iPhone XS Max Choosing between 8 Plus XR & XS Max

[AXone1814]

I'm sure there are a lot of similar threads but I would really value some opinions based on how I describe my own experience of previous phones and uses.

I wasnt looking to upgrade for another year but my beloved 7 Plus broke this weekend (long story short I ended up jumping into a river to save my dog that got caught in a strong current, I cracked the screen at the same time and got water damage through that, phone is completely dead, won't even turn on). Due to already spending quite a lot on a couple of screen replacements over the two years i'm reluctant to spend any more on a 2 year old phone and Ive decided its time to just bite the bullet and buy a new phone.

I've been a huge fan of the Plus phones since the 6 Plus and wouldn't really consider going back to a smaller phone screen (I've used a friends X and to me the actual real estate is not comparable due to the narrowness so im not keen on the XS).

It therefore seems to me that my options are between an 8 Plus a XS Max or the XR.

My main questions for people who have used the new phones:

- Going from a 6/7/8 Plus to a XS Max how much more difference is there in the screen real estate, my main uses are web browsing and viewing photos, do you notice a noticeable difference in what you can see on a web page etc. I do love as much screen space as possible but

- XR vs XS Max - What are the main differences between these, other than OLED there doesn't seem to be any major other features considering the massive price gap, unless Im missing something.

- As with question one, how much noticeable screen real estate difference is there going to be between the XS Max and the XR

- Budget wise, I can afford whichever I decide on thanks to a recent promotion, but the thought of spending £1250 on a phone does make me feel a bit sick, but I would rather get what will last me the longest. I'd be looking to get 2 years minimum from it which is why Im concerned the 8 Plus could be a mistake.

I am leaning towards wanting the XS Max for the biggest screen, but the more sensible side of my brain is telling me the the XR will do everything I need it to and more for a lot less cost. It's a bit of a catch 22 having so many choices these days!

All opinions welcome!

 

[Packers1958]

Just be aware some people are having LTE connection issues with the Max. In areas where the signal is weak, it will lose connection, and you will have dropped calls, not LTE, etc, and the phone doesnt reconnect until you go in and out of airplane mode. The Max has a different antenna design compared to the Xr. Xr design is like the X from last year which doesnt have the connections issues like the Xs ans Max. Not saying you will have the issue with the Max, but if you live in an area with weaker signals, that is something to be aware of.

 

[Jordan921]

I had all the plus phones except for the 8+ as I went with the X. I missed the plus screen size so when the Xs Max came out I was extremely happy. Web browsing is awesome. Watching videos and movies on the Max is sweet.

 

[AXone1814]

Just be aware some people are having LTE connection issues with the Max. In areas where the signal is weak, it will lose connection, and you will have dropped calls, not LTE, etc, and the phone doesnt reconnect until you go in and out of airplane mode. The Max has a different antenna design compared to the Xr. It’s design is like the X from last year which doesnt have the connections issues like the Xs ans Max. Not saying you will have the issue with the Max, but if you live in an area with weaker signals, that is something to be aware of.

Thanks for the heads up on that. Is this a widely acknowledged and noticed issue or just affecting a small number of people but widely spoken about on here?
I'd find it quite shocking that Apples most expensive phone has such a major flaw if they aren't planning to recall or fix it.

 

[Mackinjosh]

I had all the plus phones except for the 8+ as I went with the X. I missed the plus screen size so when the Xs Max came out I was extremely happy. Web browsing is awesome. Watching videos and movies on the Max is sweet.

The X's screen size is bigger than the 8+.

 

[Packers1958]

Thanks for the heads up on that. Is this a widely acknowledged and noticed issue or just affecting a small number of people but widely spoken about on here?
I'd find it quite shocking that Apples most expensive phone has such a major flaw if they aren't planning to recall or fix it.

There is a 100+ page thread on the issue. So that should tell you something.
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-the-xs-max-even-worse-than-iphone-x.2140854/

 

[AXone1814]

The X's screen size is bigger than the 8+.

I found in reality if feels smaller as its narrower, so when when viewing web pages it feels like you're seeing less content at once. The screen size is measured diagonally but different aspect ratios can make for very different user experiences.

