iPhone XS Max Max - On the fence, return or not

[Zimmy68]

Nice of Apple to have a 14 day no-quibble returns policy for this very reason of people changing their minds.

And that is wonderful and I am happy with the policy.
What this person is doing is buying the phone, having remorse, getting a refund, then buying it AGAIN and then having more remorse and he wants to return it, yet again.
Then you see posts, why only 14 days return, why does such and such charge a restocking fee, etc.

It's an expensive, premium smartphone. People seem to expect it to change their lives.

 

[Bootleg Gucci]

I mainly upgraded to XS Max because I managed to sell my X for a good price. Originally I was going to give my X to my wife (upgrading from a 6S Plus), and upgrade to 1 XS Max. Now, we both have XS Max upgrades, and like OP, I am debating whether to return 1. If so, it's going to be a long 11 months using my 6S Plus again.

PROs:
XS Max bigger OLED & keyboard, I have much less typos, similar to the days of using my 6S Plus. With the X, I had a lot more typos/autocorrecting because of the narrow keyboard layout.

CONs
But I do miss that Qualcomm modem in the X. This XS Max signal reception is slightly worse.
Price for 256GB at $1249 is main concern.

 

[menist]

I had the same feeling over the weekend and returned my 64GB Max yesterday. For me, it's not worth it for 1200 after tax, when I can get the same iOS 12 experience on my iPhone 7. Specs and screen are nice, but where are the exclusive iOS features, like for example "multi window" where you can run two apps, top and bottom, at the same time.

 

[cfairbank]

Coincidentally that's literally the same situation I'm in except for the fact that she has a 7 Plus. Still on the fence. Do you see any notable differences between the X and XS after some time with both devices other than camera improvements?

The camera is where I see the notable improvements. Everything else seems on par with my X. I use the camera a lot so the xs has some benefit to me. Only downside is I have been experiencing some of the issues with connecting to 5GHZ network in my home. I have been in talks with apple engineers about the issues I and others are reporting. I am hopeful we here something this week. If not I may end up returning the xs Friday and once they get the issue resolved buy then.

 

[PatrickNSF]

I bought the Max on pre-order and loved it for the first 24 hours but then started to think it actually felt quite cumbersome.. not so much the size of it as i think with a thin TPU case, you get a bit of natural grip (whereas the official Apple silicon case seems to add both heft and weight), but the weight on my wrist.

I felt the same with the Plus phones – they were fine with a thin TPU case, or no case, but a hassle to use with any case that afforded protection (like I tend to use when running).

I'd go with the Max and sacrifice the better form factor of the XS if the Max offered a better camera or additional zoom lens, but otherwise it doesn't seem to bring anything to the table to set it apart from the XS doesn't have, other than a bit more battery life.

(But that screen is seductive...)

 

[Sugadaddy]

I'll be returning my XS Max this week.

-WiFi range is worse than my other iDevices
-LTE reception is worse than my iPhone 6
-Battery life isn't that great for the size of the phone (probably due to poor LTE reception...)
-OLED screen looks great, but color shifts to blue with a slight angle change
-OLED screen seems to cause eye fatigue in dark conditions for me
-Charger isn't detected if you don't wake the phone

For its price (in Canada), that's too many issues. The screen and charger issue I could live with, but the poor reception is a deal breaker. I'll buy another one if Apple fixes it.

 

[Jordan921]

Return it if you aren’t liking it.

 

[MilesUK]

I returned both of my 256GB XS Max models due to the rebooting issue and have just taken delivery of a XS, the smaller form factor really does seem to work better for me (I had been using a 7 plus before the XS models) and so far no crashing or rebooting problems....

 

[NIKKG]

I feel the way you do and have yet to upgrade. After much deliberation I will definitely not be buying this phone in the near future for multiple reasons.

After looking at the display in person at both a Best Buy and Verizon store I can see the tint shift/color change issue being talked about on this forum. Straight/dead on you have a certain color (call it whatever you want) but a few degrees either side of center as you tilt your head or move the phone and the color/tint changes. Not at all what I would expect with an OLED display. I have a 65" OLED tv in my living room. Doesn't do that. That is the whole point of OLED and the "wide viewing angles". Even worse is when you read up on how OLED handles low light by dimming the display with this light pulsing thing. I don't know if I'd be sensitive to it but when you dig into the science behind it I think it would cause eye and brain fatigue either way.

I have also been following the whole signal issue discussion and my gut feeling tells me this needs more time to work itself out. I have some background in radio and do understand the importance of antenna gain and design. Pumping in more power can overcome bad antenna design on transmission but you still have reception issues. I don't know the limits on cell phone transmission power outputs but imagine we're already there and even if not don't think I'd want microwave radio frequency at high levels all day next to my body parts anyway.

