iPhone XS Max review

Fast performance that still holds up today — iPhone XS Max

The biggest iPhone screen Apple had ever made

When Apple launched the iPhone XS Max in 2018, its 6.5-inch OLED display was the largest the company had ever put in a phone. That giant screen made it a natural choice for anyone who wanted to watch movies, play games, or read on their smartphone without constantly squinting. The phone's size also came with a trade-off — it could be awkward to handle with one hand, and reaching the far corners of the screen often required two hands.

At launch, the XS Max was also the most expensive iPhone ever, with a price tag that put it out of reach for many buyers. The display itself is a Super Retina HD OLED panel that delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making video content look fantastic. However, the notch at the top of the screen is a constant visual interruption, especially when you watch videos that fill the whole display.

Apple has since stopped selling the XS Max directly, but you can still find it from third-party sellers at significantly lower prices. For those who prioritize screen real estate, this remains a worthy option to consider among today's phone directory.

A look at the XS Max design and water resistance — iPhone XS Max

Under the hood, the iPhone XS Max runs on Apple's A12 Bionic chip, a processor that still feels snappy and responsive for everyday tasks. Whether you're switching between apps, browsing the web, or playing graphically demanding games, the phone rarely stutters or slows down. This performance longevity is a big reason why the XS Max has held up well even after several years on the market.

The camera system includes a 12MP main lens paired with a 12MP 2x telephoto lens, which together capture very strong photos and video in most lighting conditions. However, the phone falls short when it comes to night photography compared to newer iPhones, which have dedicated night modes. Battery life is adequate for a full day of moderate use, but it's not exceptional when stacked against more recent big-screen flagships. The phone supports fast wired charging and Qi wireless charging, which are convenient but not groundbreaking by modern standards.

For a deeper dive into how the XS Max compares with other devices, feel free to browse our phone reviews.

Cameras and video — iPhone XS Max

The iPhone XS Max features a premium build with a stainless steel frame and glass back, giving it a solid, high-end feel in the hand. It's available in Gold, Space Gray, and Silver finishes. The phone is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, meaning it can survive submersion in up to two meters of water for 30 minutes — a reassuring feature for accidental spills or drops in the sink.

At 208 grams, it's noticeably heavy, and its large size means it won't fit easily in smaller pockets or be comfortable for one-handed use. The design is nearly identical to the iPhone X that came before it, with the same rounded edges and prominent notch. While the look was striking at launch, it hasn't aged especially well compared to more recent, edge-to-edge designs.

Still, the combination of a big screen, fast performance, and solid build quality makes the XS Max a compelling option if you can find it at a discount from third-party retailers.

Top-notch cameras, but a few trade-offs — iPhone XS Max

The iPhone XS Max was a statement from Apple when it launched in 2018: a phone that made room for a huge, beautiful OLED display in a spacious 6.5-inch size. That screen is still a treat for watching movies, gaming, or browsing the web, but there are catches. The top-notch “notch” that houses the front camera and Face ID cuts into videos when you use the full display, which can be distracting.

Also, the phone's large dimensions make it awkward to use with one hand, especially when you're trying to reach the top corners. The dual 12MP camera system (a main wide lens and a 2x telephoto) still takes very strong photos and video in daylight, but it's no longer top of its class. Night shots, for example, are not as impressive as what you get from newer iPhones. Still, for a device now available from third-party sellers at a reduced price, the camera performance remains a strong point for everyday photography.

If you are comparing this phone with a newer model, a phone finder tool can help you see what has changed.

Battery and charging – what to expect — iPhone XS Max

Apple rates the battery in the iPhone XS Max for up to 15 hours of video playback, which for a 2018 flagship is a decent full-day number. In real use, you can expect it to last from morning to evening without scrambling for an outlet, provided you are not gaming or streaming video constantly. But compared to today's biggest Android flagships or even the newer iPhone 13 Pro Max, the XS Max's battery life is merely okay, not excellent.

The phone supports fast wired charging and Qi wireless charging, which were modern features at launch. However, the charger in the box was not especially fast, and you will need to buy a separate fast charger to get the best wired charging speeds. If you are deciding between the XS Max and the smaller iPhone XS, a side-by-side comparison can help you weigh the trade-offs in battery life and screen size.

Is the iPhone XS Max right for you?

iPhone XS Max review: A big phone that shows its age

In 2018, the iPhone XS Max was Apple's most expensive iPhone ever, and it certainly felt like a premium product. The stainless-steel frame and glass back look and feel luxurious, and the IP68 water resistance adds peace of mind. Inside, the Apple A12 Bionic chip keeps the phone feeling fast and responsive for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and using apps, even years later. The huge 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED screen is a real highlight for media consumption.

But time has marched on: Apple no longer sells the iPhone XS Max directly, and it has been surpassed in both performance and camera quality by newer iPhones. The price has dropped significantly since launch, which makes it a more attractive option if you can find it from a third-party seller. Yet the large size and the notch remain compromises.

For anyone who wants the biggest screen Apple offered in 2018 without paying the original premium, the iPhone XS Max still delivers a super, supersized experience, provided you can accept its age and its trade-offs.

Use the phone finder to check the next practical option.