 

[akash.nu]

I found in reality if feels smaller as its narrower, so when when viewing web pages it feels like you're seeing less content at once. The screen size is measured diagonally but different aspect ratios can make for very different user experiences.

It’s not narrower. It’s taller.

 

[Skika]

It’s not narrower. It’s taller.

Its narrower but taller at the same time.

 

[AXone1814]

It’s not narrower. It’s taller.

Sorry but it's both. A lot taller but also slightly (but noticeably) narrower.

 

[Jordan921]

The X's screen size is bigger than the 8+.

What I meant was I missed the bigger phone, and with the Max having the biggest screen size I had to upgrade.

 

[now i see it]

These are the issues with the Max experienced by some members here that have yet to be rectified even when swapping the phone for another new one. (Apparently not everyone is experiencing these issues, so it's a craps shoot whether you get a dud or not).

Never (as far as I can recall) has there ever been a new iPhone that has had as many issues reported as the Max)

1. Eye strain & headaches experienced by sensitive individuals from the flickering PWM implementation of the OLED screens on all X phones (can't be fixed)
2. Off axis color shift on all OLED phones (can't be fixed)
3. Dull white point screen (can't be fixed. Swap only if you're lucky)
4. Yellow tinted screens (some screens are better than others. Total luck if you get a good screen)
5. Gradient hue along length of screen (pink-blue) some screens worse than others
6. Poor wireless reception or dropped calls when using Max at fringe reception areas
7. Heavy noise reduction smoothing of photographs. Some people like the look, others don't
8. Stuttering video which seems to come & go with either streaming or downloaded movies.
9. Most apps don't utilize the Max's screen so the larger screen really isn't any larger than a Plus iPhone

That's all I can think of now. There's long threads on this forum about all of those issues.

As for the iPhone 8 Plus?
Zero issues.

 

[AXone1814]

These are the issues with the Max experienced by some members here that have yet to be rectified even when swapping the phone for another new one. (Apparently not everyone is experiencing these issues, so it's a craps shoot whether you get a dud or not).

Never (as far as I can recall) has there ever been a new iPhone that has had as many issues reported as the Max)

1. Eye strain & headaches experienced by sensitive individuals from the flickering PWM implementation of the OLED screens on all X phones (can't be fixed)
2. Off axis color shift on all OLED phones (can't be fixed)
3. Dull white point screen (can't be fixed. Swap only if you're lucky)
4. Yellow tinted screens (some screens are better than others. Total luck if you get a good screen)
5. Gradient hue along length of screen (pink-blue) some screens worse than others
6. Poor wireless reception or dropped calls when using Max at fringe reception areas
7. Heavy noise reduction smoothing of photographs. Some people like the look, others don't
8. Stuttering video which seems to come & go with either streaming or downloaded movies.
9. Most apps don't utilize the Max's screen so the larger screen really isn't any larger than a Plus iPhone

That's all I can think of now. There's long threads on this forum about all of those issues.

As for the iPhone 8 Plus?
Zero issues.

You make some interesting points to consider but a lot of the above is the same old stuff I see on here every year on here when a new phone comes out (yellow tint and other screen issues that 99% of people wouldn't even notice yet alone care about).

Im not concerned about eye strain given the amount of time I spend on my phone a day so that wouldn't put me off, and apps not utilising the Max screen space is surely expected at this early stage since its release, presumably more and more will update to make the most of it.

The dropped calls issue does concern me, I may be potentially leaning more towards an XR but with that not out yet there could be issues with this that we don't know about yet, plus the hassle of needing to get one on release as I am currently phone-less!

 

[PBz]

These are the issues with the Max experienced by some members here that have yet to be rectified even when swapping the phone for another new one. (Apparently not everyone is experiencing these issues, so it's a craps shoot whether you get a dud or not).

