Apple’s expensive, high-quality iPhone is still of top quality.
Apple finally released an iPhone with a large screen. Introducing the iPhone XS Max, a great addition to the iPhone range, offering movie-watching fans and game-playing enthusiasts a genuine new option. The XS Max is a huge investment, but it’s worth the cost.
For
- Great screen for movies & gaming
- The camera is a powerful offering
Against
- Price: most expensive iPhone ever
- It can be difficult to manage because of its size
When it was launched in September 2018, the iPhone XS Max (pronounced “ten S Max”) was Apple’s largest-ever smartphone. An iconic smartphone made a dominant presence in the hands with its 6.5-inch screen, minimal screen bezels, and the signature top-screen notch.
It’s not Apple’s latest Max’ product. In 2019, the iPhone 11 range and the iPhone 12 range in 2020 are the most recent flagship iPhones. This includes the iPhone 12 Pro Max, which boasts a 6.7-inch screen in the same-sized frame. These will be replaced by the iPhone 13 range, which is expected to launch in September or Oct with an iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Despite this, the iPhone XS Max remains an outstanding piece of kit. It is fast, has a great camera, and lasts longer than many of Apple’s other models.
To simplify its product range, Apple decided to remove the iPhone XS Max Max from its stores. However, it is still available from carriers and retailers at a substantially lower price than it was when it launched. This could make it more affordable once the new iPhones are released in the next few months.
With its 6.5-inch screen, the iPhone XS Max was the most expensive and largest iPhone ever launched. However, premium Android flagships have outsized it in size and cost.
The phone still dominates your pocket. A bold statement made by a company that has resisted increasing the screen size of its smartphones to the same extent as its Android competitors.
The iPhone XS Max and the newer iPhone 12 Pro Max have more screens than most people want. Those looking for a larger display to play video or gaming on the move will be pleased that the iPhone XS Max has an expansive display. Those who prefer a smaller experience with a premium experience can also take comfort in the fact that the iPhone XS Max was launched alongside the iPhone XS – although the iPhone 12 miniature is the smallest iPhone in years.
The iPhone XS Max Max is missing out on the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s amazing night photography but retains almost all of the perks inherited from its predecessor. You can still get a larger iPhone at a lower price, with all the benefits of iOS14 and great viewing angles for binging media.
Update: Apple announced iOS15 at its HTMLDC keynote and confirmed that it will be available for the iPhone XS Max. iOS 15 features include the ability for Android users to be included on FaceTime calls, more details in Apple Maps, statuses and messages, and many other highlights. The iOS 15 beta is now available with some of the anticipated features. We expect the full version to arrive in September.
Apple has stopped selling the iPhone XS Max. However, the price was high. You can still get the iPhone XS Max at other retailers, networks, and carriers.
This is a premium phone, and it comes with a higher price tag. The iPhone XS Max was priced at £1,099 for 64GB. This is £100 more than the iPhone XS.
The 256GB iPhone XS Max was £1,249, while the 512GB iPhone XS Max will cost you £1,449.
The 512GB iPhone XS Max was the most expensive mainstream smartphone at launch, putting it in a class of its own in terms of price. Although there are more expensive phones, this is still a significant price for a handset.
The iPhone 11 and 12 families launched, which has helped to lower the price. The 64GB storage model cost approximately £600 at the time of this review’s latest update.
Design
- The iPhone X’s design is identical to the iPhone X but larger
- The iPhone 8 Plus is a touch smaller and more compact than the iPhone 8 Plus, but it has a larger screen.
- The iPhone XS Max’s design is misleading. The rounded sides make the iPhone XS Max feel thicker when you pick it up.
- This results in a phone that isn’t as comfortable as it should be. And, considering the price and size of the XS Max, it’s a phone you want your hands to be able to hold securely. But this is only part of the story.
During our detailed review of the iPhone XS Max, we compared it to a variety of phones, including the Samsung Galaxy Note9 (6.4-inch screen), OnePlus6T (6.41 inches), and Sony Xperia XZ3 (6.43 inches). The iPhone felt thicker and more planted in the hands than any of these other phones.
The iPhone XS Max Max measures just 7.7mm. That’s a fun fact!
Tapered edges appear to be the reason for this. All three OnePlus, Sony, and Samsung have tapered their rear edges, giving the appearance of a thinner device while also allowing them more to conform to your hand’s curves.
The iPhone XS Max’s flat back makes it a bit more difficult to hold. We found that a carefully placed pinkie finger on its underside was a necessity for one-handed usage.
Even more impressive is that the XS Max can squeeze a massive 6.5-inch screen into a body that is a touch smaller and narrower (157.5 x 77.4mm) compared to the iPhone 8 Plus, which has a 5.5-inch display.
The iPhone XS Max may feel a bit bulky in your hand, but it’s easy to see that the display space is enormous, and the form factor keeps it usable.
The iPhone XS Max’s premium design and new glass formulation on the front and back – which are tougher than the iPhone X – gives it a premium feel. It also has better resistance to dust and water.
Apple has increased the protection to IP68. The iPhone XS Max can now be submerged up to 2 meters for 30 minutes, without any ill effects. Apple claims that it has tested the protection against various liquids, including milk, wine, and chlorinated water. However, we don’t recommend intentionally exposing the handset to any of these!
It is worth noting, however, that Apple’s warranty does not cover liquid contact damage. This means that if the iPhone XS Max’s liquid resistance fails, you will not be covered.
iPhones have lost the headphone jack.
The iPhone XS Max does not have a headphone jack. The port is dead after Apple killed the iPhone 6S and SE after the iPhone XS launch (the two last handsets with the 3.5mm jack). You get a centralized Lightning port along speaker and microphone holes at the base of your iPhone XS Max.
The box contains two pairs of Apple EarPods that have a lightning connector. However, the Lightning port on the iPhone XS Max can only connect the charging cable, and this pair cannot be connected simultaneously.
The iPhone XS Max supports wireless charging, so you can charge your phone while using a set of wired headphones.
The power/lock button is located on the right side XS Max and can be pressed with your thumb or forefinger. While the volume keys are below the physical mute switch to the left, they are easily accessed from the left.
Hold down the power/lock key to bring up Siri. This will turn off your iPhone.
XS Max will require you to hold power and volume down keys down until an onscreen prompt appears.
Although the SIM card tray is still located under this key, there is a new iPhone XS Max and XS feature. Dual SIM is available on the handset, and there’s an eSIM embedded within it.
This allows you to insert a SIM card from the carrier of choice and then will enable the eSIM to be activated on another plan or carrier. Not all networks support eSIM technology. Also, availability varies from region to region. Make sure you verify before you sign up.
Apple hasn’t changed much from the iPhone XS Max design, except to slightly stretch it. However, there is a new colour option for the iPhone XS Max.
Apple has introduced a new finish in gold for both the iPhone XS Max & XS. It’s a bit richer than the more subtle option for the iPhone 8 or 8 Plus.
The iPhone XS Max is also available in Silver or Space Gray if you don’t like the look of gold.
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