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SR 7

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 30, 2009
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Anyone here use both phones and have any feedback on their experience?

debating if the Max is worth $500 more.
 
I came from a XS Max and am now rocking an iPhone 11.

I still have both side by side.

The LCD screen of all Apple devices are great, and sure the OLED is marginally better technically, but after a day of staring at the 11 I didn't notice except when it was pitch dark and I could see some minor backlight. In my opinion, this shouldn't be a reason to get a Pro.

The battery of the XS Max and the 11 Pro Max is better, sure, but again YMMV depending on what your use case is. The raw iPhone 11 (non Pro) is still improved from the XS Max by 1hr. Unless you're actively stretching the limits of battery performance here and crave more, that's not a factor. What lasts easily a day for me continues to do so with more to spare.

Camera - if you don't especially care about your pictures then that's the rest of the major under the hood improvements. I'm going to be "that guy" and say that Apple really really spends a lot of effort assuming that everyone needs all these whiz-bang photo options. The flat fact is I still look at pictures from my iPhone 4 and - while smaller, and less resolution - still provide me great memories. I can take better pictures with better phones; triple camera systems are really overkill unless you truly are a videophile. I know some people might think this is harsh, but we all really need to stop assuming we're aspiring Francis Ford Coppola directors and action photographers. The reality is that 98% of us take selfies, family/pet photos, and that's it. I've never once cared about most of the features - but here's the thing, most of them are available still in the non Pro. Not worth a 3rd lens.

And finally, the XSMax and ProMax screen size. The larger models are/were just too big for my pockets. I've "downgraded" a bit in that department because I want slightly lighter and smaller for exercise and mobility. So far, I haven't regretted it. I liked the phablet concept but I admit I'm experimenting for that sweet spot of comfort. I'm not feeling bad about the choice yet.

Just my 2c! Hope this helps.
 
I came from a XS Max and am now rocking an iPhone 11.

I still have both side by side.

The LCD screen of all Apple devices are great, and sure the OLED is marginally better technically, but after a day of staring at the 11 I didn't notice except when it was pitch dark and I could see some minor backlight. In my opinion, this shouldn't be a reason to get a Pro.

The battery of the XS Max and the 11 Pro Max is better, sure, but again YMMV depending on what your use case is. The raw iPhone 11 (non Pro) is still improved from the XS Max by 1hr. Unless you're actively stretching the limits of battery performance here and crave more, that's not a factor. What lasts easily a day for me continues to do so with more to spare.

Camera - if you don't especially care about your pictures then that's the rest of the major under the hood improvements. I'm going to be "that guy" and say that Apple really really spends a lot of effort assuming that everyone needs all these whiz-bang photo options. The flat fact is I still look at pictures from my iPhone 4 and - while smaller, and less resolution - still provide me great memories. I can take better pictures with better phones; triple camera systems are really overkill unless you truly are a videophile. I know some people might think this is harsh, but we all really need to stop assuming we're aspiring Francis Ford Coppola directors and action photographers. The reality is that 98% of us take selfies, family/pet photos, and that's it. I've never once cared about most of the features - but here's the thing, most of them are available still in the non Pro. Not worth a 3rd lens.

And finally, the XSMax and ProMax screen size. The larger models are/were just too big for my pockets. I've "downgraded" a bit in that department because I want slightly lighter and smaller for exercise and mobility. So far, I haven't regretted it. I liked the phablet concept but I admit I'm experimenting for that sweet spot of comfort. I'm not feeling bad about the choice yet.

Just my 2c! Hope this helps.

Great comment. I am still trying to decide between the 11 and the 11 Pro regular. I have the X now and would like a slightly larger screen without going all out max.

Would you regard the 11 as a phablet? I know there isn’t an official definition:)
 
The 11 display is 95% of the 11PM. LCD is more consistent with colors and photo editing IMO but 11PM will have better blacks for movies. The Max is BIG. I am not a small guy and I have to shift the Max too much in my hand to pick it over the 11P or 11. Last year I returned the XS for the XR and have loved that phone. GREAT phone and great battery life.

I am currently upgrading. I considered the 11PM but it’s just too big. I am a dude with no purse and I don’t like adding things to my phone to help hold it. It wont’ fit in my cup holder without taking out the insert. I considered the 11P as it feels perfect in-hand... and still maaaaay go that way but leaning towards the 11. The battery tests I have seen have the 11 and 11PM coming in at about the same time with real-world usage and the 11P coming in an hour less, 11.5 vs 10.5.

Some people want that crazy big phone. Some people want the most expensive. I will likely get the 11. The XR has been awesome.
 
Would you regard the 11 as a phablet? I know there isn’t an official definition:)

This is a tough nut to crack. I think a tablet can and should be used for video, but there's no phone that does this well, you really need at least an iPad Mini size for video in my humble opinion.

I think one can't define a device by what it can do technically, but rather what it does well. For example, an apple watch can read webpages. Is it a good webpage reader? Oh hells no. You can also view pictures on it. Again, just no.

All the iPhones are good for what they do (text apps, gaming, lists, reading, etc), but a tablet is better for video. And I don't mean quick snippets of video, I mean "I'm traveling on a plane and am watching Avengers Endgame on this device" video. For those, I whip out my actual Surface computer, or an iPad. The screen on the phone is OK for video, but unless you're a bird, you're not seeing detail on the screen that small.

So I define a phone as a device that can read lists, mail, news, maybe books, maybe pictures, maybe non-detail video (or short video). A XSMax wasn't good for that, so an oversized device to facilitate better video was basically defeating the purpose at that range of size. So it's actually better to go smaller for comfort. Does that make sense?

