Iphone Xs Max Vs 11 Is The Older Bigger Screen Still Worth It

The iPhone XS Max and iPhone 11 represent two pivotal moments in Apple’s smartphone evolution. The XS Max was the peak of the premium design era—stainless steel, OLED display, and a high price tag. The iPhone 11 marked a shift toward value, introducing a dual-camera system at a lower cost while using a less advanced LCD panel. Today, both are available at significantly reduced prices, making them attractive options for budget-conscious buyers. But which one makes more sense in 2024? Is the older, larger-screen XS Max still worth choosing over the newer, more efficient iPhone 11?

Design and Display: Size, Build, and Visual Experience

The most immediate difference between the two phones lies in their design philosophy and display technology.

The iPhone XS Max features a stainless steel frame with a glass back, giving it a premium, weighty feel. It has a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display with a resolution of 2688 x 1242 pixels. This results in deep blacks, excellent contrast, and vibrant colors—ideal for media consumption. Its edge-to-edge design with slim bezels (for its time) and a notch made it one of the most immersive iPhones before the era of Dynamic Island.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 uses an aerospace-grade aluminum frame and a glass back but feels lighter and slightly less luxurious. Its 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display has a lower resolution (1792 x 828 pixels) and lacks the infinite blacks of OLED. While perfectly usable, it doesn’t match the visual pop of the XS Max, especially in dark environments.

Tip: If you frequently watch videos or read in bed, the XS Max’s superior contrast and larger screen may offer a noticeably better viewing experience.

Performance and Longevity: Chipset and Software Support

Under the hood, the iPhone 11 holds a clear advantage. It runs on the A13 Bionic chip, which outperforms the XS Max’s A12 Bionic by approximately 20% in CPU tasks and even more in GPU performance. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better gaming performance.

More importantly, software support favors the iPhone 11. Released in 2019, it continues to receive iOS updates and is expected to be supported through at least 2025, possibly into 2026. The XS Max, released in 2018, has already begun to show signs of slower update rollouts and may not receive future versions beyond iOS 18 or 19.

“Longevity isn’t just about hardware—it’s about how long a device remains secure and functional with current apps. The A13 gives the iPhone 11 a meaningful edge.” — David Lin, Mobile Technology Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Comparison: Photo Quality and Features

Both phones feature dual-camera systems, but they serve different purposes.

The iPhone XS Max has a 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto setup. It supports 2x optical zoom, Portrait mode with depth control, and excellent low-light performance for its time. However, it lacks Night Mode, which became standard starting with the iPhone 11.

The iPhone 11 introduces a wider 12MP ultra-wide lens (120° field of view), allowing for dramatic landscape shots and creative compositions. Combined with the standard wide lens, it offers greater versatility. More crucially, it includes Night Mode, which automatically activates in low light, brightening scenes and preserving detail without a flash. In head-to-head comparisons, the iPhone 11 consistently delivers sharper, brighter, and more balanced photos in dim conditions.

Front cameras also differ: the XS Max uses the 7MP TrueDepth camera without Night Mode, while the iPhone 11 adds Night Mode and QuickTake video recording, letting users record video without switching modes.

Feature	iPhone XS Max	iPhone 11
Rear Cameras	12MP Wide + 12MP Telephoto	12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide
Night Mode	No	Yes (rear & front)
Zoom	2x Optical Zoom In	2x Digital Zoom In
Video Recording	4K up to 60fps	4K up to 60fps + Extended Dynamic Range
Front Camera	7MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2 with Night Mode

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

Battery life is where the iPhone 11 pulls ahead decisively. Apple rated the XS Max for up to 13 hours of video playback, which was strong in 2018. The iPhone 11, despite having a smaller physical battery, lasts longer due to the efficiency of the A13 chip and optimized power management. It’s rated for up to 17 hours of video playback—an improvement that’s noticeable in daily use.

Both devices support fast charging (with a compatible adapter) and wireless charging via Qi. However, neither comes with a fast charger in the box—Apple began removing them later—but the capability is built-in. Users upgrading from older models will appreciate being able to charge 50% in about 30 minutes with an 18W+ adapter.

Tip: Invest in a third-party 20W USB-C charger and USB-C to Lightning cable to unlock fast charging on either device.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer and traveler, needed a reliable secondary phone for backup shots and communication during trips. She found both the XS Max and iPhone 11 available refurbished for under $300. Initially drawn to the XS Max’s OLED screen and sleek build, she tested both in-store.

She noticed the iPhone 11’s wider camera lens allowed her to capture full-room interiors without stepping back—something the XS Max couldn’t do without cropping. In a dimly lit café, the Night Mode on the iPhone 11 produced a clear, noise-free image, while the XS Max shot appeared grainy and dark.

After testing battery performance during a simulated day of travel—GPS navigation, photo editing, messaging, and music streaming—the iPhone 11 lasted nearly six hours, compared to four and a half on the XS Max. Despite loving the look and feel of the XS Max, Sarah chose the iPhone 11 for its modern capabilities and longer usability.

Checklist: Choosing Between iPhone XS Max and iPhone 11

• ✅ Prioritize OLED display and premium build? → Consider XS Max
• ✅ Need better battery life and camera versatility? → Choose iPhone 11
• ✅ Planning to keep the phone for 2+ years? → iPhone 11 offers longer software support
• ✅ Use your phone for video calls or content creation? → iPhone 11’s front camera and audio recording are superior
• ✅ Want the best value for money in 2024? → iPhone 11 is the smarter investment

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone XS Max still good in 2024?

Yes, the XS Max still performs well for everyday tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and social media. However, it may struggle with the latest games and augmented reality apps. Battery degradation is common in units from 2018, so check health status before buying.

Does the iPhone 11 have a better screen than the XS Max?

No. While the iPhone 11’s LCD is sharp and color-accurate, it doesn’t match the OLED panel of the XS Max in contrast, black levels, or brightness consistency. For pure screen quality, the XS Max wins—but the iPhone 11 compensates with better overall performance.

Can both phones run the latest iOS?

As of 2024, both support iOS 17. However, the iPhone 11 is more likely to receive iOS 18, while the XS Max may be excluded. Developers also optimize newer apps for A13 and later chips, meaning some apps may slow down or stop supporting the A12 over time.

Final Verdict: Is the Older, Bigger-Screen iPhone Still Worth It?

The iPhone XS Max remains a visually impressive device. Its large OLED display, polished stainless steel body, and smooth iOS integration deliver a luxury experience few budget phones can match. If you value screen quality above all and plan to use the phone lightly for less than a year, it’s still a viable option—especially if found at a steep discount.

But for most users, the iPhone 11 is the better choice. It offers longer battery life, a more versatile camera system with Night Mode, superior processing power, and extended software support. These advantages translate into real-world benefits: clearer photos in low light, smoother performance over time, and confidence that the phone won’t become obsolete next year.

The larger screen of the XS Max is appealing, but screen size alone doesn’t define user experience. When combined with longevity, camera quality, and efficiency, the iPhone 11 delivers more value despite its smaller, lower-tier display.

💬 Have you used both phones? Share your experience below. Whether you prefer the elegance of the XS Max or the practicality of the iPhone 11, your insights could help others make a smarter decision.