The iPhone XS Max was a monster when it launched in 2018. It was the first time Apple really leaned into the "Max" branding, giving us that massive 6.5-inch canvas that paved the way for every Pro Max model we see today. But honestly? Most people look at it now and see a fossil. They see a phone with a notch, a single-digit model number, and a battery that might have seen better days.
They’re wrong.
If you're holding an iPhone XS Max in 2026, or considering picking one up for a steal on the secondary market, you aren’t just carrying a piece of tech history. You’re carrying one of the most well-built devices Apple ever squeezed out of their factories. It’s got stainless steel edges that feel more premium than the brushed titanium on newer models, and the OLED panel still holds up remarkably well against modern mid-rangers. It was the peak of a specific era of design.
The A12 Bionic: Why it isn't dead yet
Apple’s silicon is the real hero here. The A12 Bionic chip was the first 7-nanometer chip in a smartphone. That matters. It’s the reason this phone can still run modern iOS versions without turning into a stuttering mess. While it doesn’t have the raw horsepower of an A17 or A18, for 90% of what people actually do—scrolling TikTok, checking emails, and obsessively refreshing weather apps—it’s fast.
It handles the Neural Engine tasks surprisingly well. Back in 2018, Phil Schiller stood on stage and hyped up how the A12 could do 5 trillion operations per second. That sounded like a fake number then. Now? It’s the floor for mobile computing. You'll notice the age in heavy gaming. If you’re trying to run Genshin Impact at max settings, the XS Max is going to get hot. Very hot. You might see some frame drops after twenty minutes. But for casual use? It’s smooth.
The software support is the real question mark. We are approaching the end of the line for major iOS updates for the XS series. Historically, Apple gives about 6 to 7 years of support. We are right in that "sunset" window. However, even when the major OS updates stop, security patches usually trickle in for another year or two. You aren't going to be left vulnerable overnight.
That OLED Screen: Still a "Super Retina" stunner
Let’s talk about the display. The iPhone XS Max was a massive jump from the tiny screens of the past. 2688-by-1242 resolution at 458 ppi. It’s crisp. It supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision. If you watch a 4K Netflix stream on this thing, it looks fantastic.
The blacks are deep. Truly black.
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One thing people forget is 3D Touch. This was one of the last iPhones to have the actual pressure-sensitive hardware under the glass. Modern iPhones use "Haptic Touch," which is basically just a long press that triggers a vibration. 3D Touch felt different. It felt like you were actually pressing a button into the screen. For some of us, losing that was a genuine downgrade in the user experience. Using a XS Max today reminds you of how tactile iOS used to feel.
The Camera: Where you actually see the age
This is the part where I have to be honest with you. The camera system is where the iPhone XS Max shows its wrinkles. It has dual 12MP sensors—a wide and a telephoto.
In broad daylight, the photos are great. Smart HDR does a decent job of balancing out the sky and the shadows. Skin tones are classic Apple: warm and realistic. But the second the sun goes down, the struggle begins. The XS Max does not have a dedicated Night Mode. That didn't arrive until the iPhone 11. If you're at a dimly lit bar or trying to take a photo of a monument at night, the results are grainy. They’re muddy.
- No Ultra-Wide lens: You can't zoom out. You have to physically step back.
- Video Quality: Still excellent. 4K at 60fps is stable thanks to the OIS (Optical Image Stabilization).
- Portrait Mode: It’s okay, but the edge detection on hair is noticeably worse than modern LiDAR-equipped phones.
If you are a heavy Instagram user or someone who lives for "Golden Hour" photography, you’re going to feel limited. However, if you just need to document your life or take photos of receipts, it’s more than capable.
Battery Life and the "Degradation" Reality
Let’s get real about the battery. A brand new XS Max had "all-day" battery life back in the day. In 2026, most units on the market are sitting at 75% to 85% battery health. That’s not great.
If you buy one of these today, you basically have to factor in the cost of a battery replacement. Once the health drops below 80%, the software starts throttling the CPU to prevent the phone from shutting down randomly. You’ll feel the phone get sluggish. Getting a fresh battery from a reputable shop turns it back into a snappy machine. It’s the single best investment you can make for an older device.
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Charging is also a bit of a throwback. No MagSafe. You can use Qi wireless charging, but it’s slow. You’re stuck with the Lightning port, which is fine, but as the world moves to USB-C, you’ll be that person asking for the "old" iPhone cord.
Build Quality: Stainless Steel vs. Everything Else
There is a weight to the XS Max that feels expensive. The surgical-grade stainless steel frame is heavy. It feels like a piece of jewelry compared to the aluminum iPhone 14 or 15. The glass on the back is also surprisingly durable, though it lacks the "Ceramic Shield" marketing of newer versions.
One weird detail? The gold finish on the XS Max is probably the best gold Apple ever made. It has this deep, copper-like luster that they haven't quite replicated since. It doesn't look like a toy. It looks like a tool.
Why would anyone buy this now?
Price. That’s the answer.
You can find an iPhone XS Max for a fraction of the price of a new SE. And frankly, the XS Max is a better phone than the current SE in many ways. You get a much better screen, a more modern gesture-based interface (no Home button), and a far more premium build.
It’s the perfect "starter" phone for a teenager or a reliable backup device. If you lose your primary phone while traveling, having a XS Max in your bag is a lifesaver. It still supports Dual SIM with an eSIM, which is huge for international travel.
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The Misconceptions about "Obsolescence"
The tech industry wants you to believe that a phone becomes electronic waste after three years. That’s just marketing. We’ve hit a plateau in smartphone innovation. Is the iPhone 15 Pro faster? Yes. Does it have a better camera? Obviously. But does it change the way you use the internet? Not really.
The XS Max was part of the era where Apple stopped making "small" improvements and started making "durable" ones. The fact that it’s even a conversation in 2026 is a testament to how over-engineered it was.
Actionable Steps for XS Max Owners
If you are currently using this phone or just bought one, here is how you make it last another two years:
- Check the Battery Health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If it’s under 80%, go to an Apple Store or a certified repair shop and pay for a fresh one. It will make the phone feel 2x faster instantly.
- Optimize Storage: The XS Max started at 64GB. That’s tiny by today's standards. Use iCloud Photos and "Optimize iPhone Storage" to keep your local space free, otherwise, the OS will lag.
- Get a High-Quality Screen Protector: The glass is tough, but it's not scratch-proof. A cheap tempered glass protector will keep that "Super Retina" display looking mint.
- Use a 20W Charger: The phone supports fast charging, but it didn't come with a fast charger in the box. Using a higher-wattage brick will get you from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes.
- Clean the Lightning Port: After years of use, lint gets stuck in there. If your phone isn't charging consistently, don't buy a new one—just carefully pick the pocket lint out with a toothpick.
The iPhone XS Max isn't a flagship anymore, but it isn't a brick either. It’s a workhorse that refuses to quit. If you treat it right, it’ll keep doing exactly what you need it to do without forcing you into a $1,000 installment plan.