If you’re a big-screen kind of iPhone fan, then the brand new iPhone 11 series, which made its debut at Apple’s September event, will be tempting. Two of its biggest and best phones are now the new Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and last year’s top-of-the-line iPhone XS Max, but which one should you buy? This spec comparison delves into the features and highlights of both iPhones, and hopefully offers some guidance on which to buy and whether to upgrade.
Specs
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max |
Apple iPhone XS Max | |
Size | 158 × 77.8 × 8.1 mm (6.22 × 3.06 × 0.32 inches) | 157.5 × 77.4 × 7.7 mm (6.20 × 3.05 × 0.30 inches) |
Weight | 226 grams (7.97 ounces) | 208 grams (7.34 ounces) |
Screen size | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.5-inch Super Retina HD OLED True Tone display |
Screen resolution | 2,688 × 1,242 pixels (458 pixels per inch) | 2,688 × 1,242 pixels (458 pixels per inch) |
Operating system | iOS 13 | iOS 13 |
Storage space | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
MicroSD card slot | No | No |
Tap-to-pay services | Apple Pay | Apple Pay |
Processor | A13 Bionic chip | A12 Bionic chip |
RAM | 6GB (TBC) | 4GB |
Camera | Triple lens 12MP Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto rear, 12MP TrueDepth front | Dual 12MP (with dual OIS) rear, 7MP TrueDepth front |
Video | 4K at up 60 frames-per-second, 1080p at 240 fps | 4K at up 60 frames-per-second, 1080p at 240 fps |
Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Ports | Lightning connector | Lightning connector |
Fingerprint sensor | No | No |
Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Battery | Up to 20 hours video playback
Fast charging (18W charger) Qi wireless charging |
3,174mAh
Fast charge capable (Additional charger needed) Qi wireless charging |
App marketplace | Apple App Store | Apple App Store |
Network support | All major U.S. carriers | All major U.S. carriers |
Colors | Midnight green, space grey, silver, gold | Silver, space gray, gold |
Price | $1,099 (base) | $1,099 (base) |
Buy from | Apple | Walmart |
Review score | Hands-on | 4 out of 5 stars |
Performance, battery life, and charging
While we have yet to officially review the new iPhone 11 Pro Max, it makes sense that its performance will exceed that of the previous generation, if only because of its upgraded chipset. While the XS Max runs on the A12 Bionic chip, Apple’s newest big dog has the A13 version. Both have the same internal storage options of 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB. There is a slight difference in the RAM — 6GB vs. 4GB — which gives the newer phone a slight advantage in the multi-tasking department. But for general use, the difference is likely negligible.
If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, the A13 Bionic chip packs a wallop. It derives its power from 18 cores, and Apple says A13 Bionic performance is up to 20% faster than the A12, performing over a trillion operations per second. The A13 has six cores in the main CPU, four GPU cores, and an eight-core NPU (neural processor) to power A.I. tasks. The new chips feature the third-generation Neural Engine, which facilitates faster machine learning of photos and videos. The GPU is up to 30% faster with a reported 40% reduction in power consumption.
Both models have wireless charging via the Qi standard, as well as fast charging with Apple’s fast charger. Apple says the
The new phone takes the prize, as there are so many under-the-hood performance improvements as well as the splendid idea of bundling the fast charger into the box.
Winner: iPhone 11 Max Pro
Design and durability
In terms of size, the difference between the
The two phones have the same general look with a glass body, IP68 water-resistance, a metal chassis, a notch above the screen, and some arrangement of camera lenses mounted on the back. You can safely submerge the newer model in water that’s four feet deep as opposed to two feet deep, which may be significant to some users. Both are available in gold, silver, and space gray, while the new model adds a Midnight Green color option. The new iPhone sports a matte finish which alters the look and feel of it compared to the
Neither phone has a headphone jack or a fingerprint sensor — so Apple’s Face ID is used on both. The camera arrangement really sets these two devices apart from a design perspective: The placement on the new model is a self-contained box housing a triple set of lenses as opposed to the more subtle arrangement of the double lens on the XS Max.
Which wins? It’s kind of a toss-up. Both phones are similar in size with many of the same attributes.
Winner: Tie
Display
In terms of raw stats, the
Everyone can get behind better brightness and contrast.
Winner: iPhone 11 Max Pro
Camera
Where the new
Three cameras are better than two, in this case. The new 120-degree ultra-wide-angle lens that lets users capture a wider field of view, is absent from the older iPhone. The
The triple-camera is a major upgrade of the iPhone’s camera system and the software can now deliver enhanced images in low light. The updated camera app is designed to leverage the camera system to improve focusing speed, dynamic range, and detail capture. The telephoto lens features a wider f/2.0 aperture that facilitates better low-light scenes. The new Night mode in the camera app automatically switches on in low-light to capture brighter photos.
Alongside the camera are the
Let’s not forget the front camera: The
Apart from the extra camera, there aren’t many new photo and video modes in the new phones, except for the A.I.-powered Night Mode. Most other features were already available on last year’s models, such as
Winner: iPhone 11 Max Pro
Software and updates
Apple’s iOS 13 is native to the new generation of iPhones, and it has distinct advantages over iOS 12. However, in terms of compatibility, the
Winner: Tie
Special features
The
Winner: iPhone 11 Max Pro
Price and availability
Both the iPhone XS Max and the iPhone 11 Pro Max are top-of-the-line phones with price tags to match and the new version brings a number of new features to the package. The iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at the same price tag as the iPhone XS Max: $1,099. But it can meet or exceed laptop-level pricing, especially with increased storage capacity. The iPhone 11 Pro Max shoots up to $1,449 for the 512GB model.
You can buy the
Overall winner: iPhone 11 Max Pro
Both the
Editors' Recommendations
- The best camera phones in 2024: our top 8 photography picks
- Google is making it easier to ditch your iPhone for an Android phone
- The iPhone 16 Pro may set a new record for smartphone displays
- Here’s how iOS 18 could change the way you use your iPhone
- Best iPhone 14 deals: Unlocked and refurbished