iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 7 Plus
Starting at
£106.15£139.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 7 Plus vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 7 Plus starts at £106.15, £61.94 less than the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2900 mAh.
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone XS Max differ in several ways that suit different users. The iPhone XS Max offers a larger and higher-resolution OLED screen, more RAM, and a bigger battery, making it better for those who want a spacious display and more power for apps. The iPhone 7 Plus, with its simpler specifications and lower storage options, suits buyers looking for a solid everyday phone with a smaller screen and a lower price point. Both devices have similar camera megapixels and use the Lightning connector, so photography and charging follow familiar patterns.
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical design. These factors affect how long the devices last each day and over time.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XS Max has a 3174 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 7 Plus's 2900 mAh. This means the XS Max may provide longer use between charges, which suits users who need extended battery life during busy days.
Software Updates
The iPhone 7 Plus does not, which fits buyers who prefer a stable system without the need for the latest features.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect app speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Processor Power
The iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic chipset, which is newer and more efficient than the Apple A10 Fusion in the iPhone 7 Plus. This suits users who want smoother performance with more demanding apps.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone XS Max can keep more apps active at once compared to the 3 GB in the iPhone 7 Plus. This helps with faster app switching and multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 7 Plus comes in 32GB and 128GB, suitable for everyday storage needs. The iPhone XS Max offers 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, making it more suitable for users who store large amounts of data like photos, videos, or apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how you see content. Resolution, size, and screen type impact clarity, space for viewing, and colour richness.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS Max offers a 6.5 inch screen, which is larger than the 5.5 inch screen on the iPhone 7 Plus. This gives more room for watching videos, reading, or using apps, which suits users who prefer a bigger display.
Resolution
With a resolution of 1242 x 2688, the iPhone XS Max shows more detail and sharper images than the iPhone 7 Plus's 1080 x 1920 screen. This benefits users who value crisp visuals.
Screen Technology
The iPhone XS Max has a Super Retina OLED screen, offering deeper blacks and vibrant colours. The iPhone 7 Plus uses Retina IPS LCD, which provides clear and accurate colours but with less contrast. Users wanting richer image quality may prefer the XS Max screen.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features include camera quality and front camera resolution. These affect photo quality and video calls.
Camera Resolution
Both models have a 12 megapixel main camera and a 7 megapixel front camera. This means both phones can capture similar levels of detail in photos and selfies, suitable for everyday photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover design, network features, and connectivity. These details affect usability and how the phone fits your lifestyle.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 7 Plus uses a physical SIM card, while the iPhone XS Max supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM. The XS Max suits users who want flexibility with two phone numbers or plans without needing a second physical SIM.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone XS Max is larger and heavier at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, 7.7 mm deep, and weighing 208 g. The iPhone 7 Plus is slightly smaller and lighter, measuring 158.2 mm tall, 77.9 mm wide, 7.3 mm deep, and weighing 188 g. The 7 Plus suits those who prefer a lighter phone that is easier to hold.
Network Compatibility
Both phones support 4G networks and come unlocked, so you can use them with any carrier. This gives you freedom to choose your network provider.
Connector Type
Both models use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories, so existing Lightning-compatible gear will work with either device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 7 Plus or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 7 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £106.15, £61.94 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want a lighter build (188 g vs 208 g)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 2900 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.5 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 7 Plus generally appreciate the phone's condition and value. Many say it looks like new and works perfectly, with some highlighting that the battery life lasts longer than expected. Some users find it easy to set up and enjoy discovering its features. However, a few note that it does not support the latest software updates, which affects its future usability. There are mixed comments on device condition, with most satisfied but some receiving phones with marks or reduced battery health.
The iPhone XS Max receives praise for its appearance and performance. Customers say it looks brand new with no scratches or dents. The battery life is reported as good, though some have needed to replace it. Users find the phone meets their needs well and is reliable for everyday use. Some report minor issues like slower setup or initial faults that were resolved. Overall, the phone is seen as a good option for those wanting a larger screen and more storage.
Both phones suit different buyers: the iPhone 7 Plus fits those looking for a reliable everyday phone at a lower price, while the iPhone XS Max suits users seeking more storage, a bigger screen, and the ability to run the latest software.
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 7 Plus vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone 7 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £106.15 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2900 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone 7 Plus ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone XS Max adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 2900 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £61.94 more (from £168.09 vs £106.15).
Refurbished, the iPhone 7 Plus comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