And then there are the frustrating limitations of being in the walled garden. I'm fully immersed in the apple ecosystem and creating this was beyond smart for apple to do. Android does some things very good and its such a shame that apple cannot bring itself to adopt them at a faster rate. Having such a large screen as the max would be wonderful if you were able to customize the home screen. Being able to place icons at the bottom of the screen close to reach would just make so much sense. But no, they snap to the top as far from your one-handed reach as possible... really? Enough is enough. Same for the Apple Watch. Why no 3rd party watch faces?? Sigh.

Anyway, I'm sure there is more but I'm going to wait this out awhile. Not so much because of the price but because my older phones get the job done and the bugs are worked out. Give me a larger display with a home screen I can customize. Give me a phone that looks nice but you know it doesn't have to look like a piece of jewelry. Its probably going in a case anyway cause we do take these things with us in the real world and need them to function like radios for communication and just might occasionally drop them. ?Guess I'm ok now with the square watch (cause its better to display info supposedly) but then put round icons on it? At least give me the option to add a watch face that works best for me. It's my watch right??

Get the Note 9 and call it a day.

 

[PhoneI]

It feels like a Tim Cook iPhone rather than a Steve Jobs one for sure.

Comments like this always make me laugh. After all, Steve Jobs released an iPhone that lost its signal when you held it in your hand.

 

[blairh]

Return your Max and get an XR. Much cheaper.

 

[MyMacintosh]

I was in the same boat when I first got it. Kinda still am but I realized although the weight gets kinda annoying and the size, not having to squint at the screen, beats the X/XS form factor for me. If they weren't so narrow, I wouldn't even mind. the 6.1 might be the sweet spot i'm looking for but i'm not downgrading to the XR.

 

[neil74]

Thanks all....

I agree throw a case on the max and it just feels too hefty, I thought the same with the plus sized phones I owned, cases reserved for special occasions only, usually where alcohol may be involved!

My comments re jobs were how I see the fundamental difference in approach (and yes I remember the iPhone 4 issues!). My perception of apple under SJ was I feel an attitude that they focussed on creating great products first with profits to follow whereas under TC I think the approach is more pragmatic. Would SJ have waited almost 4 years between releasing a plus sized phone and realising that a one-handed keyboard might be a good idea? Or maybe Jony Ive just thought that a one-handed keyboard would mess up the aesthetic?

If the X/Xs was a 6” device I think the argument would be moot, it is only because it is probably slightly too narrow that the bigger screen appeals.

 

[cardfan]

If the big OLED screen isn't enough to leave you with no doubts, then return it. It's all about that screen on the max. Don't pay attention to silly things like minor camera improvements that few will notice.

 

[AppleHaterLover]

Thanks all....

I agree throw a case on the max and it just feels too hefty, I thought the same with the plus sized phones I owned, cases reserved for special occasions only, usually where alcohol may be involved!

My comments re jobs were how I see the fundamental difference in approach (and yes I remember the iPhone 4 issues!). My perception of apple under SJ was I feel an attitude that they focussed on creating great products first with profits to follow whereas under TC I think the approach is more pragmatic. Would SJ have waited almost 4 years between releasing a plus sized phone and realising that a one-handed keyboard might be a good idea? Or maybe Jony Ive just thought that a one-handed keyboard would mess up the aesthetic?

If the X/Xs was a 6” device I think the argument would be moot, it is only because it is probably slightly too narrow that the bigger screen appeals.

Neil, I think you’re overthinking this.

Take a step back and rethink this. Maybe you just need some practice. Open Notes and write the National Anthem. You’ll get the hang of the Max in no time. Unless you have short fingers, which I’m absolutely 100% sure you don’t.

 

[neil74]

Neil, I think you’re overthinking this.

Take a step back and rethink this. Maybe you just need some practice. Open Notes and write the National Anthem. You’ll get the hang of the Max in no time. Unless you have short fingers, which I’m absolutely 100% sure you don’t.

Ha ha, you are right of course. I used the 6, 6s and 7+ without issue.

BTW as an aside I always use wireless charging but I just tested wired and I seem to have the issue everyone is shouting about!

 

[ET iPhone Home]

When people come to MacRumors to vent an issue or complaint, they've pretty much have answered their question. You, here, says, to keep the X. On the other hand, had you been ecstatic over your XS, this post here, would not have been published. This advice here is free. The next time, it will cost you.

 

[neil74]

Gadget therapy!

 

[rillrill]

I went from an SE to XS Max...thought about switching to an XS, but I did get use to handling the phone and now I'll keep it. But if I had an X, I wouldn't even bother upgrading. It's just not that much different, IMO.

 

[neil74]

This is actually a really good review I think that properly addresses the issue of the size.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bensin/2018/10/01/iphone-xs-xs-max-review-get-the-big-one/#24f85e4b4d7e

 

[omelet1978]

I’d say keep it for like 12 of the 14 day Apple return period and if the phone still feels too big then return it and get the XS or if you have last years X keep that.