Never (as far as I can recall) has there ever been a new iPhone that has had as many issues reported as the Max)

1. Eye strain & headaches experienced by sensitive individuals from the flickering PWM implementation of the OLED screens on all X phones (can't be fixed)
2. Off axis color shift on all OLED phones (can't be fixed)
3. Dull white point screen (can't be fixed. Swap only if you're lucky)
4. Yellow tinted screens (some screens are better than others. Total luck if you get a good screen)
5. Gradient hue along length of screen (pink-blue) some screens worse than others
6. Poor wireless reception or dropped calls when using Max at fringe reception areas
7. Heavy noise reduction smoothing of photographs. Some people like the look, others don't
8. Stuttering video which seems to come & go with either streaming or downloaded movies.
9. Most apps don't utilize the Max's screen so the larger screen really isn't any larger than a Plus iPhone

That's all I can think of now. There's long threads on this forum about all of those issues.

As for the iPhone 8 Plus?
Zero issues.

Good summary. Apple did rectify a few issues with the 8+. There was the in-call popping/cracklings noise as well as the speaker clipping (took much longer to fix). Both resolved. The speaker clipping affected the X as well.

8 Plus is a VERY good phone. It’s what I use currently. I am interested in the XS or XR but in no rush.

 

[akash.nu]

Sorry but it's both. A lot taller but also slightly (but noticeably) narrower.

Are you seriously saying that is noticeable?!

 

[AXone1814]

Are you seriously saying that is noticeable?!

I think we're talking about different things. Im talking about screen size/width. What you've screenshotted above are the phone dimensions.
[doublepost=1539711925][/doublepost]
The attached screenshot demonstrates how the 8 Plus screen sizes is larger in width than the X. Its very noticeable when comparing the two phones in person.

[doublepost=1539712050][/doublepost]Sorry another edit. You have compared the 8 Plus with the XS Max. We were talking about the 8 Plus when compared with the X/XS, not the Max.

 

[akash.nu]

I think we're talking about different things. Im talking about screen size/width. What you've screenshotted above are the phone dimensions.
[doublepost=1539711925][/doublepost]
The attached screenshot demonstrates how the 8 Plus screen sizes is larger in width than the X. Its very noticeable when comparing the two phones in person.

[doublepost=1539712050][/doublepost]Sorry another edit. You have compared the 8 Plus with the XS Max. We were talking about the 8 Plus when compared with the X/XS, not the Max.

Ah! Definitely talking about different things.

 

[OTACORB]

It’s a known fact that some people have issues with OLED phones causing headaches and such. No impact on most people.

I did have a Max that I returned, but the one I picked up on Friday. I have no cellular or WiFi issues. My office is usually very problematic for me to get and maintain a signal and I am getting a constant two bars. I have not had a single dropped call, nor has my service dropped from LTE to 4G or 3G. WiFi rocks and with the last beta update it switches to WiFi as quickly as my 8+.

No stuttering video, my screen/display is not pink or yellow. Even True Tone on it looks good and very even. Colors are vivid and text is sharp. Very pleased! If you move the phone side to side you can see some bluing but who does that in day to day use? It’s the nature of OLED.

My point is yes there is 100 page thread many of the same folk yammering over various issues. I was/am one of them, but not every phone has these issues. There is a 14 day return policy.

The XR will be a great phone as well with some limits, but I have iPhone 8+ work phone. Great phone, if I am buying now I am not getting an older style 8+. That is me!!

Good luck your your decision!

 

[NJHitmen]

I'm in a similar situation, trying to decide between those three models. I know what you mean about the XS screen: while it's technically bigger than a Plus display, it doesn't feel that way because it's relatively narrow. The long/tall screen is less useful than a wider display (at least, for my purposes).

I can afford the Max, but man, that price tag is a tough pill to swallow. I suspect the XR will work for me. The XR's aspect ratio is preferable to me versus the XS. And apparently, it will display the same amount of information as the XS Max. The lower resolution doesn't bother me, nor LCD vs OLED, nor the aluminum vs stainless steel construction, nor the lack of a zoom lens. All that said, I'm waiting until the XR has been released and reviewed, and I can actually see it in a store. While I'm itching for a shiny new phone, I don't want to drop >$750 on a device I've never seen myself. While it's unlikely, the screen might be garbage to my eyes, or perhaps it's got some other issue no one's aware of yet.

