iPhone XS Max vs iPhone 8
Quick answer
The iPhone 8 is 10.1 millimetres0.40 inches narrower and 60 grams2.12 ounces lighter than the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max on Amazon (paid link) feels substantial next to the iPhone 8 (paid link), which fits easily in one hand. Both are stuck on their last iOS versions, so you are buying legacy hardware at a renewed price. Choose the 8 for comfort or the Max if you need a bigger screen and don't mind the heft. If you want something larger with modern support, the iPhone 16 Plus (paid link) is a great upgrade.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 8
Pocket: iPhone 8
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone XS Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 8
from $699 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 XS Max: 157.5 by 77.4 by 7.7 millimetres, 208 grams. iPhone 8: 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 148 grams.
XS Max, 8 shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone XS Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 8
from $699 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: XS Max 157.5 millimetres, 8 138.4 millimetres.Height: XS Max 6.20 inches, 8 5.45 inches.Width: XS Max 77.4 millimetres, 8 67.3 millimetres.Width: XS Max 3.05 inches, 8 2.65 inches.Depth: XS Max 7.70 millimetres, 8 7.30 millimetres.Depth: XS Max 0.30 inches, 8 0.29 inches.Weight: XS Max 208 grams, 8 148 grams.Weight: XS Max 7.34 ounces, 8 5.22 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | XS Max | 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 157.5 millimetres6.20 inches | 138.4 millimetres, 19.1 millimetres less5.45 inches, 0.75 inches less |
| Width | 77.4 millimetres3.05 inches | 67.3 millimetres, 10.1 millimetres less2.65 inches, 0.40 inches less |
| Depth | 7.70 millimetres0.30 inches | 7.30 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.02 inches less |
| Weight | 208 grams7.34 ounces | 148 grams, 60 grams less5.22 ounces, 2.12 ounces less |
| Volume | 93.9 cubic centimetres5.73 cubic inches | 68.0 cubic centimetres, 25.9 cubic centimetres less4.15 cubic inches, 1.58 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 84 percent | 65 percent, 19 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.5 inches | 4.7 inches, 1.8 inches less |
| Resolution | 1242 × 2688 | 750 × 1334 |
| Pixel density | 458 pixels per inch | 326 pixels per inch, 132 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Notch | None |
| Rear main | 12MP | 12MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 7MP |
| Chip | A12 Bionic | A11 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 15 hrs | 13 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | Lightning |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 4G LTE · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP67 (1m for 30 min) | IP67 (1m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 512 GB | 64 – 256 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 1,099 dollars | 699 dollars, 400 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2018 | Sep 2017 |
| Status | Legacy | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone 8 is 19.1 mm (0.75 in) shorter, 10.1 mm (0.40 in) narrower, 0.40 mm (0.02 in) thinner and 60 g (2.12 oz) lighter than the iPhone XS Max. 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). 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).
Also compared with iPhone XS Max
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Questions about these phones
How much smaller is iPhone 8 than iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 8 is 19.1 mm shorter and 10.1 mm narrower than iPhone XS Max.
Which phone is lighter?
iPhone 8 is 60 g lighter than iPhone XS Max, weighing 148 g compared to 208 g.
What is the screen size difference?
iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch display while iPhone 8 has a 4.7 inch display.
Is iPhone 8 easier to use one handed?
Yes, iPhone 8 is rated easier for one handed use and better for small hands than iPhone XS Max.
Do these phones fit in a pocket?
iPhone 8 is more pocketable than iPhone XS Max, and both fit in a typical men's jeans pocket but not a typical women's jeans pocket.
Is upgrading from iPhone 8 to iPhone XS Max worth it for size?
Whether upgrading for size alone is worth it depends on your preference for a larger screen versus ease of use.