07/2018Rating: Total score: 80% price: 10% performance: 90%

80% iPhone XS Max [TEST]: Afsindig lækker, men alt for dyrSource: Alt om Data DA→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/20/2018Rating: Total score: 80% price: 20% performance: 100% display: 100% mobility: 70% workmanship: 100%

83% Stor test af iPhone XS og iPhone XS Max – er den MAX-fed?Source: Mere Mobil.dk DA→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/04/2018Rating: Total score: 83%

83% Test iPhone XS MaxSource: Lyd og Billede DA→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/24/2018Rating: Total score: 83%

90% Apple iPhone XS MaxSource: Input DA→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/22/2018Rating: Total score: 90% price: 50% performance: 100% workmanship: 100%

84% Test af iPhone XS Max – maksimalt af alt på godt og ondtSource: Mobil DK DA→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/21/2018Rating: Total score: 84% display: 100% mobility: 80% workmanship: 90%

Test og anmeldelse af iPhone XS Max med en twistSource: Mobil DK DA→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Elegant design; big screen; nice cameras; high gaming performance. Negative: High price. Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 02/14/2019

82% Stort test: Apple iPhone XS MaxSource: Mobil.se SV→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/28/2018Rating: Total score: 82%

83% Test: Apple iPhone XS MaxSource: Ljud och Bild SV→EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/21/2018Rating: Total score: 83%

95% مراجعة للهاتف المحمول iPhone XS MaxSource: Unlimited Tech →EN Archive.org version Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/30/2018Rating: Total score: 95%

iPhone XS Max review: preț mare, performanță maximăSource: Computerblog.ro →EN Archive.org versionPositive: High performance; great cameras; big screen; decent autonomy; fast system. Negative: Expensive. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/16/2018

REVIEW iPhone XS – Mai mare, mai Rapid și mai scump ca niciodatăSource: Playtech.ro →EN Archive.org versionPositive: Powerful hardware; high performance; premium design; large battery capacity; solid workmanship. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/10/2018

Comment

Model: The Apple iPhone XS Max is all about its massive, beautiful screen, which is easily better than any other. For the last few years, when there’s been a ‘plus’-sized iPhone, the bigger one has been definitively better. The bigger ‘plus’ screen size also comes with significantly longer battery life than the smaller iPhones and dual cameras instead of single-lens affairs. However, this 6.5-inch model is called the iPhone XS Max instead of ‘plus’ because while it’s bigger than the 5.8-inch iPhone XS, they’re otherwise practically identical. The iPhone XS Max is actually one of the more difficult super-sized phones to handle. That’s partly because it’s marginally wider. They look and feel luxurious in stainless steel, but they’re difficult to get a solid grip on with fingers. The glass back plays with ambient light to deliver different shades, while the shiny colour-matched stainless steel adds a hint of bling. The XS Max is IP68-rated for dust- and water-resistance. That means it can withstand being submerged in 2 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, compared with 1 meter of water for the same amount of time on the iP67-rated iPhone X and iPhone 8. The iPhone XS Max has Apple’s latest processor, the six-core A12 Bionic, which the company says is 15 % faster than last year’s A11 Bionic and up to 50 % more efficient. But it is the integrated AI chip that is up to nine times faster than the old one that apparently makes all the difference. The A12 Bionic is new, and it is not just paired with 64 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB flash storage, but also 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM, which is a new high on the iPhone.

IPHONE XS VS IPHONE 11. ЧТО ВЫБРАТЬ? ПОЛНОЕ СРАВНЕНИЕ!

The iPhone XS Max has an HDR 6.5-inch Super Retina HD display at 2.688 x 1.242 pixels and 458 pixels per inch. The display is also HDR, spans the DCI-P3 colour range, has 624 cd/m2 max brightness, and 1,000,000:1 typical contrast ratio. The OLED panel is pretty colorful too, covering 123 per cent of the sRGB color gamut. Most photography will be done with the rear-mounted dual 12 MP camera system. It is improved somewhat from the iPhone X with a larger sensor leading to better low-light performance even before software assists, an f/1.8 aperture for wide-angle, and an f/2.4 for telephoto. The optical zoom remains at 2x, with a digital zoom up to 10x. The TrueDepth camera system, responsible for not just selfies but also for Face ID is a 7 MP shooter, with f/2.2 aperture. The photos taken by the XS Max look outstanding on their own, but when compared to the X, there is a slight difference to them. The audio boost in the iPhone XS Max is so good that users will think twice about connecting to a Bluetooth speaker. Apple says it widened the stereo sound to deliver more detail. The iPhone XS Max has a larger capacity of 3,174 mAh. It is the phone to get if a user wants longer endurance. The iPhone XS Max is an amazing device, packed with loads of technology in very much the same way the original iPhone was. Its primary selling point is that enormous, gorgeous screen, which is really only useful for watching video or viewing photos. It is a phone without hardware compromise, with an equally uncompromising price.

Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam

Apple A12 Bionic GPU: Integrated graphics card offering 4 cores designed by Apple with 50% more performance than the previous generation (A11).

Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.

A12 Bionic: System on a Chip (SoC) from Apple that integrates a processor (six 64 Bit cores, 2 performance and 4 power saving cores). The A12 Bionic is the first 7nm SoC and offers a 15 % faster CPU performance compared to the A11 according to Apple.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.

Only a few smartphones have larger screens. Large display-sizes allow higher resolutions. So, details like letters are bigger. On the other hand, the power consumption is lower with small screen diagonals and the devices are smaller, more lightweight and cheaper.

» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.

This weight is typical for smartphones.

Apple: Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation which designs and manufactures consumer electronics and software products. Apple software includes the Mac OS X operating system but nowadays Macbooks are also able to run Windows. Apple has at least sporadically been considered the most valuable company in the world since 2011 and has consistently ranked among the Top 10 companies in the world.

In the laptop sector, Apple’s market share was 9.3% in 2014 and 10.3% in 2016. The latter corresponds to the 5th place. In the smartphone segment, Apple achieved 15.3% in the first quarter of 2016, which means a market share loss when compared to the 18.3% in same quarter of the previous year.Nevertheless, Apple ranked second place behind Samsung in both years.

There are tons of reviews on Apple laptops, smartphones and tablets. The ratings are significantly above-average (as of 2016).

