iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone Xs Max: Which iPhone Reigns?
Stuck between upgrading your iPhone or sticking with what you have? The iPhone world is a minefield of choices, and figuring out which model best suits your needs can be tough. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you make the right call.
We’re pitting the iPhone 8 Plus against the iPhone XS Max, two phones that represent different eras of Apple’s design and technological advancements. The iPhone 8 Plus, a classic in its own right, and the premium iPhone XS Max. Both offer a compelling user experience, but which one truly shines?
This comparison will cover everything from performance and display quality to camera capabilities and battery life. We’ll break down the key differences between the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone XS Max, helping you determine which phone is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget. Get ready to explore the details!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone 8 Plus | iPhone XS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.5 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Display Technology | IPS LCD | Super Retina OLED |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels | 2688 x 1242 pixels |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| Internal Storage Options | 64/128/256 GB | 64/256/512 GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Face ID | No | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Release Year | 2017 | 2018 |
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.
- iPhone Xs Max: Boasts a 6.5-inch Super Retina display with a resolution of 2688×1242 pixels. It delivers vibrant colors, exceptional contrast, and HDR support, providing a more immersive viewing experience. The larger size also offers more screen real estate.
- Winner: XS Max
Processor
- iPhone 8 Plus: Powered by the A11 Bionic chip, which was a powerful processor at the time of its release. It still handles most tasks smoothly, but may show its age with more demanding applications and games.
- iPhone Xs Max: Equipped with the A12 Bionic chip, offering significant performance improvements over the A11. It’s faster and more efficient, resulting in smoother performance, improved graphics, and better battery life.
- Winner: XS Max
Camera
- iPhone 8 Plus: Features a dual 12MP rear camera system with wide-angle and telephoto lenses. It offers good image quality in various lighting conditions, with features like Portrait Mode. However, it lacks some of the advanced computational photography capabilities of newer iPhones.
- iPhone Xs Max: Also has a dual 12MP rear camera system, but with improved sensors and the A12 Bionic chip’s image processing capabilities. It offers enhanced Portrait Mode with Depth Control, Smart HDR, and better low-light performance.
- Winner: XS Max
Design
- iPhone 8 Plus: Features a glass back and aluminum frame design, offering wireless charging. It retains the traditional iPhone design with thick bezels and a physical home button.
- iPhone Xs Max: Adopts a more modern design with a nearly bezel-less display, stainless steel frame, and glass back. It eliminates the home button in favor of Face ID.
- Winner: XS Max
Face ID vs. Touch ID
- iPhone 8 Plus: Utilizes Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button, for secure authentication. It’s a reliable and familiar method for unlocking the phone and authorizing purchases.
- iPhone Xs Max: Employs Face ID, Apple’s facial recognition system, for secure authentication. It’s faster and more convenient in many situations, but may be less reliable in certain conditions.
- Winner: XS Max
Battery Life
- iPhone 8 Plus: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, it can struggle with heavy use, especially gaming and video playback.
- iPhone Xs Max: Provides significantly improved battery life due to its larger battery and more efficient processor. It can easily last a full day, and sometimes even longer, depending on usage.
- Winner: XS Max
Water Resistance
- iPhone 8 Plus: Has IP67 water resistance, meaning it can withstand splashes and brief submersion in water.
- iPhone Xs Max: Has IP68 water resistance, offering greater protection against water and dust, allowing for submersion in deeper water for longer periods.
- Winner: XS Max
Price & Availability
- iPhone 8 Plus: Typically available at lower prices, especially used or refurbished models.
- iPhone Xs Max: Generally more expensive, though prices have decreased since its initial release.
- Winner: 8 Plus
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone XS Max |
| Performance | iPhone XS Max |
| Camera | iPhone XS Max (Slightly) |
| Design | iPhone XS Max |
| Value | iPhone 8 Plus |
| Battery Life | iPhone XS Max (Slightly) |
What They Have in Common:
- Dual 12mp Camera: Both phones feature a dual 12MP camera setup, allowing for portrait mode and other advanced photography features. The quality of photos taken is generally very good.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options using Qi-compatible chargers. This eliminates the need for cables.
- Siri Integration: Both phones have Siri integrated, enabling voice commands for various tasks, such as setting reminders, making calls, and controlling smart home devices.
- Fast Performance: Both phones offer fast and fluid performance for everyday tasks, with the A11 Bionic and A12 Bionic chips providing smooth user experiences.
- iOS Ecosystem: Both phones run on the iOS operating system, providing access to the Apple ecosystem, including apps, services, and regular software updates.
iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS Max Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPhone XS Max boasts a significantly more powerful A12 Bionic chip, offering substantial performance gains over the iPhone 8 Plus’s A11 Bionic. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in graphically intensive games and applications. The A12 Bionic’s Neural Engine also enhances machine learning capabilities, further improving performance in areas like photography and augmented reality. While the iPhone 8 Plus remains capable, the XS Max provides a noticeably more fluid and responsive user experience, particularly for demanding tasks.
