iPhone 8 vs iPhone XS Max
Quick answer
The iPhone XS Max is 10.1 millimetres0.40 inches wider and 60 grams2.12 ounces heavier than the iPhone 8.
Both phones no longer get iOS updates, so neither will run future software. The iPhone 8 on Amazon (paid link) is compact and light, while the iPhone XS Max (paid link) offers a much bigger display in a heavier body. Pick the 8 for one-handed use or the XS Max if screen real estate matters. If you want something current with modern support, the iPhone 16e (paid link) is worth considering.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 8
Pocket: iPhone 8
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 8
from $699 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: 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 148 grams. iPhone XS Max: 157.5 by 77.4 by 7.7 millimetres, 208 grams.
8, XS Max shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 8
from $699 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: 8 138.4 millimetres, XS Max 157.5 millimetres.Height: 8 5.45 inches, XS Max 6.20 inches.Width: 8 67.3 millimetres, XS Max 77.4 millimetres.Width: 8 2.65 inches, XS Max 3.05 inches.Depth: 8 7.30 millimetres, XS Max 7.70 millimetres.Depth: 8 0.29 inches, XS Max 0.30 inches.Weight: 8 148 grams, XS Max 208 grams.Weight: 8 5.22 ounces, XS Max 7.34 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 8 | XS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 138.4 millimetres5.45 inches | 157.5 millimetres, 19.1 millimetres more6.20 inches, 0.75 inches more |
| Width | 67.3 millimetres2.65 inches | 77.4 millimetres, 10.1 millimetres more3.05 inches, 0.40 inches more |
| Depth | 7.30 millimetres0.29 inches | 7.70 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres more0.30 inches, 0.02 inches more |
| Weight | 148 grams5.22 ounces | 208 grams, 60 grams more7.34 ounces, 2.12 ounces more |
| Volume | 68.0 cubic centimetres4.15 cubic inches | 93.9 cubic centimetres, 25.9 cubic centimetres more5.73 cubic inches, 1.58 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 65 percent | 84 percent, 19 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 4.7 inches | 6.5 inches, 1.8 inches more |
| Resolution | 750 × 1334 | 1242 × 2688 |
| Pixel density | 326 pixels per inch | 458 pixels per inch, 132 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. | 13 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. | 699 dollars | 1,099 dollars, 400 dollars more |
| Released | Sep 2017 | Sep 2018 |
| Status | Legacy | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone XS Max is 19.1 mm (0.75 in) taller, 10.1 mm (0.40 in) wider, 0.40 mm (0.02 in) thicker and 60 g (2.12 oz) heavier than the iPhone 8. The iPhone 8 measures 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.30 mm (5.45 × 2.65 × 0.29 in) and weighs 148 g (5.22 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).
Also compared with iPhone 8
Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone XS Max than the iPhone 8?
The iPhone XS Max is 19.1 mm taller and 10.1 mm wider than the iPhone 8. It also weighs 60 grams more.
Is the iPhone XS Max significantly heavier than the iPhone 8?
Yes, the iPhone XS Max weighs 208 grams while the iPhone 8 weighs 148 grams. The 60 gram difference is noticeable.
What is the screen size difference between these phones?
The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch display compared to the 4.7 inch screen on the iPhone 8.
Which phone is easier to use one-handed?
The iPhone 8 is easier to use one-handed due to its smaller width and weight. The iPhone XS Max is larger and heavier in the hand.
Do these phones fit in a typical jeans pocket?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket but do not fit in a typical women's jeans pocket. The iPhone 8 is more pocketable due to its smaller size.
Is upgrading from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone XS Max worth it for size?
It depends on whether you prefer a larger screen or the comfort of a smaller device. The iPhone 8 is better for small hands while the iPhone XS Max offers more display area.