There is something special about the iPhone XS Max specifications that still amazes phone lovers. Not because it is the newest, but because of how confidently it carries its legacy. It was Apple’s first true “big flagship,” not just in screen size, but in ambition. If you have ever thought about how Apple changed over from the compact iPhone X to larger, improved cinematic displays, this model was the turning point.
If you are someone looking for iPhone XS Max specifications and features, then you are at the right place. Read this blog till the end to find out all the comprehensive details, as we will explore everything that made the iPhone XS Max a favorite among power users. Ranging from its crisp OLED panel and stainless steel build to its enduring A12 Bionic performance and camera system, this phone was surely a hit.
Even if you are eyeing it as a secondary phone or simply want to understand its value today, this detailed look talks about every aspect of design, display, performance, camera, and beyond.
1: iPhone XS Max Versions and Model Numbers
Apple iPhone XS Max was launched in a number of major versions. Each was suited for different markets across the world.
1.1: A2101
Region: Global market edition
1.2: A1921
Region: USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands
1.3: A2104
Region: China and Hong Kong
1.4: A2102
Region: Japan
Although such models differ slightly in terms of SIM compatibility (dual SIM for China and eSIM for the rest of the world), all have identical internal specifications for a uniform user experience across the board. For those who are comparing network compatibility, all models are compatible with GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, which was cutting-edge in 2018.
2: iPhone XS Max Design and Build Quality
Apple did not simply enlarge the iPhone XS Max; it made it bold. Pairing a glass front and back with a stainless steel frame that is polished makes the phone look and feel high-end, premium, almost like a mirror. It weighs slightly more at 208 grams, but that’s the sacrifice for a 6.5-inch OLED screen and a larger battery within.
The size (157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm) is big, but not uncomfortably so; it still packs nicely into the hand with a solid grip, due to Apple’s curved edges. It has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, which means it can withstand a brief dip in water (2 meters for 30 minutes), which was an improvement from the XR’s IP67 rating.
Color options were elegant but limited. They include Space Gray, Silver, and Gold. These are the timeless shades that perfectly complement the phone’s luxurious look and trademark.
If you have used any iPhone from the X series, you will notice how the iPhone XS Max design has refined small details, including tighter bezels, a more balanced frame, and that satisfying weight that screams “flagship.”
3: iPhone XS Max Display and Visual Experience
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When it comes to display quality, the iPhone XS Max screen is where Apple pulled out its muscle. The 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED screen is yet among the finest panels Apple has ever produced over the years. HDR10, Dolby Vision, and 625 nits of brightness deliver a movie-like viewing experience, e.g, rich color, inky blacks, and crisp contrast.
The 1242 x 2688 pixel resolution delivers a pixel density of 458 ppi, so text is razor-sharp and images are lifelike. Binge-watching Netflix, navigating through photos, or even editing videos, is deemed immersive with the close 84.4% screen-to-body ratio.
Despite lacking a high refresh rate on the screen (such as today’s 120Hz phones), iOS’ smoothness effectively makes up for it. Having 3D Touch (Apple discontinued that feature later on) brings an extra touch of interactivity. It is certainly something iPhone users have missed for years.
4: iPhone XS Max Features Overview
Each generation of iPhone has Apple’s trademark combination of simplicity and ingenuity, and the iPhone XS Max features do not disappoint. Here is why:
- IP68 dust and water resistance
- Face ID: Just as fast and trustworthy, even in dim light.
- Apple Pay: Safe NFC-based purchases with Visa, MasterCard, and AMEX approval.
- Stereo speakers: Loud and clean, ideal for gaming and listening.
- Wireless charging (Qi) and fast charging with 15W via PD2.0.
- Dual SIM support: eSIM + Nano-SIM (or dual Nano-SIM for China).
- Immersive sound with greater stereo separation.
Is iPhone X better than iPhone XS Max? Find out here
The combination of convenience, power, and reliability makes Apple iPhone XS Max an all-rounder even today. Let us take a look at Apple iPhone XS Max specifications in detail.
