iPhone 8 Plus vs Xs Max: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can be overwhelming, especially with so many models to consider. Are you trying to decide between the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone XS Max? This comparison will help you navigate the differences and find the perfect phone for your needs.
The iPhone 8 Plus, a classic, still holds its own in the smartphone arena. It offers a familiar design and robust features that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the iPhone XS Max represents a significant leap forward in technology and design.
We’ll delve into the key aspects of both phones, including their displays, performance, cameras, and battery life. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPhone is the better choice for you. Let’s dive in and see how the iPhone 8 Plus stacks up against the iPhone XS Max!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone 8 Plus | iPhone XS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.5 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Display Technology | Retina HD | Super Retina |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 64/256/512 GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Face ID | No | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 202g | 208g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 8 Plus: Features a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. It offers good color accuracy and brightness, making it suitable for everyday use. However, the bezels are relatively large compared to modern phones.
- Xs Max: Boasts a 6.5-inch Super Retina display with a resolution of 2688×1242 pixels. This OLED display provides vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and deep blacks, offering a superior viewing experience. The edge-to-edge design also maximizes screen real estate.
- Winner: XS Max
Processor
- iPhone 8 Plus: Powered by the A11 Bionic chip, which was powerful at the time of its release. It still handles most tasks smoothly but may show its age with more demanding apps and games.
- Xs Max: Equipped with the A12 Bionic chip, offering significant performance improvements over the A11. This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming performance.
- Winner: XS Max
Camera
- iPhone 8 Plus: Features a dual 12MP camera system with wide-angle and telephoto lenses. It captures good quality photos with decent dynamic range and portrait mode capabilities. However, its low-light performance isn’t as good as the XS Max.
- Xs Max: Also has a dual 12MP camera system but with improved sensors and image processing. It offers better low-light performance, more detailed photos, and enhanced portrait mode with advanced features like Depth Control.
- Winner: XS Max
Design
- iPhone 8 Plus: Features a classic design with thick bezels, a physical home button, and a glass back. It has a familiar feel but looks dated compared to modern smartphones.
- Xs Max: Boasts a modern design with a nearly bezel-less display, Face ID, and a glass back with a stainless steel frame. It offers a more premium and contemporary look.
- Winner: XS Max
Battery Life
- iPhone 8 Plus: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, it can drain faster with heavy gaming or video streaming.
- Xs Max: Provides excellent battery life, often lasting longer than a full day with typical usage. Its larger battery capacity contributes to its superior endurance.
- Winner: XS Max
Water Resistance
- iPhone 8 Plus: Rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand splashes and brief submersion in water.
- Xs Max: Rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, offering improved protection against water submersion compared to the 8 Plus.
- Winner: XS Max
Face ID vs. Touch ID
- iPhone 8 Plus: Uses Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor embedded in the home button, for secure authentication. It’s a reliable and familiar method.
- Xs Max: Uses Face ID, Apple’s facial recognition technology, for authentication. It’s faster and more secure than Touch ID, but may not be as convenient in all situations (e.g., wearing a mask).
- Winner: XS Max
Storage Options
- iPhone 8 Plus: Offered in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options.
- Xs Max: Offered in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, providing more choices for users with larger storage needs.
- Winner: XS Max
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone XS Max |
| Performance | iPhone XS Max |
| Camera | Tie |
| Battery Life | iPhone XS Max |
| Design | iPhone XS Max |
| Features | iPhone XS Max |
What They Have in Common:
- Dual 12mp Cameras: Both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras, offering similar photo and video capabilities, including Portrait Mode and 4K video recording.
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone XS Max support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options with compatible charging pads.
- 4K Video Recording: Both devices can record videos in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, allowing users to capture high-quality footage.
- 7mp Front Camera: Both phones have a 7MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
- Siri Integration: Both phones come equipped with Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, offering voice control and information retrieval.
iPhone 8 Plus vs. XS Max Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPhone XS Max boasts a significantly more powerful processor than the iPhone 8 Plus. The A12 Bionic chip in the XS Max offers substantial improvements in speed and efficiency compared to the A11 Bionic chip in the 8 Plus. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced performance in graphically intensive games and applications. The XS Max handles complex tasks with ease, offering a noticeably snappier experience for everyday use. The 8 Plus, while still capable, shows its age when compared side-by-side with the XS Max, especially in demanding scenarios.
Display Quality and Size
The iPhone XS Max features a larger and more vibrant display than the iPhone 8 Plus. The XS Max sports a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display, providing richer colors, deeper blacks, and wider viewing angles compared to the 8 Plus’s 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD. The OLED technology in the XS Max enhances the visual experience, making content appear more dynamic and immersive. While the 8 Plus’s display is still good, the XS Max offers a superior viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.
