Apple iPhone XS Max (64GB) review. Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among smartphones and if it's worth buying.
Overall score
What it is: An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score components:
90.0%
Technical Score
10.0%
User score
Technical Score
What it is: An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters: When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score components:
25.0%
Performance & Hardware
18.0%
Camera
15.0%
Display
15.0%
Battery
10.0%
Software
10.0%
Connectivity
4.0%
Audio
3.0%
Design
User score
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters: When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score components:
70.0%
User reviews
30.0%
Popularity
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.
#30 in Best Apple Smartphones
#190 in Best Smartphones Under £250
#233 in Best Camera Smartphones
#276 in Best Smartphones Under £300
#389 in Best Smartphones Under £400
#454 in Best Smartphones Under £500
#555 in Best Large-Screen Smartphones
#559 in Best Value Smartphones
#621 in Best NFC Smartphones
#661 in Best AI Smartphones
#663 in Best Smartphones
What it is: An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters: When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score components:
25.0%
Performance & Hardware
18.0%
Camera
15.0%
Display
15.0%
Battery
10.0%
Software
10.0%
Connectivity
4.0%
Audio
3.0%
Design
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters: When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score components:
70.0%
User reviews
30.0%
Popularity
What it is: An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score components:
60.0%
Overall score
40.0%
Price
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >12 GB
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >256 GB
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >3.2 GHz
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >1500
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >4000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: 8+
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >950 MHz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >700
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >2500
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >6000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >8000
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >12000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >5000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1800
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >3200 MHz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: 5
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: > 50 GB/s
Importance: LOW
Good value: 4
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >16 GB
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <6 nm
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >9 W
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: >8192 KB
Importance: LOW
Good value: >2048 KB
Importance: LOW
Good value: >512 KB
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >100000 million
Importance: LOW
Good value: 3.3
Importance: LOW
Good value: 3.2
Importance: LOW
Good value: 2.0/3.0
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
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Importance: MEDIUM
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Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >50 MP
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >60
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥1.2 µm
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2.5x
Importance: HIGH
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: ≥2
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >16 MP
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
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Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >130
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >120
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥2
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: >5.2
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: 3.1/3.2
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: ≥2
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
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Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥6.6 inches
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >400 ppi
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: ≥120 Hz
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >300 Hz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >800 nits
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1300 nits
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1000 nits
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >5000 mAh
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >60 W
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <45 min
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: >40 W
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: >10 W
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >800
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥3
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: <162 mm
Importance: LOW
Good value: <75 mm
Importance: LOW
Good value: <8 mm
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <190 g
Importance: LOW
Good value: <98cm³
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: ≥1.5 m
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >8
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2.5x
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >400 ppi
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >256 GB
Importance: HIGH
Good value: ≥120 Hz
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >5000 mAh
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >50 MP
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >16 MP
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >12 GB
Importance: LOW
(Reviews last updated: August 2026)
(Reviews last updated: August 2026)
The iPhone XS Max represents a significant shift for Apple, centering on a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display with excellent HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. Powered by the fast A12 Bionic chip, the device boasts improved IP68 water resistance and enhanced battery longevity, representing a substantial performance boost. The camera system is a major highlight, featuring a 30% larger sensor and Smart HDR for improved low-light photography, plus Depth Control to adjust background blur. Despite these strengths, T3 highlights the exceptionally high price point as a major drawback, particularly for existing iPhone X owners. Additionally, the massive screen size makes one-handed usage challenging, and Apple did not fully optimize the display for productivity, lacking advanced multitasking features found on competitors. The inclusion of only a slow 5W charger in the box is noted as another downside.
The MobileSyrup review characterizes the iPhone XS Max as an "expected iteration," focusing on the 6.5-inch OLED Super Retina display, which offers an immersive experience in a footprint similar to the iPhone 8 Plus. It highlights performance improvements via the A12 Bionic chip, the dual 12MP camera with enhanced Smart HDR, and improved battery life. Key drawbacks mentioned include the high starting price, the lack of a fast charger in the box, and limited software features to maximize the large screen.
In a 2018 review, the iPhone XS and XS Max were presented as products reflecting Apple's focus on iterative, long-term development rather than major yearly redesigns. While outwardly similar to the previous model, they featured significant internal enhancements, including the A12 Bionic chip for faster performance and the introduction of the larger iPhone XS Max with a 6.5-inch OLED display. Pros highlighted include a "remarkable" camera system with Smart HDR and post-capture depth control for Portrait mode, faster Face ID, improved IP68 water resistance, and a new 512GB storage option. However, cons included the high starting price of $999 for the XS and $1,099 for the XS Max, and upgrades deemed potentially too minor to warrant an immediate purchase for existing iPhone X owners.
