Hands-On With Apple's New 6.5-Inch iPhone XS Max

[Glockworkorange]

In my opinion, the 10 Max’s speakers are clearly and noticeably better than the X.

Anyone else experience that? I haven’t heard many reviews say that.

 

[Davk87]

Just had a play in the Apple store. Pictures do NOT do this thing justice. It is massive. For once I had to stop and go, man, do I really need a screen THAT big!?

Then I ordered one.

Whilst not related, the watch is beautiful also. The Taptic Engine and the crown were mad for each other.
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If you're buying a new phone right now, this one is clearly the one to buy if you have the cash. The Plus phones are just superior. They're super comfortable to read text and awesome for watching videos. If you've been using any Plus version then the X will be too small. The XS is like a longer 6 and the Max is exactly a slightly wider, by a fraction of a mm, bezel less Plus.

I put my 8+ next to the new XS and the XS is bigger in terms of screen size but about a row of icons. So physical screen size wise, that’s not true. I do agree that the XS max is the better phone however.

 

[EEMAN13]

I am more interested in the iphone Xs, Jony Ive edition. Or "XS-IVE" (pronounced excessive) for short. Heard it's 0.5mm thinner but they had to remove the screen to make it so thin.

 

[nws0291]

In my opinion, the 10 Max’s speakers are clearly and noticeably better than the X.

Anyone else experience that? I haven’t heard many reviews say that.

There was a focus on that during the keynote. The stereo sound stage increased and volume as well.

 

[Teach4]

Thanks Apple. Waiting in all day on release day for my XS and no delivery. I found the card from the delivery service on the ground 2 meters from my door saying I wasn't in. You told me Monday was the next option, their website said Saturday, Im still waiting in all day again... with no delivery. Hardly a premium experience when Amazon can deliver me printer paper next day without any problems.

Did he ring the doorbell or just knock? I missed a delivery once because they knocked instead of ringing the doorbell. And they are told only to wait a certain time amount unless you attach a note specifying a doorbell ring and to wait longer if you need that. But it isn’t Apple’s for a missed delivery. I am sorry you missed it yesterday, and hope it comes today for you.

 

[MacStevestr]

Thanks Apple. Waiting in all day on release day for my XS and no delivery. I found the card from the delivery service on the ground 2 meters from my door saying I wasn't in. You told me Monday was the next option, their website said Saturday, Im still waiting in all day again... with no delivery. Hardly a premium experience when Amazon can deliver me printer paper next day without any problems.

So you are blaming Apple because a courier couldn't tape a card to your door? You should be screaming at the courier.
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Did he ring the doorbell or just knock? I missed a delivery once because they knocked instead of ringing the doorbell. And they are told only to wait a certain time amount unless you attach a note specifying a doorbell ring and to wait longer if you need that. But it isn’t Apple’s for a missed delivery. I am sorry you missed it yesterday, and hope it comes today for you.

In the states Apple offers a pre release you can sign ahead of time and tape to your door if it is safe to leave it. Had no issues with that in the past.
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There was a focus on that during the keynote. The stereo sound stage increased and volume as well.

They sound a bit clearer to me - at least on the XS Max.
[doublepost=1537639681][/doublepost]For everyone bemoaning that the phone costs X when it should be Y:

1) Most people are on the upgrade program, so like cars they only see a slight raise in their monthly payment and justify it.

2) Phones are becoming a service. In the future the costs will be so great that we will probably all be renting our phones for a year and then turning them back in to Apple.

3) The true rising star at Apple is the watch. The ultimate end goal in the distant future is to replace your phone with a watch.

 

[chukronos]

I love it. The screen is fantastic. So much better than my 6s+ screen. Not only that, but it looks better than any LCD screen I've seen. Watching Gravity is a site to behold. Love it!

But, what really surprised me was the sound. Watching the beginning of the movie, Gravity, the sound is dispersed in a fantastic manner! It actually sounds like true stereo. The sound from mission control was projecting to the left of my left ear. It was surprising.

I was worried I wouldn't like face ID. Last week my brother was visiting from NYC. While in our Tahoe at night, my brother's X wouldn't recognize his face and unlock. He also mentioned that problem while checking his phone in the middle of the night. While checking my phone in the middle of the night, there wasn't an issue at all unlocking. It instantly recognized my face - in a dark room.

So far, it is easily the 6 different versions of iPhones we have owned.