Camera Capabilities and Features
The iPhone XS Max’s camera system offers several advantages over the iPhone 8 Plus. The XS Max incorporates a dual-camera system with improved image processing and features like Smart HDR. This results in better low-light performance, more dynamic range, and enhanced portrait mode capabilities. The XS Max’s camera also supports 4K video recording at 60fps, providing more options for capturing high-quality footage. The 8 Plus still takes good photos, but the XS Max provides a noticeable upgrade in image quality and features.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone XS Max features a more modern design with a full-screen display and a stainless steel frame. The XS Max also boasts a glass back, allowing for wireless charging. The iPhone 8 Plus, on the other hand, retains the traditional design with thick bezels and an aluminum frame. While both phones are durable, the XS Max offers a more premium feel and a more contemporary aesthetic. The XS Max is also rated for better water resistance.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone XS Max generally offers slightly better battery life than the iPhone 8 Plus, despite its larger display. Both phones support fast charging, but you’ll need to purchase a separate fast charger. The XS Max’s more efficient processor and optimized software contribute to its improved battery performance. While the 8 Plus provides a decent battery life, the XS Max can often last a bit longer, especially with moderate to heavy usage. Consider your usage habits when comparing these two.
Price and Value
The iPhone 8 Plus is often available at a lower price point than the iPhone XS Max, particularly in the used or refurbished market. This makes the 8 Plus an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the XS Max offers significantly improved features and performance, which may justify its higher price for some users. Consider your budget and the importance of specific features when deciding which phone offers the best value for your needs. Both can be found at various prices depending on condition and storage.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 8 Plus If…
- You prefer a more traditional iPhone design with a physical home button.
- You are looking for a more affordable iPhone option.
- You don’t need the latest processor or display technology.
- You want a phone that is still powerful and capable for everyday use.
Buy iPhone XS Max If…
- You want the largest display available on an iPhone.
- You desire the latest processor for enhanced performance and efficiency.
- You want the advanced features of Face ID for secure authentication.
- You want improved water resistance and a more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in screen size?
The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5-inch display, significantly larger than the iPhone 8 Plus’s 5.5-inch screen. This difference provides a more immersive viewing experience, especially when watching videos or playing games. The larger screen on the XS Max also allows for more content to be displayed at once, improving multitasking efficiency. The 8 Plus’s screen, while smaller, is still adequate for most tasks.
Which phone has a better processor?
The iPhone XS Max is equipped with the A12 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 8 Plus has the A11 Bionic chip. The A12 Bionic is considerably faster and more efficient, resulting in smoother performance, faster app loading times, and improved gaming experiences. The A11 Bionic is still a capable chip, but it lags behind the A12 in terms of raw processing power.
Does the XS Max have a better camera?
Yes, the iPhone XS Max boasts a superior camera system with advancements like Smart HDR and improved low-light performance. It captures more detail and offers enhanced portrait mode capabilities. The XS Max also supports 4K video recording at 60fps, providing more options for high-quality footage. While the 8 Plus takes good photos, the XS Max offers a significant upgrade.
Which phone is more water resistant?
The iPhone XS Max has a higher water resistance rating (IP68) compared to the iPhone 8 Plus (IP67). This means the XS Max is more resistant to accidental water exposure and can withstand submersion in deeper water for longer periods. The 8 Plus is still water-resistant, but the XS Max offers better protection against water damage.
What are the differences in design?
The iPhone XS Max features a modern design with a full-screen display, stainless steel frame, and glass back. The iPhone 8 Plus has a more traditional design with thick bezels and an aluminum frame. The XS Max offers a more premium feel and a more contemporary aesthetic, with the glass back supporting wireless charging which is absent on the 8 Plus.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone XS Max generally offers slightly better battery life than the iPhone 8 Plus, due to a more efficient processor and software optimization. However, actual battery life can vary based on usage. Both phones support fast charging, but the XS Max tends to outperform the 8 Plus in most real-world scenarios due to its internal improvements.
Is the XS Max worth the extra cost?
The iPhone XS Max offers significant improvements in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Whether it’s worth the extra cost depends on your budget and needs. If you prioritize a better user experience, a more modern design, and advanced features, the XS Max is a worthwhile investment. The 8 Plus, however, offers good value at a lower price point.
Final Verdict
The iPhone XS Max surpasses the iPhone 8 Plus in nearly every aspect. It boasts a superior display, more powerful processor, and enhanced camera features. While the 8 Plus remains a capable device, the XS Max offers a more modern and premium experience. The XS Max is the clear choice for those seeking the best possible iPhone experience.
Winner: iPhone XS Max