87.44%: This is a good rating above average. Nevertheless you should not forget, that 10-15% of all notebook-models get a better rating.

» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

Apple iPhone XS Max review: It’s all about the display

With the Android market heating up, has the XS Max lost its appeal or is it still a worth purchase?

Readers like you help support.lint. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read

Although we’ve now had the iPhone 11 Pro replace the iPhone XS and the 11 Pro Max replace this model, the iPhone XS Max is still worth considering and is available at a really good price.

The iPhone XS Max debuted in Autumn 2018 alongside the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR. Is it still a large-screen phone to be reckoned with?

Our quick take

Even after 18 months using it the iPhone XS Max is hard to fault. It’s fluid, fast and effortless, and is a premium package that looks and feels great in the hand. It’s also significantly cheaper than the 11 Pro Max.

Of course, you could look down the spec list and say “The new OnePlus has a much better display” or “the Pixel takes better photos”, but neither of those elements are so noticeably different that you feel you’d miss out. What’s more, iPhone still offers a fantastic all-round experience thanks to quality design, display, camera, battery life and. let’s not forget. it’s very strong ecosystem.

It may be too big for some, but there’s always the iPhone XS or iPhone 11 Pro for those people instead.

Design

As an overall package, the XS Max is similar in size to the previous generations of Plus models, except, Apple has made much better use of the space on the front. Apart from the distinguishable notch on the top, there’s little to no bezel around the huge 6.5-inch display on the front.

Since the iPhone X debuted in 2017, it quickly became a look mimicked by almost every other manufacturer. Saying that, in the short time since, most have moved on to adopting much smaller dewdrop style notches.

With that said, the iPhone’s frame, particularly the bottom bezel, is impressively slim boosting the striking appearance of the display. Place it alongside a Samsung Galaxy Note 9, for example, and it’s noticeably shorter despite having a display that’s slightly larger. The efficient use of space on the front here is brilliant.

As with the iPhone XS, 11 and 11 Pro, the frame is made from polished stainless steel, a high-end appearance and a sturdy feel in the hand.

The polished steel on our gold review unit contrasts well with the black glass on the front, while the cream/peach glass back has a reflective gold sheen giving off a metallic finish similar to a lot of current smartphones. Although it doesn’t have the eye-catching colour-changing properties of the likes of Huawei, Honor and Oppo phones, still looks great.

That screen. wowsers

The notch is something that’s caused controversy ever since it first appeared on the iPhone X in 2017. Since then, it’s been copied by many competitors to expand the screen-to-body ratio, even Google with its most recent Pixel 3 XL. Until a more elegant solution is found. without sacrificing the super convenient Face ID tech. we feel it’s a compromise worth making.

In daily use, for the most part, it doesn’t negatively impact the awesome viewing experience that is offered by the iPhone’s 6.5-inch OLED display.

Of course, we’d rather it wasn’t there, but with the addition of advanced and convenient Face ID recognition (which we’ll go into later) it’s justified. We’d much rather that than a sliding mechanism like the Oppo Find X that negatively impacts the structural integrity of the device and makes it vulnerable to dust and water ingress.

As for resolution, it’s long been the case that Apple avoids media standard defaults. Rather than a QHD resolution, it has 1242 x 2688 pixels spread over the aforementioned 6.5-inch panel, giving a pixel density of 458 pixels per inch. That puts it among some of the sharpest screens out there, putting it somewhere between the Full HD panel of the OnePlus 7 and the Quad HD panel of the Note 9. That’s to say, you won’t be able to see any individual pixels here.

Details are sharp, fine text is crisp and the whites and colours are really nicely balanced and tuned. What’s more, with it being capable of displaying both HDR 10 and Dolby Vision standards of HDR video, compatible movies do look really good on it.

Compared to the likes of the iPhone 8 Plus. which had an LCD display. the dark blacks really stand out. It’s inky, and gorgeous to look at.

While visually the screen is fantastic, the size would lend itself perhaps to be used as a miniature notepad of sorts. We’d love to have seen Apple incorporate support for the Apple Pencil, giving it that extra edge over its smaller sibling and giving the Note 9 some genuine like-for-like competition. You wouldn’t want to use it for iPad Pro-level sketching and drawing, but for quickly annotating images, making shortlists and sketching ideas, it could be a convenient addition.

Super speedy with a long-lasting battery

Apple made a big deal of its new A12 Bionic processor when it launched the XS and XS Max, and for good reason. It was among the first to make use of the 7nm process, making it possible to have much more power coming from a much smaller chip that’s also more efficient.

It’s something of an unsung Hero, because it ensures the phone runs smoothly and quickly without any issue. And should hopefully mean a phone that stays that way for years to come. Perhaps that way you can also justify the initial cost of the handset.

It will stay immensely useable for a considerable amount of time, without suffering from the post-12-month lag you sometimes find with older devices, particularly when new software is released.

Gaming on the iPhone XS Max is as smooth and stable as you’d hope. Games load quickly and characters on-screen respond to input and touchscreen gestures without any hesitation, which is also partly down to the 120Hz touch sensor response rate.

For smaller iPhones from the past few years one of the biggest complaints from users is battery life. For the bigger devices, that’s rarely an issue, and the same is true for the XS Max, which comfortably lasts a full day without even breaking a sweat.

Even on the first day of use, with over 120 photos and videos shot on the camera, playing at least 30 minutes of games plus the usual drain that comes from setting up a phone, we still managed to get to bed with around 39 per cent of it leftover. On a regular, moderate day with still plenty of time (around 2 hours) using Bluetooth to listen to music and a Garmin fitness watch connected, we ended the day with around 50 per cent left over.

For the heavy user, we suspect even the most demanding of days won’t drain this battery. For moderate users, a day and a half isn’t unreasonable. Despite the fact we could probably have pushed it into a second day, we just fell back into the routine of resting on its wireless charging base and letting it top up overnight while we slept.

One thing iPhone is missing here. compared to many others. is a fast-charging wired charger in the box (now finally available with the iPhone 11 Pro Max). Despite its size and capacious battery, the iPhone XS Max ships with the same 5W wall adapter and Lightning cable it’s always shipped with.

That means, unless you use a MacBook’s more powerful power adapter or buy an upgrade, you’re going to spend a long time waiting for it to go from zero to full. Compare that to the likes of Oppo’s Super VOOC technology. which can get a battery enough juice to last a full day from just 20 minutes plugged in. and it’s worlds apart.

