Iphone Xs Max Vs Huawei P Smart Which Budget Phone Still Holds Up In Current Year

As smartphone lifespans stretch beyond three years for many users, the question isn’t just about what’s new—it’s about what still works well. The iPhone XS Max and Huawei P Smart represent two very different philosophies in mobile design: premium build with long-term support versus affordable access with modern aesthetics. Though released in 2018, both devices occasionally surface in secondhand markets and budget-conscious conversations. But in 2024, which one actually holds up for daily use?

This isn’t just a specs race. It’s about real-world reliability, software updates, app compatibility, battery longevity, and whether either device can handle today’s digital demands—from messaging and navigation to social media and light productivity.

Design and Build Quality: Premium vs Practical

The iPhone XS Max stands out immediately with its surgical-grade stainless steel frame, glass back, and IP68 water resistance. At the time of release, it was Apple’s largest and most luxurious handset, and that craftsmanship still shows. Holding it today, the weight and finish convey durability and attention to detail.

In contrast, the Huawei P Smart features a polycarbonate (plastic) body with a glass-like finish and a notch similar to the iPhone X. While lightweight and comfortable, it lacks the heft and resilience of the XS Max. It also has no official dust or water resistance rating, making it less suitable for unpredictable environments.

Tip: When buying used phones, check for micro-cracks around ports and buttons—signs of drops or moisture exposure.

For long-term ownership, build quality matters. The iPhone XS Max may pick up fingerprints, but its materials age more gracefully than the P Smart’s glossy plastic, which is prone to scratches and yellowing over time.

Performance and Real-World Usability in 2024

Under the hood, the differences are stark. The iPhone XS Max runs on Apple’s A12 Bionic chip—a six-core CPU with advanced neural engine capabilities. Even by today’s standards, this processor handles iOS 17 efficiently. Most apps, including demanding ones like Google Maps, Instagram, and Zoom, run smoothly, though multitasking between multiple Safari tabs may show minor lag.

The Huawei P Smart uses the Kirin 710, an octa-core chipset built on a 12nm process. While adequate for basic tasks in 2018, it struggles in 2024. Many newer Android apps require more processing power and RAM optimization. Users report stuttering during video playback, slow app launches, and frequent reloads when switching between apps.

“Even mid-tier chips from 2020 now outperform older flagships due to architectural advances. Software bloat compounds the issue.” — Lin Zhao, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

RAM is another key factor. The iPhone XS Max has 4GB, effectively managed by iOS’s memory optimization. The P Smart has 3GB, shared across background processes in EMUI (Huawei’s Android skin), leading to quicker app purging and reduced multitasking efficiency.

Software Support and Ecosystem Longevity

This is where the gap widens dramatically. Apple continues to support the iPhone XS Max with iOS 17, released in 2023. That means security patches, feature updates, and compatibility with new versions of iCloud, Messages, FaceTime, and third-party apps. App developers prioritize iOS versions going back several generations, so app abandonment is rare.

Huawei’s situation is more complicated. The P Smart launched with Android 8.0 Oreo and received updates up to Android 10. However, due to U.S. trade restrictions, it never gained access to Google Mobile Services (GMS). This means no Google Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, or Google Maps out of the box. Instead, Huawei relies on its AppGallery and third-party APK installations, which increase security risks and reduce convenience.

Worse, many major apps have dropped support for Huawei’s ecosystem. Banking apps, ride-sharing services, and even some social platforms either don’t work or function poorly without GMS. In 2024, using the P Smart as a primary device requires technical workarounds and constant troubleshooting.

Camera Performance: Then vs Now

The iPhone XS Max features a dual 12MP rear system (wide and telephoto) with optical image stabilization, Portrait Mode, and excellent dynamic range. Videos shoot up to 4K at 60fps. In daylight, photos remain sharp and color-accurate. Low-light performance is decent for its era, though newer computational photography (like Night Mode) gives modern phones an edge.

The P Smart has a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor, plus a 16MP front camera. While acceptable in ideal lighting, images suffer from noise, poor focus, and inconsistent HDR. There’s no optical stabilization, and low-light shots are often unusable. Video caps at 1080p/30fps with noticeable jitter.

