iPhone XS Max Review

The tick-tock iPhone release cycle of Apple signifies that the year is about refinement instead of revolution. Even though the iPhone X has an S, it also has a larger colleague; the iPhone XS Max.

In contrast to the past generations of iPhone, the bigger model is not superior to its mini-me when it comes to the issue of technology. The Max model has additional screen space and battery life specially devised to capture the attention of the fans of bigger phones. It is a fantastic spot if you were transfixed by the iPhone X last year but craved for the additional width of the iPhone 8 Plus.

IPHONE XS MAX DESIGN: BIG BROTHER

Unsurprisingly, the iPhone XS Max is a bigger version of the iPhone XS, with similar weight and dimensions as same as the iPhone 8 Plus. However, the newer device is nice to hold, as it is premium and sturdy, despite that the flat back gives you a feeling of bulkiness. Asides that, there is a camera bump that makes the phone shakes when it is used on a flat surface. It has the volume and mute buttons on the left edge, and there is a more prominent power button on the right side.

This model does not have a headphone port but has a Lightning port. With the presence of the antennae band, the speaker grille holes are not symmetrical; meaning you may never see Jony Ive Smile. If this “defect” makes you sob, you can comfort yourself with the idea that the Max is IP68 water/dust resistant. You can be drenched in a pool or dipped in a pint.

IPHONE XS MAX DISPLAY AND SOUND: BIG SCREEN

Apple maintained that the iPhone X had a Plus-sized display in a small form factor, but it has a narrower and taller outlook. This feature might please some users, but other users prefer the additional width in portrait for sausage-thumb typing, or Split View in the landscape. Moving from a Plus to an X feels like taking steps backward.

With the Max in your hands, you are assured of a device that offers you a 2688 X 1242 pixel OLED measured at 6.5 inches diagonally. It has a beautiful design; though the notch has its challenges, when you place the iPhone XS beside an iPhone 8 Plus; it makes the iPhone 8 Plus look like an artifact. The major disadvantage of the Max model is that it is a one-handed device only if you possess extendable thumbs. It is likely you’ll get a cramp if you want to trigger the Control Center.

As expected, the big display of the device is an excellent addition for movie enthusiasts, but there are also pinches to the speakers. The image of the stereo is more comprehensive, and the sound output is better compared to the sound of the previous year model of iPhone. You can use your headphones for casual viewing or music playback when your iPhone is stuck in a stand.

IPHONE XS MAX PERFORMANCE: PACE-SETTER

The iPhone is an exceptional performer when it comes to the delivery of excellent performance, but with the introduction of the A12 Bionic, the iPhone XS Max leads the pack. When the Geekbench 4 was fired up, we have the multi-core CPU scores within the 11300-11400 range. Apple offers a record of stats in respect of boosts to graphics performance and power efficiency, and a next-generation Neural Engine that makes short work of machine learning requirements.

The chip designed by Apple is mighty. In essence, the Max handles every task that comes its way. There is no sign of stuttering when you scroll through apps, use the Face ID, or take a picture. This iPhone model does not show sign of weakness when it is exposed to multi-track Korg Gadget projects that seldom made a two-year-old Mac falter.

The icing on the cake is its display which makes the experience of working on them exciting. It is a win-win situation.

IPHONE XS MAX BATTERY: STAYING POWER

This is exciting news for power users and those individuals who usually forget their chargers. Apple argued that Max has an extended battery life than the iPhone X and lasts up to ninety minutes longer than the iPhone X. When the Max is compared with the iPhone 8 Plus, you will also gain an additional two hours based on the task performed by you.

While I am testing this device, I noticed that the fastest method of draining the battery is by playing several rounds of high-end games in quick sequence, and I am amazed that I did not receive a notification asking if I don’t have anything to do with my time. According to my observation, the only reason you could drain the battery life within a day is by using the 4G network and utilizing your phone as a mobile hotspot.

Note: If the battery runs dry, remember that you can charge it as fast as possible with a 30W+charger. Please note that Apple does not put the 30W fast charger in the box.

IPHONE XS MAX OS AND SOFTWARE: REALLY APPLY

Apple is still on top of its game. iOS gets a significant portion of the best mobile apps, even though Android get loads of excellent mobile games, but it is fair to say that iOS seems to get the most of the games first before other devices. While I was testing, I discovered that the iPhone XS Max had a smooth run with the optimized apps, as well as the un-optimized without stress. Only a few utilized the screen space by going dual-pane; even when these apps offer a little space for content, the result is better over the regular iPhone XS.

The visible complaint is that iOS 12 on a phone with enormous power could do more with something like a pseudo-PC setup, such as the Samsung’s DeX.

IPHONE XS MAX CAMERA: SNAP TO IT

The camera of this new iPhone ranges from good to incredible. You can complain about its specs, and that some Android devices surpassed Max’s dual 12MP set-up with wide-angle ƒ/1.8 aperture and telephoto ƒ/2.4 aperture cameras, but it seems as if Apple’s cameras are powered by wizards.

I noticed this factor at a pub while testing the device. On a visit with close associates, the time came for taking pictures. We were awkwardly seated by a window with the sunlight blazing in. The result: My friend’s snapshot with an iPhone X: crazy blown out; mine: perfect levels without stress.

With the smart HDR and subsequent frames of the iPhone XS Max, you can never go wrong. It has detailed shots, with bright and balanced color and levels; there is no surprise that the sensor of this amazing phone is 30 percent bigger than the previous phones released before it.

If you are using the Portrait mode, you can also utilize fancy post-shoot Bokeh slider of Apple. If you desire to migrate to an XS Max from an iPhone X because of its display size, you will fall in love with the camera.

IPHONE XS MAX VERDICT: IPHONE TO THE MAX

The iPhone X was maxed in every aspect. However, the iPhone XS Max is stronger; it also has a bigger battery and a larger screen, as well as a camera that takes you to the moon. The price of the phone is also ramped up to the max as well.

The price of the 64 GB model is $1099 while you can get the 256 GB for $1249, and the 512 GB model is sold for $1449. The price points equate the first two levels of 13in MacBook Pro. It is also important to note that the corresponding models of the Samsung S9+ are three hundred lower in price. Besides, there is no headphone dongle in the box of iPhone this year.

The fact remains that this iPhone is high-priced, but the device is an extraordinary genius worth every penny spent on it. Individuals using a Plus or want to move to the next level can switch to this phone as it is the perfect upgrade.

However, if you are not concerned about additional screen space, and you are in love with a lighter and smaller size, it is important to note that the iPhone is the same phone and a hundred lower in price.

To purchase the iPhone XS Max, please CLICK HERE

TECH SPECS

Screen: 6.5″ 2688 x 1242 OLED True Tone wide color display with 3D touch
CPU: Apple A12 Bionic chip
Memory: 4GB
Camera: 2x12MP rear w/ OIS, quad-LED flash. 7MP TrueDepth front
Storage: 64GB/256GB/512GB
Operating system: iOS 12
Battery: 3179mAh lithium-ion battery; supports wireless and fast charging
Dimensions: 77.4mm x 157.5mm x 7.7mm; 208g