iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. XS Max: Comparison Of Specs, Features And More

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Chinese consumers prefer the iPhone 11 because of its aggressive pricing. (Apple Senior Director of Product Marketing Kaiann Drance speaks onstage about the iPhone 11's cameras during a product launch event at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California) AFP / Josh Edelson

Apple has just announced the new iPhone 11 lineup which includes the largest among the three, the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The new smartphone succeeds last year’s iPhone XS Max, and is designed to give users a better experience in terms of overall performance.

Before deciding to let go of that iPhone XS Max in favor of the new iPhone 11 Pro Max, however, it would be best to first consider their similarities and differences.

Similarities

A quick look at their similarities will help see what has and what hasn’t changed.

Storage. Both the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 11 Pro Max come in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB storage configurations. Prices increase as the storage allocations get bigger too.
Display size and resolution. Both models feature a 6.5-inch OLED display with 2,688 x 1,242 resolution at 458ppi. The displays are virtually the same size, resolution and pixel density. They do differ in some aspects, though.
Pricing. The iPhone 11 Pro Max costs the same as the iPhone XS Max when it was launched a year ago. Of course, the iPhone XS Max is cheaper now.

Differences

Now let’s have a quick look at the upgrades the iPhone 11 Pro Max has over the iPhone XS Max.

First, the camera setup. While the iPhone XS Max has two 12MP rear shooters, the new iPhone 11 Pro Max has three 12MP cameras, all of them working together to bring an improved imaging experience. Apple also updated the iPhone’s camera software for better imaging even in low-light scenarios. The front camera has been updated as well, from a 7MP shooter to a 12MP selfie cam.

Second, the processor. The new iPhone 11 Pro Max is equipped with the new A13 Bionic chip, which is up to 20% more powerful and 40% more power-efficient compared to the A12 chip in the iPhone XS Max.

Third, the display specs. The iPhone 11 Pro Max’s display is brighter, has better contrast ratio, allows for more viewing angles, and is more power-efficient compared to the display on the iPhone XS Max. However, this new display features Haptic Touch in lieu of 3D Touch, which might not appeal to everybody.

Fourth, weight and water resistance. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is heavier than the iPhone XS Max at 226 grams versus 208 grams, and is only IP68 certified just like its predecessor. It can survive being submerged in water at up to 4m deep, two meters deeper than the iPhone XS Max’s 2m.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max improves on some of the iPhone XS Max’s other features, such as connectivity speeds, battery life and charging speeds, available colors, and others. Those who are in dire need of a refresh and are looking for the best iPhone money can buy can choose to get the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Those who can’t afford it can simply hold on to their phones or get the cheaper iPhone 11 instead.