iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max
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iPhone 11 Pro Max
Starting at
£215.40£749.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £47.31 less than the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen type
Front camera
Software updates
- Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
- Screen type: Super Retina XDR OLED on the iPhone 11 Pro Max, Super Retina OLED on the iPhone XS Max.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max share many features like screen size, resolution, and storage options, but they differ in key areas that affect daily use. The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a larger battery and a newer Apple A13 Bionic chip, which suits users who want longer battery life and slightly faster performance. Its front camera also has a higher megapixel count, making it better for detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS Max is lighter and marginally slimmer, appealing to those who prefer a slightly more compact feel.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery strength, software support, and physical attributes. Battery capacity and size details highlight differences in endurance and handling.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 3969 mAh battery, which is noticeably larger than the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This difference suits users who need longer battery life between charges, such as those using their phone heavily throughout the day. The XS Max's smaller battery is sufficient for everyday use but may require more frequent charging.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone XS Max is slightly slimmer and lighter, measuring 7.7 mm in depth and weighing 208 g, compared to the iPhone 11 Pro Max's 8.1 mm depth and 226 g weight. Those prioritising a lighter phone with a slimmer profile may find the XS Max more comfortable to hold over long periods.
Software Updates
Buyers can choose either device without concern for immediate software support.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance is shaped by the chip and memory, as well as storage options. Both devices offer the same RAM and storage capacities, but the chipsets differ, affecting speed and efficiency.
Chipset Generation
The iPhone 11 Pro Max features the Apple A13 Bionic chip, while the iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic. The newer chip in the 11 Pro Max provides improved performance and efficiency, which benefits users running demanding apps or multitasking extensively.
Memory and Storage
Both phones come with 4 GB of RAM and offer storage options of 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. This amount of memory keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports good multitasking capabilities, while the storage choices allow you to select the right capacity for your needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution, refresh rate, and screen type. The two iPhones share most specs but differ in screen technology, which influences display performance.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 11 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the iPhone XS Max has a Super Retina OLED screen. The XDR version typically offers higher brightness and better contrast, which may appeal to users who watch videos or use their phone outdoors in bright light.
Size and Resolution
Both devices feature a 6.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1242 by 2688 pixels and a 60 Hz refresh rate. This provides a large, sharp, and smooth display suitable for video, gaming, and general use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera quality. Both models share the main camera resolution, but their front cameras differ.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, compared to the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixels. This higher resolution supports more detailed selfies and video calls, which benefits users who prioritise front-facing camera quality.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, providing similar photo and video quality for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous details include network, connectors, SIM options, and size and weight. These affect everyday convenience and device handling.
SIM and Network
Both the iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max support 4G networks and offer dual SIM functionality with a physical SIM and eSIM. This suits users who manage multiple numbers or travel frequently.
Connector Type
Each device uses a Lightning connector, standard for iPhones of this generation, compatible with many accessories and chargers.
Size and Weight Differences
The iPhone 11 Pro Max measures 158 mm in height and 77.8 mm in width, while the iPhone XS Max is slightly smaller at 157.5 mm by 77.4 mm. The weight difference is more noticeable, with the 11 Pro Max weighing 226 g and the XS Max 208 g. Those valuing a lighter, more compact phone may prefer the XS Max.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 11 Pro Max or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 11 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger battery (3969 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £47.31 less than the iPhone 11 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (208 g vs 226 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 11 Pro Max often mention the phone looks like new and works well. Many appreciate the condition and the competitive pricing. Some users highlight the battery life, noting it lasts a couple of days on a charge, though a few mention concerns about battery performance or messages about battery compatibility. The camera and screen quality receive positive feedback, and the device's size and appearance are frequently praised.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max highlight its excellent condition and value for money. Customers report good overall performance and satisfaction with the screen and design. Some users mention battery life concerns, with one noting it lasted only about six hours, and another experienced an issue with Face ID. Most find the device suitable for their needs and recommend it for those who do not require the latest model.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max suits buyers wanting longer battery life and a sharper front camera, while the iPhone XS Max appeals to those who prefer a lighter, slightly slimmer phone with solid everyday performance.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £215.40 for the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 3174 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 Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max adds a bigger battery (3969 mAh vs 3174 mAh), a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels) and longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18). Refurbished, it costs £47.31 more (from £215.40 vs £168.09).
Both come in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
