iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 8 and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 8 vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £78.09 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, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 8 and iPhone XS Max differ notably in screen size and quality, battery capacity, performance, and storage options. The iPhone 8 has a smaller 4.7 inch Retina IPS LCD screen with a 750 x 1334 resolution, suited for those who prefer a compact device. The iPhone XS Max offers a much larger 6.5 inch Super Retina OLED screen at 1242 x 2688 resolution, ideal if you want a roomier display for videos and apps. The iPhone 8 is compatible with 64GB to 256GB storage, while the XS Max goes up to 512GB, catering to those needing extensive space. Both devices suit different needs depending on how you use your phone and what you value most.
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and essential operating system features.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 8 has a 1821 mAh battery, which suits users with lighter daily use or who prefer smaller phones. The iPhone XS Max has a 3174 mAh battery, offering longer usage between charges, which benefits those who spend more time on their device without easy access to charging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance relates to the chipset, RAM, and storage options available. These influence how quickly the device runs apps, handles multitasking, and stores data.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 8 uses the Apple A11 Bionic chipset with 2 GB of RAM, which is well suited for everyday tasks and lighter app use. The iPhone XS Max features the Apple A12 Bionic chipset with 4 GB of RAM, making it better at handling more demanding apps and keeping multiple apps open simultaneously.
Storage Options
The iPhone 8 is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage, fitting users with average to high storage needs. The iPhone XS Max offers 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, making it ideal for those who store large amounts of media or apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality impacts how you view media, read text, and interact with apps. The two devices differ in size, resolution, and screen technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 8 has a 4.7 inch screen with a 750 x 1334 resolution, making it compact and easy to use one-handed. The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen with 1242 x 2688 resolution, offering more space and detail for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.
Screen Type
The iPhone 8 uses a Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides good colour accuracy and brightness. The iPhone XS Max features a Super Retina OLED screen, which delivers deeper blacks and richer colours, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features include the quality of cameras which affect photos and video calls. Both phones have similar camera resolutions.
Camera Resolution
Both the iPhone 8 and iPhone XS Max have 7 megapixel front cameras and 12 megapixel main cameras. This means both devices are capable of capturing similar levels of detail in selfies and photos.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other features include network compatibility, physical dimensions, SIM options, and weight, all of which influence everyday use and convenience.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 8 uses a physical SIM card. The iPhone XS Max supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering more flexibility for using multiple phone numbers or carriers.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 8 is smaller and lighter with dimensions of 138.4 mm height, 67.3 mm width, 7.3 mm depth, and weighing 148 g. The iPhone XS Max is larger and heavier at 157.5 mm height, 77.4 mm width, 7.7 mm depth, and 208 g weight. The iPhone 8 suits those wanting a compact, lightweight phone. The iPhone XS Max is better if you prefer a bigger device and don't mind extra weight.
Mobile Network and Connector
Both phones support 4G networks and use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 8 or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £90, £78.09 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 208 g)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 1821 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 4.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 8 often praise its like-new appearance and reliable battery health. Many mention it being a solid step up from earlier iPhones and suitable for everyday use. The device is appreciated for its good condition and ample storage options, with users finding it a dependable phone for work and personal use. Some note the battery needing a charge by evening with heavy use, reflecting its smaller capacity but still acceptable for typical daily activities.
Users of the iPhone XS Max report satisfaction with the device's excellent condition and larger screen. The battery life is generally good but can vary, as one user noted needing a replacement due to shorter battery performance. The larger display and better multitasking capabilities are valued, and the availability of eSIM adds convenience. Some customers highlight very clear product descriptions and good value for the price. Setup times and occasional minor issues with features like Face ID are mentioned but do not detract from overall positive experiences.
Overall, the iPhone 8 suits buyers looking for a compact phone with solid everyday performance, while the iPhone XS Max appeals to those wanting a larger screen, longer battery life, and more memory for apps and media.
iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 8 vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone 8 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 2 GB), a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 1821 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £78.09 more (from £168.09 vs £90).
Refurbished, the iPhone 8 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
