The iPhone XS Max is Apple’s flagship device for 2018, boasting a stunning 6.5-inch OLED display, a powerful A12 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera setup with advanced features like Smart HDR and Depth Control. With a price tag starting at $1099, the iPhone XS Max is not only the largest but also the most expensive iPhone ever released. In this comprehensive review, we will dive deep into the design, display, performance, camera, and software of the iPhone XS Max to determine whether it lives up to its hefty price tag.
Design and Build Quality
Apple has always been known for its sleek and premium design, and the iPhone XS Max is no exception. It features a stainless steel frame sandwiched between two layers of glass, giving it a premium look and feel. The device is available in three color options – Space Gray, Silver, and Gold – with a glossy finish on the back.
One notable change in the design of the iPhone XS Max is the removal of the home button, making it the first iPhone to feature a full-screen display. The front of the device is dominated by a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display, with slim bezels and a notch at the top for the front-facing camera and sensors. The glass back allows for wireless charging, a feature that was introduced with the iPhone X.
In terms of build quality, the iPhone XS Max feels solid and well-built. However, due to the large glass surface, it can be quite slippery to hold and prone to smudges and fingerprints. It is also worth noting that the device is not water-resistant, so caution should be taken when using it near water.
Display and Screen Quality
The OLED display on the iPhone XS Max is undoubtedly one of its standout features. With a resolution of 2688 x 1242 pixels and a pixel density of 458 pixels per inch, the display is sharp, vibrant, and offers excellent viewing angles. The True Tone technology adjusts the color temperature of the display according to the ambient lighting, providing a more natural viewing experience.
The display also supports HDR, with Dolby Vision and HDR10 formats, making it perfect for streaming high-quality videos. The contrast ratio is impressive, resulting in deep blacks and vivid colors. However, some users have reported a slight yellow tint on their displays, which could be a manufacturing defect.
One issue with the display is its size, which may not be suitable for everyone. While some users appreciate the large screen real estate, others find it too big and difficult to hold with one hand. Additionally, the notch at the top can be intrusive when watching videos or playing games in landscape mode.
Performance and Hardware
The iPhone XS Max runs on Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, which is currently the most powerful processor in the market. It has a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and an 8-core neural engine, providing a significant boost in performance compared to its predecessor, the A11 Bionic. The device also has 4GB of RAM, which is higher than previous iPhones.
In terms of day-to-day usage, the iPhone XS Max is lightning fast and can handle multiple tasks without any lag. Apps open quickly, and switching between them is seamless. The A12 chip also enables advanced features like ARKit and AI-powered machine learning, allowing for a more immersive user experience.
The device is available in three storage options – 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB – with no option for expandable storage. This may be a concern for heavy users who require a lot of storage space for media and apps. The device also does not have a headphone jack, so users will have to rely on Bluetooth or Lightning headphones.
Camera and Photography
The iPhone XS Max features a dual-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens. The cameras support optical image stabilization, allowing for stable shots, even in low light conditions. The device also has a 7MP front-facing camera with a portrait mode for taking selfies.
One of the standout features of the iPhone XS Max’s camera is its Smart HDR technology, which captures multiple images at different exposures and combines them to create the perfect shot. This results in well-balanced photos with great detail and dynamic range. Additionally, the Depth Control feature allows users to adjust the depth of field after taking a photo, providing more control over how the background is blurred.
The camera also supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, resulting in smooth and high-quality videos. The front-facing camera also has a new feature called “Slofies,” which captures slow-motion videos with the selfie camera.
Software and User Experience
The iPhone XS Max runs on iOS 12, which is the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system. It comes with features like Screen Time, which helps users monitor their device usage, and Group FaceTime, which allows for video calls with up to 32 participants. The software is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for users to navigate and customize their device.
One of the most significant drawbacks of iOS is its lack of customization options compared to Android. While this may not be an issue for some users, others may find it limiting. Another criticism of iOS is the limited file management capabilities, which can make it difficult to transfer files between devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the iPhone XS Max is undoubtedly a powerful and impressive device with top-of-the-line features. Its large OLED display, powerful A12 chip, advanced camera capabilities, and sleek design make it a desirable choice for many users. However, its high price point and lack of expandable storage may be a deterrent for some.
If you are an avid Apple user who is willing to pay a premium for the latest and greatest device, then the iPhone XS Max is definitely worth considering. However, if you are on a budget or prefer more customization options, there are other good alternatives available in the market.