iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 11 Pro
Starting at
£199.73£639.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 11 Pro vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £31.64 less than the iPhone 11 Pro. The iPhone 11 Pro is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
Software updates
- Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) on the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch.
- Screen type: Super Retina XDR OLED on the iPhone 11 Pro, Super Retina OLED on the iPhone XS Max.
iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone XS Max differ in size, performance, screen resolution, and cameras, which affects who each suits best. The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen with a higher resolution, making it a good choice if you want a roomier display for media or reading. The iPhone 11 Pro has a smaller 5.8 inch screen but features the Apple A13 Bionic chip for faster performance. Its front camera has a higher 12 megapixels count, which suits those who prioritise selfies or video calls. The iPhone 11 Pro is lighter and more compact, while the XS Max is a bigger device with a taller and wider frame. Choose the phone that fits your size preference and needs for camera or speed.
iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
The release years are 2019 for the iPhone 11 Pro and 2018 for the iPhone XS Max.
Software Compatibility
This means you can expect current app support and system improvements on either device.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends mainly on the chipset and memory. Both iPhones have the same 4 GB of RAM, which supports multitasking and smooth app operation. The key difference lies in the chipset, which affects processing speed and efficiency.
Processor Power
The iPhone 11 Pro uses the Apple A13 Bionic chipset, while the iPhone XS Max has the Apple A12 Bionic. The A13 Bionic is a newer generation chip, which generally offers faster and more efficient performance. This suits users who want quicker app loading and smoother gaming or multitasking.
Storage Options
Both phones come in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes. This means you can pick the amount of space you need for apps, photos, and files on either device.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, refresh rate, and type. These features influence how much you see, how sharp images are, and how smoothly content displays. The two iPhones differ notably in screen size and resolution.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1242 x 2688 pixels, providing a larger and sharper display area. This is ideal if you watch videos or read a lot on your phone. The iPhone 11 Pro has a smaller 5.8 inch screen with a 1125 x 2436 resolution, which offers a more compact device that is easier to hold.
Screen Type and Refresh Rate
Both phones feature OLED screens with a 60 Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 11 Pro uses Super Retina XDR OLED, which generally delivers bright and vivid colours, while the iPhone XS Max uses Super Retina OLED. Both provide high-quality visuals suitable for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera and audio features shape how you capture photos and communicate. The two iPhones share the same main camera resolution but differ in front camera detail.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 11 Pro has a 12 megapixels front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls. This suits users who often take self-portraits or use video conferencing. The iPhone XS Max has a 7 megapixels front camera, offering sufficient quality for everyday use.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixels main camera. This provides similar quality for photos and videos in standard lighting conditions.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other differences include size, weight, and physical features that affect handling and portability. Both phones support 4G networks and use the Lightning connector.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 11 Pro measures 144 mm in height, 71.4 mm in width, and 8.1 mm in depth, weighing 188 g. It is more compact and lighter, which suits users seeking a phone that fits easily in one hand or a pocket. The iPhone XS Max is larger at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, and 7.7 mm deep, weighing 208 g. Its bigger size provides a larger viewing area but is less pocket-friendly.
SIM and Network
Both models support a physical SIM and eSIM, allowing flexible mobile network use. They are unlocked and work on 4G networks, giving you freedom to choose your carrier.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 11 Pro if
- 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)
- you want a lighter build (188 g vs 208 g)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £31.64 less than the iPhone 11 Pro
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 11 Pro generally report satisfaction with the phone's appearance and performance. Many note that the device looks like new or better than expected for refurbished models. The battery life is often described as lasting all day with normal use. Some mention issues like random shutdowns or speaker quality. The front camera and overall speed receive positive comments. Users appreciate the compact size and find the transition to iOS smooth.
Reviews of the iPhone XS Max highlight its good condition and solid performance as a refurbished phone. Customers appreciate the large screen and find it comfortable for media and reading. Some mention battery life as shorter, lasting about six hours in one case. The phone's build quality and camera are praised, though one user noted low call volume that was quickly resolved with a replacement. Overall, the XS Max appeals to those who want a bigger phone with reliable performance.
Both phones attract buyers who value quality refurbished devices. The iPhone 11 Pro suits users wanting a smaller, faster phone with a sharper front camera, while the iPhone XS Max is better for those who prefer a larger display for watching videos or browsing.
iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 11 Pro vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, screen size and screen type. Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) on the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £199.73 for the iPhone 11 Pro.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 11 Pro 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 adds a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels), longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18) and a lighter build (188 g vs 208 g). Refurbished, it costs £31.64 more (from £199.73 vs £168.09).
Both come in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