4.1: iPhone XS Max Specifications
| Category | Specification |
| Network | Supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE network technologies for widespread global coverage. |
| Launch | Released in September 2018 and launched the same month. |
| Body | Has a Gorilla Glass front and back combined with a stainless-steel frame for a high-end appearance and durability. Dimensions include 143.6 × 70.9 × 7.7 mm.Does not weigh more than about 177 grams. Ranked IP68 for dust and water resistance (capable of surviving depths of up to 2 meters for 30 minutes). |
| SIM | Nano-SIM and eSIM supported, with dual SIM support on China models. |
| Display | Super Retina OLED display with HDR10, Dolby Vision, and up to 625 nits of brightness for incredible visuals. |
| Platform | Comes with iOS 12, upgradeable to the latest iOS 18 iteration |
| Chipset | Driven by Apple A12 Bionic chip (7 nm) to provide efficient and high-speed performance. |
| CPU | Hexa-core processor with 2×2.5 GHz Vortex (performance cores) and 4×1.6 GHz Tempest (efficiency cores). |
| GPU | Integrated Apple 4-core GPU to provide better graphics and gaming. |
| Memory | Sold in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, with 4GB RAM. |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP system – wide and telephoto lenses with OIS and 2× optical zoom. Features Quad-LED dual-tone flash and HDR support for photos and panoramas. Captures videos at 4K (24/30/60fps) and 1080p (30/60/120/240fps) with superb stabilization. |
| Selfie Camera | 7MP front camera sensor (f/2.2) with HDR and 1080p video recording at 30/60fps. |
| Sound | Has stereo speakers but no 3.5mm headphone jack. |
| Connectivity | Supports Wi-Fi (a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, and NFC for wireless payments. |
| Sensors | Supports Face ID, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer. |
| Battery | Has a non-removable Li-Ion 2658 mAh battery. |
| Talk Time | Provides up to 14 hours of non-stop talk time. |
| Colours | Available in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold shades. |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) and 1.18 W/kg (body). |
| Performance Scores | Scores approximately 2800 (multi-core) on Geekbench 5 tests. |
| Battery Endurance | Rated for approximately 73 hours of use under normal conditions. |
| Price (approx) | Almost PKR 95,000–105,000 or approximately USD 330 in used condition in 2025 |
yt review video
5: iPhone XS Max Hardware Power and Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone XS Max houses the same A12 Bionic chip as both the XS and XR but boasts improved performance owing to superior thermal management in its more expansive body. This 7nm chip features two high-performance “Vortex” cores and four efficiency “Tempest” cores, offering seamless performance across all tasks.
Coupled with 4GB of RAM and a maximum of 512GB of storage, the iPhone XS Max performance is seamless, whether editing 4K vids, gaming on high-end titles, or switching between apps.
Benchmark figures support the following, too:
- AnTuTu: 353,210 (v7)
- GeekBench 4.4: 11,432
- GFXBench: 47 fps
The Apple GPU (4-core) enhances graphic rendering, making it ideal for gaming and creative workloads. Even years later, it runs the latest iOS 18.7 update with surprising fluidity, something many Android phones of its generation cannot claim.
So it is safe to say that if you are after raw performance blended with consistency, the iPhone XS Max remains one of Apple’s most well-balanced powerhouses.
6: iPhone XS Max Battery Life and Charging
A bigger phone needs a bigger battery, and that is precisely what Apple provided. The iPhone XS Max battery life receives a strong improvement with its 3174 mAh Li-Ion battery, which outlasts both the XS and the X in staying power.
In actual usage, that amounts to approximately 79 hours of life, including talk time, surfing, and video playback. It comfortably lasts the entire day on heavy usage and a day and a half on average use.
Charging-wise, Apple’s 15W wired fast charging can refill 50% in just 30 minutes (with the right adapter), and Qi wireless charging adds convenience. While not groundbreaking by today’s standards, it was among the best for iPhones in 2018.
If you are the kind who streams, scrolls, and snaps non-stop, the iPhone XS Max battery life still holds its own surprisingly well today.
