The Apple iPhone XS Max, released on September 21, 2018, is one of the most iconic devices Apple has introduced. As the larger model of the iPhone XS series, it offers several improvements over its predecessor, the iPhone X. With a larger display, enhanced camera system, and powerful internals, the iPhone XS Max continues to impress users in 2025, offering a premium experience that remains relevant even as newer iPhones enter the market.
In this comprehensive review, we will explore the iPhone XS Max’s design, performance, display quality, camera system, battery life, and more, helping you decide if this device is still worth considering in 2025.
iPhone XS Max Key Specifications
Table of Contents
- iPhone XS Max Design and Build Quality
- Display Quality: A Stunning Super Retina OLED
- Performance: Powered by the A12 Bionic Chip
- Camera System: Dual 12MP Setup for Stunning Photos
- Battery Life and Charging: Power That Lasts
- Software and Features: iOS 12 and Beyond
- Comparison: iPhone XS Max vs iPhone XS vs iPhone 11
- iPhone XS Max Pros and Cons
- Final Verdict: Is the iPhone XS Max Still Worth It in 2025?
iPhone XS Max Design and Build Quality
The design of the iPhone XS Max stands out with its sleek, premium materials and visually appealing finish. It has a glass front and back, made from Corning-made glass, with a stainless steel frame that gives the device a luxurious feel. The iPhone XS Max is available in three colors: Space Gray, Silver, and Gold, allowing users to choose their preferred aesthetic.
At a size of 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm and weighing 208 grams, the XS Max is comfortably large but still portable. The device fits well in the hand, despite its larger size compared to other iPhones. The 6.5-inch display provides ample space for viewing media and using apps without being overly cumbersome.
Additionally, the iPhone XS Max is IP68-rated, making it resistant to dust and water. It can withstand submersion in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes, offering extra peace of mind for users who want to use their device in various environments.
Display Quality: A Stunning Super Retina OLED
One of the best features of the iPhone XS Max is its impressive Super Retina OLED display. With a resolution of 1242 x 2688 pixels and a pixel density of 458 ppi, the display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for watching videos, playing games, or simply browsing. The screen’s brightness reaches up to 625 nits, with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support, ensuring that the content on the screen looks stunning even under direct sunlight.
The 6.5-inch screen size also provides an expansive viewing experience. Whether you’re streaming movies, gaming, or browsing social media, the iPhone XS Max’s display offers clarity and sharpness, making it one of the best screens available in 2018 and still competitive today.
The 3D Touch feature, which was first introduced in earlier models, is also present on the iPhone XS Max, adding extra functionality for users who enjoy using the pressure-sensitive touch feature for quick actions.
Performance: Powered by the A12 Bionic Chip
The iPhone XS Max is powered by the Apple A12 Bionic chip with a hexacore processor (2×2.5 GHz Vortex + 4×1.6 GHz Tempest). Paired with 4GB of RAM, the A12 Bionic delivers top-tier performance for almost every task. The iPhone XS Max can handle demanding apps, multitasking, gaming, and video editing without any noticeable slowdowns.
The Apple A12 Bionic chip, built on a 7nm architecture, is highly efficient, ensuring smooth performance and longer battery life. Whether you’re using the phone for regular tasks like social media browsing or heavy-duty activities like 4K video recording, the iPhone XS Max remains responsive and fast.
When it comes to performance benchmarks, the iPhone XS Max scored 353,210 on AnTuTu and 11,432 on GeekBench, both of which are impressive figures even years after its release.
Camera System: Dual 12MP Setup for Stunning Photos
The iPhone XS Max is equipped with a dual 12MP rear camera system, which includes a wide-angle f/1.8 lens and a telephoto f/2.4 lens with 2x optical zoom. This camera system allows users to capture excellent photos in a wide range of conditions, from bright daylight to low-light environments. The addition of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) ensures sharp and steady shots, while Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) enables fast and accurate focusing.
The HDR feature enhances photos by adjusting the highlights and shadows, giving your images more dynamic range. The Quad-LED dual-tone flash further improves your photos in low-light situations.
The 4K video recording capabilities at 24, 30, or 60 fps provide high-quality video, making the iPhone XS Max an excellent tool for content creators. The 1080p video recording at 30, 60, 120, and 240 fps also offers impressive slow-motion and time-lapse options.
For selfies, the iPhone XS Max uses a 7MP front camera with an f/2.2 aperture. The camera also supports HDR and 1080p video recording, providing clear and vibrant selfies.
Battery Life and Charging: Power That Lasts
The iPhone XS Max comes with a 3174 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, which offers all-day battery life for most users. Apple claims that the device can last up to 79 hours on an endurance rating, making it a reliable option for users who need to stay connected throughout the day.
The device supports 15W wired charging via USB Power Delivery (PD), which can charge the phone up to 50% in 30 minutes. It also supports Qi wireless charging, so you can easily charge the device without the need for wires.
Despite the 3174 mAh battery size, the A12 Bionic chip’s power efficiency helps extend battery life, ensuring the iPhone XS Max can last through a full day of usage.
Software and Features: iOS 12 and Beyond
The iPhone XS Max launched with iOS 12, but it is upgradable to iOS 18.3, ensuring that the device remains compatible with the latest features and security updates. Face ID, a biometric authentication feature, ensures that the device is secure and easy to unlock. The device also supports Apple Pay, allowing users to make quick and secure payments.
