Remember the days when phones comfortably fit in your pocket? Well, the iPhone XS Max throws that notion out the window.
Released in 2018, this phone was Apple’s answer to the growing phablet trend. But in 2024, with even bigger iPhones on the market, how does the Apple iPhone XS Max hold up in Australia? This review dives deep, exploring its design, features, performance, and whether it’s still worth buying.
Supersized Beauty:
The Apple iPhone XS Max is a head-turner. Its 6.5-inch OLED display stretches near edge-to-edge, offering a truly immersive viewing experience. Browsing the web, watching videos, or gaming; every activity makes the visuals stunning.
The colours are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and the brightness is excellent for indoor and outdoor use.
However, the size comes at a cost. The phone itself is a handful, and one-handed use is a challenge. If you have small hands, you might constantly feel like you’re about to drop it. It also won’t fit comfortably in all pockets, so be prepared to carry it in a purse or bag.
The rest of the design screams premium. The stainless steel frame exudes a luxurious feel, and the front and back are made from a unique glass formulation that’s supposedly tougher than previous iPhones. It’s also water and dust-resistant, offering some peace of mind against accidental spills or splashes.
A powerful processor, but not unmatched:
The Apple iPhone XS Max boasts the A12 Bionic chip, a powerhouse in its time. This chip delivers smooth performance, handling demanding apps and games with ease. Multitasking is a breeze, and everyday tasks feel lightning-fast.
Fast forward to 2024, and while the A12 Bionic remains a capable chip, it’s not the top dog anymore. Newer iPhones equipped with the latest A-series chips offer a noticeable performance boost.
For tasks like editing high-resolution videos or playing the latest graphics-intensive games, the XS Max might struggle to keep up with the most demanding users.
Capture breathtaking moments:
The iPhone XS Max sports a dual-lens rear camera system, similar to its smaller sibling, the iPhone XS. The 12MP wide sensor and 12MP telephoto sensor take fantastic photos in good lighting conditions. Images are sharp with excellent detail, and the colours are true to life. The improved Smart HDR ensures balanced exposures even in high-contrast scenes.
The telephoto lens offers a 2x optical zoom, letting you zoom in on your subject without sacrificing image quality. Portrait mode also remains a highlight, offering a pleasing bokeh effect that beautifully blurs the background behind your subject.
However, the iPhone XS Max starts to show its age in low-light photography. While it performs better than older Apple iPhones, it can’t compete with the night vision capabilities of newer flagships. Photos taken in low-light conditions can exhibit noise and a lack of detail.
Underwhelming battery life:
The Apple iPhone XS Max’s battery life is a major concern despite its size. It struggles to last a full day on a single charge with heavy use, which might be a deal-breaker for users who require a phone that can keep up with their demanding lifestyles.
You’ll likely need to top up the battery if you’re an avid social media user, a mobile gamer, or someone who relies heavily on your phone throughout the day.
The iOS edge:
One area where the iPhone XS Max continues to shine is software. Out of the box, it runs on iOS 16, with the potential to be upgraded to the upcoming iOS 17. It ensures access to the latest features and security updates, keeping your phone protected and running smoothly.
The user interface remains smooth and intuitive, making navigating a joy. The App Store offers a vast selection of apps, ensuring you’ll find something to suit your needs.
Should you buy the Apple iPhone XS Max?
You should buy the iPhone XS Max in Australia if you fall into the following user categories.
Big screen lovers: If a large, immersive display is at the top of your list, the iPhone XS Max delivers a genuinely captivating viewing experience. The visuals are stunning whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or browsing the web.
Multitaskers: The spacious screen and powerful A12 Bionic chip make the iPhone XS Max ideal for multitasking. You can easily have multiple apps open side-by-side without experiencing any lag or slowdown.
iOS enthusiasts: The iPhone XS Max runs the latest version of iOS (with the potential for future upgrades) and offers a satisfying user experience. The App Store provides access to millions of apps, ensuring you’ll find the tools for work, entertainment, or productivity.
Who should look elsewhere?
Pocket-sized phone fans: If you prefer a phone that comfortably fits in your pocket and can be easily used with one hand, the Apple iPhone XS Max’s size might be a major drawback.
Battery life warriors: The battery life of the iPhone XS Max is a significant concern. If you need a phone that can last a full day on a single charge, you’ll be better off considering newer iPhones with improved battery efficiency.
Low-light photography lovers: While the iPhone XS Max camera holds its own in good lighting, low-light photography suffers. If capturing stunning nighttime images is a priority, newer iPhones with advanced night vision capabilities would be a wiser choice.
Alternatives to consider:
If the iPhone XS Max doesn’t quite tick all your boxes, here are some alternatives to consider:
iPhone 11 Pro Max: Released in 2019, the iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a similar large-screen experience with a slightly smaller display size. It boasts a more powerful A13 Bionic chip and improved battery life. It also features a triple-lens rear camera system with an ultra-wide lens, offering more versatility for capturing photos and videos.
iPhone 12 Pro Max: Released in 2020, the iPhone 12 Pro Max maintains the large-screen philosophy but with a more modern design featuring flat edges and a faster A14 Bionic chip. It also boasts improved battery life, a slightly larger display with slimmer bezels, and a superior triple-lens rear camera system.
Android Phablets: If you’re open to exploring the Android world, numerous options from brands like Samsung, Google Pixel, or OnePlus offer large displays, powerful processors, and potentially lower price points compared to the iPhone XS Max.
The Verdict: A big phone with big ambitions
The Apple iPhone XS Max remains a powerful phone with a gorgeous display. It offers a fantastic iOS experience and a capable camera system (in good lighting). However, its massive size might not be for everyone, and the battery life is a significant limitation.
Ultimately, buying an iPhone XS Max in Australia depends on your priorities and budget. If a large display and a powerful (but not the absolute best) performance are high on your list, the iPhone XS Max can be a compelling proposition, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.
However, newer iPhones might be a better investment if you require the best battery life, low-light camera capabilities, or cutting-edge performance.