Feature	iPhone XS Max	Huawei P Smart
Rear Camera	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.4)	13MP + 2MP
Front Camera	7MP TrueDepth	16MP
Video Recording	4K@60fps, stereo audio	1080p@30fps, mono audio
Low-Light Performance	Moderate (no Night Mode)	Poor
Portrait Mode	Yes (depth mapping + software)	Limited (edge detection issues)

If photography matters—even casually—the iPhone XS Max remains significantly more capable, especially for social sharing and family moments.

Battery Life and Charging: Degradation Over Time

Both phones launched with batteries around 3,000–3,200 mAh, but real-world endurance differs. The iPhone XS Max, with aggressive background app refresh limits and optimized power management, typically lasts a full day with moderate use. However, after five+ years, battery health often degrades below 80%, requiring replacement for reliable performance.

The P Smart’s battery also degrades, but EMUI’s lack of fine-tuned background controls leads to faster drain. Additionally, it lacks fast charging (5V/2A only) and wireless charging—features now expected even in budget segments.

Tip: Replace aging batteries early. A $30–$50 service can restore near-new endurance and prevent unexpected shutdowns.

Mini Case Study: Two Users, Two Outcomes

Take Maria, a college student in Manila, who bought a used iPhone XS Max for PHP 8,500 (~$150) in early 2023. She uses it for online classes, note-taking, and staying connected via WhatsApp and Instagram. Despite its age, iOS 17 keeps her apps updated, and iMessage integration with her MacBook streamlines assignments. After replacing the battery, she gets consistent all-day battery life.

Compare that to Raj, a delivery driver in Mumbai, who purchased a Huawei P Smart for INR 6,000 (~$75) to save costs. He quickly discovered that Google Maps doesn’t install normally. He sideloaded it via third-party stores, but location accuracy fluctuates, and the app crashes under heavy GPS use. Without reliable navigation, his job becomes harder. He eventually switched to a newer Android Go phone.

The lesson: price isn’t the only cost. Usability, ecosystem access, and software stability matter just as much.

Checklist: Is This Phone Still Viable in 2024?

• ✅ Can it run current versions of essential apps (WhatsApp, banking, maps)?
• ✅ Is the operating system still receiving security updates?
• ✅ Does it support modern connectivity (Wi-Fi 5+, Bluetooth 5.0)?
• ✅ Is the battery replaceable or already degraded?
• ✅ Are accessories and repair parts still available?
• ✅ Does it integrate with your existing devices (PC, tablet, smartwatch)?

By this checklist, the iPhone XS Max scores 5 out of 6. The P Smart fails on update support, app compatibility, and ecosystem integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy apps on the Huawei P Smart?

You can download apps through Huawei AppGallery or manually install APKs. However, many popular apps like Google Pay, YouTube Music, and certain games either aren’t available or don’t function properly without Google Services.

Is the iPhone XS Max too old for iOS 18?

While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed support yet, historical patterns suggest the XS Max will not receive iOS 18, likely ending at iOS 17. If you need future-proof software, consider upgrading to an iPhone XR or newer.

Which phone offers better value today?

Despite a higher initial cost, the iPhone XS Max delivers better long-term value due to software support, build quality, and app compatibility. The P Smart might seem cheaper upfront but incurs hidden costs in frustration and limitations.

Final Verdict: One Holds Up, the Other Doesn’t

In 2024, the iPhone XS Max—while aging—remains a functional, secure, and surprisingly capable device. With a battery replacement and careful usage, it can serve as a reliable secondary phone or budget primary device for light users. Its integration with Apple’s ecosystem, continued software updates, and robust hardware give it staying power few four-year-old phones achieve.

The Huawei P Smart, however, no longer holds up. Hamstrung by outdated hardware, lack of Google services, and discontinued software support, it struggles with fundamental tasks. For anyone relying on digital tools for work, education, or communication, it’s no longer a practical choice.

🚀 Ready to upgrade wisely? Prioritize software support and ecosystem access over initial price. A slightly older flagship often outperforms newer budget phones in longevity and daily use.