iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 11
Starting at
£163.65£489.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 11 vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 11 starts at £163.65, £4.44 less than the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 11 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, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3110 mAh.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 11 and iPhone XS Max differ mainly in screen size, display type, processor, and camera resolution. The iPhone XS Max offers a larger 6.5 inch OLED screen with higher resolution, making it suitable for those who prioritise a bigger, sharper display. The iPhone 11 has a smaller 6.1 inch IPS LCD screen but features a newer Apple A13 Bionic chip, which benefits users seeking strong performance and efficiency. The front camera on the iPhone 11 has a higher megapixel count, ideal for detailed selfies. Storage options also differ, with the XS Max offering up to 512GB, suitable for users needing more space. Overall, the iPhone 11 suits those wanting newer performance and a better front camera, while the iPhone XS Max suits those who want a larger, higher resolution screen and more storage choices.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical dimensions. Small differences in battery size and weight may influence daily use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 11 has a 3110 mAh battery, while the iPhone XS Max has a slightly larger 3174 mAh battery. This small difference means both offer comparable battery life in everyday use, but users who want the very largest battery capacity might prefer the iPhone XS Max.
Operating System Compatibility
This ensures you get current features and security regardless of which device you choose.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 11 measures 150.9 mm in height, 75.7 mm in width, and 8.3 mm in depth, weighing 194 g. The iPhone XS Max is slightly taller at 15.75 cm, wider at 7.74 cm, and thinner at 0.77 cm, weighing 208 g. The iPhone 11 is easier to handle for those seeking a lighter phone, while the XS Max's larger size may suit users who prefer a more substantial device.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance focuses on the processor, RAM, and storage options. Both devices have the same amount of RAM, but the iPhone 11 has a newer chipset. Storage capacities also differ, offering flexibility depending on your needs.
Processor Chipset
The iPhone 11 runs on the Apple A13 Bionic chipset, while the iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic. The newer A13 chip in the iPhone 11 supports efficient multitasking and smooth performance for everyday tasks and apps.
RAM
Both devices include 4 GB of RAM. This amount supports keeping multiple apps open and running smoothly during typical daily use.
Storage Options
The iPhone 11 is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options, fitting most everyday storage requirements. The iPhone XS Max offers 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants, which is suited to users who need more space for apps, media, or files.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, and display type. These aspects affect how content looks and how much space you have for viewing. The two devices offer distinct screen experiences, each appealing to different preferences.
Screen Size
The iPhone 11 has a 6.1 inch screen while the iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen. The bigger display of the XS Max provides more room for watching videos, browsing, or multitasking on the screen.
Screen Resolution
The iPhone XS Max has a higher resolution of 1242 x 2688 pixels, which produces a sharper and more detailed image. The iPhone 11's 828 x 1792 resolution is lower but still suitable for general use and everyday tasks.
Screen Type
The iPhone XS Max features a Super Retina OLED display, which offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone 11 uses a Liquid Retina IPS LCD, which provides accurate colour but with less contrast compared to OLED. Choose the XS Max for richer visual experience and the iPhone 11 for consistent colour reproduction.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features highlight camera performance, focusing on front and main cameras. These affect photography and video calls, especially for selfie quality.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 11 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixels. This makes the iPhone 11 well suited for users who prioritise front-facing camera quality.
Main Camera Resolution
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera. This means they offer similar photo resolution for everyday photography and video recording.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover network compatibility, SIM options, physical dimensions, and other features that affect daily convenience and handling.
Network and SIM
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone XS Max support 4G networks and include both a physical SIM and eSIM. Neither device has an SD card slot, so storage depends solely on internal capacity.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 11 is 8.3 mm thick, 150.9 mm tall, and 75.7 mm wide, weighing 194 g. The iPhone XS Max measures 0.77 cm in depth, 15.75 cm in height, and 7.74 cm in width, weighing 208 g. The iPhone 11's slightly lighter and more compact form suits users who prefer a smaller phone.
Connector Type
Both devices use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of existing cables and chargers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 11 or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 11 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £163.65, £4.44 less than the iPhone XS Max
- 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 a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 3110 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 11 often praise its performance and condition. Many note the battery health is excellent, sometimes at 100%, which is appreciated in a refurbished phone. The phone is described as looking perfect or very good cosmetically, with only minor marks reported in a few cases. Several customers highlight smooth performance and a positive overall experience using the device. The front camera's quality and the device's ease of use are also mentioned favorably.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max show customers appreciate the large and sharp OLED screen, with many saying the phone looks like new and performs well. Battery life varies, with some users mentioning shorter battery duration requiring replacement. The size and screen quality are often praised, making the device suitable for media consumption and general use. Some customers note minor scratches or setup delays, but overall they find the phone good value and reliable. The camera and general functionality meet their expectations.
In summary, the iPhone 11 appeals to those wanting a reliable, smoothly performing phone with a strong front camera and solid battery health. The iPhone XS Max suits users who prefer a larger, higher resolution screen and more storage options, accepting a heavier device with variable battery condition.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 11 vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3110 mAh.
The iPhone 11 is cheaper refurbished, from £163.65 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3110 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 11 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 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 (194 g vs 208 g). Refurbished, it costs £4.44 less (from £163.65 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 11 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
