iPhone 11 Pro Max Tops Consumer Reports' Smartphone Rankings

[MacRumors]

Apple's new iPhone 11 Pro Max has taken the top spot in Consumer Reports' smartphone rankings, with the smaller iPhone 11 Pro claiming second place, after years of Apple being consistently edged out by Samsung smartphones.

Consumer Reports said the iPhone 11 Pro models earned the top spots for having significantly improved battery life, excellent cameras, and other improvements, like a greater degree of water resistance, more durable glass casing, brighter displays, and faster performance powered by the new A13 Bionic chip.

On battery life:

For one thing, the battery life is much better. The iPhone 11 Pro Max lasted a more than impressive 40.5 hours in our testing. That's the longest stretch of any phone currently listed in our ratings. And it marks a big turnaround for Apple. Just a few years ago, iPhones tended to lag behind the competition in this area.

On the cameras:

In the case of the 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, our testers say they notched some of the highest scores in our ratings for still-image quality. The iPhone 11 also rated Very Good in this category. And all three phones received Excellent ratings for rear-video quality.

While the iPhone 11 Pro models top the list, Consumer Reports emphasized how tight the scoring is at the top of its smartphone rankings. In some categories, it said just fractions of a point separate the top models.

Consumer Reports believes those with own an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or even an iPhone XR can probably save their money and wait. Despite marked camera and battery life advancements, the non-profit firm said there just may not be enough in the way of new features to justify spending $999-plus on a new model.

A subscription to Consumer Reports is required to view the full smartphone rankings.

Article Link: iPhone 11 Pro Max Tops Consumer Reports' Smartphone Rankings

 

[M.PaulCezanne]

Really? You’d think it would be the Samsung Galaxy Fold (v1).

*obvious sarcasm alert*

 

[iGeneo]

Well done Apple....

 

[bbrks]

Highly expected. I am glad, best iPhone ever, just that crazy price

 

[Jd3774life]

Glad Apple finally listened and upgraded the battery life 👍 Has been one of my most requested "features" and my Pro Max has been incredible 💯

 

[thermal]

I'm pleasantly surprised by the success of the iPhone 11 family.

 

[djcerla]

The Pro Max is the best Apple product, and probably the best product period, that I’ve ever bought. And I started with Apple in 1997 with a 7100.

 

[Return Zero]

In other words... Apple decided to renew their CR subscription this year 😆

(Edit: that's not a knock on the Pro. My fav iPhone ever.)

 

[Saipher]

Nice! Good job Apple for the release of such an amazing phone. Could it have been better in some aspects? Sure! But it still is an awesome phone nonetheless. It’s a very competitive market since most high end smartphones are great and I feel Apple did well.

 

[sickoagb]

These are great phones. Just wish they did not omit 3D Touch.

 

[GuruZac]

The 11 Pro models are very tempting but my XR can hold me over until 2020, a likely major year for iPhone.

 

[StellarVixen]

The King returns to his throne.

well done, Apple!

 

[Vanilla35]

The Pro Max is the best Apple product, and probably the best product period, that I’ve ever bought. And I started with Apple in 1997 with a 7100.

Why do you say that? Seems pretty similar to last years, aside from the ultra wide camera, which I like.

 

[AppleZilla]

Regardless, I bought one. CR's opinions are uneven, at best.

 

[Mabus51]

I’m surprised. Consumer Reports hates Apple even when they do good.

 

[Allyance]

Goods news, Apple stock up nearly $6/share!

 

[Sasparilla]

Nice to see. Throw in the news on better than expected demand, the 11 series is looking like a good one for Apple. Now we just need to kill off some more bugs in iOS 13 and we'll be there.

Have noticed series 5 watches seem to be selling well too. I haven't seen the base version "available" at my local store in the U.S. midwest since release (via the Apple Store app). Had an order in previously for delivery in early October which slid into November about a half a week out...I canceled at that point.

 

[benshive]

If Jobs was still alive it'd be higher on the list

 

[mdatwood]

The Pro Max battery life is amazing, and the biggest feature IMO.

 

[fokmik]

Until now apple had just the performance. Now it has the battery life and the cameras
Good job apple

 

[dominiongamma]

If Jobs was still alive it'd be higher on the list

We wouldn’t have a a bigger size screen if he were alive.

 

[DotCom2]

Although it's very tempting, I have an XS Max and I'm waiting until next year.

 

[Geert76]

My 11 Pro is my best iPhone ever, especially when it comes to battery life.

With heavy usage I can get almost 2 days out of 1 fully charged battery.

Also, Night Mode is pretty amazing for a version1 on any iPhone ever

 

[gugy]

I am tempted since I have a 7+ but it's too expensive. I am going to wait for a carrier BOGO deal to get one.

 

[Cosmosent]

I upgraded my XR to an 11 Pro Max, & couldn't be happier !

Almost pulled the trigger on the base 11, then almost pulled the trigger on the 11 Pro.

Read the DisplayMate review, & that convinced me to opt for the 11 Pro Max.

BTW, the Nikkei speculated that the 2019 iPhone manufacturing increase was due to an increase in demand.

I do NOT see it that way !

To me, it's simply Apple trying to get as many of the 2019 iPhone units as possible into its Sales Channel BEFORE Dec 15th, when the 15% iPhone Tariff goes into affect.

Units need to clear customs & NOT be in a warehouse (at the time of sale), to circumvent the 15% iPhone Tariff.

Very specifically, I believe Apple has recently figured-out how to place an additional ~8M iPhone units into its Sales Channel across the U.S.