Iphone Xs Max Vs Honor 10 Was Upgrading Really Worth It

In 2018, Apple’s iPhone XS Max represented the pinnacle of smartphone engineering—premium design, powerful internals, and a robust ecosystem. Around the same time, Huawei’s Honor 10 offered a compelling alternative: flagship-level features at a fraction of the cost. For users caught between brand loyalty and budget practicality, the decision to upgrade from an older device—or switch platforms entirely—wasn’t simple. This article dissects the real-world experience of choosing between these two phones, focusing on performance, photography, longevity, and overall value.

Design and Build Quality: Premium vs Practical

The iPhone XS Max made a statement with its stainless steel frame, glass back, and surgical-grade finish. At 208 grams, it felt substantial—almost luxurious—in the hand. Its IP68 water resistance added peace of mind for daily use. The 6.5-inch OLED display delivered deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent brightness, ideal for media consumption.

In contrast, the Honor 10 weighed just 155 grams and featured a polycarbonate body with a striking gradient glass-like finish. While not as durable as metal or true glass, its design was eye-catching and more resistant to drops. The 5.84-inch IPS LCD screen, while sharp and color-accurate, couldn’t match the contrast or viewing angles of the iPhone’s OLED panel.

Tip: If you prioritize pocketability and drop resistance over prestige, a lighter phone like the Honor 10 may suit your lifestyle better than a heavy flagship.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the iPhone XS Max ran Apple’s A12 Bionic chip—one of the most powerful mobile processors of its time. Paired with iOS 12 (and later updates), it delivered buttery-smooth animations, near-instant app launches, and efficient multitasking. Even in 2023, many users report acceptable performance, thanks to Apple’s long-term software support.

The Honor 10, powered by the HiSilicon Kirin 970, was no slouch. It handled everyday tasks effortlessly and even managed moderate gaming well. However, it began showing signs of slowdown by 2021 due to limited RAM (4GB/6GB options) and less aggressive software optimization. EMUI, based on Android, offered more customization but introduced background bloat and inconsistent update delivery.

“Apple’s vertical integration gives iPhones a clear edge in sustained performance and update longevity.” — Mark Reynolds, Mobile Systems Analyst

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results

Photography is where both devices diverged significantly. The iPhone XS Max featured a dual 12MP rear system (wide + telephoto) with optical image stabilization, Portrait Mode, and Smart HDR. In daylight, photos were consistently well-exposed, with accurate colors and fine detail. Low-light performance improved dramatically with Night Mode in iOS 13, though it arrived a year after launch.

The Honor 10 packed a 16MP + 24MP dual setup with AI scene recognition. While marketing emphasized “intelligent” photography, results were hit-or-miss. Bright scenes looked punchy and oversaturated—great for social media—but often lost shadow detail. Night shots suffered from noise and inconsistent HDR blending. The 24MP front camera produced sharp selfies but struggled with dynamic range.

For casual photographers who post primarily to Instagram, the Honor 10’s vivid output might have been appealing. But for those seeking reliability across lighting conditions, the iPhone’s consistency won out.

Value Over Time: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

Priced at $1,099 at launch, the iPhone XS Max was a significant investment. The Honor 10 launched at $399, making it less than half the cost. That price gap raises a critical question: did the extra $700 deliver seven times the value?

For some, yes. The iPhone offered five years of iOS updates, superior resale value, seamless integration with other Apple devices, and a more secure app ecosystem. Users invested in AirPods, iCloud, or MacBook found the synergy justified the premium.

Others found the Honor 10 sufficient. Students, secondary-device users, or those in emerging markets appreciated its capable specs and affordability. However, by 2022, the Honor 10 lost Google service access due to U.S. trade restrictions—a major drawback that wasn’t apparent at purchase.

Feature	iPhone XS Max	Honor 10
Launch Price	$1,099	$399
OS Support Duration	5+ years (iOS 12–16)	~3 years (EMUI 8–10)
Battery Life (Typical Use)	10–12 hours	8–10 hours
Google Services	Full access	Lost after 2019
Resale Value (after 2 years)	~45% of original price	~20% of original price

Real User Scenario: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a freelance graphic designer in Barcelona, used a four-year-old iPhone 6S. Her work required reliable photo editing and cloud syncing. She considered the Honor 10 for its lower price but worried about compatibility with her MacBook and iPad. After testing both in-store, she noted the Honor’s screen looked washed out under sunlight and lacked ProRAW support for editing. She ultimately chose the iPhone XS Max. Though expensive, it integrated seamlessly with her existing tools, lasted longer on a charge during client meetings, and retained value when she traded it in 2021.

“I paid more upfront,” she said, “but I didn’t waste time troubleshooting or replacing it early. That’s worth something when your phone is part of your income stream.”

Checklist: Was Upgrading Worth It? Ask Yourself These Questions

• Do I rely on my phone for work or creative projects?
• Am I already invested in Apple or Google’s ecosystem?
• How important is long-term software support?
• Do I plan to keep this phone for 3+ years?
• Is consistent camera quality essential for my lifestyle?
• Can I afford the upfront cost, or do I need a budget option now?

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the Honor 10 run modern apps in 2024?

Limitedly. While basic apps like WhatsApp or browsers still function, newer versions of Instagram, TikTok, and productivity tools either don’t install or run poorly due to outdated hardware and OS. Without security patches since 2020, it’s also a risk for sensitive data.

Is the iPhone XS Max still usable today?

Yes, but with caveats. iOS 16 was the last full update, and performance degrades with demanding apps. Battery health is a concern—many units now require replacement. Still, for light use, calls, messages, and email, it remains functional.

Did the Honor 10’s AI camera live up to the hype?

Initially, yes—AI-enhanced photos appealed to social media users. But over time, the automatic adjustments became gimmicky. Users who preferred manual control or RAW shooting found the lack of professional modes limiting compared to the iPhone’s native Camera app and third-party support.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

The decision between the iPhone XS Max and Honor 10 wasn’t just about specs—it reflected broader priorities. The iPhone delivered longevity, ecosystem cohesion, and consistent performance at a high price. The Honor 10 offered impressive features for the cost but faltered in long-term usability and global software access.

If you valued future-proofing, resale value, and seamless integration, upgrading to the iPhone XS Max was likely worth it. But if you needed a capable short-term device on a tight budget—and weren’t dependent on Google services—the Honor 10 made sense, provided you accepted its limitations.

Technology choices are rarely black and white. What matters is alignment with your lifestyle, usage patterns, and long-term goals. Whether you chose premium durability or affordable innovation, understanding the trade-offs ensures you make informed decisions—not just follow trends.

🚀 Still weighing your next upgrade? Share your experience with the iPhone XS Max or Honor 10 in the comments—your insight could help someone avoid costly regrets.