iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at
£577.65£1,199.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone XS?
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £439.30 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone XS differ in size, performance, camera capabilities, and connectivity features. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a larger 6.7 inch screen and higher resolution, suited for users who want a roomier display for video and apps. It has more RAM and a newer chipset, making it better for multitasking and demanding apps. The camera system on the iPhone 15 Pro Max includes more lenses and higher megapixels, ideal for detailed photography. The iPhone XS is more compact with a smaller screen, suitable for those preferring a smaller device. Battery capacity is larger on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, benefiting users who want longer use between charges.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software compatibility are key durability factors.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 4441 mAh battery, which is significantly larger than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This means the iPhone 15 Pro Max can last longer between charges, suitable for users who spend more time on their phones without access to charging.
Software Updates
This ensures both phones receive current features and security patches, keeping the user experience up to date.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS performance
Performance differences come down to chipset, RAM, and storage options. These aspects affect how smoothly apps run and how much data you can store.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A17 Pro chipset with 8 GB of RAM, while the iPhone XS uses the Apple A12 Bionic chipset with 4 GB of RAM. The extra memory and newer chipset in the iPhone 15 Pro Max keep everyday apps running smoothly and help with multitasking or demanding applications.
Storage Options
PhoneMart stocks the iPhone 15 Pro Max with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, giving you more space for apps, photos, and files. The iPhone XS is available in 64GB and 256GB, which suits users with lighter storage needs or those who prefer a lower price point.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS screen
Screen size, resolution, and panel technology influence how content looks and how much space you have to view it. These factors affect video watching, reading, and general phone use.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1290 by 2796 pixels, offering a larger and sharper display. The iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch screen at 1125 by 2436 pixels, which is more compact and easier to handle with one hand.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, while the iPhone XS has a Super Retina OLED screen. The LTPO technology can help with power efficiency and smooth display performance during different tasks, which benefits users who want a high-quality viewing experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS camera
Camera differences are notable, with more lenses and higher megapixels on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Front and main camera specifications affect photo detail and selfie quality.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a triple camera system compared to the iPhone XS's double camera setup. This expands photography options for users who want more versatility in their shots.
Main Camera Megapixels
The iPhone 15 Pro Max's main camera delivers 48 megapixels, capturing more detail and clarity in photos. The iPhone XS main camera has 12 megapixels, which suits everyday photography and casual use.
Front Camera Quality
With a 12 megapixel front camera, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers higher resolution for selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone XS's 7 megapixel front camera. This benefits users who frequently use the front camera.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS size and design
Other differences include network support, connectors, device size, and weight. These influence connectivity, compatibility with accessories, and how the phone feels in your hand.
Network and Connector
The iPhone 15 Pro Max supports 5G networks and uses a USB-C connector. The iPhone XS works on 4G and uses a Lightning connector. If you want faster mobile internet and a more universal charging port, the iPhone 15 Pro Max suits those needs.
Device Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 15 Pro Max measures 159.9 mm by 76.7 mm and weighs 221 g, making it larger and heavier. The iPhone XS is smaller at 143.6 mm by 70.9 mm and lighter at 177 g, preferred by users who want a more compact phone.
SIM Options
Both phones support a physical SIM and eSIM, providing flexible options for mobile networks and plans.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4441 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.8 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £138.35, £439.30 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 221 g)
What our customers say
Customers buying the iPhone 15 Pro Max appreciate its like-new condition, with many noting no scratches or dents and good battery health around 85 to 92 percent. They highlight how the battery lasts all day even with heavy use, and the screen is clear and flawless. Several customers mention the camera quality and overall performance meeting expectations. Some say the phone can get warm during heavy initial use but then cools down normally. The larger storage options and strong battery make it suitable for those wanting a high-end experience without paying full price.
Reviews for the iPhone XS show buyers are pleased with its compact size and smooth operation. Many customers report the phone looks and feels like new, with good battery life that lasts through the day with regular charging. The camera receives positive remarks for everyday photography. A few comments mention minor marks or occasional issues with the front camera or heating, but most find the phone reliable and well suited for daily use. Storage options up to 256GB are welcomed for storing apps and photos.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max suits users who want a larger screen, longer battery life, and advanced camera features. The iPhone XS suits those preferring a smaller device with solid performance for everyday tasks.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 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 15 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4441 mAh vs 2658 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.8 inch). Refurbished, it costs £439.30 more (from £577.65 vs £138.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