Moving from an iPhone 8 Plus, or older model, you may be worried about losing your fingerprint sensor, but with Face ID, we actually found unlocking our phone just as convenient and speedy, if not more so. With the lift-to-wake feature switched on, all you need to do is lift up your phone while looking at it, and the phone is normally unlocked before you even touch the screen to activate the swipe-up-to-unlock gesture. It’s super easy, and hasn’t failed once in our time with the device.

Software, Siri shortcuts and Memoji

iOS 12 and 13 are designed primarily to speed up your phone and lightening the load on your old processor. What that means, in turn, is that brand new phones run really smoothly, but there are some new UI elements and features, particularly for those using iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max and 11.

Having multiple notifications truncate into a single expandable pile is really useful, particularly if you have a busy social media presence, or receive tonnes of notifications. Tap to expand or swipe across to perform bulk actions (like clearing them all from your lock screen).

For iPhone X and later Face ID devices there’s the ability to make use of the fun, playful animated emoji that react to your facial expressions. With iOS you can also create your own emoji character called a Memoji, that you can either make look like you or whatever you want, choosing face shape, skin colour, eye colour, eyewear, facial hair and a lot more. While it’s not as easy as Samsung’s method that scans your face and generates an emoji character for you, it does mean you can make it look vaguely like you, unlike Samsung’s, which inevitably doesn’t.

There’s plenty more here too, like the return of the landscape view in some of the stock apps, similar to the Plus model phones’ of previous years. Turn Messages to its side and you see an inbox on the left, and conversation on the right. In Mail, the use of space is a little less practical, with the inbox sliding over the left side of the screen covering half of whatever email you’re trying to read.

As for Siri shortcuts, that’s something that’s slowly coming into its own. You can craft your own recipes for Siri to action. Or let it learn how you use the phone and offer suggestions.

Smart HDR makes photos pop

Apple’s latest rear dual-camera system is made up of two 12-megapixel sensors, one offering a wide-angle view, and the other a telephoto zoom view, with both cameras optically stabilised. But that only tells part of the story. As with the performance, there’s a sense here that the new custom 7nm processor inside the phone is unlocking much more and extracting great quality images from the dual sensors.

Part of this is a feature called Smart HDR that’s turned on by default. What it means is that even when you have some fairly intense backlighting from the sun, you can still see details in the shadows and dark areas, and colours are still vibrant and attractive. Even more impressive is that when you take the photo, there’s nothing to indicate that it’s working on the processing. You snap the picture, and it’s saved as simply and quickly as if you’re taking any photo.

From a user perspective, it’s similar to the way Google’s Pixel phones have done things over the past couple of years. Snap a picture, and the processing power takes care of balancing out all the colours, highlights and shadows to make as good an image as possible without you having to do any of the heavy lifting. In Apple’s case, the camera takes multiple pictures in the split second before and after you press the shutter, including long exposure, simultaneously taken with the super-quick burst to give the ISP all the information it needs to balance out the pic.

The end result is generally impressive, looking detailed, colourful and as detailed as you’d hope in challenging conditions, without over-boosting contrast too much. Even with faces in complete shadow with a backlighting sun, the camera still manages to pull out some detail from the face.

One other headline feature is the new ability to adjust the depth effect during portrait mode shoot. It works in a similar way to Huawei/Honor’s aperture mode in that you take your photo in Portrait mode, and you can slide over an on-screen control to change the aperture, adjusting the depth of field and increasing or decreasing the blur. While cranking up the blur often has the unwanted effect of making the blur seem far too unnatural, decreasing it has the opposite impact. In fact, that’s probably this feature’s strength: it gives you the ability to make your portrait mode photos. complete with artificial lighting effects. less unnatural.

As you’d expect, there’s still the odd occasion when edges of people’s hair gets confused with the background, resulting in either the hair becoming blurred or a snippet of the background being too sharp.

iPhone XS specs vs. X, XR, XS Max: What’s the same and different

See how Apple’s latest iPhones compare with the original iPhone X, spec by spec.

Patrick Holland has been a phone reviewer for CNET since 2016. He is a former theater director who occasionally makes short films. Patrick has an eye for photography and a passion for everything mobile. He is a colorful raconteur who will guide you through the ever-changing, fast-paced world of phones, especially the iPhone and iOS. He used to co-host CNET’s I’m So Obsessed podcast and interviewed guests like Jeff Goldblum, Alfre Woodard, Stephen Merchant, Sam Jay, Edgar Wright and Roy Wood Jr.

Patrick’s play The Cowboy is included in the Best American Short Plays 2011-12 anthology. He co-wrote and starred in the short film Baden Krunk that won the Best Wisconsin Short Film award at the Milwaukee Short Film Festival.

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The iPhone XS. iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR phones are updates to 2017’s iPhone X, 8 and 8 Plus. The iPhone XS retains the familiar design of the iPhone X, including a 5.8-inch OLED display and stainless-steel sides. Apple also offers a larger version of the XS with a 6.5-inch OLED display called the iPhone XS Max.

With a footprint about the same size as the iPhone 8 Plus (though the older phone has a smaller 5.5-inch LCD display), the iPhone XS Max has the largest display found on any current iPhone.

iPhone XS features vs. XS Max, XR, X

The iPhone XS and XS Max come in silver, space gray and gold. Apple opted for more of a straw-colored gold this time than on previous gold iPhone models, which skewed closer to copper.

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Then there’s the iPhone XR. which has a 6.1-inch LCD display and an aluminum and glass body instead of the stainless steel and glass of the XS and XS Max. The iPhone XR comes in white, black, coral, yellow, blue and red ( Product Red ) and costs 749, £749 or AU1,229. That’s 50, £50 or AU150 more than the iPhone 8 cost when it launched in 2017. The XR’s colors are a callback to the iPhone 5C.

The iPhone XS Max behemoth shown from every angle

The iPhone XS starts at 999, £999 or AU1,629 for a 64GB model, while the iPhone XS Max costs 1,099, £1,099 or AU1,799 for 64GB.

All three new phones have a new A12 Bionic processor that Apple claims is 15 percent faster than last year’s A11 chip in the iPhone X.

The iPhone XR has a single rear camera, and the XS and XS Max both have dual rear cameras like the iPhone X.

