Create and Construct

Like the XS, the XS Max has a top-grade metal frame and glass at each side, but it also provides a larger display for users. This iPhone is the biggest and heaviest to date at 6.20 x 3.05 x 0.30 inches (157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm) and weighing 7.34 ounces (208g). Space Gray, Silver and Gold are the three colors of the phone and its surface is both shiny and stick-resistant. The TrueDepth camera for Face ID is in the notch and instead of a home button, the iPhone now uses gesture controls.

• Stainless steel frame
• Glass front and back
• IP68 water and dust resistance
• No home button
• Lightning port
• Physical SIM card slot

This phone comes with wireless charging, however, it is not equipped with MagSafe. Equipment with an IP68 rating is made to be more durable. Since it is large, it is wonderful for entertainment, yet smaller options may be more affordable.

iPhone XS Max Display

The Super Retina HD OLED display on the iPhone XS Max measures 6.5 inches and has a maximum resolution of 2688 x 1242. Thanks to HDR10 and Dolby Vision, its visuals are truly impressive. The notch is there to help Face ID, yet it is no place for the Dynamic Island. The 625-nit brightness allows for comfortable viewing, but it still includes a 60Hz refresh rate.

• 6.5-inch OLED
• 2688 x 1242 resolution
• HDR10 and Dolby Vision support
• 625 nits (typical)
• 60Hz refresh rate

You will enjoy videos and games on the big display, yet the refresh rate is not high and there is no Always-On Display. While the notch has a purpose, it interferes a bit with your experience on the big screen.

Software and Processor

Similar to the XS, the iPhone XS Max has the A12 Bionic chip and its GPU and CPU consist of 6 total cores. The 4GB of RAM supports the phone for running even the most demanding apps and games. Since it runs iOS 12 (and can be upgraded to newer versions), it provides extended support for use. Apple claims that the A12 is faster by 15% and is more efficient than the A11.

• A12 Bionic chip
• 4GB RAM
• Storage: 64GB, 256GB, 512GB
• iOS 12 (upgradable)

The phone uses the A12 Bionic which is highly powerful, despite small iOS 12 glitches that were quickly fixed with updates.

Camera System

This model comes with a dual 12MP camera just like the XS, featuring a wide lens, a telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom and both have OIS. Both Portrait mode and Smart HDR are built into this phone. Facial recognition and Portrait photos are achieved by the 7MP front camera with TrueDepth. You can video record in 4K at 60fps and in slo-mo at 240fps in 1080p.

• Rear: 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto
• 2x optical zoom
• Front: 7MP TrueDepth
• Video: 4K at 60fps, 1080p at 240fps
• Modes: Portrait, Smart HDR

Photographs are sharp in a variety of lighting, still, there is no Night mode available. A telephoto lens allows you to take both portraits and zoomed shots easily.

Battery Specifications

On a full tank, the iPhone XS Max lasts for 25 hours talking and 13 hours using the internet. Tests confirm that you can use the laptop for roughly 12-14 hours when using various programs at the same time. It allows you to charge your phone at 15W with a cable or 7.5W wirelessly. Thanks to its speed boost, this iPhone offers long uptime.

• 3,174mAh battery
• Up to 25 hours talk time
• 15W wired charging
• 7.5W Qi wireless charging

Connectivity

The iPhone XS Max has 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5. This phone offers a single SIM slot, eSIM and NFC features for Apple Pay. Location services are accurate due to GPS, GLONASS and Galileo. Neither 5G nor ultra-wideband is available.

• 4G LTE
• Wi-Fi 5
• Bluetooth 5.0
• Single SIM, eSIM
• NFC for Apple Pay
• GPS, GLONASS, Galileo

Pricing and Availability

You could buy the iPhone XS Max starting from $1,099 for 64GB, $1,249 for 256GB or $1,449 for 512GB on September 21, 2018. You can get an iPhone through Apple, carriers and retailers and they offer trade-in as well.