The iPhone XS Max is presented as a significant evolution, featuring a larger 6.5-inch display and an enhanced design with a more resilient finish. Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, it excels at demanding tasks and features a camera system with Smart HDR and improved low-light performance. While praised for its display, photography capabilities, and premium build, the device's large size, lack of optimized software features for the screen, and high price are noted drawbacks.
According to TechRadar, the iPhone XS Max is notable for its large 6.5-inch OLED display, powerful A12 Bionic chip, and improved battery life, offering a significant upgrade in screen size compared to previous models while maintaining a relatively compact form factor. Key cons identified include its high price point at launch, difficulty in handling due to its size, and the absence of a fast charger in the box.
In a 2018 review, The New York Times concluded that the larger iPhone XS Max offered significant screen size benefits without substantial additional bulk compared to older models like the iPhone 8 Plus. Pros included superb OLED screens and upgraded cameras with features like Smart HDR, enhancing photos in various lighting conditions. Cons identified were the high entry costs for both the XS and XS Max models, the potential unwieldiness of the larger size for some users or pockets, and the recommendation for casual users to consider the smaller XS or await the lower-cost XR. Apple iPhone XS Max 256GB Space Grey£499.99& more prices4.6(9k)iPhone XS Excellent, 256GB, Space Grey£139.004.5(17.3k)
PCMag describes the Apple iPhone XS Max as a significant large-screen iPhone update, highlighted by its 6.5-inch OLED display which fits into a body similar in size to the older iPhone 8 Plus. Praised for its sharp screen, powerful A12 Bionic chip, Smart HDR camera, and nearly 10 hours of battery life in streaming tests, its major drawbacks include being primarily a two-handed device and its high starting price of $1,099.
According to a 2018 review, the iPhone XS Max is characterized by its large 6.5-inch OLED display and powerful A12 Bionic chip, though it was noted as difficult to handle and expensive. Pros included a brilliant screen and top-tier camera, while cons highlighted the high price, weight, disappointing battery life compared to rivals, and lack of software features to utilize the large display.
According to a CNET review, the iPhone XS Max is a luxury device highlighted by its large 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display and a fast A12 Bionic chip. Pros include an improved dual camera with features like Smart HDR and depth control, as well as significantly better battery life than its predecessor. However, the review notes prominent cons such as its high price tag (up to $1,449 for the 512GB model) and its extremely large size, suggesting the iPhone XR might offer better value for most users.
The iPhone XS Max is -inch Super ppi, encased in a durable stainless steel frame, and powered Bionic chip for high-end performance. The water resistance, MP camera system with Smart HDR and improved Portrait Mode, and enhanced stereo speakers. However, noted drawbacks include the high cost, GB base storage, the prominent display notch, and the lack of a fast charger, according to the technical data. For the full technical breakdown, visit Hifitest.de. hifitest.de +4
The Watson.ch review of the iPhone 16 Pro highlights refined hardware, including a 6.3-inch screen, improved thermal management for better battery life, and a 1-nit minimum brightness for nighttime use. Key upgrades include the new Camera Control button, a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor, 5x optical zoom, and the high-performance A18 Pro chip. Despite these improvements, the review notes cons like the steep learning curve and awkward placement of the Camera Control button, limited availability of Apple Intelligence at launch, and relatively slow charging speeds.
The iPhone XS Max, featuring a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display and A12 Bionic chip, is positioned as a pro-level device for photography and media consumption, boasting improved Smart HDR and vibrant visuals. However, this premium experience is hampered by significant drawbacks, including reported weak Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, alongside charging failures that hinder the user experience. While the device excels in display quality, performance, and water resistance, the high cost, connectivity issues, and lack of a headphone adapter prevent it from being a flawless upgrade.
The 20 Minutes review describes the iPhone XS Max as a, "super-sized" powerhouse featuring a massive 6.5-inch OLED display that provides an immersive, albeit two-handed, experience. Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, the device delivers exceptional fluidity and speed, making it the most powerful iPhone of its time. Key pros include a camera system with superior Smart HDR and post-shot bokeh adjustment, improved IP68 water resistance, and superior battery life compared to the standard XS. The review’s primary cons center on the "pognon dingue" (crazy amount of money) price point, which is considered extreme. Additionally, user experience is hindered by the inclusion of a slow 5W charger despite supporting faster charging, the omission of a headphone jack adapter, and a base storage of only 64GB.