Other key features include NFC support, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi 802.11ac for fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
Comparison: iPhone XS Max vs iPhone XS vs iPhone 11
Here’s a comparison of the iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, and iPhone 11:
| Feature | iPhone XS Max | iPhone XS | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Silver, Space Gray, Gold | Silver, Space Gray, Gold | Purple, Yellow, Green, Black, White, Product Red |
| Display | 6.5" Super Retina HD (OLED), 2688x1242 | 5.8" Super Retina HD (OLED), 2436x1125 | 6.1" Liquid Retina HD (LCD), 1792x828 |
| Chip | A12 Bionic, 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU | A12 Bionic, 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU | A13 Bionic, 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU |
| Camera (Main) | Dual 12MP (Wide, Telephoto), 1x & 2x optical zoom | Dual 12MP (Wide, Telephoto), 1x & 2x optical zoom | Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide), 0.5x & 1x optical zoom |
| Camera (Front) | 7MP, Portrait Mode, Smart HDR | 7MP, Portrait Mode, Smart HDR | 12MP, Portrait Mode, Smart HDR 2 |
| Video Recording | 4K at 24/30/60 fps, Slo-mo 1080p at 120/240 fps | 4K at 24/30/60 fps, Slo-mo 1080p at 120/240 fps | 4K at 24/30/60 fps, Slo-mo 1080p at 120/240 fps |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours video playback | Up to 14 hours video playback | Up to 17 hours video playback |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (2 meters, 30 min) | IP68 (2 meters, 30 min) | IP68 (2 meters, 30 min) |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | Gigabit-class LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 | Gigabit-class LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 | Gigabit-class LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM & eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM & eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM & eSIM) |
| Weight | 208g | 177g | 194g |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm | 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm |
| Charging | Lightning, Fast-charge (50% in 30 minutes) | Lightning, Fast-charge (50% in 30 minutes) | Lightning, Fast-charge (50% in 30 minutes) |
| Operating System | iOS 12 (upgradable to later versions) | iOS 12 (upgradable to later versions) | iOS 13 (upgradable to later versions) |
| Price Range | High-end pricing | Premium pricing | Mid-range pricing |
In this comparison, we will explore the key differences between three popular iPhone models: the iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, and iPhone 11. These devices cater to different needs, from screen size and camera capabilities to battery life and performance. Whether you’re looking for a premium device with an OLED display or a more budget-friendly option with impressive features, this guide will help you make an informed decision on which iPhone best suits your needs.
iPhone XS Max Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display with HDR support.
- Dual 12MP rear camera system for excellent photo and video quality.
- A12 Bionic chip for fast and efficient performance.
- IP68-rated for water and dust resistance.
- Qi wireless charging and fast charging options.
Cons:
- No 3.5mm headphone jack.
- No major design change from the iPhone X.
- High price point, especially for the 512GB model.
Final Verdict: Is the iPhone XS Max Still Worth It in 2025?
The iPhone XS Max remains a premium choice for users who want a large, feature-packed smartphone. While newer models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, may offer more advanced features, the XS Max still offers a beautiful display, powerful performance, and a reliable camera system. For those on a budget or looking for a larger screen experience, the iPhone XS Max continues to hold its ground in 2025.
FAQs: Apple iPhone XS Max Review: A Top-Tier Smartphone in 2025
Is the iPhone XS Max Still Worth Buying in 2025?
Yes, the iPhone XS Max is still worth buying in 2025, especially for users looking for a large-screen, high-performance smartphone without paying the premium price of the latest models. With its 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display, A12 Bionic chip, and dual 12MP camera system, the iPhone XS Max remains a solid performer for day-to-day tasks, gaming, media consumption, and photography.
Although newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max have more advanced features, the XS Max offers great value for those who don't need the latest specifications but still want an excellent overall experience.
What is the Disadvantage of the iPhone XS Max?
One notable disadvantage of the iPhone XS Max is the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be inconvenient for users who prefer wired headphones. Additionally, while the iPhone XS Max offers great performance, its battery life may not be as long-lasting as more recent models, especially with the increased power demands of newer apps and features. Also, it doesn’t support the 120Hz ProMotion display that newer iPhones offer, which can affect the smoothness of scrolling and gaming performance.
What is So Special About the iPhone XS Max?
The iPhone XS Max stands out for its massive 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display, providing exceptional color accuracy, deep blacks, and sharp details. It also introduced Dual 12MP rear cameras with 2x optical zoom and enhanced HDR features, making it one of the best smartphones for photography at the time.
Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, it offers smooth performance, making it great for gaming, multitasking, and running demanding apps. Its premium design with stainless steel edges and IP68 water and dust resistance also adds to its appeal.
Can I Still Use My iPhone XS Max in 2025?
Yes, you can still use your iPhone XS Max in 2025. Apple continues to provide software updates, with the device being compatible with iOS 18.3, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches. Its A12 Bionic chip still handles apps, multitasking, and gaming efficiently. While newer models may offer more advanced technologies, the iPhone XS Max remains a reliable option for regular use in 2025, providing a great balance of performance and value.
Why is the iPhone XS Max So Expensive?
The iPhone XS Max was initially expensive due to its premium build quality, state-of-the-art technology, and features. It offered a large OLED display, and a dual camera system, and was powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which was one of the most powerful processors at the time.
Additionally, it was available in higher storage options like 512GB, which increased the price. The iPhone XS Max also introduced IP68 water resistance, Face ID, and fast wireless charging, which all contributed to its high price point. Even in 2025, its premium materials and performance continue to justify its cost.
