iPhone XS Max vs iPhone 8

Which one is best for you?

2017’s iPhone 8 improved on iPhone 7 in a number of ways, from the glass construction which enables wireless charging, to the performance provided by the super-fast six-core processor. But while these changes were incremental, the updates Apple have made in 2018 have made the iPhone XS Max an entirely different – and more exciting – proposition.

The most obvious change is the magnificent 6.5-inch screen. Bursting with vibrant colours, and offering sharper contrast, the OLED technology has allowed Apple to do away with the bezel and home button, stretching the screen to the edges of the phone. If you prefer the classic iPhone design, iPhone 8 is the last to retain these features, but most users will be delighted by iPhone XS Max’s superior resolution.

The camera shows significant advances too, with iPhone 8’s single snapper giving way to an impressive dual-lens camera with advanced functionality. The depth of field function is particularly neat, delivering professional looking portrait photos with a ‘bokeh’ effect that you can adjust after taking your shot.

iPhone 8 retains that classic iPhone profile and has some great features, but if you‘re looking to upgrade, iPhone XS Max represents a leap ahead. Check our feature guide to decide which suits you best.

Name iPhone XS Max iPhone 8
Image note 9
Buy the XS Max
note 9
iPhone 8
Display 6.5 inches 4.7 inches (diagonal)
Size and weight Height: 157.5 mm
Width: 77.4 mm
Depth: 7.7 mm
Weight: 208 grams
Height: 138.4 mm
Width: 67.3 mm
Depth: 7.4 mm
Weight: 148 grams
Rear camera Dual 12 MP 12 MP
Front camera 7 MP 7 MP
Video recording 4K video recording at 24fps 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps

1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
Processor A12 Bionic Chip A11 Bionic chip, Neural Engine
Battery 3174 mAh Up to 13 hours video playback
Storage 64 GB
256 GB
512 GB
64 GB
128 GB
Splash, water and dust resistant Yes Rated IP67 (maximum depth of 1 metre up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529
Buy now Buy the XS Max iPhone 8