The problem with these bigger phones going all screen is that they really become 2 handed phones, and there is a difference b/w using the Max and the 8 Plus. I’ve actually gone to using the smaller phones in the last couple of years and have the iPhone X and one reason I have it is because you can use it with one hand.

 

[Raist3001]

I went to the apple store to see the Max. I made the decision on the spot to skip the Max and wait for the 2019 models. Just not enough innovation over the X for me to upgrade this year. My X serves me just fine, and I absolutely love my OLED display. My wife and I were going to upgrade this year, (she has a 7+) and we were both going to get the MAX and give the 7+ to our daughter. My wife is fine with the 7+ for another year, so we will upgrade in 2019 and Ill give my X to my daughter.

 

[YaBoiD]

I went to the apple store to see the Max. I made the decision on the spot to skip the Max and wait for the 2019 models. Just not enough innovation over the X for me to upgrade this year. My X serves me just fine, and I absolutely love my OLED display. My wife and I were going to upgrade this year, (she has a 7+) and we were both going to get the MAX and give the 7+ to our daughter. My wife is fine with the 7+ for another year, so we will upgrade in 2019 and Ill give my X to my daughter.

I'm in the same boat. I returned my Max yesterday and will stay with my X until next year. My wife is just fine with her 7 Plus so we'll both upgrade next year. Not enough to differentiate itself from last years X. Camera was slightly better with low light and the larger screen was nice and all but I just didn't feel it was $1550 after tax worth of upgrades from my X. Battery life on the Max was that impressive compared to my X as it was when the Plus phones were introduced compared to the 4.7in models.

 

[Nikhil72]

Finally at a point where the max is comfortable even for brief one handed use. Took about a week, so sticking with that.

(It helps that apps are starting to get updates).

 

[UnifiedMelody]

I am still massively on the fence with the XS max vs just keeping my X. It is actually quite pathetic but I cannot help myself going back and forth on this!

I returned my first XS Max (purchased outright) as I just could not justify shelling out £1600+ for it. I was considering the upgrade programme (IUP) before as it probably suits me as someone who buys the new iPhone each year so after a day or 2 I went for it again and picked up another 512gb XS max this time on the IUP.

Another week on though and I am having doubts again, you see the thing is I both love it and don’t like it very much at all at the same time! People will say it is slightly smaller than the plus phones but the truth is the all screen design often makes it quite cumbersome in everyday use. Ironically one handed typing is ok as the one-handed keyboard size fits in the perfect sweet spot for me (often these one handed keyboards are actually too narrow) I actually find 2 handed typing awkward as there nowhere to properly rest my hand, I constantly feel like I will drop it when typing with two hands. There is no getting away from it though for general use this is a two handed device and the smaller X/Xs feels nicer in the hand, also on the android side phones like the S9+ still pack a big screen while feeling far more manageable.

My main beef though is just the sense that the whole package does not hang together in a way that I would expect from an apple device, every now and then it makes sense and feels great but mostly much of the phone feels like an after-thought. There is no bigger example of this imo than that big screen, it feels like apple just thought that as the footprint was smaller than the plus phones that it would be ok but never considered the impact of the all-screen design combined with that size, or how best exploit to that bigger screen to provide a better experience. It feels like a Tim Cook iPhone rather than a Steve Jobs one for sure.

As I say though I remain torn, on one hand the IUP is affordable for me so I think about sticking around for the journey but on the other apple has imo become so greedy and the Xs and Max are just not worth the price of admission and a part of me really wants to send the message that enough is enough.

2) It's the same size as iPhone 8 Plus afaik [holding one next to me right now], people who focus on the millimeter of difference really need to get their reality check and stop analyzing all the small details.
3) its a 2 handed device.
4) you drop it more when typing with two hands? thats a new thing... that should increase security since you have two hands gripping it... i have no idea where this comes from.
5) because samsung phones have the screen dip into the sides, so thats why they're slimmer. iPhone XS on the other hand doesnt and retains a tiny bit of bezel across the body.
6) if u really have that much doubt just return n go back to the iPhone X [or XS if u really in love with the camera]
7) iPhone XS is the same price as iPhone X how is the XS more expensive??? like the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus the plus sized model was always 100$ difference for the larger size and battery.

8) to be honest i use phones heavily, the XS max feels like same battery life as 8 Plus. maybe might be better if you use it infrequently but damn... power users won't see any battery improvements no matter what happens lol but i like mine xs max, it was what i wanted from an iPhone X that they did not do last year.
[doublepost=1538586464][/doublepost]

I went with the XS Max and for me it comes down to two factors:

1) I was already on the 8 Plus - Anyone going from a Plus model will find the XS Max is virtually the same size, only with edge to edge real estate.

2) The cost goes up substantially with storage, I stuck with 64GB and using Google Photos allows 100% cloud storage, with this in mind I still do not need a bump in space.

YMMV

google photos is amazing af. high quality unlimited for free... <3