Unrelated: was the dog OK?

 

[tks900]

I think we're talking about different things. Im talking about screen size/width. What you've screenshotted above are the phone dimensions.
[doublepost=1539711925][/doublepost]
The attached screenshot demonstrates how the 8 Plus screen sizes is larger in width than the X. Its very noticeable when comparing the two phones in person.

[doublepost=1539712050][/doublepost]Sorry another edit. You have compared the 8 Plus with the XS Max. We were talking about the 8 Plus when compared with the X/XS, not the Max.

Do you happen to have that same chart at hand with the XR in the mix? Would love to see that. In any case, since the thread starter asked about screen real estate, it might be worth mentioning that it’s the same for the XR and XS Max. The only thing you are missing out on with the XR besides the display is 1 GB RAM and the dual camera which allows you to take bokeh-effect pictures with everything rather than just persons, as is the case with the XR. Should none of this bother you, the XR is the better choice.
Having said that, you need a phone right now, right? And you have the money. While the XR will reach retailers only by October 26th, with who knows what issues, the Max is out there. And from what I‘m sensing you would love to have it and are really only looking for a way to justify it (like so many of us do). I say: why not treat yourself to it.

 

[AXone1814]

Do you happen to have that same chart at hand with the XR in the mix? Would love to see that. In any case, since the thread starter asked about screen real estate, it might be worth mentioning that it’s the same for the XR and XS Max. The only thing you are missing out on with the XR besides the display is 1 GB RAM and the dual camera which allows you to take bokeh-effect pictures with everything rather than just persons, as is the case with the XR. Should none of this bother you, the XR is the better choice.
Having said that, you need a phone right now, right? And you have the money. While the XR will reach retailers only by October 26th, with who knows what issues, the Max is out there. And from what I‘m sensing you would love to have it and are really only looking for a way to justify it (like so many of us do). I say: why not treat yourself to it.

Thanks for the advice. You are right, cost aside I would almost definitely go for the XS Max so in comparing it with other models I am looking for a way to justify the high price tag. The fact that I need a phone now does also put me off the XR.

I have found the below for screen size comparison. It doesn't have the phone names so im guessing whoever made it did so on the rumoured specs before the official announcement but the sizes stated are accurate with the 5.8 being the X/XS, 6.1 being the XR and 6.5 being the XS Max. Interestingly it looks like even a XR will have a narrower screen than the 8 Plus and im quite surprised to see how little different there is between the XS and the XR when compared side by side. Definitely makes me think the XS Max is the way to go.

[doublepost=1539714102][/doublepost]

I'm in a similar situation, trying to decide between those three models. I know what you mean about the XS screen: while it's technically bigger than a Plus display, it doesn't feel that way because it's relatively narrow. The long/tall screen is less useful than a wider display (at least, for my purposes).

I can afford the Max, but man, that price tag is a tough pill to swallow. I suspect the XR will work for me. The XR's aspect ratio is preferable to me versus the XS. And apparently, it will display the same amount of information as the XS Max. The lower resolution doesn't bother me, nor LCD vs OLED, nor the aluminum vs stainless steel construction, nor the lack of a zoom lens. All that said, I'm waiting until the XR has been released and reviewed, and I can actually see it in a store. While I'm itching for a shiny new phone, I don't want to drop >$750 on a device I've never seen myself. While it's unlikely, the screen might be garbage to my eyes, or perhaps it's got some other issue no one's aware of yet.

Unrelated: was the dog OK?

We do sound like we are very much in the same boat in regards to trying justify the high price tag of the XS Max despite it probably being the best phone for our uses. A lot of the things you state don't bother you really don't bother me either (casing material, OLED is nice but not essential for me). I would be a bit concerned about the XR resolution as I find the difference between the 6/7/8 and their Plus counterparts very noticeable when a lot of other people say they cant notice it.

The dog was fine luckily, was a scary couple of minutes but I managed to pull her back to land without risking my own life, my iPhone 7 was the only casualty! Apple Watch 2 (expectedly) was fine and my very wet AirPods also survived as well. In hindsight I had time to empty my pockets before going in but I didn't think about it in the moment!

