iPhone Air vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone Air
Starting at
£687.30£999.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone Air and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone Air vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen type. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £519.21 less than the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen type
Refresh rate
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone XS Max has an OLED screen.
iPhone Air vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone Air offers more RAM and storage options up to 1TB, making it suitable for those who use many apps or need large storage. Its screen has a higher refresh rate and a different resolution, which benefits those who value smoother visuals. The iPhone Air also supports 5G for faster mobile networks and uses a USB-C connector. The iPhone XS Max features a physical SIM slot alongside eSIM and a heavier, slightly larger body. It suits buyers looking for a solid iOS experience with a familiar Lightning connector and a simpler storage range.
iPhone Air vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone Air vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and basic design features that matter over time.
Latest iOS Compatibility
This means you get access to current features and security improvements regardless of which model you choose.
Operating System
Each device runs iOS, providing a consistent user experience within the Apple ecosystem.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone Air vs iPhone XS Max performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone Air vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how you see content and interact with your phone. Both models have the same 6.5 inch screen size, offering plenty of space for videos and apps, but they differ in resolution, refresh rate, and screen technology.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone Air has a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes motion smoother when scrolling or gaming. This suits users who prioritise fluid visuals. The iPhone XS Max has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for everyday use.
Resolution
The iPhone Air has a resolution of 2736 by 1260 pixels, providing a wide and sharp display area. The iPhone XS Max has a resolution of 1242 by 2688 pixels, which supports detailed vertical content. The difference means the Air's display is wider, while the XS Max offers a taller image.
Screen Type
The iPhone Air uses a Super Retina XDR screen type, designed for high brightness and contrast. The iPhone XS Max has a Super Retina OLED screen, which is known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. Both provide excellent picture quality but with slightly different technologies.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone Air vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera quality is important for photography and video calls. Both devices have front and main cameras but differ in megapixels, which affects image detail.
Front Camera
The iPhone Air has an 18 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail and clarity in selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS Max has a 7 megapixel front camera, suitable for everyday video chats and photos.
Main Camera
The iPhone Air's main camera has 48 megapixels, providing high-resolution images with more detail. The iPhone XS Max has a 12 megapixel main camera, which is effective for general photography and everyday use.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone Air vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other features affect convenience, connectivity, and handling. Differences in network, size, weight, and ports suit different user preferences.
Network and SIM
The iPhone Air supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds for streaming and downloads. It uses an eSIM only, which is fully digital. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G and offers both a physical SIM card and eSIM, fitting users who prefer a physical SIM.
Connector Type
The iPhone Air uses a USB-C connector, which is common for charging and data and compatible with many accessories. The iPhone XS Max uses a Lightning connector, Apple's traditional port.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone Air is slimmer and lighter, at 5.6 mm depth and 165 g weight, making it easier to hold for extended periods. The iPhone XS Max is slightly larger and heavier, at 7.7 mm depth and 208 g, which might suit users who prefer a more substantial feel.
Storage Options
iPhone Air offers storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, ideal for users with large app libraries, photos, and files. The iPhone XS Max comes in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, catering to more typical storage needs.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone Air or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone Air if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £519.21 less than the iPhone Air
- you want an OLED screen
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone Air looks almost brand new and often comes with battery health at or near 100 percent, even after several charge cycles. Many appreciate its premium condition and say the phone works perfectly for everyday tasks. The higher storage options and smooth performance suit buyers who want a reliable and spacious device. Some mention needing to find suitable cases due to the phone's slim design, but overall the experience is positive with comments on the phone's speed and camera quality.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max highlight good overall condition and solid performance for general use. Some customers note battery life is acceptable but not as long lasting as newer models, with one mentioning needing a battery replacement. The physical SIM slot alongside eSIM is appreciated by users who prefer that setup. The device's screen and camera meet everyday needs, and many find it good value for the price. A few mention minor scratches but say they are manageable with a case.
The iPhone Air suits buyers who want higher performance, more storage, and faster mobile networks. The iPhone XS Max appeals to those who prefer a familiar design with a physical SIM option and who are happy with standard screen refresh rates and camera resolutions.
iPhone Air vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone Air vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen type. Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £687.30 for the iPhone Air.
The iPhone Air has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone Air 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 Air adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £519.21 more (from £687.30 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone Air comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
