iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at
£840.13£1,399.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone XS?
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £701.78 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone XS differ in size, power, camera capabilities, and connectivity. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a larger screen, more RAM, a higher capacity battery, and 5G support. It suits users who want a bigger display and advanced performance for demanding apps or photography. The iPhone XS is smaller and lighter with simpler storage options, making it suitable for those who prefer a compact device for everyday use.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and basic device features. These factors affect how long the phone lasts between charges and how current the software experience will be.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 4685 mAh battery, which provides more capacity for longer use between charges. This suits users who need extended battery life for heavy daily tasks. The iPhone XS has a 2658 mAh battery, which fits users with lighter usage or those who charge more frequently.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS performance
Performance covers the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These impact speed, multitasking, and how much data or apps you can keep on the device.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has the Apple A18 Pro chipset with 8 GB of RAM, which supports smoother multitasking and faster processing for demanding apps and games. The iPhone XS uses the Apple A12 Bionic chipset with 4 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday use and typical applications.
Storage Options
Storage for the iPhone 16 Pro Max ranges from 256GB to 1TB, accommodating users who need ample space for large files, apps, or media. The iPhone XS offers 64GB and 256GB options, enough for standard use and moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality affects viewing experience, size of the display, and visual sharpness. These differences cater to different viewing preferences and uses.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 1320 x 2868 pixels, providing a larger and sharper display that is better for watching videos and multitasking. The iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch screen with 1125 x 2436 pixels, which is more compact and easier to use one-handed.
Screen Type
The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which can offer variable refresh rates and potentially better power efficiency. The iPhone XS has a Super Retina OLED screen, delivering vivid colours and deep blacks suitable for general use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing camera resolution. These affect photography quality and video calls.
Camera Systems
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a triple main camera setup with a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail and versatility in photos. The iPhone XS has a double main camera setup with a 12 megapixel main camera, supporting good image quality for everyday photography.
Front Camera
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 12 megapixel front camera, which is suited for high-resolution selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS has a 7 megapixel front camera, which is suitable for standard selfies and calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS size and design
Miscellaneous differences include physical dimensions, network capabilities, connectors, and SIM options. These can affect device handling, connectivity, and compatibility.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 16 Pro Max measures 163 mm in height, 77.6 mm in width, and weighs 227 g, making it a larger and heavier phone. This suits users who prioritise a bigger screen and don't mind extra bulk. The iPhone XS is smaller at 143.6 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, and weighs 177 g, fitting those who prefer a compact and lighter phone.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports 5G networks, offering faster connectivity where available. The iPhone XS supports 4G networks, which are widely available and suitable for everyday internet use.
Connector Type
The iPhone XS uses the Lightning connector, which is common on many Apple devices.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports eSIM only, which suits users who prefer digital SIM management. The iPhone XS supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, offering flexibility for users who want to use a physical SIM card.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 5.8 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £138.35, £701.78 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 227 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 16 Pro Max looks like new with battery health often near or at 100 percent. The screen is described as very responsive and smooth, with no scratches and a premium feel. Users note the device performs perfectly and holds charge well, even after multiple charge cycles. The camera and display quality receive positive mentions, and overall the phone is seen as a well-cared-for device that meets expectations for a refurbished model.
The iPhone XS receives praise for looking spotless and like new, with battery health commonly reported at 100 percent. The phone is described as running smoothly with no lag, and the compact size is appreciated. Some mention minor marks or occasional issues with specific units, but many find the camera good and the battery life decent. The device suits those who value a smaller form factor and reliable daily performance.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is well suited for users wanting a large, detailed screen and strong performance with ample storage. The iPhone XS fits those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with straightforward features and solid everyday use.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £840.13 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 2658 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 5.8 inch). Refurbished, it costs £701.78 more (from £840.13 vs £138.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
