iPhone XR vs iPhone XS Max
Quick answer
The iPhone XS Max is 6.6 millimetres0.26 inches taller and 14 grams0.49 ounces heavier than the iPhone XR.
Both models run the same A12 chip and have already stopped receiving iOS updates, so neither will see new features going forward. The XS Max on Amazon (paid link) trades a heavier build for a brighter screen and telephoto lens, while the XR (paid link) feels lighter and lasts longer day to day. Pick the Max if you need the bigger display, but the XR is the more sensible choice now. You could also step up to the modern iPhone 16 Plus (paid link) for a much larger display and modern software support.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone XR
Pocket: iPhone XR
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone XR
from $749 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 XR: 150.9 by 75.7 by 8.3 millimetres, 194 grams. iPhone XS Max: 157.5 by 77.4 by 7.7 millimetres, 208 grams.
XR, XS Max shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone XR
from $749 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: XR 150.9 millimetres, XS Max 157.5 millimetres.Height: XR 5.94 inches, XS Max 6.20 inches.Width: XR 75.7 millimetres, XS Max 77.4 millimetres.Width: XR 2.98 inches, XS Max 3.05 inches.Depth: XR 8.30 millimetres, XS Max 7.70 millimetres.Depth: XR 0.33 inches, XS Max 0.30 inches.Weight: XR 194 grams, XS Max 208 grams.Weight: XR 6.84 ounces, XS Max 7.34 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | XR | XS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 150.9 millimetres5.94 inches | 157.5 millimetres, 6.6 millimetres more6.20 inches, 0.26 inches more |
| Width | 75.7 millimetres2.98 inches | 77.4 millimetres, 1.7 millimetres more3.05 inches, 0.07 inches more |
| Depth | 8.30 millimetres0.33 inches | 7.70 millimetres, 0.60 millimetres less0.30 inches, 0.02 inches less |
| Weight | 194 grams6.84 ounces | 208 grams, 14 grams more7.34 ounces, 0.49 ounces more |
| Volume | 94.8 cubic centimetres5.79 cubic inches | 93.9 cubic centimetres, 0.9 cubic centimetres less5.73 cubic inches, 0.06 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 79 percent | 84 percent, 5 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 6.5 inches, 0.4 inches more |
| Resolution | 828 × 1792 | 1242 × 2688 |
| Pixel density | 326 pixels per inch | 458 pixels per inch, 132 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | Notch | Notch |
| Rear main | 12MP | 12MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A12 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 16 hrs | 15 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | Lightning |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 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. | 749 dollars | 1,099 dollars, 350 dollars more |
| Released | Oct 2018 | Sep 2018 |
| Status | Legacy | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone XS Max is 6.6 mm (0.26 in) taller, 1.7 mm (0.07 in) wider, 0.60 mm (0.02 in) thinner and 14 g (0.49 oz) heavier than the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR measures 150.9 × 75.7 × 8.30 mm (5.94 × 2.98 × 0.33 in) and weighs 194 g (6.84 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 XR
Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone XS Max than the iPhone XR?
The iPhone XS Max is 6.6 mm taller and 1.7 mm wider than the iPhone XR. It is also 0.6 mm thinner than the iPhone XR.
Is the iPhone XS Max heavier than the iPhone XR?
Yes, the iPhone XS Max weighs 14 g more than the iPhone XR. This weight difference is noticeable.
What is the screen size difference between these phones?
The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch display while the iPhone XR has a 6.1 inch display. The difference is 0.4 inches.
Which phone is easier to use one-handed?
The iPhone XR is easier to use one-handed than the iPhone XS Max. It is also better for small hands.
Which phone fits better in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. The iPhone XR is more pocketable than the iPhone XS Max.
Is it worth upgrading from the iPhone XR to the iPhone XS Max for size alone?
It is not worth upgrading from the iPhone XR to the iPhone XS Max for size alone. They share the same chip and generation.