iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone XS Max
Quick answer
The iPhone XS Max is the same size as the iPhone 8 Plus, 6 grams0.21 ounces heavier.
Each of these models has already stopped getting iOS updates, meaning you are buying a device that will not see new system features. The XS Max on Amazon (paid link) gives you a larger display and slightly better endurance, while the 8 Plus (paid link) is often cheaper on the renewed market. Choose based on whether you prefer the bigger glass or a lower price tag. If you want a modern device with full support, you should look at the iPhone 16 Plus (paid link) instead.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: Same
Pocket: Same
Weight difference: Not noticeable
iPhone 8 Plus
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone XS Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.4 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.1 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 8 Plus: 158.4 by 78.1 by 7.5 millimetres, 202 grams. iPhone XS Max: 157.5 by 77.4 by 7.7 millimetres, 208 grams.
8 Plus, XS Max shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 8 Plus
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone XS Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 8 Plus 158.4 millimetres, XS Max 157.5 millimetres.Height: 8 Plus 6.24 inches, XS Max 6.20 inches.Width: 8 Plus 78.1 millimetres, XS Max 77.4 millimetres.Width: 8 Plus 3.07 inches, XS Max 3.05 inches.Depth: 8 Plus 7.50 millimetres, XS Max 7.70 millimetres.Depth: 8 Plus 0.30 inches, XS Max 0.30 inches.Weight: 8 Plus 202 grams, XS Max 208 grams.Weight: 8 Plus 7.13 ounces, XS Max 7.34 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 8 Plus | XS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 158.4 millimetres6.24 inches | 157.5 millimetres, 0.9 millimetres less6.20 inches, 0.04 inches less |
| Width | 78.1 millimetres3.07 inches | 77.4 millimetres, 0.7 millimetres less3.05 inches, 0.03 inches less |
| Depth | 7.50 millimetres0.30 inches | 7.70 millimetres, 0.20 millimetres more0.30 inches, 0.01 inches more |
| Weight | 202 grams7.13 ounces | 208 grams, 6 grams more7.34 ounces, 0.21 ounces more |
| Volume | 92.8 cubic centimetres5.66 cubic inches | 93.9 cubic centimetres, 1.1 cubic centimetres more5.73 cubic inches, 0.07 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 67 percent | 84 percent, 17 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 5.5 inches | 6.5 inches, 1.0 inches more |
| Resolution | 1080 × 1920 | 1242 × 2688 |
| Pixel density | 401 pixels per inch | 458 pixels per inch, 57 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | None | Notch |
| Rear main | 12MP | 12MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A11 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 14 hrs | 15 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | Lightning |
| Wireless | 4G LTE · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Water resistance | IP67 (1m for 30 min) | IP67 (1m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 256 GB | 64 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 799 dollars | 1,099 dollars, 300 dollars more |
| Released | Sep 2017 | Sep 2018 |
| Status | Legacy | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone XS Max is 0.9 mm (0.04 in) shorter, 0.7 mm (0.03 in) narrower, 0.20 mm (0.01 in) thicker and 6 g (0.21 oz) heavier than the iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone 8 Plus measures 158.4 × 78.1 × 7.50 mm (6.24 × 3.07 × 0.30 in) and weighs 202 g (7.13 oz). The iPhone XS Max measures 157.5 × 77.4 × 7.70 mm (6.20 × 3.05 × 0.30 in) and weighs 208 g (7.34 oz).
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Questions about these phones
How does the iPhone XS Max size compare to the iPhone 8 Plus?
The iPhone XS Max is 0.9 mm shorter and 0.7 mm narrower than the iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone XS Max is 0.2 mm thicker and weighs 6 g more.
What is the screen size difference between these phones?
The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch screen compared to the 5.5 inch screen on the iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone XS Max offers one more inch of screen space than the iPhone 8 Plus.
Is the weight difference between the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XS Max noticeable?
The iPhone XS Max weighs 208 g and the iPhone 8 Plus weighs 202 g. The verdict notes this 6 g difference is not noticeable.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
Both phones have the same rating for one-handed use ease. Neither the iPhone 8 Plus nor the iPhone XS Max is significantly easier to use with one hand.
Do the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XS Max fit in a pocket?
Both the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XS Max fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. They do not fit in a typical women's jeans pocket.
Is upgrading from the iPhone 8 Plus to the iPhone XS Max for size alone worth it?
Upgrading from the iPhone 8 Plus to the iPhone XS Max for size alone is considered worth it. The iPhone XS Max provides a larger screen with very similar overall dimensions.