The XS Max has a more advanced processor which handles intensive tasks much better than the 8 plus. The 8 plus however, is still a very capable phone.
Display and Design
The iPhone XS Max features a larger 6.5-inch Super Retina display with a higher resolution and improved color accuracy compared to the iPhone 8 Plus’s 5.5-inch Retina HD display. The XS Max also boasts an edge-to-edge design with slimmer bezels, providing a more immersive viewing experience. The design difference also means the XS Max is much more modern looking. The 8 plus still has the old design style with the home button.
The XS Max offers a more stunning visual experience and a more modern design, while the 8 Plus provides a more traditional, bezel-heavy design with a home button.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone XS Max incorporates a dual-camera system with improved sensors and advanced image processing compared to the iPhone 8 Plus. This results in superior photo and video quality, especially in low-light conditions. The XS Max also introduces Smart HDR, which enhances dynamic range and detail, and offers a more advanced Portrait mode with adjustable depth of field. The iPhone 8 Plus still takes good pictures, but the XS Max is a significant upgrade.
The XS Max has much better camera capabilities. The 8 plus is still a solid camera, but the XS Max is simply better.
Battery Life and Charging
While both phones offer all-day battery life, the iPhone XS Max often provides slightly better battery performance due to its larger battery capacity and more efficient processor. The XS Max also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish its battery using a compatible charger. The iPhone 8 Plus also supports fast charging, but it’s not as quick. Both phones support wireless charging.
The battery life is very similar, but the XS Max can get slightly better battery life. Both support wireless charging, and fast charging.
Price and Value
The iPhone XS Max was initially more expensive than the iPhone 8 Plus. However, the 8 Plus is now available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. Considering the age difference and features, the value proposition depends on your needs and budget. If you prioritize performance and the latest features, the XS Max is worth the investment. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable iPhone with solid performance, the 8 Plus remains a viable choice.
The price difference makes the 8 plus a better value option, but the XS Max is the better phone, so the price is worth it. Consider your budget.
Software and Updates
Both iPhones run iOS, ensuring a consistent user experience and access to the App Store. However, the iPhone XS Max, being the newer device, is likely to receive software updates and security patches for a longer period. This means the XS Max will stay up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements for a longer duration. While the iPhone 8 Plus will continue to receive updates, it will eventually reach its end-of-life faster than the XS Max.
The XS Max will get updates for much longer. Both run iOS, so the user experience is similar.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 8 Plus If…
- You prefer a more affordable option.
- You don’t need the latest processor or display technology.
- You like the classic iPhone design with a physical home button.
- You want a larger screen size without the highest price.
Buy iPhone XS Max If…
- You want the best possible display quality with OLED technology.
- You desire the latest processor for maximum performance.
- You want advanced features like Face ID and improved water resistance.
- You need the largest screen size available on an iPhone at the time of its release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in performance?
The iPhone XS Max has a much faster A12 Bionic chip compared to the A11 Bionic in the iPhone 8 Plus. This results in quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in games and other demanding applications. The A12 also includes a Neural Engine for improved machine learning, enhancing features like photography and AR.
How does the display compare?
The iPhone XS Max features a larger 6.5-inch Super Retina display with a higher resolution and improved color accuracy compared to the iPhone 8 Plus’s 5.5-inch Retina HD display. The XS Max also has a modern edge-to-edge design. This provides a more immersive and visually appealing experience.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone XS Max has a significantly improved dual-camera system with better sensors, Smart HDR, and enhanced image processing. This leads to superior photo and video quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The XS Max also offers an improved Portrait mode with adjustable depth of field, offering more creative control.
What about battery life?
Both phones offer all-day battery life, but the iPhone XS Max often provides slightly better battery performance, thanks to its larger battery capacity and more efficient processor. Both phones support fast charging, allowing for quick battery top-ups. The XS Max may charge faster.
Is the iPhone XS Max worth the extra cost?
The iPhone XS Max, while initially more expensive, offers significant upgrades in performance, display, and camera. Whether it’s worth the extra cost depends on your budget and priorities. If you value the latest features and a more premium experience, it’s a worthwhile investment. The 8 plus is a great value, however.
How do the designs differ?
The iPhone XS Max has a modern design with an edge-to-edge display and slimmer bezels, eliminating the home button. The iPhone 8 Plus has a more traditional design with a home button and thicker bezels. The XS Max looks more modern.
Which phone will receive software updates for longer?
The iPhone XS Max, being the newer device, will receive software updates and security patches for a longer period. This ensures that it stays up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements. The iPhone 8 Plus will eventually reach its end-of-life faster, even though it will continue to receive updates for a while.
Final Verdict
The iPhone XS Max offers a superior experience with its more powerful processor, improved display, and enhanced camera capabilities. While the iPhone 8 Plus remains a capable device at a lower price point, the XS Max provides a more modern and feature-rich experience, making it the better overall choice for most users.
Winner: iPhone XS Max