iPhone XR vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone XR vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £37.79 less than the iPhone XS Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR, 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 2942 mAh.
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max both run iOS and come from 2018, but they suit different needs. The iPhone XR has a 6.1 inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen with a lower resolution and 3 GB of RAM, making it well suited for everyday use and users who prefer a moderate screen size. The iPhone XS Max offers a larger 6.5 inch Super Retina OLED screen with a higher resolution and 4 GB of RAM, ideal if you want a more detailed and spacious display and more memory for multitasking. Battery capacity is slightly higher in the XS Max, which may help with longer use. Storage options vary up to 512GB on the XS Max versus 256GB on the XR, so the XS Max fits those needing more space.
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical build.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XR has a 2942 mAh battery, while the iPhone XS Max features a larger 3174 mAh battery. This means the XS Max may offer longer battery life, which suits users who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day without frequent charging.
Size and Weight
The iPhone XR measures 150.9 mm in height, 75.7 mm in width, and 8.3 mm in depth, weighing 194 g. The iPhone XS Max is slightly taller at 157.5 mm, wider at 77.4 mm, and thinner at 7.7 mm, with a weight of 208 g. The XR is lighter and a bit thicker, which may feel easier to hold for users preferring a lighter phone.
Latest Software Compatibility
This means both phones stay current with new features and security improvements, helping maintain performance and app compatibility over time.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones use the Apple A12 Bionic chip, but RAM and storage vary, influencing multitasking ability and how much content you can keep on the device.
Chipset
Both iPhones run on the Apple A12 Bionic chipset, ensuring similar core processing power and efficiency. This provides a smooth experience for everyday tasks, apps, and games.
RAM Capacity
The iPhone XR has 3 GB of RAM, while the iPhone XS Max offers 4 GB. More RAM on the XS Max helps keep more apps open in the background and improves multitasking, which benefits power users or those who frequently switch between apps.
Storage Options
The iPhone XR is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage variants, while the iPhone XS Max offers 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The XS Max suits users with larger storage needs, such as those storing many photos, videos, or apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your device. The iPhone XR and XS Max differ in screen size, resolution, and panel technology, which influences clarity, colour, and viewing space.
Screen Size
The iPhone XR has a 6.1 inch screen, while the iPhone XS Max offers a larger 6.5 inch display. The bigger screen on the XS Max suits users who watch videos, play games, or prefer more space for reading and browsing.
Resolution and Detail
The XR has a resolution of 828 x 1792 pixels and a Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen. The XS Max features a higher resolution of 1242 x 2688 pixels on a Super Retina OLED screen. The XS Max delivers sharper images and deeper contrast, making it better for detailed content and richer colours.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS Max camera
Both devices share similar camera specifications, which means they provide comparable photo and video capabilities from both front and rear cameras.
Camera Resolution
The iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max both have a 12 megapixel main camera and a 7 megapixel front camera. This ensures similar ability to capture detailed photos and selfies, suitable for everyday photography and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, physical design, and network support. Both devices are unlocked and support 4G, but they have some differences in size, weight, and storage choices that may influence your preference.
Carrier Compatibility and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 4G mobile networks, giving you freedom to choose your network provider and reliable mobile internet connectivity.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone XR is slightly lighter at 194 g compared to 208 g for the XS Max. The XR is also thicker at 8.3 mm versus 7.7 mm for the XS Max. These differences may affect comfort in hand and pocket, with the XR offering a lighter feel.
SIM Card Support
Both models support a physical SIM plus eSIM. This allows you to use two phone numbers or plans on the same device, which is convenient for balancing personal and work use.
Connector Type
Both iPhones use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories, providing compatibility with a wide range of existing Apple accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone XR or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £130.30, £37.79 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want a lighter build (194 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 2942 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone XR praise its condition, saying it looks like new with no marks and performs well. Many mention easy setup and good battery health, with some noting the replacement battery is not an official Apple one but still acceptable. Buyers appreciate the screen size as just right, especially for those preferring a moderate display. Overall, users find the XR a great value for everyday use and reliable performance.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max highlight its excellent condition and good battery life at purchase. Some customers mention minor scratches on the sides but find the phone works well for their needs. A few raised concerns about battery life or specific features like Face ID on some units, but others were pleased with the large screen and multitasking ability. The XS Max suits those wanting a larger display and more storage.
Both devices attract buyers looking for quality refurbished iPhones with solid performance. The XR fits users who prefer a lighter, moderately sized phone for everyday use, while the XS Max appeals to those wanting a larger screen and higher memory for multitasking and media.
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone XR vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2942 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the iPhone XR comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