The ZDNet.fr review concludes that the iPhone XS Max's massive size and high price do not necessarily make it a superior choice, leading the reviewer to return the device after two weeks. While offering premium internals and a superior 6.5-inch OLED display, the device lacks unique, large-screen software optimizations to justify its bulk. Key advantages include a powerful A12 Bionic chip, an improved camera with Smart HDR, and solid battery life. However, the, author cites the unwieldy size, lack of "Plus" features like split-screen multitasking, and high price tag compared to competitors as significant drawbacks.
The iPhone XS Max review from 20 minutes highlights the 6.5-inch OLED display as a primary pro, offering an immersive, high-contrast experience with excellent color accuracy. The device is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, providing rapid, fluid performance, while the improved battery life lasts up to 1.5 hours longer than its The camera system is a significant highlight, with Smart HDR improving dynamic range in challenging lighting situations. The build quality is noted for its premium feel, using durable glass and a robust stainless steel However, the "eye-watering" price tag exceeding 1,600 CHF is a major con, along with the device’s size necessitating two-handed operation for many users. Furthermore, the review criticizes the exclusion of a fast charger and a headphone jack adapter, forcing additional, costly purchases.
The Europe 1 review positions the iPhone XS Max as a "super-sized" evolution of the iPhone X, driven by a 6.5-inch OLED display that offers an immersive experience, although its size and weight require two-handed operation. Performance is handled by the A12 Bionic chip, which remains faster than many rivals, while the camera system shines with improved Smart HDR and adjustable depth control. Battery life is noted as a strong point, comfortably lasting through a full day of heavy use. Conversely, the review highlights the high, "eye-watering" price point and the frustration of a slow 5W charger included in the box for such a premium device. It is considered the best iPhone available at the time of review, but the high cost makes it hard to justify for users not specifically needing the largest screen, as reported in the original review on Europe 1. Tom'
TF1 Info's review highlights the iPhone XS and XS Max as refined evolutions of the iPhone X, emphasizing the 6.5-inch Max model's immersive Super Retina OLED display and the high-performance A12 Bionic chip. Key advantages include top-tier build quality, enhanced IP68 water resistance, and a significantly improved camera system featuring Smart HDR and adjustable Depth Control. Conversely, the devices suffer from an extreme price point and the inclusion of a slow 5W charger, along with a design that remains nearly identical to its predecessor. While the XS Max offers superior battery life, the standard XS provides only a minimal improvement over the previous generation. The large size of the Max model can also be cumbersome, affecting overall ergonomics for some users.
The iPhone XS Max features a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display and the A12 Bionic chip, offering a premium, high-performance experience with improved Face ID. While the dual 12MP camera with Smart HDR delivers excellent photo and 4K video quality, some users may find the selfie camera's beautification effects too aggressive. Key drawbacks include the high price, large 208g weight, and the lack of a fast charger in the box.
The iPhone XS Max features a massive 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display (2688 x 1242, 456 ppi) that offers exceptional, high-resolution quality. The device is characterized by a premium stainless steel and glass design, housing the powerful A12 Bionic chip and delivering top-tier 4G network reception. Pros include the superior display, excellent performance, and high-quality camera with Smart HDR, though its large size requires two-handed usage. L'É However, the Fnac Labo analysis points out several downsides, particularly regarding the very high, premium price point. Furthermore, the package includes a slow 5W charger and the device lacks a headphone jack, which was a notable omission at launch. Despite these drawbacks, the device remains a solid, high-performance option according to the tests. L'É
iGeneration evaluates the iPhone XS Max as a refined, iterative update, featuring a 6.5-inch Super Retina display that offers a massive, immersive screen in a body similar to the 8 Plus, yet criticized for lacking iOS optimizations to fully leverage this space. While the A12 Bionic chip and Smart HDR camera provide superior performance and dynamic range, the review highlights the 5W charger as an unacceptable accessory for the high-end, heavy, and expensive device. Ultimately deemed the "ultimate" iPhone for screen and battery-focused power users, the review suggests it is a worthy upgrade from older "Plus" models rather than the iPhone X, given its steep price point.