 

[ckhris1613]

The phone screen is huge, the phone itself isnt any larger than a plus model. The notch totally sucks cause you lose bluetooth device battery and iphone battery percent, sure u can swipe down but its just another step to take. All the talk about wow the screen is so much better than my iphone 8.... it doesnt look like a huge difference to me honestly. I do like the speakers and the fact gaming screen is larger. I would not want a phone any larger than this, this phone is borderline too big. Wish it had a pen of some sort, this model would be great for taking notes in a meeting.

 

[ryanwarsaw]

I’ve had people fall over each other to buy these at ⅔ to ¾ of full price on fb marketplace (it’s the same for most Apple Accessories)

I was just kidding because the person i responded to said to throw them away which is crazy.

 

[wdwpsu]

Just played around with the Max in a Apple Store...

It’s big! Too big for me.

I guess the market has spoken - big phones! - but it makes me kinda sad that I feel I’m in the minority of people who want an iPhone that you can use with one hand and forget that it’s in your jeans pocket (you know, like 5 years ago).

Im with you! I played with both and would pay a premium (don’t tell Apple) for the smaller phone.

 

[Koh Phi Phi]

My opinion on the X Max is the same as the iPad Pro: a total beast hardware wise, but limited by a software (iOS) that has remained stagnant over the years. So much screen real state and so much CPU power hardly utilized by the operating system

The iPhone itself is awesome, but iOS needs to evolve.

 

[4jasontv]

So now Apple owns UPS and FedEx and is responsible for their deliver people’s behavior? What an absurd thing to blame Apple for.

But it isn’t Apple’s for a missed delivery.

So you are blaming Apple because a courier couldn't tape a card to your door? You should be screaming at the courier.

When they purchased delivery service from them they became owners of that UPS/FedEx/USPS delivery. So, yeah, of course they are responsible for the behavior of the delivery in their name. It's no different than an ad agency makes a racist or sexist ad to promote the brand. Apple picked them and so it's Apples fault if if the driver make a mistake.

I mean, it sucks for Apple, but they are not absolved from the poor service. One of the major values Apple likes to offer is that they do everything. They make the hardware and software. They sell the devices from their own website. Apple has chosen to outsource manufacturing for some things, but they (and we) still hold themselves responsible for defects. Since they don't offer options for delivery services they take ownership of that as well.

I also hold Amazon responsible for issues with delivery. For what it's worth, if you ever call Amazon to complain about a delivery you will find that they take that feedback very serious. (I am sure they use it when renegotiating rates.)

 

[democracyrules]

My opinion on the X Max is the same as the iPad Pro: a total beast hardware wise, but limited by a software (iOS) that has remained stagnant over the years. So much screen real state and so much CPU power hardly utilized by the operating system

The iPhone itself is awesome, but iOS needs to evolve.

XsMax is indeed a “mini” iPad. There is no doubt about it. I rarely use iPad since the plus size phone was manufactured.

 

[Gusjasso]

Throw away the included charger and get one of the better Qi Wireless chargers out there. Fast and easy... you'll probably never go back to plug-in Lightning wire charging again.

Throw that garbage at 1 Infinity Loop

 

[gavroche]

Whenever I start researching VPN's, they all seem sketchy to me. User reviews are very mixed, with slowed connections, etc.... I am not sure I even trust these VPN services.

I have an ipvanish account that I used with fire stick. I have it set up on iPhone and iMac... but almost never turn it in. Always slow connection issues, mail doesn’t want to send properly usually, and some sites won’t properly verify who you are and tell you you have to turn it off (Craigslist I think was one, where it knew you were using vpn). Too many issues, not enough usefulness...

 

[jimmy_uk]

Throw away the included charger and get one of the better Qi Wireless chargers out there. Fast and easy... you'll probably never go back to plug-in Lightning wire charging again.

Not useful if you need to use your phone while charging.

 

[solarmon]

So the iPhone 11 will be an upgraded iPad mini? How many Hodors are there out anyway?

I want a new SE, poor favor.

 

[EdT]

Love mine! I must have large hands because I can still use it one handed and reach the top right and left corners.

Just had a play in the Apple store. Pictures do NOT do this thing justice. It is massive. For once I had to stop and go, man, do I really need a screen THAT big!?

Then I ordered one.

