iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 8 Plus
Starting at
£100.56£399.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 8 Plus vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 Plus starts at £100.56, £67.53 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 A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8 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 2691 mAh.
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XS Max differ in several key areas that affect usability and experience. The iPhone XS Max has a larger and higher resolution screen with an OLED panel, suitable for those who want more immersive viewing. It also has a bigger battery and more RAM, which helps with multitasking and longer use between charges.
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical protection. These affect how long the phone can be used daily and how long it stays supported with new features and security.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 8 Plus has a 2691 mAh battery, which suits users with moderate daily use. The iPhone XS Max has a larger 3174 mAh battery, which is better for longer usage between charges. This means the XS Max is more suitable if you often use your phone for extended periods without access to charging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance includes the chipset, memory, and storage options. These influence how smoothly the phone runs apps and manages multitasking, as well as how much storage is available for your data.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 8 Plus features the Apple A11 Bionic chip with 3 GB of RAM, which handles everyday tasks well. The iPhone XS Max has the Apple A12 Bionic chip and 4 GB of RAM, offering smoother multitasking and better support for demanding apps. This makes the XS Max suitable for users who want a faster and more responsive experience.
Storage Options
The iPhone 8 Plus comes with 64GB or 256GB storage options, which suits users with average data needs. The iPhone XS Max adds a 512GB option, ideal for those who store large amounts of media or apps and need more space without using cloud storage.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and how much space you have for viewing. Differences in size, resolution, and screen type influence the viewing experience significantly.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 8 Plus has a 5.5 inch screen with a 1080 x 1920 resolution, offering a clear and comfortable display for everyday use. The iPhone XS Max features a larger 6.5 inch screen with a higher 1242 x 2688 resolution, providing more room and sharper detail. This makes the XS Max ideal for watching videos, gaming, or multitasking on a bigger display.
Screen Type
The iPhone 8 Plus uses a Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides good colour accuracy and brightness. The iPhone XS Max has a Super Retina OLED screen that delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours, enhancing visual content. Users who value richer display quality will find the XS Max more appealing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features include the cameras, which affect photo and video quality. Both devices have the same front and main camera megapixel counts, so they perform similarly in this area.
Camera Resolution
Both the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XS Max have a 7 megapixel front camera and a 12 megapixel main camera. This means they both capture similar levels of detail in photos and selfies, making either device suitable for everyday photography and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous features cover physical dimensions, connectivity, and SIM options. These affect how the phone fits in your hand, what networks it can use, and how flexible it is with mobile plans.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 8 Plus uses a physical SIM card only, suitable for users who prefer a traditional single SIM setup. The iPhone XS Max supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing users to have two separate mobile plans on one device. This is useful for those who want to separate work and personal numbers or travel frequently.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 8 Plus measures 158.4 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 7.5 mm in depth, weighing 202 g. The iPhone XS Max is slightly taller at 157.5 mm, wider at 77.4 mm, and a little thicker at 7.7 mm, with a weight of 208 g. The XS Max offers a larger screen but is also a bit heavier and bigger, which may matter if pocketability is a priority.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 8 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £100.56, £67.53 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want a lighter build (202 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 2691 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.5 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 8 Plus often mention the phone looks and works like new, with many happy with its condition and screen quality. Some note that the battery life could be better and that the device does not receive the latest iOS updates, which affects app compatibility for certain users. The 8 Plus suits those seeking a reliable phone for everyday use, including younger users or those who do not need the newest software features.
Users of the iPhone XS Max praise its condition and value, with many saying it looks brand new and performs well. Battery life is generally good, though a few mention needing battery replacements or lower call volume initially. The dual SIM option with eSIM is appreciated by users needing more flexible mobile plans. The larger, more vivid screen and faster performance suit customers who want a high-quality display and smooth multitasking.
Overall, the iPhone 8 Plus fits customers looking for a solid, straightforward phone with familiar features, while the iPhone XS Max appeals to those wanting a larger, sharper screen, better performance, and the latest software support.
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 8 Plus vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone 8 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £100.56 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2691 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone 8 Plus ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16. 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 2691 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £67.53 more (from £168.09 vs £100.56).
Refurbished, the iPhone 8 Plus comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