The Numerama review highlights the iPhone XS Max as a refined, "monstrously" large version of the iPhone X, centered around its 6.5-inch OLED display which offers exceptional color accuracy and brightness. Key strengths include a premium build, superior performance from the A12 Bionic chip, and improved camera capabilities featuring Smart HDR for better dynamic range. NumeramaThe camera system receives praise for its ability to adjust bokeh in portrait mode, and the device boasts solid battery life that comfortably handles heavy usage. Performance is described as exceptionally fast, making it ideal for high-end gaming and multitasking. NumeramaHowever, the review sharply criticizes the "painful" and exorbitant price point, which is hard to justify when compared to the cheaper iPhone XR, and notes a lack of software features to fully utilize the large screen. Other downsides include the removal of the fast-charger from the box and the lack of a lightning-to-jack adapter. Numerama
Phonandroid’s review of the iPhone XS Max describes it as a refined, albeit iterative, evolution of the iPhone X, centered on its massive 6.5-inch OLED Super Retina display, which is praised for its exceptional brightness, color accuracy, and immersive quality. Performance-wise, the device is lauded for its A12 Bionic chip, which set a new industry standard for speed, along with a camera system featuring new "Smart HDR" and adjustable depth of field. However, the review notes that the substantial physical footprint makes it a "two-handed" device, and the high price point, combined with the inclusion of a slow 5W charger, represents a significant drawback.
The iPhone XS Max features a 6.5-inch OLED display with exceptional calibration, housed in a body comparable to the iPhone 8 Plus, powered by the A12 Bionic chip for superior performance. While praised for its immersive, 85% screen-to-body ratio and advanced Smart HDR photography, the device is considered very large, requiring two-handed use. Key criticisms include the inclusion of a slow 5W charger, the absence of a headphone adapter, and a high price point that makes it a luxury, despite solid 1.5-day battery life.
The iPhone XS, as reviewed by Presse-citron, is a high-end iteration of the iPhone X, featuring a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display and the powerful A12 Bionic chip, which drives improved performance and efficiency. Key advantages include its IP68 water resistance, a new gold color option, and enhanced photographic capabilities with Smart HDR. However, the device is noted for having limited battery improvements over its predecessor, alongside a premium price point and a fragile glass design. The review highlights that while the screen and processing power are exceptional, the high cost made it difficult to recommend for existing iPhone X users. Drawbacks, or cons, also include the lack of a headphone adapter in the box and the persistent, large screen notch, according to. Despite these points, the phone is praised for its fast Face ID, dual-SIM capabilities, and ergonomic size, making it a strong choice for those prioritizing display and speed.
According to a 30-day review by Xataka, the iPhone XS Max features impeccable build quality, a stunning 6.5-inch OLED display, and immense power from the A12 Bionic chip, though it is heavy and difficult to handle. While the Smart HDR camera and customizable bokeh are standout pros, the device is held back by a high price tag and the inclusion of a slow 5W charger. Furthermore, the review highlights that iOS 12 fails to fully utilize the large screen for productivity, and the device's significant weight (208g) requires a long adjustment period.
The iPhone XS Max is described as a refined, ultimate "multimedia machine" featuring a massive 6.5-inch OLED screen, which provides an excellent experience for media consumption but renders the device heavy and difficult to use one-handed. While the A12 Bionic chip and Smart HDR camera capabilities are praised for delivering top-tier performance, the review criticizes the inclusion of a slow 5W charger and the removal of the headphone adapter. Ultimately, the device is considered a powerful, yet incremental, evolution with a high price tag that makes it hard to justify for users not fully invested in the Apple ecosystem.
The iPhone XS Max, as analyzed by Hablando de Manzanas, is presented as a high-end refinement prioritizing a 6.5-inch OLED display, which offers exceptional visual quality. While the large screen is a primary pro, its significant physical footprint makes one-handed operation difficult, marking it as a notable con. Performance is driven by the A12 Bionic chip, ensuring a fluid user experience with improved Smart HDR camera capabilities and faster Face ID, though some competitors offered more versatile camera setups at the time. The device features excellent battery life, often lasting over a day of heavy use, yet is hampered by an exorbitant starting price of $1,099 for the 64GB model. Additional criticisms include the exclusion of a fast charger in the box and the removal of the headphone jack adapter.
The iPhone XS Max is characterized as a device that moves "at its own pace," focusing on refinement rather than radical reinvention, featuring a massive 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display and the powerful A12 Bionic chip. Notable pros include its exceptional build quality with a stainless-steel frame, improved battery life (up to 1.5 hours more than the X), and excellent camera, while cons center on its high $1,099 price tag and difficult one-handed ergonomics. Ultimately, it was considered the best combination of hardware and software at the time, though its status as a premium device is now considered "vintage".
The iPhone XS Max features a 6.5-inch OLED screen, offering vibrant, high-contrast visuals ideal for media and gaming. While praised for its performance, this large, premium design requires two-handed operation. The device is powered by the fast A12 Bionic chip and introduces "Smart HDR" for superior photo quality, alongside improved battery life lasting over a full day. However, notable drawbacks include a high price point, slow charging, and the absence of a headphone adapter.
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