iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS
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iPhone 11 Pro Max
Starting at
£215.40£749.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone XS?
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £77.05 less than the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone XS differ mainly in size, screen quality, battery capacity, camera setup, and processing power. The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a larger screen and higher resolution, suited for watching videos and multitasking. It has a bigger battery for longer use and a triple main camera system for more photography options. The iPhone XS is smaller and lighter, fitting more comfortably in one hand and pocket. Each phone suits different preferences: 11 Pro Max for those wanting a larger, feature-rich device and XS for those preferring a compact, capable phone.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability involves battery life, software updates, and general device resilience.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 3969 mAh battery, which is notably larger than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This means the 11 Pro Max is better suited for longer use between charges, ideal for heavy users or those often away from power sources. The iPhone XS still offers reliable battery life for everyday tasks but may require more frequent charging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS performance
Performance covers the chipsets, memory, and storage options that influence how smoothly the devices run apps and handle multitasking.
Processing Power
The iPhone 11 Pro Max features the Apple A13 Bionic chipset, a step up from the Apple A12 Bionic in the iPhone XS. Both devices have 4 GB of RAM, which supports smooth multitasking. The newer chipset in the 11 Pro Max is better suited to more demanding apps and tasks, while the XS remains capable for everyday use.
Storage Options
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is available with 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, providing more choice for those needing extra space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone XS offers 64GB and 256GB options, which suit users with moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with the phone. Differences in size, resolution, and screen technology shape the overall experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 6.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1242 x 2688, which provides a larger and sharper display. This suits users who watch videos, play games, or work on their phone. The iPhone XS's 5.8 inch screen with 1125 x 2436 resolution offers a more compact display that is easier to handle and fits smaller pockets.
Screen Technology
The 11 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, enhancing brightness and contrast for better viewing in bright conditions and richer colours. The XS has a Super Retina OLED screen, which also delivers high quality visuals but without the XDR enhancement. Users sensitive to screen quality for media might prefer the 11 Pro Max's display.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS camera
Camera capabilities are important for photography and video calls. Front and main cameras differ in detail and functionality between the two models.
Main Camera Setup
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a triple main camera system, offering more versatility for different types of photography such as wide angle and telephoto shots. The iPhone XS has a dual main camera setup, which covers standard photo needs effectively but with fewer options.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the 7 megapixel front camera on the iPhone XS. This makes the 11 Pro Max a better choice for those who prioritise front-facing camera quality.
Main Camera Resolution
Both devices share a 12 megapixel main camera, ensuring high resolution photos for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS size and design
Other practical differences include size, weight, and network features that affect everyday use and portability.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is larger and heavier, measuring 158 mm tall, 77.8 mm wide, and weighing 226 g. This suits users comfortable with bigger phones and who want a larger display area. The iPhone XS is smaller and lighter at 143.6 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, and 177 g, making it easier to hold and carry for those who prefer a compact phone.
SIM and Network Compatibility
Both phones support physical SIM plus eSIM and work on 4G networks, which means they offer similar flexibility for mobile network use.
Connector and Carrier
Each device uses a Lightning connector and comes unlocked, allowing use with any compatible UK mobile network.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 11 Pro Max or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 11 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger battery (3969 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £138.35, £77.05 less than the iPhone 11 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 226 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 11 Pro Max consistently report satisfaction with the phone's condition and performance. Many say their device looks like new and works well, with several noting the battery life can be excellent, lasting a couple of days between charges. Some mention concerns about battery quality or heating, but overall users appreciate the larger screen and camera features. The phone suits those who want a larger, feature-rich device and are happy with a heavier phone.
Buyers of the iPhone XS appreciate its compact size and smooth performance. Reviews often mention the phone looks spotless and runs perfectly, with battery life adequate for all-day use and easy data transfer. There are occasional remarks about minor cosmetic marks or issues with specific cameras, but many find it a dependable choice. This model is well suited for those who prefer a smaller phone that fits comfortably in the hand and pocket.
Both devices earn praise for their condition and performance, fitting different needs: the 11 Pro Max for users who value screen size and camera versatility, and the XS for those who want a lighter, more compact phone.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £215.40 for the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max adds a bigger battery (3969 mAh vs 2658 mAh), a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch) and a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £77.05 more (from £215.40 vs £138.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 11 Pro Max comes in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