7: iPhone XS Max Camera Review
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The iPhone XS Max camera still wows even in 2025, primarily due to Apple’s brilliant image processing. It has a dual 12MP setup, a wide (f/1.8, 26mm) and telephoto (f/2.4, 52mm) lens with optical image stabilization (OIS) and 2x optical zoom.
Photos are sharp, colors are well-balanced, and low-light shots have tremendous detail without being oversharpened. Smart HDR, which automatically blends exposures to reveal natural highlights and shadows, makes photos look fantastic as well. Portrait mode delivers professional-level depth.
Video is just as good. It can record 4K at 24/30/60fps with stereo recording and fantastic stabilization.
Front: 7MP selfie camera with SL 3D depth sensing for precise Face ID and good portrait photography.
7.1: Rear Camera Features:
- Main Camera: 12MP wide (f/1.8), 26mm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
- Telephoto Lens: 12MP (f/2.4), 52mm, OIS, 2x optical zoom
- Smart HDR: Merges multiple shots for greater detail and dynamic range
- Better Depth Control: Post-shot background blur (bokeh) adjustment
- 4K Video Recording: up to 60fps, with stereo sound recording
- Improved Portrait Mode: Improved edge detection and more natural light
7.2: Front Camera Features:
- 7MP sensor (f/2.2) featuring portrait lighting and Smart HDR
- Animoji & Memoji: Face tracking with expressive motion capture
- 1080p video recording at 60fps: Smooth video with detail preservation
- Depth Control: Controllable background blur for selfies
8: iPhone XS Max Display and Multimedia Experience
Entertainment lovers found their match in the iPhone XS Max. The combination of Dolby Vision, HDR10, and stereo speakers delivers an immersive media experience on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, or gaming.
Audio output is well-balanced. Voice 70dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 84dB are known for providing clarity at loud levels. OLED display’s contrast ratio (Infinite nominal, 4.516 sunlight) provides vivid visuals, whereas the big screen makes document reading and editing much more pleasant.
In practical terms, this phone makes casual media watching into something like cinema.
9: iPhone XS Max Software and User Experience
iPhone XS Max’s user experience is what makes it ageless. Powered by iOS 12, and upgradeable up to iOS 18.7, it remains fast, secure, and contemporary. Apple’s software updates make this smartphone current, with the new features of widgets, Focus modes, and sophisticated privacy features.
The Face ID is still one of the top biometric solutions in the market that is fast, precise, and trustworthy. Coupled with seamless app switching and gesture navigation, interacting with the iPhone XS Max is seamless and natural.
Here are few advantages and disadavantages of iPhone XS Max:
Advantages:
- Stunning OLED screen with lifelike colors
- Luxurious stainless-steel design still looks fresh
- Powerful A12 Bionic chip, swift even in 2025
- Superb camera performance and Smart HDR
- iOS updates through 2025 and later
Disadvantages
- Average battery life compared to newer models
- No fast charger supplied in the box
- No 3.5mm headphone port
- High repair price due to the stainless-steel frame
The iPhone XS Max is almost seven years old, but its design, speed, and camera system still rank as one of the most balanced iPhones Apple has ever produced. It slots neatly between the vintage iPhone X and the higher-end 11 Pro, with top-tier performance costing only a fraction of that price in 2025.
10: Frequently Asked Questions About Apple iPhone XS Max Specifications(FAQs)
1. Is the iPhone XS Max still worth it in 2025?
Yes. It works seamlessly with iOS 18, works well with contemporary apps, and has a premium build and screen quality.
2. Does iPhone XS Max support 5G?
No, iPhone XS Max specifications only support 4G LTE networks.
3. How long does the iPhone XS Max battery last?
It lasts for a day or so of hard use or 1.5 days of light to moderate use.
4. Can I still receive software updates for iPhone XS Max?
Yes, Apple still updates the XS Max with big iOS updates.
5. Is the iPhone XS Max waterproof?
It’s IP68 rated, so it will survive in 2 meters of water for 30 minutes.
