Huawei P20 Pro vs iPhone XS Max
Shop Android Smartphones
Huawei P20 Pro
Starting at
£119.00
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the Huawei P20 Pro and iPhone XS Max?
Huawei P20 Pro vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Huawei P20 Pro starts at £119, £49.09 less than the iPhone XS Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Kirin 970 (10 nm) on the Huawei P20 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The Huawei P20 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Huawei P20 Pro has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
Huawei P20 Pro vs iPhone XS Max specs
The Huawei P20 Pro and iPhone XS Max both launched in 2018 but offer different strengths suited to different users. The Huawei P20 Pro has a larger battery and more RAM, making it a good choice for longer use and multitasking on Android. Camera capabilities differ notably, with the Huawei P20 Pro focusing on higher megapixels, while the iPhone XS Max provides its distinctive iOS experience. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen size, camera detail, software updates, or battery capacity.
Huawei P20 Pro vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
- 128GBSold out
Huawei P20 Pro vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery life, software updates, and operating system. These factors affect how long the phone can last between charges and how long it stays up to date.
Battery Capacity
The Huawei P20 Pro has a 4000 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This means the P20 Pro suits users looking for longer battery life between charges. The iPhone XS Max offers good battery performance but with a smaller capacity.
Operating System
Huawei P20 Pro runs on Android, providing access to a wide range of apps and customisation options. The iPhone XS Max uses iOS, known for smooth integration with Apple services and regular software updates. Your choice depends on which operating system you prefer.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Huawei P20 Pro vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance includes the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run, how much multitasking you can do, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Chipset
The Huawei P20 Pro uses the Kirin 970 chipset, which handles everyday tasks and many apps well. The iPhone XS Max features the Apple A12 Bionic, known for strong performance in graphics and processing, suitable for users who want a faster experience in demanding apps.
RAM
With 6 GB of RAM, the Huawei P20 Pro can keep more apps open at once, helpful for multitasking. The iPhone XS Max has 4 GB of RAM, sufficient for smooth operation within iOS but with less headroom for multiple heavy apps running simultaneously.
Storage Options
Huawei P20 Pro is available with 64GB and 128GB of storage, suitable for everyday use and storing photos and apps. iPhone XS Max offers more storage choices, including 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, fitting users who keep large amounts of media or apps.
Chipset
RAM
Huawei P20 Pro vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality influences how you see images, videos, and text. Factors like screen size, resolution, and technology affect clarity and viewing comfort.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch screen, larger than the Huawei P20 Pro's 6.1 inch display. This extra space suits users who watch videos or play games and want a more immersive view.
Resolution
The iPhone XS Max offers a higher resolution of 1242 x 2688 pixels, delivering sharper images and more detail. The Huawei P20 Pro's 1080 x 2240 resolution provides clear visuals but with less pixel density.
Screen Type
Both devices use OLED technology for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XS Max features Super Retina OLED, known for high-quality colour accuracy, which benefits users looking for excellent screen visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Huawei P20 Pro vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features focus on cameras, which affect photo and video quality from both front and back.
Front Camera
The Huawei P20 Pro has a 24 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies. This suits users who prioritise high-resolution self-portraits. The iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixel front camera offers good quality for everyday video calls and photos.
Main Camera
Huawei P20 Pro features a 40 megapixel main camera, designed to capture highly detailed images. This appeals to photographers who want to zoom or crop photos without losing clarity. The iPhone XS Max has a 12 megapixel main camera, which balances detail with the iOS camera software experience.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Huawei P20 Pro vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous details include physical dimensions, connectors, SIM options and network compatibility, all of which affect daily use and convenience.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone XS Max is slightly larger at 157.5 mm tall and 77.4 mm wide, and weighs 208 g. The Huawei P20 Pro is smaller and lighter at 155 mm tall, 73.9 mm wide, and 180 g. If you prefer a lighter or more compact phone, the P20 Pro fits better.
Connector Type
Huawei P20 Pro uses a USB-C connector, common for many Android devices and accessories. The iPhone XS Max uses the Lightning connector, which works with Apple-specific cables and accessories.
SIM Card Options
The Huawei P20 Pro uses a physical SIM card. The iPhone XS Max supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering extra flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers or carriers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Huawei P20 Pro or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Huawei P20 Pro if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £119, £49.09 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the Huawei P20 Pro looks like new and is great value for the price. Many note the battery life is good and the camera version meets their needs. Some users find it stable and suitable for everyday use, while a few mention issues with overheating or software bugs. Overall, it appeals to those who want a well-rounded Android phone with a large battery and detailed cameras.
Reviews of the iPhone XS Max highlight its excellent condition and solid performance. Customers appreciate the clear product descriptions and report the phone meeting their needs well. Battery life varies, with some users replacing the battery after some time. The screen quality and overall phone condition receive positive remarks. A few mention setup taking longer or minor issues like call volume, but most are happy with the iOS experience and the device's larger screen.
The Huawei P20 Pro suits buyers looking for a powerful Android phone with a large battery and high-resolution cameras. The iPhone XS Max fits those who prefer a bigger screen, multiple storage options, and the latest iOS updates.
Huawei P20 Pro vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
Huawei P20 Pro vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Kirin 970 (10 nm) on the Huawei P20 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The Huawei P20 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Huawei P20 Pro is cheaper refurbished, from £119 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The Huawei P20 Pro has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
The Huawei P20 Pro has a higher-resolution main camera: 40 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
We don't have published update dates for the Huawei P20 Pro. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Huawei P20 Pro comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
