iPhone XR Vs iPhone XS Max

iPhone XR
iPhone XR
Starting at

£95.00

£399.00 new

See options
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XS Max
Starting at

£155.00

£459.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max, both released in 2018, represent different approaches within Apple's smartphone lineup from that year. While they share the same powerful processor and operate on the iOS ecosystem, the iPhone XS Max offers a larger, more advanced display and a dual-camera system, whereas the iPhone XR focuses on a vibrant LCD screen and extended battery life.

Scores

Durability

Both devices were launched in the same year, meaning their software support timelines are closely aligned.

  • Software Longevity: As older models, both the iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max are nearing the end of their major iOS update cycles, likely receiving security updates for a few more years but potentially not the very latest feature-rich OS versions.
  • Build Durability: The iPhone XR features an aluminum frame, while the iPhone XS Max uses a stainless steel frame, offering a slightly more premium feel and potentially greater resistance to bending. Both have glass backs, making them susceptible to damage from drops.
  • Water Resistance: The iPhone XR carries an IP67 rating, allowing submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone XS Max improves on this with an IP68 rating, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 2 meters of water for the same duration.

Year of Release

2018

2018

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Equipped with the same A12 Bionic chip, both the iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max deliver comparable performance for daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: Both models handle common apps, web browsing, and social media smoothly, providing a fluid user experience.
  • Multitasking Capability: The A12 Bionic processor allows for efficient switching between multiple applications without significant slowdowns, ensuring a consistent experience for most users.
  • Gaming Performance: For mobile gaming, both devices offer strong graphics performance, running most contemporary games at stable frame rates, though newer, graphically intensive titles might push their limits more than when they were first released.

Memory

3 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display technology is a primary differentiator between these two models, impacting visual experience significantly.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone XR features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, which is an advanced LCD panel known for its color accuracy and brightness. The iPhone XS Max boasts a larger 6.5-inch Super Retina HD display, utilizing OLED technology for deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone XR has a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 ppi. The iPhone XS Max offers a sharper viewing experience with a resolution of 2688 x 1242 pixels and a higher pixel density of 458 ppi.
  • Viewing Experience: Users who prioritize a larger, more immersive screen with superior contrast and color reproduction for media consumption will find the iPhone XS Max's OLED display more appealing. The iPhone XR's LCD still provides a very good visual experience for general use.

Resolution

828 x 1792

1242 x 2688

Screen type

Liquid Retina IPS LCD

Super Retina OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max offer different capabilities, particularly in terms of versatility.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone XR features a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera, capable of Smart HDR and Portrait mode with software-based depth control. The iPhone XS Max includes a dual 12-megapixel camera system, combining a wide-angle lens with a telephoto lens, which enables 2x optical zoom and more refined Portrait mode effects.
  • Photography Performance: Both devices capture detailed photos in good lighting conditions. The iPhone XS Max's telephoto lens provides greater flexibility for zooming in on subjects without losing quality, and its Portrait mode can achieve more natural-looking depth effects due to the additional hardware.
  • Video Recording: Both models support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, offering good quality for everyday video capture. The front-facing 7-megapixel TrueDepth camera on both supports Portrait mode selfies and 1080p video recording.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

7 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several other features distinguish these two smartphones.

  • Biometric Security: Both the iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max rely on Face ID for secure authentication, allowing for facial recognition to unlock the device and authorize payments.
  • Connectivity: Both models support 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), and Bluetooth 5.0, providing reliable wireless connectivity for internet access and accessory pairing.
  • Physical Design: The iPhone XR is slightly thicker and lighter than the iPhone XS Max, which has a more substantial feel due to its stainless steel frame and larger OLED display. Both utilize the Lightning port for charging and data transfer.

Weight

194 g

208 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.5

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback often highlights the iPhone XR's excellent battery life as a significant advantage, making it a popular choice for those needing a device that lasts through a full day of heavy use. Its vibrant LCD screen is generally well-regarded, though some users note the lower resolution compared to OLED models. Criticisms sometimes point to its single camera setup, which, while capable, lacks the versatility of dual-lens systems.

The iPhone XS Max is frequently praised for its expansive and vivid OLED display, which offers a premium viewing experience for videos and photos. Its dual-camera system, particularly the telephoto lens, is often cited as a key benefit for photography enthusiasts. However, some users report that its battery life, while good, doesn't quite match the longevity of the iPhone XR, and its larger size and weight can be a factor for those preferring a more compact device.

Users prioritizing a large, high-resolution OLED display and a more versatile camera system with optical zoom may find the iPhone XS Max better suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value extended battery life, a slightly more compact form factor, and a capable single camera will likely lean towards the iPhone XR. Both models, available as quality-assured refurbished options, offer a sustainable choice for consumers looking for reliable performance without purchasing a brand-new device.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons