iPhone Xs Max vs iPhone 11: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can be a tough decision, especially when comparing older models with newer ones. Are you torn between the sleek design of the iPhone XS Max and the powerful performance of the iPhone 11? This comparison will help you navigate the key differences and determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
The iPhone XS Max, known for its premium build and stunning display, was a flagship device. The iPhone 11, on the other hand, brought significant upgrades, particularly in its camera system and battery life. Both phones offer unique advantages, making the choice a matter of priorities.
We’ll delve into the details, examining the design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life of both the iPhone XS Max and the iPhone 11. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPhone emerges as the superior choice for you, considering your usage and budget.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone XS Max | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.5-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Technology | Super Retina OLED | Liquid Retina IPS LCD |
| Processor | A12 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Ultra Wide Camera | No | Yes |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Storage Options | 64/256/512GB | 64/128/256GB |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone Xs Max: Features a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display with a resolution of 2688 x 1242 pixels. It offers excellent color accuracy, deep blacks, and HDR support, making it ideal for media consumption. However, the OLED screen is more prone to burn-in over time.
- iPhone 11: Sports a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. While not as vibrant or sharp as the XS Max’s OLED, it offers good color reproduction and excellent viewing angles. The LCD technology is less susceptible to burn-in.
- Winner: XS Max
Processor
- iPhone Xs Max: Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which was incredibly fast at the time of its release. It still handles most tasks smoothly, but it is starting to show its age compared to newer chips.
- iPhone 11: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance boost over the A12. It delivers faster processing speeds, improved graphics, and better power efficiency.
- Winner: 11
Cameras
- iPhone Xs Max: Features a dual 12MP camera system with wide and telephoto lenses. It captures excellent photos and videos in good lighting conditions and offers 2x optical zoom. The telephoto lens is a great feature.
- iPhone 11: Also has a dual 12MP camera system, but with wide and ultrawide lenses. The ultrawide lens allows for capturing more in a single shot. It also introduces improved image processing and Night mode for better low-light performance.
- Winner: 11
Battery Life
- iPhone Xs Max: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, it can struggle with heavier tasks or extended gaming sessions.
- iPhone 11: Provides significantly improved battery life compared to the XS Max. It can easily last a full day, and even extend into a second day for lighter users.
- Winner: 11
Design
- iPhone Xs Max: Features a premium design with a stainless steel frame and glass back. It offers a sleek and polished look, but the glass back is prone to fingerprints and scratches.
- iPhone 11: Has an aluminum frame with a glass back, available in a variety of vibrant colors. It’s slightly thicker than the XS Max, but the design is more durable and the colors are more eye-catching.
- Winner: XS Max
Price
- iPhone Xs Max: Generally available at lower prices in the used market.
- iPhone 11: Generally available at lower prices in the used market.
- Winner: Tie
Video Recording
- iPhone Xs Max: Records video up to 4K at 60fps with good dynamic range and image stabilization.
- iPhone 11: Records video up to 4K at 60fps with improved dynamic range, better image stabilization and introduces extended dynamic range for video at 30 fps.
- Winner: 11
Water Resistance
- iPhone Xs Max: IP68 water resistance, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes.
- iPhone 11: IP68 water resistance, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 11 |
| Camera (Overall) | iPhone 11 |
| Display Quality | iPhone XS Max |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 |
| Value | iPhone 11 |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both phones share an IP68 rating, offering excellent protection against water and dust, allowing for worry-free use in various environments.
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 11 support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options with compatible charging pads.
- Processor: Both phones utilize Apple’s custom-designed processors, ensuring fast and efficient performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.
- Video Recording: Both devices can record videos in 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second, providing high-quality footage.
- RAM: Both phones come with 4GB of RAM, contributing to their multitasking capabilities and overall smooth performance.
iPhone Xs Max vs iPhone 11 Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 11 boasts a newer A13 Bionic chip, offering a noticeable performance boost over the iPhone Xs Max’s A12 Bionic. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming experiences. While the Xs Max remains a capable phone, the iPhone 11 generally feels more responsive in day-to-day use. The A13’s Neural Engine also enhances machine learning tasks, contributing to better image processing and overall efficiency. This difference becomes more apparent when running demanding applications or playing graphically intensive games.
Camera
The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera system with a wider lens and an ultrawide lens, providing greater versatility in capturing photos and videos. The iPhone Xs Max, while still offering excellent image quality, lacks the ultrawide option. Night mode on the iPhone 11 significantly improves low-light photography, producing brighter and more detailed images compared to the Xs Max. The video recording capabilities are also enhanced on the iPhone 11, with better dynamic range and stabilization. The newer image processing algorithms contribute to superior image quality.