The iPhone XR, XS and XS Max are all available now.

To put it all in perspective, check out the chart below, which compares the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and last year’s X.

iPhone X specs compared with iPhone XS, XS Max and XR

iPhone XiPhone XRiPhone XSiPhone XS Max5.8-inch; 2,436×1,125 pixels458 ppi5.7×2.79×0.3 in.143.6×70.9×7.7 mm6.14 oz.; 174 giOS 11Dual 12-megapixel7-megapixel4KApple A11 Bionic64GB, 256GBNot disclosedNoneNot disclosed, but lasted 11.45 hours in CNET’s looped video playback testNone (Face ID via TrueDepth camera)LightningNoWater-resistant (IP67), wireless charging, Face ID 3D unlock, Memoji999 (64GB), 1,149 (256GB)£999 (64GB), £1,149 (256GB)AU1,579 (64GB), AU1,829 (256GB)

6.1-inch LCD Retina Display; 1,792×828 pixels	5.8-inch Super Retina OLED; 2,436×1,125 pixels	6.5-inch Super Retina OLED; 2,688×1,242 pixels
326 ppi	458 ppi	458 ppi
5.9x3x0.33 in.	5.7×2.8×0.3 in.	6.2x3x.3 in.
150.9×75.7×8.3 mm	143.6×70.9×7.7 mm	157.5×77.4×7.7 mm
6.8 oz.; 194 g	6.24 oz.; 177 g	7.3 oz.; 208 g
iOS 12	iOS 12	iOS 12
Single 12-megapixel	Dual 12-megapixel	Dual 12-megapixel
7-megapixel with Face ID	7-megapixel with Face ID	7-megapixel with Face ID
4K	4K	4K
Apple A12 Bionic	Apple A12 Bionic	Apple A12 Bionic
64GB, 128GB, 256GB	64GB, 256GB, 512GB	64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Not disclosed	Not disclosed	Not disclosed
None	None	None
Not disclosed, but Apple claims it will last 90 minutes longer than iPhone 8 Plus	Not disclosed, but Apple claims it will last 30 minutes longer than iPhone X	Not disclosed, but Apple claims it will last 90 minutes longer than iPhone X
None (Face ID)	None (Face ID)	None (Face ID)
Lightning	Lightning	Lightning
No	No	No
Water-resistant: IP67, dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM), wireless charging, Face ID, Memoji	Water-resistant (IP68), dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM), wireless charging, Face ID, Memoji	Water-resistant (IP68), dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM), wireless charging, Face ID, Memoji
749 (64GB), 799 (128GB), 899 (256GB)	999 (64GB), 1,149 (256GB), 1,349 (512GB)	1,099 (64GB), 1,249 (256GB), 1,449 (512GB)
£749 (64GB), £799 (128GB), £899 (256GB)	£999 (64GB), £1,149 (256GB), £1,349 (512GB)	1,099 (64GB), 1,249 (256GB), 1,449 (512GB)
AU1,229 (64GB), AU1,299 (128GB), AU1,479 (256GB)	AU1,629 (64GB), AU1,879 (256GB), AU2,199 (512GB)	AU1,799 (64GB), AU2,049 (256GB), AU2,369 (512GB)

iPhone XS

The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, introduced on September 12, 2018, were Apple’s two current flagship iPhones, but have since been replaced with newer models. The two iPhones were discontinued on September 10, 2019, when Apple introduced the new iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max devices, but some resellers may still continue to offer the XS and XS Max for sale at discounted prices.

Both of the iPhones look similar to the iPhone X, but in addition to the 5.8-inch model, there’s also now a larger 6.5-inch model. iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max feature the sharpest OLED displays and highest pixel density of any Apple device, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR 10, and Wide Color.

iPhone XS Max, the 6.5-inch iPhone, is the largest display Apple has offered, but in a body that’s the size of the iPhone 8 Plus. According to Apple, the iPhone XS and XS Max have the most durable glass ever in a smartphone with improved scratch resistance.

Like the iPhone X, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max feature stainless steel frames and glass bodies that support wireless charging, along with edge-to-edge displays and a TrueDepth Camera System for Face ID.

For the first time, there’s a gold color option that joins the silver and space gray finishes of the iPhone X, and water resistance has been improved to IP68 to protect against spills and splashes.

Inside, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are equipped with a 7-nanometer A12 Bionic chip that includes two-performance cores 15 percent faster than the A11 and four efficiency cores up to 50 percent more efficient. The four-core GPU in the A12 is up to 50 percent faster than the A11.

A faster storage controller enables up to 512GB of storage, with iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max models available in 64, 256, or 512GB capacities. A next-generation 8-core Neural Engine completes up to 5 trillion operations per second for major improvements to all apps and features that use AR and machine learning.

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max feature the same 12-megapixel dual camera system introduced in the iPhone X, but with major upgrades. A bigger wide-angle sensor allows for sharper pictures in low light, while Smart HDR allows for photos with more detail.

A telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom continues to allow for Portrait Mode photos, which feature better bokeh, aka background blurring, and there’s a Depth Control option that allows for adjustable depth of field. Larger pixels, extended dynamic range, and a 32% larger sensor also improve stabilization and low-light performance when capturing videos, and the True Tone flash has been improved.

The TrueDepth Camera System continues to include a 7-megapixel lens for front-facing images, but it’s been upgraded so that Face ID is faster than before.

Other features include support for Gigabit-class LTE with 4×4 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, and Dual-SIM options with an included nano-SIM and eSIM for using two phone numbers at once. iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max support the most LTE bands ever in an iPhone.

Thanks to the A12 chip, battery life in the iPhone XS and XS Max has been improved compared to the iPhone X. The iPhone XS lasts for 30 minutes longer than iPhone X, while the iPhone XS Max lasts for an hour and a half longer.

Pricing for the iPhone XS starts at 999 for the 64GB model, while pricing for the iPhone XS Max starts at 1,099. iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max became available for pre-order on Friday, September 14 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time and launched on September 21.

Apple is selling the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max alongside the more affordably priced iPhone XR. The 749 iPhone XR features the same edge-to-edge design and Face ID functionality in the iPhone XS models, but it has an LCD display instead of an OLED display, an aluminum frame instead of a stainless steel frame, and a single-lens camera.

Note: See an error in this roundup or want to offer feedback? Send us an email here.