Whilst not related, the watch is beautiful also. The Taptic Engine and the crown were mad for each other.
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I put my 8+ next to the new XS and the XS is bigger in terms of screen size but about a row of icons. So physical screen size wise, that’s not true. I do agree that the XS max is the better phone however.

I expected to have to find a way to carry this monster of a phone since I kept hearing how big it was. Let’s set the record straight- the screen is big, but the physical phone is barely longer and no wider than an iPhone 6 Plus, 6s Plus or 7 plus or 8 Plus.

If you think that they were too big then you will think that the Max is as well. But there isn’t a significant physical size difference between any of these phones, beyond a millimeter or so. Screen size, yes, phone size, no.

 

[sshambles]

The iPhone XS Max's display measures in at 6.5-inches, and it features the biggest screen that Apple's ever introduced. Size wise, the iPhone XS Max is a good bit larger than the iPhone X and XS, but it's smaller in size than the iPhone 8 Plus despite the bigger display. It's bigger than the iPhone X, and smaller than the latest Galaxy phone.

That last line there - “It's bigger than the iPhone X, and smaller than the latest Galaxy phone.”

1) you already mentioned it was bigger than the iPhone X in the sentence before it.
2) what is a Galaxy phone? There’s no prior knowledge of this in this article.

 

[The Game 161]

That last line there - “It's bigger than the iPhone X, and smaller than the latest Galaxy phone.”

1) you already mentioned it was bigger than the iPhone X in the sentence before it.
2) what is a Galaxy phone? There’s no prior knowledge of this in this article.

Meaning it's a smaller body than the note 9

IPhone xs max is smaller than the note 9 but has a bigger screen

 

[djgamble]

Cliff notes: It's bigger.

Yep other than that, pretty well no new 'features'.

What annoys me with big is that 'bigger' is not new tech. The original iPhone coulda been 6.5" but it wasn't because that woulda been a silly size. Then a bunch of tacky Android brands went and made 10" phones (or whatever) so the market forced Apple to adapt.

I don't want a big phone!!! It's pretty annoying that Apple has no smaller options.

 

[Xytal]

I checked out the XS Max today at a store just for fun and immediately comparing it to my X I liked the wider screen reminiscent of my Plus phones and the less cramped keyboard, but I do agree that while that big 6.5" display will be nice to read on and view on, reaching the top, especially for notifications and control center won't be as nice. As the S edition this year is one of the least impressive S year releases aside from the Max addition, I felt like staying with my X was the good move. Certainly a year from now, I will likely consider next year's Max but I'm not sure I want to go back to putting that bigger phone in my pocket.

I had a 6s Plus and 7 Plus and I had the same exact reaction you did after playing with the Xs Max in the store today. Feels nice to not be alone (everyone one of my friends swears by the larger plus size still but I’ve been quiet happy with the size of the X (coming from the plus last year)).

 

[EugW]

Meaning it's a smaller body than the note 9

IPhone xs max is smaller than the note 9 but has a bigger screen

No, the Note 9's screen is actually very slightly bigger than the iPhone Xs Max's screen. If we use the 6.4" and 6.5" measurements to do the calculations:

Note 9 is 6.4" 18.5:9, with a total area of 16.13 sq. in.
Xs Max is 6.5" 19.5:9, with a total area of 16.05 sq. in.

The diagonal size is not a perfect indicator of size. For example, If you built a phone with a 5.7" square screen, it would actually be bigger than both the Note 9's 6.4" screen and the Xs Max's 6.5" screen.

 

[rp2011]

The gold max as a mere physical object it is absolutely gorgeous. I know it is an engineering marvel capable of trillions of computations, but man is it beautiful.
I quickly put it in a case and a screen protector and the physical beauty is completely hidden now lol
[doublepost=1537653326][/doublepost]Love my Max, but I think for the general consumer the XR will definitely be the best option. The battery life alone. Same processor and cameras?
I’m kinda thinking I should have waited and got the XR instead.

 

[jagolden]

The Xs Max takes ages to charge. Apple should definitely have included a fast charger in the box.

Can you elaborate on "ages"? I’m very curious as mine shows up Tuesday.
Does it take longer than an iPad Pro 12.9"?
Or say compared to a 6s+?

I did take the time to read all the footnotes on the tech page last week. They used the 87 watt charger for their charging times. Yup, there’s another $80 US.

Wondering if my Apple 12 watt chargers would help a bit?