Display
Both phones have excellent displays, however, the iPhone Xs Max has a slightly larger and higher-resolution OLED display, providing deeper blacks and more vibrant colors compared to the iPhone 11’s LCD. The iPhone 11’s Liquid Retina display is still very good, offering accurate colors and good brightness, but it lacks the contrast and viewing angles of the Xs Max’s OLED panel. The difference is most noticeable when viewing content in dark environments or when comparing the two side-by-side. The Xs Max’s display is a key advantage for media consumption.
Battery Life
The iPhone 11 generally offers significantly better battery life than the iPhone Xs Max. This is largely due to the more efficient A13 Bionic chip and a larger battery capacity. You can expect to get a full day of use, and often more, from the iPhone 11. The iPhone Xs Max, while still providing decent battery life, may require charging before the end of the day with heavy usage. This difference is a crucial factor for users who prioritize long battery performance. The battery life advantage is a major selling point.
Design & Build Quality
Both phones share a similar design language, but the iPhone 11 has a slightly thicker build. The iPhone Xs Max features a premium stainless steel frame, while the iPhone 11 uses an aluminum frame. Both phones are water-resistant. The iPhone 11 offers a wider range of colors. The overall build quality of both phones is excellent, with durable glass and premium materials. The aesthetics are subjective, but the Xs Max has a more premium feel, while the 11 has a more robust design.
Price & Value
The iPhone 11, initially released at a lower price point than the Xs Max, often offers better value for money, especially if purchased used or refurbished. Considering the improved performance, camera features, and battery life, the iPhone 11 represents a more compelling proposition for many users. The Xs Max, while still a capable phone, is likely to be more expensive, particularly on the used market. The price difference should be a crucial factor in your decision. Check current market prices to compare.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone XS Max If…
- You prefer a larger, higher-resolution display for media consumption.
- You value the premium feel and design of the stainless steel frame.
- You find a good deal on a used or refurbished model.
- You prioritize the best display technology available at the time of its release.
Buy iPhone 11 If…
- You want the latest processor for improved performance.
- You prefer the ultrawide camera for capturing more in your shots.
- You’re looking for a more affordable option.
- You prioritize long-lasting battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 11 has a better camera system. It includes an ultrawide lens, enabling a wider field of view for photos and videos. It also features improved image processing and Night mode, resulting in significantly better low-light performance. The iPhone Xs Max’s camera is still excellent, but the iPhone 11 offers more versatility and improved image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
Which phone has better performance?
The iPhone 11 has better performance. It is equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, which is faster and more efficient than the A12 Bionic chip in the iPhone Xs Max. This results in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, particularly when running demanding apps or games. The A13’s neural engine also enhances machine learning tasks.
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone Xs Max has a better display. It features a larger, higher-resolution OLED display, providing deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and superior contrast compared to the iPhone 11’s LCD display. While the iPhone 11’s Liquid Retina display is still very good, the Xs Max’s OLED panel offers a more immersive viewing experience, especially when viewing content in dark environments.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 11 has significantly better battery life. It benefits from a more efficient A13 Bionic chip and a larger battery capacity. You can expect a full day of use, and often more, from the iPhone 11. The iPhone Xs Max may require charging before the end of the day with heavy usage. This makes the iPhone 11 a more convenient choice for users who prioritize long battery performance.
Which phone is more expensive?
Generally, the iPhone Xs Max is more expensive, especially if purchased new or from a retailer. Considering its age, the iPhone Xs Max’s price is often higher because it has a premium stainless steel frame. However, the iPhone 11, due to its newer technology and features, presents a better value for money for most users as its price has dropped since its release.
Which phone has a better design?
Design is subjective. The iPhone Xs Max features a premium stainless steel frame and a slightly sleeker design, while the iPhone 11 has a more robust aluminum frame and a wider range of color options. Both phones share a similar overall design language. Both phones have excellent build quality. The choice depends on personal preference and desired aesthetics, which are essential to consider.
Is the iPhone 11 or iPhone Xs Max better for gaming?
The iPhone 11 is generally better for gaming. The A13 Bionic chip in the iPhone 11 provides a performance boost over the A12 Bionic in the Xs Max. This results in faster loading times, smoother gameplay, and better graphics rendering, particularly in graphically intensive games. While the Xs Max can still handle gaming, the iPhone 11 offers a more enjoyable and responsive gaming experience.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 emerges as the winner in this comparison, offering a more compelling overall package. With its superior performance, improved camera system, and significantly better battery life, the iPhone 11 provides a more modern and user-friendly experience. While the iPhone Xs Max boasts a slightly superior display, the other advantages of the iPhone 11 make it the preferred choice for most users.
Winner: iPhone 11