Pricing and Availability

The iPhone XS was priced starting at 999 for 64GB of storage, with 256 and 512GB of storage available for 1,149 or 1,349, respectively.

The iPhone XS Max was priced starting at 1,099 for 64GB of storage, with 256GB of storage available for 1,249 and 512GB of storage available for 1,449.

Apple stores are selling remaining stock at a 100 discount until supplies run out as the two iPhones have now been discontinued. As of January 2020, iPhone XS and XS Max devices are also available from Apple’s refurbished store.

Issues

When Apple launches a new iPhone, there are often issues that users encounter in the first days with the device. The iPhone XS and XS Max are no exception, and there have been complaints about several problems.

Skin-Smoothing Selfie Camera

Selfies and photos captured with the iPhone XS were noticeably different from photos captured with earlier iPhone models, which led some to speculate that Apple has implemented a “beauty mode” that’s designed to make skin look better.

Apple addressed the complaints about the aggressive skin-smoothing effect on the iPhone XS and the iPhone XR in the iOS 12.1 update. Following the update, the Smart HDR feature in these devices picks a sharper base frame to work with, preserving more detail when photos are merged together to improve highlights and shadows.

Charging Problems

Some iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max owners have noticed that the two devices can fail to start charging when a Lightning cable is plugged in while the screen is off.

In these situations, the iPhones refuse to charge until the screen is tapped or activated via the side button. This can cause issues if the iPhone is plugged in when it is off. Apple fixed this issue in the iOS 12.0.1 update.

LTE and Wi-Fi Problems

iPhone XS and XS Max owners have noticed issues with LTE connectivity, with many MacRumors readers complaining of connection issues and slower LTE speeds.

It’s not clear what’s going on with the LTE speeds, but issues could be caused by early firmware and a software update may resolve the problem. Apple in iOS 12.1 introduced unspecified improvements to LTE in the iPhone XS and XS Max to bolster connectivity and address these complaints.

There was also an issue where iPhone XS and iPhone XS models were preferring to connect to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks instead of 5GHz Wi-Fi networks. Apple fixed the bug in iOS 12.0.1 and users should see faster, more reliable Wi-Fi connection speeds following the update.

Design

Design wise, the 5.8-inch iPhone XS is essentially identical to the previous-generation iPhone X, and the 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max, Apple’s largest display in an iPhone ever, features the same design but in a bigger package. The iPhone XS and XS Max both have OLED displays that stretch from edge to edge and top to bottom with minimal bezels for an all-screen design.

There’s a slim bezel that wraps around the side of each device and a notch on the front that houses the TrueDepth camera system, speakers, and sensors, but otherwise, all you see when you look at the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max is the display.

The rounded corners of the iPhone XS’s display flow into a body made from glass that’s encased with a highly polished steel frame that comes in Silver, Space Gray, or Gold. As with the iPhone X, Apple used a seven-layer ink process for the iPhone XS and XS Max, resulting in an almost pearlescent finish for the devices.

The steel frame of the new iPhones is made from an Apple-designed alloy that matches the body color, with nearly invisible antenna bands on the top and bottom of the device. At the edges of the display where it folds into the rounded corners of the frame, Apple uses folded circuit stacking technology along with subpixel anti-aliasing for super smooth, distortion-free edges.

As with the iPhone XS, there is no bottom bezel, no Home button, and no Touch ID fingerprint sensor. The iPhone XS is the same exact size as the iPhone X, while the iPhone XS Max is a bit smaller than the iPhone 8 Plus but with a much larger display.

On the left side of the new iPhone XS models, there’s a mute switch and two volume buttons, while the right side features an elongated side button. At the back, there’s a dual-lens rear camera arranged in a vertical orientation.

The camera protrudes slightly from the body of the smartphones, and between the two lenses, there’s a quad-LED flash and a microphone. At the bottom of each device, there’s a traditional Lightning port for charging purposes along with speaker holes located on either side of it. Apple has introduced stereo recording and wider stereo playback in the iPhone XS and XS Max for improved video playback and better sound in the videos you capture.

The iPhone XS measures in at 143.6mm tall by 70.9mm wide, and it is 7.7mm thick. It is slightly heavier than the iPhone X at 177 grams.

Apple’s new 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max measures in at 157.5mm tall by 77.4mm wide, and it is 7.7mm thick. It weighs 208 grams, which means it’s not too much heavier than the iPhone XS.

Glass is highly fragile and the iPhone X was prone to breakage, but Apple says the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are using a more durable scratch resistant glass, which is likely the Gorilla Glass 6 material announced earlier this year.

The iPhone XS is similar in size to the iPhone X, but some cases designed for the iPhone X might not fit the iPhone XS properly because the camera bump on the iPhone XS is slightly taller and wider. Most cases should fit okay, but some may not work.

Color Options

Apple is offering the iPhone XS and XS Max in Silver, Space Gray, and Gold, with the latter color being new this year. The iPhone X was only sold in Silver and Space Gray because it took time for Apple to perfect the gold shade.

According to Apple, its Gold and Space Gray shades use an “advanced physical vapor deposition process” on the stainless steel bands for rich colors and a reflectivity level that matches the glass body of the device.

Water and Dust Resistance

Apple’s upgraded iPhone XS models feature improved water resistance, with the two devices now offering an IP68 rating, up from the IP67 rating of the iPhone X.

The IP68 rating means the iPhone XS and XS Max can withstand water up to two meters (6.6 feet) deep for approximately 30 minutes. In the IP68 number, the 6 refers to dust resistance while the 8 represents water resistance.

IP6x is the highest dust resistance rating, so the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are fully protected from dust and dirt, with no change to dust resistance. The two devices are able to hold up to splashes, rain, and accidental water exposure, and successfully passed a dunk test in five feet of liquid for 30 minutes.

Apple does not cover any kind of water damage to iOS devices, so while the iPhone XS models are more resistant to water, it’s best to use caution when exposing them to liquids and it should be avoided whenever possible.

Red Color Option

Rumors suggest Apple will release red iPhone XS and XS Max models in China in February, which will accompany the iPhone XR. The devices will not be branded PRODUCT(RED) in the country, and will instead be called China Red. Red is a popular color in China, and it could draw in new XS and XS Max customers.

Display

Apple has made no changes to the display of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, with the exception of introducing a larger version in the new 6.5-inch device.