Everyone will have a different definition here. I'm sure some are comfortable with a Pro Max sitting on a plane watching a movie - but I think if they had a choice, they'd want a iPad Mini or above instead for eye strain and visibility. So the XSMax/Pro isn't really a phablet in my tech view. It's just a marginally slightly bigger screen.

(full disclosure - Yes, when I travel I load up movies on a big device but always loaded movies on my phone as well - I always plan for emergencies in case the bigger device croaks. It's been known to happen. But I really really hope it never does.)
 
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I came from a XS Max and am now rocking an iPhone 11.

I still have both side by side.

The LCD screen of all Apple devices are great, and sure the OLED is marginally better technically, but after a day of staring at the 11 I didn't notice except when it was pitch dark and I could see some minor backlight. In my opinion, this shouldn't be a reason to get a Pro.

The battery of the XS Max and the 11 Pro Max is better, sure, but again YMMV depending on what your use case is. The raw iPhone 11 (non Pro) is still improved from the XS Max by 1hr. Unless you're actively stretching the limits of battery performance here and crave more, that's not a factor. What lasts easily a day for me continues to do so with more to spare.

Camera - if you don't especially care about your pictures then that's the rest of the major under the hood improvements. I'm going to be "that guy" and say that Apple really really spends a lot of effort assuming that everyone needs all these whiz-bang photo options. The flat fact is I still look at pictures from my iPhone 4 and - while smaller, and less resolution - still provide me great memories. I can take better pictures with better phones; triple camera systems are really overkill unless you truly are a videophile. I know some people might think this is harsh, but we all really need to stop assuming we're aspiring Francis Ford Coppola directors and action photographers. The reality is that 98% of us take selfies, family/pet photos, and that's it. I've never once cared about most of the features - but here's the thing, most of them are available still in the non Pro. Not worth a 3rd lens.

And finally, the XSMax and ProMax screen size. The larger models are/were just too big for my pockets. I've "downgraded" a bit in that department because I want slightly lighter and smaller for exercise and mobility. So far, I haven't regretted it. I liked the phablet concept but I admit I'm experimenting for that sweet spot of comfort. I'm not feeling bad about the choice yet.

Just my 2c! Hope this helps.
We are in a very similar place with this. Have you considered the 11 Pro? One thing that still irks me with the XR/11 is the smaller text in the browser at standard 100%.
 
I got the 11 pro max on launch day but decided to return it and get the 11 because of the $500 price difference. Now I still waiting 2 more week for 11 because it back order from my tmobile upgrade and I haven’t open the pro max box. Just this morning I have a chance to go to apple store and check them out in person. Now it make me a bit regret that I return the pro max because of the screen quality, put them side by side I can see that the pro max has a lot better screen than 11 but I told myself that alone not worth spend $500 more tho.
 
Thanks for the detailed answer kognos. Many great points.
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We are in a very similar place with this. Have you considered the 11 Pro? One thing that still irks me with the XR/11 is the smaller text in the browser at standard 100%.
Does it really have smaller text? I wonder what the reason is.
 
I got a 11 Pro Max and my gf the 11 so got to play around with both this weekend.

If it came down to money I think the 11 is the way better value, if it were 10 years ago earlier in my career and money was a concern I would have definitely went with the 11 over the Pro.
 
I agree with kognos. I had the XS and went to the local Apple Store after ordering two 11 one for me and one to replace my wife’s 8+. Sat with my XS and the XR (the new iPhones weren’t out yet but the XR has the same spec screen as the 11) and while there are slight differences when you hold the two side by side, they weren’t very significant to my eyes. I am into photography and was concerned with the way that photos display and the differences were barely noticeable.
I also wanted the larger screen than the XS and for me the ultra wide lens is much more interesting than the 2x telephoto.
 
7 plus user. I wanted the Pro Max for that jumbo display but had to return as the OLED PWM was giving me eye strain and headache. So no Apple OLED for me for a third year.

The 11 doesn't feel like an upgrade from the 7 plus because 1. I can see the resolution difference especially with text. 2 the narrower screen means slightly smaller keyboard, borders on emails, smaller youtube video in portrait etc. Also I'm no fan of the shiny glass back as it shows all the fingers prints.

The Pro Max is the best iphone today. Large gorgeous display. Powerful full sounding speakers. Biggest battery. Frosted glass back which feels so much better than standard glass and it hides finger prints. Stainless steel band etc etc. The price is crazy but people are happy to pay so if you can afford it then it's the one.

I need to upgrade from my 7 plus as it has a few issues that cause daily annoyance like wifi drop out/lock up which requires turning wifi off and on again regularly, and touch ID has become flaky. Battery is also dropping off despite changing earlier in the year. And having seen all the new phones over the last 2-3 years I'd like a new phone with a better, brighter display. Better speakers and better battery. If I can't use Apples best: the Pro Max, and the 11 ain't it - do I go Android? *shudder*
 
This is a simple answer. Buy what you can afford. If you have disposable income, buy the pro. If you don't, don't even upgrade. If you have some disposable income, buy the 11.

And lastly, if anyone has to FINANCE a phone, you should not be upgrading. Pay for it outright. The upgrade program is like leasing a car - burning money.
 
not really, you aren't paying interest on their month to month. Its literally the $999/24 mo. It doesn't include interest so not sure what you are saying. If you mean finance in terms of someone went and got a loan from the bank then yeah, thats ridiculous.
 
not really, you aren't paying interest on their month to month. Its literally the $999/24 mo. It doesn't include interest so not sure what you are saying. If you mean finance in terms of someone went and got a loan from the bank then yeah, thats ridiculous.

What I meant is if someone has to pay for the phone monthly because they cannot afford it outright, they shouldn't be buying the phone.

Financing with 0% if you have the cash isn't a bad idea of course.
 
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