 

[kre62]

I'm sure there are a lot of similar threads but I would really value some opinions based on how I describe my own experience of previous phones and uses.

I wasnt looking to upgrade for another year but my beloved 7 Plus broke this weekend (long story short I ended up jumping into a river to save my dog that got caught in a strong current, I cracked the screen at the same time and got water damage through that, phone is completely dead, won't even turn on). Due to already spending quite a lot on a couple of screen replacements over the two years i'm reluctant to spend any more on a 2 year old phone and Ive decided its time to just bite the bullet and buy a new phone.

I've been a huge fan of the Plus phones since the 6 Plus and wouldn't really consider going back to a smaller phone screen (I've used a friends X and to me the actual real estate is not comparable due to the narrowness so im not keen on the XS).

It therefore seems to me that my options are between an 8 Plus a XS Max or the XR.

My main questions for people who have used the new phones:

- Going from a 6/7/8 Plus to a XS Max how much more difference is there in the screen real estate, my main uses are web browsing and viewing photos, do you notice a noticeable difference in what you can see on a web page etc. I do love as much screen space as possible but

- XR vs XS Max - What are the main differences between these, other than OLED there doesn't seem to be any major other features considering the massive price gap, unless Im missing something.

- As with question one, how much noticeable screen real estate difference is there going to be between the XS Max and the XR

- Budget wise, I can afford whichever I decide on thanks to a recent promotion, but the thought of spending £1250 on a phone does make me feel a bit sick, but I would rather get what will last me the longest. I'd be looking to get 2 years minimum from it which is why Im concerned the 8 Plus could be a mistake.

I am leaning towards wanting the XS Max for the biggest screen, but the more sensible side of my brain is telling me the the XR will do everything I need it to and more for a lot less cost. It's a bit of a catch 22 having so many choices these days!

All opinions welcome!

The XR will have the exact same "real estate" as the XS Max. Exact same, pixel for pixel, amount of info on the screen.

Personally, I'm going XR. I don't think OLED is all its cracked up to be. Apple LCDs are the best in the industry. And the XR will have hours more battery life. I think the XR will be the fastest, most durable, useful phone Apple has ever made. (Fastest because less pixels to push around). Plus - bonus - its relatively reasonably priced.

 

[Mackinjosh]

It’s a known fact that some people have issues with OLED phones causing headaches and such. No impact on most people.

I did have a Max that I returned, but the one I picked up on Friday. I have no cellular or WiFi issues. My office is usually very problematic for me to get and maintain a signal and I am getting a constant two bars. I have not had a single dropped call, nor has my service dropped from LTE to 4G or 3G. WiFi rocks and with the last beta update it switches to WiFi as quickly as my 8+.

No stuttering video, my screen/display is not pink or yellow. Even True Tone on it looks good and very even. Colors are vivid and text is sharp. Very pleased! If you move the phone side to side you can see some bluing but who does that in day to day use? It’s the nature of OLED.

My point is yes there is 100 page thread many of the same folk yammering over various issues. I was/am one of them, but not every phone has these issues. There is a 14 day return policy.

The XR will be a great phone as well with some limits, but I have iPhone 8+ work phone. Great phone, if I am buying now I am not getting an older style 8+. That is me!!

Good luck your your decision!

What you're describing is worse than if everyone was suffering from the same issues. The fact that its only affecting some phones, even ones in the very same location, seems to indicate hardware disparities.

 

[AppleB]

For me I’m coming from a 7 Plus and went with the Max because I like the bigger phones.
The extra screen size is enjoyable.

Not having any LTE issues or dropped calls. No WiFi or Bluetooth issues for me.

No issues with OLED with eye strain for me. Don’t know if it makes a difference but I keep my brightness indoors around 40% the same when I had my 7 Plus.

 

[Mackinjosh]

The XR will have the exact same "real estate" as the XS Max. Exact same, pixel for pixel, amount of info on the screen.

The XR is 6.1 inches while the Max is 6.5. So a noticeable real estate difference.