iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max
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iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at
£840.13£1,399.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £672.04 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 Max.
- 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 3174 mAh.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and the iPhone XS Max differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a larger screen with a higher refresh rate and resolution, making it ideal for those who value a vivid and smooth display experience. It has a more powerful chipset, double the RAM, and larger battery capacity, which supports more demanding apps and longer use. The newer device also supports 5G and uses USB-C for charging. The iPhone XS Max, with smaller screen size and lower specs, suits buyers looking for a capable phone that covers everyday needs without the latest advances.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability matters for how long a phone lasts in daily use, especially battery life and software support.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a battery capacity of 4685 mAh, which allows for longer use between charges compared to the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This suits users who need extended battery life throughout the day without frequent recharging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance affects how smoothly apps run and how well the phone handles multitasking. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has newer hardware and more memory options compared to the iPhone XS Max.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features the Apple A18 Pro chipset, which is more advanced than the iPhone XS Max's Apple A12 Bionic. This means the 16 Pro Max can handle more demanding applications and processes more efficiently.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 Pro Max supports keeping more apps open and running smoothly, which benefits users who multitask or use memory-intensive apps. The iPhone XS Max has 4 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday use and standard app performance.
Storage Options
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options, providing ample space for large files, apps, and media. The iPhone XS Max offers 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, which may suit users with lighter storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects viewing comfort for videos, photos, and daily tasks. Differences in refresh rate, resolution, size, and screen technology influence how smooth and detailed the display appears.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling appear smoother. The iPhone XS Max has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for most everyday use but less fluid for fast movements.
Resolution and Size
With a resolution of 1320 x 2868 and a 6.9 inch screen, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a larger and sharper display, ideal for watching videos or multitasking. The iPhone XS Max has a 1242 x 2688 resolution on a 6.5 inch screen, which is slightly smaller and less sharp but still provides a clear viewing experience.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED technology, which can support variable refresh rates and high brightness levels. The iPhone XS Max features Super Retina OLED, delivering vibrant colours and deep blacks suitable for daily media consumption.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera quality is important for those who take photos and videos. The front and main cameras differ in resolution, affecting image detail and clarity.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, which can capture sharper and more detailed selfies compared to the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixels. This suits users who prioritise video calls or self-portraits.
Main Camera Resolution
With a 48 megapixel main camera, the iPhone 16 Pro Max captures more detail in photos than the iPhone XS Max's 12 megapixels. This makes the 16 Pro Max better for users who want higher resolution images and more flexibility in editing.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other features affect everyday convenience and compatibility, such as network support, charging ports, and physical dimensions.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports 5G networks, offering faster data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G, which provides reliable connectivity for most tasks but at slower speeds than 5G.
Connector Type
The iPhone XS Max uses Apple's Lightning connector.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses eSIM only, which lets you activate mobile plans without a physical SIM card. The iPhone XS Max supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, offering flexibility for users who prefer physical SIM cards.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 16 Pro Max measures 163 mm in height, 77.6 mm in width, and 8.3 mm in depth, weighing 227 g. The iPhone XS Max is slightly smaller at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, 7.7 mm deep, and lighter at 208 g. The 16 Pro Max suits those comfortable with a larger, heavier phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone XS Max: 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 3174 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.5 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £672.04 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (208 g vs 227 g)
What our customers say
Customers buying the iPhone 16 Pro Max praise its condition, often saying it looks like new with no scratches. The battery health is frequently noted as excellent, with percentages close to 100 and few charge cycles, which means the battery performs like a new phone's. Users find the touchscreen responsive and smooth, and the display quality impressive. Many mention the device feels premium and performs perfectly, with no issues reported in daily use. The camera and battery life receive positive comments, making this model appealing for users who want high performance and a like-new experience.
The iPhone XS Max also receives positive feedback for its condition, with many customers happy that the phone looks good with no major marks. Battery life is sometimes noted as less strong, with one customer mentioning only about six hours of use on a charge before trading it in. The screen and overall performance meet user expectations for everyday tasks. Some customers appreciate the phone as a good value option for those who do not require the latest model, mentioning reliable operation and good condition even in fair or good refurbishment grades. Occasional issues like call volume or setup time are mentioned but do not detract from general satisfaction.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max suits buyers who want the latest features, a large and smooth screen, and strong battery life. The iPhone XS Max fits those who want a solid, capable phone for daily use with good condition and a lower price point.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs XS Max 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 Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £840.13 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 3174 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 Max 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 3174 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £672.04 more (from £840.13 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