The 2018 iPhone models feature the same “Super Retina” OLED HDR display that was introduced in the iPhone X, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and wide color gamut for unparalleled color accuracy. The Super Retina display features vivid, true-to-life colors, deeper blacks, and a 1,000,000 to 1 contrast ratio.

Apple’s multi-touch Super Retina display offers noticeable upgrades over traditional LCD displays, but there is no difference between the iPhone X and the iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max. Maximum brightness continues to be 625 cd/m2, and features like True Tone and 3D Touch are supported.

True Tone uses the iPhone’s ambient light sensor to adjust the white balance of the display to match the ambient lighting in a room, cutting down on eyestrain and making for a more paper-like reading experience.

The iPhone XS, like the iPhone X, features a 2436 x 1125 resolution with 458 pixels per inch, while the iPhone XS Max features a 2688 x 1242 resolution, also with 458 pixels per inch.

According to DisplayMate, a site known for testing smartphone displays, the iPhone XS Max has the best smartphone display ever with a peak full-screen brightness up to 660 nits and a screen reflectance of 4.7 percent, close to the lowest ever measured for a smartphone. Combined, these factors result in excellent contrast ratings in high ambient light.

D Touch and Taptic Engine

Apple’s iPhone XS models continue to feature a Taptic Engine and support for 3D Touch gestures. 3D Touch is available throughout the iOS 12 operating system and is often used to display additional information through a force press gesture.

The Taptic Engine offers tactile feedback in the form of haptic vibrations when users interact with the iPhone’s display.

A12 Bionic Processor

The iPhone XS models are equipped with a new 7-nanometer A12 Bionic chip that’s faster and more efficient than the A11 in the previous-generation iPhone X.

There are two high-performance cores in the A12 that are up to 15 percent faster than the A11 Bionic and four efficiency cores that use up to 50 percent less power. The A12, combined with a bigger battery, enables much longer battery life for the iPhone XS and XS Max.

As with the A11, the A12 can harness all six of its cores at once when a boost in power is needed, and a new performance controller dynamically divides work across the cores for the best performance and battery life.

Apple’s A12 Bionic includes a 4-core GPU that offers up to 50 percent faster graphics performance than the A11 chip.

Neural Engine

The A11 Bionic introduced the first Neural Engine, and the A12-chip has a next-generation 8-core version that uses real-time machine learning to power features across the operating system, improving photo taking, gaming, augmented reality, and more.

According to Apple, the Neural Engine is able to perform five trillion operations per second, allowing more to be done in real time. It’s what powers the machine learning features in the iPhone XS models, like photo search, Face ID, and augmented reality experiences.

For the first time, Apple has also opened up the Neural Engine to the Core ML platform, which means developers can take advantage of the real-time machine learning features in their apps. With the A12 Bionic, Core ML runs up to nine times faster than on the A11 Bionic.

The A12 Bionic brings faster detection of AR surfaces for the rear camera, better AR experiences for the front-facing camera, immersive 3D gaming experiences, and faster Face ID.

RAM

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max include 4GB RAM, up from 3GB in the iPhone X.

Face ID and TrueDepth Camera System

Face ID, introduced in 2017 with the iPhone X, is the biometric authentication system that’s used in the iPhone XS and XS Max, both of which feature a notch that houses the TrueDepth camera system that enables Face ID.

Face ID is just like Touch ID, except it uses a facial scan instead of a fingerprint, and Face ID in iPhone XS and XS Max is identical to Face ID in the iPhone X with the exception of speed improvements.

With the new A12 Bionic chip and Neural Engine improvements, Face ID is able to detect your face and unlock your device faster than before.

Face ID is used across the iOS operating system for tasks like unlocking your iPhone, allowing access to third-party passcode-protected apps, confirming purchases in iTunes and the App Store, and authenticating Apple Pay payments.

Face ID works through a set of sensors and cameras built into the front of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS, called the TrueDepth Camera system. To create a facial scan, a Dot Projector projects more than 30,000 invisible infrared dots onto your face, which are then read by an infrared camera.

This depth map of your face is then relayed to the A12 Bionic processor where it is transformed into a mathematical model that the iPhone uses to make sure it’s you attempting to access your iPhone.

Face ID uses infrared, so it works in low light and in the dark, with a built-in Flood Illuminator making sure there’s always adequate light to take a facial scan. Face ID works with hats, beards, glasses, sunglasses, scarves, makeup and all other accessories and items that might partially obscure a face, but it does need to see your eyes, nose, and mouth to work.

The A12 Bionic chip with built-in Neural Engine means that Face ID can adjust to minor facial changes over time, so if you grow your hair longer or grow a beard, Face ID adjusts and continue to unlock your iPhone. In iOS 12, there is an option to add an alternate appearance if your face changes drastically during the day due to sunglasses, scarves, or other accessories.

Face ID Security and Privacy

Face ID uses a detailed 3D facial scan that’s unable to be fooled by a photo, mask, or other facial imitation. An “Attention Aware” security feature allows Face ID to unlock your device only when you look in the direction of the iPhone XS with your eyes open, so it won’t work when your eyes are closed, when you’re sleeping, when you’re unconscious, or when you’re looking away from your phone.

Attention aware is optional and there is an accessibility feature to turn it off for those who are unable to FOCUS on the iPhone’s screen, but most people will want to leave it turned on for the added layer of security.

With the “attention aware” feature, the iPhone XS knows when you’re looking at it. Face ID displays notifications and messages on the Lock screen when you look at the iPhone XS, it keeps the screen lit, and it automatically lowers the volume of an alarm or ringer when it knows your attention is on the iPhone XS’s display.

If a thief demands your iPhone, Face ID can be disabled quickly and discretely by pressing on the side button and the volume button at the same time. Do this before handing your phone over, and a thief won’t be able to scan your face. Face ID also turns off after two failed facial recognition attempts and a passcode needs to be entered for it to be turned back on.

Face ID is encrypted and stored in the Secure Enclave on the iPhone XS. Apple can’t access your Face ID data, nor can anyone who gets hold of your phone. Authentication happens entirely on your device, with no Face ID data ever stored in the Cloud or uploaded to Apple. Third-party developers do not have access to the facial map that Face ID uses to unlock a device, but the TrueDepth camera can be used to scan a user’s face for the purpose of creating more realistic augmented reality apps.

