You're probably looking at a used iPhone XS Max unlocked and wondering if it’s a steal or just a shiny paperweight. It’s a fair question. Back in 2018, this thing was the absolute peak of luxury, starting at over a thousand bucks and making every other phone look tiny by comparison. But tech moves fast. Now, years later, the market is flooded with refurbished units, and the "unlocked" part is usually the biggest selling point because it gives you the freedom to jump between carriers like Mint Mobile, T-Mobile, or whoever is offering the cheapest data plan this month.
Honestly, the screen still holds up. It's a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED that manages to look better than some of the mid-range phones being released today. Apple really nailed the color calibration on these. If you're coming from an older SE or an iPhone 8, the jump to this massive display feels like moving from a studio apartment to a penthouse.
But we need to talk about the guts.
What you need to know about the iPhone XS Max unlocked performance today
The A12 Bionic chip was a beast when it launched. It was the first 7-nanometer chip in a smartphone, and it handled everything with ease. Today? It’s still surprisingly snappy for scrolling through TikTok or checking emails, but you'll start to feel the age when you try to export a 4K video or play high-end games with the graphics cranked up. It's not "slow," but it’s not "instant" anymore.
One thing people often forget is that the iPhone XS Max unlocked models you find on sites like Back Market or eBay have likely been through a lot. The battery is the first thing to go. If the unit you buy has a battery health percentage below 85%, you’re going to be tethered to a wall charger by lunchtime. It’s just the reality of lithium-ion physics. Apple’s software (iOS) does a decent job of managing power, but it can’t perform miracles on a chemically aged battery.
The "Unlocked" factor and why it matters
Why do people specifically search for the unlocked version? Because nobody wants to be trapped in a three-year contract for a phone that’s already several generations old. An iPhone XS Max unlocked means it isn't tied to a specific carrier's CDMA or GSM bands exclusively; it has the internal hardware to work on pretty much any network globally.
Check the model numbers. Usually, the A1921 is the North American version. If you get a "locked" phone by mistake, you’re stuck paying a third-party service to unlock it, or worse, finding out it’s blacklisted because the previous owner didn't pay their bill.
Buying unlocked gives you the leverage. You can toss in a local SIM card when you travel to Europe or Asia without paying those $10-a-day "international passes" that the big carriers love to overcharge for. It’s about freedom. And since this phone supports Dual SIM (one physical Nano-SIM and one eSIM), you can actually run two different numbers at the same time.
The camera situation: Is it still "Pro" enough?
Look, it doesn't have the "Pro" branding that started with the iPhone 11, but the XS Max was essentially the Pro model of its year. It has a dual 12MP system—one wide and one telephoto.
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In broad daylight, the photos are great. Smart HDR does a solid job of keeping the sky from blowing out while keeping shadows detailed. However, if you're a night owl, you're going to struggle. The XS Max lacks the dedicated Night Mode that came later. If you try to take a photo in a dimly lit bar, it’s going to look grainy and "muddy."
- Portrait Mode: Still very good for people, though it struggles a bit with messy hair or glasses compared to newer LiDAR-equipped phones.
- Video: This is where Apple always wins. Even an older XS Max shoots 4K at 60fps with stabilization that puts many new budget Androids to shame.
- Selfies: The 7MP front camera is... fine. It's not going to win any awards, but for FaceTime, it's perfectly acceptable.
If you care about photography more than anything else, you might want to spend the extra hundred bucks for an iPhone 11 Pro just to get that Night Mode and the Ultrawide lens. But if you just want photos that look "real" and not overly processed, the XS Max has a very natural look that many people actually prefer over the hyper-sharpened look of the iPhone 15 or 16.
Software longevity and the iOS cutoff
This is the elephant in the room. How long will Apple keep supporting this thing? Historically, Apple supports phones for about 6 to 7 years. The XS Max is nearing the end of that window. While it might get iOS 18 or even 19, the features will be limited. You won't get the fancy AI-driven features (Apple Intelligence) because those require the M-series chips or the A17 Pro and above.
You're buying a slice of history. It's a very functional slice, but don't expect it to be a ten-year phone from this point forward.
Physical build and that "Premium" feel
Stainless steel. That’s what sets the XS Max apart from the aluminum iPhones like the XR or the standard iPhone 11/12. It feels heavy in a good way. It feels expensive. The glass back and the surgical-grade steel frame make it feel like a piece of jewelry.
But it’s slippery.
If you use an iPhone XS Max unlocked without a case, you’re playing a dangerous game. If that back glass breaks, it is notoriously expensive to fix because Apple basically has to replace the entire chassis. It's not like the newer models where the back glass is a separate, more easily replaceable panel.
What to check before you hit "Buy"
If you're scouring marketplaces right now, don't just look at the price. A $200 iPhone XS Max might look like a bargain, but it could be a nightmare in disguise.
- Face ID: This is the big one. If the screen was replaced by a cheap third-party shop, Face ID might be disabled. A phone without Face ID is a massive pain in the butt.
- OLED Burn-in: Since it’s an older screen, check for ghost images or "burn-in" on white backgrounds.
- The Notch: Some people hate it; some don't notice it. On the Max's large screen, it actually feels smaller than it does on the standard XS.
- Charging Port: Use a flashlight to see if the Lightning port is packed with pocket lint. Sometimes "broken" charging is just a dirty port.
Who is this phone actually for in 2026?
It’s for the person who wants a massive, beautiful screen for watching YouTube or Netflix but doesn't want to spend $1,200. It’s for the parent getting a first phone for a teenager who wants to look "cool" with a big iPhone but might drop it in a week. It’s for the traveler who needs a secondary device that supports eSIM and global bands.
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It is NOT for someone who wants the best gaming performance or someone who takes most of their photos at night.
Is it a better value than a brand-new budget Android? Usually, yes. The build quality and the ecosystem (iMessage, iCloud, AirDrop) still give it an edge for many users. Plus, the resale value on iPhones stays remarkably stable compared to almost any other piece of consumer electronics.
Actionable Steps for Buyers
If you’ve decided the iPhone XS Max unlocked is the right move for your budget, follow these steps to make sure you don't get burned.
First, prioritize sellers that offer at least a 90-day warranty. Places like Gazelle, Swappa, or Amazon Renewed are generally safer than a random meet-up on Facebook Marketplace. If you do buy in person, bring a portable battery and a cable to make sure it actually charges.
Second, check the IMEI number. You can go to "Settings > General > About" and copy the IMEI. Plug it into a free online checker to ensure the device isn't reported stolen or still under a financial contract with a carrier. If it says "Clean," you're good to go.
Third, immediately check the Battery Health under "Settings > Battery." If it's below 80%, factor in the cost of a battery replacement (usually around $89 at an Apple Store) into your total purchase price. Sometimes paying $30 more for a unit with a fresh battery is the smarter financial play.
Lastly, grab a decent case and a screen protector. This phone is a classic, but it’s a fragile one. Treat it well, and it’ll easily give you another two or three years of solid service before it truly becomes a legacy device.
The XS Max was the first time Apple truly went "Large" with an OLED screen, and honestly, they got a lot of things right on the first try. It’s a dignified way to own a flagship-tier device without the flagship-tier debt.