Apple

Apple iPhone XS Max: Pros and Cons

iOS 12
Apple A12 Bionic
Apple A12
4 GB / 64 GB
6.5 inch (1242 x 2688 px)
12 + 12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization

Apple announced the launch of the iPhone XS Max smartphone in 2018. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 6.5 inch OLED display, Apple A12 Bionic SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. It comes with iOS 12 out of the box, and a Li-Po non-removable battery. The OLED display of iPhone XS Max produces vibrant colors. It provides an appealing and immersive viewing experience. The iPhone XS Max has a multi-camera setup. The lens offers versatility. It lets you capture a wide range of subjects and scenes from different perspectives. Is this phone worth its price? Hopefully, it will become clear by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Apple iPhone XS Max smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Apple iPhone XS Max / 1

Apple iPhone XS Max specifications

BrandApple
NameiPhone XS Max
ModelA1921
Release date2018

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight7.34 oz
Dimensions6.2 x 3.05 x 0.31 inch
Colorsgold, gray, silver
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of Apple iPhone XS Max is about 7.34 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

System, chipset, performance

OS versioniOS 12
SoCApple A12 Bionic
CPUHexa-core Apple A12
GPUApple A12

The Apple iPhone XS Max comes with iOS 12 out of the box. iOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple and used on its iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices. This hexa-core Apple A12 Bionic CPU is generally considered to be very fast and powerful.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeOLED
Screen size6.5 inch
Resolution1242 x 2688 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 6.5 inch OLED display has fast response times. They can quickly transition between colors and refresh rates. The 6.5 inch display should be big enough for your needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether you're reading, browsing, or watching. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

Apple iPhone XS Max / 1

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage64 GB
Memory card slotno

The Apple iPhone XS Max comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. The internal storage of the Apple iPhone XS Max (4 GB) cannot be expanded.

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 + 12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization
FlashQuad LED
Selfie camera7 MP

The iPhone XS Max has a multi-camera setup. It lets you adapt to different photography situations. You can achieve various perspectives and compositions. The main camera of iPhone XS Max has optical image stabilization (OIS). It counters camera shake.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv5.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radiono
USBLightning
Headphoneno

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. This phone like all modern smartphones, is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The iPhone XS Max smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS. The iPhone XS Max has a built-in NFC chip, which allows it to support various NFC applications and services. The iPhone XS Max smartphone does not have 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po non-removable

The Li-Po non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The battery of iPhone XS Max isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, barometer, compass, gyroscope, infrared face recognition sensor, light, proximity
SpecialsCertified IP68 dustproof and waterproof, Dual SIM, Fast charging, Wireless charging

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The iPhone XS Max smartphone has an accelerometer. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. IP68 rated smartphones often have extra structure or seals. These protect against water and dust.

The fast charging technology comes in handy when you need quick juice on your device. Wireless charging uses an electromagnetic field. It transfers energy between two objects through electromagnetic induction.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Apple phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • OLED display
  • appropriate screen size
  • adequate memory
  • multicamera setup
  • optical image stabilization (OIS)
  • Dual SIM support
  • IP68 certified protection
  • wireless charging

Cons

  • non-expandable storage
  • no 5G support
  • no headphone jack
  • no fingerprint reader
Add Apple iPhone XS Max to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
Phone42.com / Smartphones / Apple / Apple iPhone XS Max