With Face ID, there’s a 1 in 1,000,000 chance that someone else’s face can fool Face ID, but the error rate increases to 1 in 1 in 500,000 with an alternate appearance registered in iOS 12. Face ID has been fooled by identical twins, children, and a carefully crafted mask, but it’s still secure enough that the average person does not need to worry about their iPhone being unlocked by someone else.

TrueDepth Camera Specs

The TrueDepth Camera, in addition to powering Face ID with the infrared additions, is also a standard 7-megapixel front-facing camera that can be used for selfies and FaceTime calls. As of iOS 14.2, FaceTime calls are streamed in 1080p over Wi-Fi connections.

The front-facing camera in the iPhone XS and XS Max supports several new features, including Smart HDR for portraits that capture more detail in shadows and highlights and a new Depth Control feature that lets you adjust the amount of blur in a front-facing Portrait Mode image after it’s captured.

Portrait Mode and Depth Control use facial detection to allow you to adjust the background blur of an image

As with the iPhone X, wide color and Portrait Lighting features are available so you can adjust the lighting in your photos. There is, however, improved bokeh for better DSLR-style blurring in your images.

The TrueDepth camera can be used to capture 1080p HD video at 30 or 60 frames per second.

Animoji and Memoji

The TrueDepth Camera System enables two features called “Animoji” and “Memoji,” which are animated, 3D emoji characters that you control with your face. Animoji are emoji-style animals, while Memoji, introduced in iOS 12, are customizable, personalized avatars that you can create.

To enable Animoji and Memoji, the TrueDepth camera analyzes more than 50 muscle movements in different areas of the face, detecting movement of the eyebrows, cheeks, chin, eyes, jaw, lips, eyes, and mouth.

All of your facial movements are translated to the Animoji/Memoji characters, letting them reflect your expression and emotion. Animoji and Memoji can be shared with friends and used in the Messages and FaceTime apps.

There are more than a dozen different Animoji to choose from, modeled after existing emoji characters: monkey, robot, cat, dog, alien, fox, poop, pig, panda, rabbit, chicken, unicorn, lion, dragon, skull, bear, tiger, koala, t-rex, and ghost. There are an unlimited number of Memoji that can be created to look like you and other people.

Rear Camera

The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max use the same two-lens camera setup as the iPhone X, with an f/1.8 12-megapixel wide-angle lens (26mm equivalent focal length) and an f/2.4 12-megapixel telephoto lens (56mm equivalent focal length) that enables 2x optical zoom and 10x zoom when optical and digital zoom are combined.

Both of the lenses feature optical image stabilization and wide color support, but Apple has made several upgrades that improve photo quality in the iPhone XS models compared to the iPhone X.

An improved image sensor that’s twice as fast and 32 percent larger than the sensor in the iPhone X features larger, deeper pixels for better performance, especially in conditions where the light is suboptimal. It also provides better image fidelity, greater color accuracy, and less noise in low-light shots.

There’s a new image signal processor in the iPhone XS that powers a new depth engine, which allows the rear camera to offer more detail in Portrait Mode and enables Smart HDR. With the enhanced ISP, more data can be pulled from the camera sensors, leading to better dynamic range, improved motion freezing, and better noise reduction in low light.

Smart HDR, enabled through secondary frames, a faster sensor, and the A12 chip, introduces improved dynamic range in photos, bringing out more detail in the highlights and shadows of your images, while more advanced bokeh improves the background blurring that you see in Portrait Mode for images that are closer to what you get with a DSLR.

A new Depth Control feature lets you change the amount of blur in a photo, so you can choose the exact right blurring using a built-in slider for each of your Portrait images. Depth Control is available when editing a photo, and as of iOS 12.1, real-time Depth Control can be used when composing a feature. To get to Depth Control, tap on the “F” icon at the top of the screen and then drag the slider to adjust the amount of background blur in the image.

Portrait Lighting, which lets you adjust the lighting of your image to mimic what you might get in a studio, can also be used either when composing an image or when editing an already-captured photo.

Portrait Lighting uses sophisticated algorithms to calculate how facial features interact with light, using the data to create unique lighting effects like Natural Light, Studio Light (lights up your face), Contour Light (adds dramatic shadows), Stage Light (spotlights your face against a dark background), and Stage Light Mono (Stage Light, but in black and white).

The two new iPhones are using the same quad-LED True Tone flash, but Apple has improved the feature this year.

Video Capabilities

The iPhone XS and XS Max can record 4K video at 24, 30, or 60 frames per second, or 1080p HD video at 30 or 60 frames per second.

Compared to the iPhone X, the new models offer extended dynamic range for video up to 30 fps thanks to the new image signal processor and the Smart HDR features. Stereo recording is also supported for the first time for better sound in your videos.

Apple with iOS 14 updated the iPhone XR and iPhone XS models with QuickTake, which is a feature that lets you capture a video while the Camera app is in photo mode so you don’t need to waste time switching modes. For instructions on how to use QuickTake, make sure to check out our how to.

Battery Life

The iPhone XS has a 2,658mAh battery, while the iPhone XS Max has a 3,174mAh battery, the largest Apple has ever put in an iPhone.

The battery in the iPhone XS lasts for 30 minutes longer than the iPhone X, while the battery in the larger iPhone XS Max lasts for 1.5 hours longer than the iPhone X.

You’ll get up to 20 hours of talk time, up to 12 hours of internet use, 14 hours of video playback, and 60 hours of audio playback with the iPhone XS.

The iPhone XS Max offers up to 25 hours of talk time, up to 13 hours of internet use, up to 15 hours of video playback, and up to 65 hours of audio playback.

Fast Charging

iPhone XS and XS Max are fast-charge capable, which means the devices can be charged to 50 percent battery life in just 30 minutes. Fast charging requires a USB-C power adapter that exceeds 18 watts, which includes 29/30W adapters from Apple (priced at 49). Third-party 18W USB-C adapters also work, but the Lightning to USB-C cables must be purchased from Apple for 19.

Wireless Charging

Support for wireless charging was first introduced in Apple’s 2017 iPhone lineup, and the iPhone XS models continue to offer glass bodies and built-in wireless charging coils to support wireless charging functionality.

Apple uses the Qi wireless charging standard that’s also available in many Android phones, which means the new iPhones can charge wirelessly with any Qi-certified inductive charger.

