When Apple released the iPhone 11 Pro in 2019, it followed the well-received iPhone XS Max from the previous year. For users clinging to their XS Max—or considering buying one secondhand—the question isn’t just about specs. It’s about real-world value: does the 11 Pro offer enough meaningful improvements to justify an upgrade, or can the XS Max still deliver a premium experience at a lower price?
This isn’t a simple “newer = better” situation. The XS Max remains a powerful device with a refined design, excellent display, and strong software support. Meanwhile, the 11 Pro introduced several generational leaps that may matter more to some users than others. Let’s break down the key differences and determine where each phone stands today.
Design and Build: Subtle Refinements Over Revolution
At first glance, both phones look nearly identical. They share the same stainless steel frame, glass back, and overall footprint. Both are IP68-rated for water resistance and feature Face ID instead of a home button. However, there are subtle but important differences.
The iPhone 11 Pro uses a slightly more durable matte finish on its back glass, which resists fingerprints better than the glossy XS Max. It’s also marginally heavier due to a larger battery, though the difference (about 18 grams) is barely noticeable in hand. The 11 Pro comes in new color options—Midnight Green, Space Gray, Silver, and Gold—while the XS Max was limited to Gold, Silver, and Space Gray.
One practical improvement: the 11 Pro features a textured matte glass back, making it less slippery than the XS Max. If you’ve ever fumbled your XS Max, this small change could be a real advantage.
Performance: A Noticeable Leap Forward
The most significant upgrade lies under the hood. The iPhone 11 Pro is powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, while the XS Max runs on the A12. Both are fast, but the A13 delivers around 20% better CPU performance and up to 30% faster graphics processing. In real terms, this means smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and better performance in graphics-intensive games and AR applications.
More importantly, the A13’s efficiency translates into longer-term software support. Apple typically supports iPhones for five to six years with iOS updates. As of 2024, the XS Max has received updates through iOS 17, but future compatibility beyond iOS 18 is uncertain. The 11 Pro, being a year newer and equipped with a more advanced processor, is likely to remain supported into 2025 or later.
“Processor longevity is often underestimated. A faster chip today means better optimization tomorrow.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights
Camera System: Where the 11 Pro Truly Shines
If photography matters to you, the iPhone 11 Pro is a clear step forward. While the XS Max has a capable dual-camera system (12MP wide and telephoto), the 11 Pro adds a third ultra-wide lens, opening up creative possibilities. You can now capture landscapes, architecture, or group shots with a much broader field of view—something the XS Max simply can’t do without stepping back.
Apple also introduced Night Mode on the 11 Pro, allowing dramatically improved low-light photos across all three rear cameras. The XS Max lacks this feature entirely. In dim lighting, the difference is striking: the 11 Pro produces brighter, clearer images with accurate colors, while the XS Max tends to produce darker, noisier results.
Front-facing cameras are comparable, both featuring 7MP sensors with Portrait Mode, but the 11 Pro benefits from Smart HDR and better noise reduction thanks to the A13’s image signal processor.
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro | iPhone XS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | Triple 12MP (Ultra-Wide, Wide, Telephoto) | Dual 12MP (Wide, Telephoto) |
| Night Mode | Yes (all rear cameras) | No |
| Smart HDR | Yes (3rd gen) | Yes (1st gen) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth with Night Mode | 7MP TrueDepth |
| Video Recording | 4K at 60fps, extended dynamic range | 4K at 60fps, standard dynamic range |
Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Gains
Battery life is another area where the 11 Pro pulls ahead. Apple claims up to 18 hours of video playback for the 11 Pro compared to 13 hours for the XS Max. In everyday use, that often translates to a full extra day of moderate usage before needing a recharge.
Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging, but the 11 Pro ships with an 18W charger in the box (in some regions), while the XS Max came with a slower 5W adapter. Third-party fast chargers work with both, but the convenience of having it included matters.
For heavy users—those who stream video, play games, or rely on navigation—the 11 Pro’s battery advantage can eliminate midday charging anxiety. For lighter users, the XS Max may still suffice, especially with proper power management.
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma
Sarah had been using her iPhone XS Max since 2018. By late 2022, she noticed her battery draining faster and apps occasionally stuttering. She considered buying a used XS Max for $350 but decided to spend $550 on a refurbished 11 Pro instead.
Within weeks, she realized the upgrade paid off. Night Mode helped her capture clear photos at her daughter’s indoor soccer games. The extra battery life meant she didn’t need to carry a power bank during workdays. And the third camera let her shoot architectural details during weekend travels—something she hadn’t realized she was missing.
“I thought I was fine with my old phone,” she said, “but once I used the 11 Pro, going back felt like stepping into the past.”
Value Proposition: Is the XS Max Still a Steal?
On paper, the XS Max is no longer a flagship, but it remains a solid performer. In 2024, you can find unlocked, good-condition models for $250–$350. At that price, it’s still competitive with many mid-range Android phones. It runs iOS smoothly, handles daily tasks well, and has a beautiful 6.5-inch OLED display.
However, limitations become apparent over time. No Night Mode. No ultra-wide camera. Shorter expected software support. And notably, smaller battery capacity. If you're on a tight budget and prioritize screen quality and iOS ecosystem access, the XS Max is still a viable option.
But if you can stretch your budget to $450–$600 for a used or refurbished 11 Pro, you gain tangible benefits: better cameras, longer battery, and at least one extra year of iOS updates. That added longevity often makes the 11 Pro the smarter long-term investment.
Checklist: Should You Upgrade?
- ✅ Need better low-light photos? → 11 Pro wins with Night Mode.
- ✅ Want wider photo angles? → Only 11 Pro has ultra-wide lens.
- ✅ Use your phone heavily throughout the day? → 11 Pro offers significantly better battery.
- ✅ Planning to keep the phone for 2+ years? → 11 Pro will receive updates longer.
- ✅ On a strict budget under $400? → XS Max remains a capable, affordable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone XS Max still run the latest iOS?
As of iOS 17, yes. However, Apple may drop support for the XS Max with iOS 18 in 2024. The iPhone 11 Pro is expected to be supported through at least iOS 19.
Is the camera difference really that big?
Yes, especially in low light and wide-angle scenarios. The addition of Night Mode and the ultra-wide lens on the 11 Pro provides flexibility and quality the XS Max can't match. For casual shooters, the difference may be subtle. For enthusiasts, it's significant.
Do both phones have the same display quality?
Virtually identical. Both feature 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED displays with 120-nit brightness and HDR support. The 11 Pro has slightly better contrast and peak brightness (800 nits vs. 625), but in normal conditions, they look very similar.
Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?
The iPhone 11 Pro is worth the upgrade from the XS Max—if you value camera versatility, better battery life, and longer software support. The improvements aren’t flashy, but they accumulate into a noticeably better daily experience.
That said, the XS Max is still a steal at sub-$400 prices. It’s ideal for budget-conscious buyers, secondary device users, or those who don’t need cutting-edge camera features. It proves that even two generations behind, Apple’s hardware holds up remarkably well.
In the end, your decision should hinge on how long you plan to keep the phone and what you use it for. If photography, battery, and future-proofing matter, go for the 11 Pro. If you want a reliable iOS device at a bargain, the XS Max still delivers.
浙公网安备
33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4
Comments
No comments yet. Why don't you start the discussion?