iPhone XS Max vs iPhone 8 Plus
Quick answer
The iPhone 8 Plus is the same size as the iPhone XS Max, 6 grams0.21 ounces lighter.
Both phones have stopped receiving iOS updates, meaning neither will get future system upgrades or security patches. The XS Max on Amazon (paid link) gives you a larger display and longer battery life, but at this point in their life cycle, you should only pick one if you need a budget device immediately.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone XS Max
Pocket: Same
Weight difference: Not 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 Plus
from $799 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 Plus: 158.4 by 78.1 by 7.5 millimetres, 202 grams.
XS Max, 8 Plus 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 Plus
from $799 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 Plus 158.4 millimetres.Height: XS Max 6.20 inches, 8 Plus 6.24 inches.Width: XS Max 77.4 millimetres, 8 Plus 78.1 millimetres.Width: XS Max 3.05 inches, 8 Plus 3.07 inches.Depth: XS Max 7.70 millimetres, 8 Plus 7.50 millimetres.Depth: XS Max 0.30 inches, 8 Plus 0.30 inches.Weight: XS Max 208 grams, 8 Plus 202 grams.Weight: XS Max 7.34 ounces, 8 Plus 7.13 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | XS Max | 8 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 157.5 millimetres6.20 inches | 158.4 millimetres, 0.9 millimetres more6.24 inches, 0.04 inches more |
| Width | 77.4 millimetres3.05 inches | 78.1 millimetres, 0.7 millimetres more3.07 inches, 0.03 inches more |
| Depth | 7.70 millimetres0.30 inches | 7.50 millimetres, 0.20 millimetres less0.30 inches, 0.01 inches less |
| Weight | 208 grams7.34 ounces | 202 grams, 6 grams less7.13 ounces, 0.21 ounces less |
| Volume | 93.9 cubic centimetres5.73 cubic inches | 92.8 cubic centimetres, 1.1 cubic centimetres less5.66 cubic inches, 0.07 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 84 percent | 67 percent, 17 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.5 inches | 5.5 inches, 1.0 inches less |
| Resolution | 1242 × 2688 | 1080 × 1920 |
| Pixel density | 458 pixels per inch | 401 pixels per inch, 57 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 | 14 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 | 799 dollars, 300 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2018 | Sep 2017 |
| Status | Legacy | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone 8 Plus is 0.9 mm (0.04 in) taller, 0.7 mm (0.03 in) wider, 0.20 mm (0.01 in) thinner and 6 g (0.21 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 Plus measures 158.4 × 78.1 × 7.50 mm (6.24 × 3.07 × 0.30 in) and weighs 202 g (7.13 oz).
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Questions about these phones
How do the sizes compare?
The iPhone 8 Plus is 0.9 mm taller and 0.7 mm wider than the iPhone XS Max.
Which phone has the larger screen?
The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch display and the iPhone 8 Plus has a 5.5 inch display.
Is there a big weight difference?
The iPhone XS Max weighs 208 grams and the iPhone 8 Plus weighs 202 grams so the weight difference is not noticeable.
Which is easier to use one handed?
The iPhone XS Max is easier to use one handed and better for small hands than the iPhone 8 Plus.
Do they fit in pockets?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket but neither fits in a typical women's jeans pocket.
Is the size upgrade worth it?
Whether the size only upgrade is worth it depends on your preference since the weight difference is not noticeable.