According to Apple, iPhone the iPhone XS charges “even faster” than the iPhone X. The faster charging is enabled through a new copper wireless charging coil that facilitates slightly faster charging because it doesn’t heat up quite as much.

iPhone XS and XS Max work with 7.5W and 5W wireless charging accessories. Multiple companies have now developed wireless charging options designed specifically for Apple’s iPhones.

7.5W charging is faster than 5W charging, but the difference is not hugely noticeable. Wireless charging is also generally inferior to wired charging, which is almost always faster. We tested multiple wired and wireless charging methods and while 7.5W charging is faster than 5W wired charging, the best way to charge an iPhone is using a 12W iPad power adapter or an 18W option, which enables fast charging capabilities.

Gigabit LTE

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are equipped with support for Gigabit-class LTE with support for 4×4 MIMO. Gigabit LTE offers theoretical maximum transfer speeds of 1Gb/s, but actual speeds depend on factors like network connectivity.

4×4 MIMO (which stands for Multiple Input, Multiple Output) improves network efficiency alongside carrier aggregation for faster, stronger LTE signal.

Gigabit LTE also uses Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) to improve network capacity in crowded areas by leveraging both licensed and unlicensed spectrum.

The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max support more than 25 LTE bands, including T-Mobile’s Band 71, which takes advantage of 600MHz spectrum for improved penetration in cities and improved coverage in rural areas.

Dual-SIM Support

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max models sold around the world feature dual-SIM support, which allows two phone numbers to be used at one time. Dual-SIM functionality is enabled through the inclusion of one physical nano-SIM slot and an eSIM, a feature that was first introduced in the iPad.

Dual-SIM functionality is enabled through the inclusion of one physical nano-SIM slot and an eSIM, a feature that was first introduced in the iPad. eSIM support was enabled with the iOS 12.1 update, making dual-SIM functionality available through the existing physical SIM and the new eSIM. Carriers need to implement support for eSIM functionality for the feature to work, and in the United States, Verizon and ATT offer eSIM support as of December 2018.

The eSIM feature is available in many countries around the world, and Apple has a full list of carriers that support eSIM on its website.

Dual-SIMs work with select carriers in Austria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, India, Spain, the UK, and the United States.

In China, where eSIMs are not allowed, iPhone XR devices feature two physical SIM card slots. Models with two SIM slots are limited to China and won’t be sold elsewhere.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

iPhone XS and XS Max support the Bluetooth 5.0 standard. Bluetooth 5.0 offers longer range, faster speeds, larger broadcast message capacity, and better interoperability with other wireless technologies.

Compared to Bluetooth 4.2, Bluetooth 5 offers four times the range, two times the speed, and eight times the broadcast message capacity.

802.11ac Wi-Fi with 2×2 MIMO is supported, with support for connection speeds that can reach a theoretical maximum of 866Mb/s.

GPS and NFC

Support for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS location services is included in the iPhone XS and XS Max.

NFC with reader mode is included, and for the first time, the iPhone XS and XS Max include a background tag feature that allows them to scan NFC tags without the need to open an app first.

The iPhone XR

Apple is selling the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max alongside a third device, the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR is similar to the iPhone XS models in many ways, but it features a lower price tag and thus does not have quite the same feature set as the two more expensive models.

Priced starting at 749, the iPhone XR features a 6.1-inch LCD display. The display is edge-to-edge with no top and bottom bezels, but it does feature slightly thicker side bezels than the iPhone XS models due to the limitations of LCD. There is no Home button in the iPhone XR, as this device also uses an upgraded TrueDepth camera system and Face ID for biometric authentication.

It includes the same A12 chip Bionic that’s in the iPhone XS and XS Max so there’s no real difference in performance, and the iPhone XR, which comes in six different colors, is the iPhone with the longest battery life.

Instead of a dual-lens camera system, the iPhone XR has a single-lens 12-megapixel wide-angle lens, which is actually the same upgraded wide-angle lens used in the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Though it loses out on the optical zoom functionality, the camera offers many of the same features that are included in the iPhone XS but using software instead of hardware.

Apple has introduced software solutions for Portrait Mode photos, limited Portrait Lighting, Smart HDR, improved bokeh, and Depth Control, a feature that lets the depth of field of Portrait Mode images be adjusted after a photo has been captured.

The iPhone XR uses an aluminum frame instead of a stainless steel frame, and it offers IP67 water resistance instead of IP68 water resistance. It too features support for two SIM cards, one physical and one eSIM, but it offers slower LTE Advanced connectivity speeds with 2×2 MIMO.

For more details on Apple’s iPhone XR, make sure to check out our iPhone XR roundup.

iPhone XR vs. iPhone XS

The iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR share several components, but there are differences between them to keep costs low. We’ve listed all of the features of the three devices below, so you can see what’s different and what’s the same at a glance.

What’s Different. iPhone XR (Left) iPhone XS (Right)

6.1-inch LCD display
1792×828 display
Single 12-megapixel camera
(wide-angle only)
Haptic Touch
Aluminum frame
Six colors
IP67 water/dust resistance
Up to 256GB storage
LTE Advanced
5.8/6.5-inch OLED HDR displays
2436×1125/2688×1242
Dual 12-megapixel cameras
(wide-angle and telephoto)
3D Touch
Stainless steel frame
Three colors
IP68 water/dust resistance
Up to 512GB storage
Gigabit LTE

What’s the Same

True Tone display support
Wide color display
7-megapixel TrueDepth front-facing camera
Face ID support
Animoi/Memoji
A12 Bionic chip w/ next-gen Neural Engine
Glass body
Wireless charging
Fast charging
Portrait Mode (front and rear)
Depth Control (front and rear)
Smart HDR (front and rear)
Portrait Lighting (limited in XR)
4K 60 fps video recording
Optical image stabilization
Quad-LED True Tone Flash
Bluetooth 5.0
Dual-SIM support

Sources:

https://www.lifewire.com/Apple-iPhone-XS-max-review-4684014
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Apple-iPhone-XS-Max.334202.0.html
https://www.-lint.com/phones/reviews/Apple/145713-Apple-iPhone-XS-max-review/
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/iPhone-XS-specs-XR-max-x-compared-what-is-same-new-different-all-features-2018-2019-no-home-button-lcd-colors-faceid/
https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iPhone-XS/