Apple announced the iPhone 11 Pro Max on September 10, 2019. The launch included three models; the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. These three phones make up the 13th generation of the iPhone, and this was also the introduction of the “Pro” model. These three iPhone models came available for pre-order on September 13, and they began shipping on September 20, 2019.
The iPhone 11 was the most popular model from the 13th generation, due in part to the lower price point. But the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max were available for those who wanted the perks associated with the Pro branding. Of course, the Pro branding meant a higher price tag. But now that the iPhone 12 has been released — prices are looking really good for the iPhone 11 lineup, even on the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Keep reading to see how the iPhone 11 Pro Max stacks up against other iPhone models.
Table of contents:
- iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 12 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 12 mini
- iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 12
- iPhone 11 Pro Max vs SE 2020
- iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 11
- iPhone 11 Pro Max vs XS Max
- iPhone 11 Pro Max vs XS
- iPhone 11 Pro Max vs Xr
- iPhone 11 Pro Max vs X
- iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 8 Plus
- iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 8
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 12 Pro Max
Moving from the iPhone 11 Pro Max to an iPhone 12 Pro Max would mean a year-over-year upgrade with quite a few similarities in terms of specs. Of course, that is not to say there aren’t any benefits to choosing this upgrade path. For example, the iPhone 12 Pro Max was given camera improvements that aren’t even available on other iPhone 12 models. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a triple 12MP setup with LiDAR, which helps improve night mode portraits and autofocus.
The rear camera setup on the iPhone 12 Pro Max includes an ultra-wide lens with f/2.4 aperture, 120-degree field of view and 13mm focal length; a wide-angle with an f/1.6 aperture and 26mm focal length; and a telephoto lens with an f/2.2 aperture and a 65mm focal length.
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone 12 Pro Max | |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine | Apple A14 Bionic with Next-generation Neural Engine |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (2688 x 1242) | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display (2778 x 1284) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto | Pro 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 3,687 mAh |
| Original Retail Price | Starting at $1,099 | Starting at $1,099 |
The 11 Pro Max and 12 Pro Max displays are similar in size and resolution. Both phones have 256GB and 512GB storage options, though the 11 Pro Max has 64GB on the lower end, and the 12 Pro Max has 128GB on the lower end. You would also get a little extra RAM on the 12 Pro Max (6GB), and the newer Apple A14 Bionic processor.
Another new feature found on the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the MagSafe wireless charging at up to 15W, which means you can charge your iPhone using a charging puck, similar to what many are familiar with from the Apple Watch.
The current iPhone 12 Pro Max pricing can be seen below, and you can learn more about how the iPhone 12 Pro Max compares to the iPhone 11 Pro Max in our comparison guide.
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iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 12 Pro
The iPhone 11 Pro Max was the biggest iPhone in the iPhone 11 lineup. It was also the model chosen by those who wanted a better camera, at least as compared to the standard iPhone 11. While some may have picked the iPhone 11 Pro Max because of the camera, they may not have liked the size of the phone.
The iPhone 12 Pro has a slightly smaller display, 6.1-inches as compared to the 6.5-inch display on the iPhone 11 Pro Max — but the overall size of the phone is much smaller. The iPhone 12 Pro measures in at 5.78 (H) by 2.82 (W) by 0.29 (D), whereas the 11 Pro Max measures in at 6.22 (H) by 3.06 (W) by 0.32 (D).
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone 12 Pro | |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine | Apple A14 Bionic with Next-generation Neural Engine |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (2688 x 1242) | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display (2532 x 1170) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto | Pro 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 2,815 mAh |
| Original Retail Price | Starting at $1,099 | Starting at $999 |
This is to say if the camera is a priority feature for you, but you want a smaller phone — the 12 Pro would be a good upgrade path. Both models have a triple 12MP camera array on the back with an ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lens. The iPhone 12 Pro improves a bit on the wide-angle aperture, which goes to f/1.6, as compared to the f/1.8 on the 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max also has a LiDAR sensor, which helps with night mode portraits and autofocus, as well as support for the upcoming Apple ProRAW file format.
The current iPhone 12 Pro pricing can be seen below, and you can learn more about how the iPhone 12 Pro compares to the iPhone 11 Pro Max in our comparison guide.
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iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 12 mini
Swappa does not often recommend year-over-year upgrades, that is unless there is a pretty specific reason. Choosing to go from the iPhone 11 Pro Max to the iPhone 12 mini would be perfect for those who are unhappy with the size of the 11 Pro Max.
You would be getting a much smaller, more pocketable phone. The measurements would drop from 6.22 (H) by 3.06 (W) by 0.32 (D) on the iPhone 11 Pro Max to 5.18 (H) by 2.53 (W) by 0.29 (D) on the iPhone 12 mini. The display size also drops from a 6.5-inch (2688 x 1242) to a 5.4-inch (2340 x 1080).
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone 12 mini | |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine | Apple A14 Bionic with Next-generation Neural Engine |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (2688 x 1242) | 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display (2340 x 1080) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto | Dual 12MP ultra-wide and wide-angle |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 2,227 mAh |
| Original Retail Price | Starting at $1,099 | Starting at $699 |
The iPhone 12 mini supports MagSafe wireless charging, and also uses the newer Apple A14 Bionic chip with the next-generation Neural Engine. Both models also have a 12MP TrueDepth camera on the front, but the iPhone 12 mini has a two-camera setup on the back, whereas the 11 Pro Max has a triple camera setup. This means you would be dropping the telephoto lens. But again, anyone choosing this upgrade path is likely doing so because of the size of the phone.
The current iPhone 12 mini pricing can be seen below, and you can learn more about how the iPhone 12 mini compares to the iPhone 11 Pro Max in our comparison guide.
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iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 12
Similar to the iPhone 12 mini, those upgrading from an iPhone 11 Pro Max to an iPhone 12 likely want a smaller phone. The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch (2532 x 1170) display and measurements of 5.78 (H) by 2.82 (W) by 0.29 (D). The iPhone 11 Pro Max display is 6.5-inches (2688 x 1242) and measures in at 6.22 (H) by 3.06 (W) by 0.32 (D).
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone 12 | |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine | Apple A14 Bionic with Next-generation Neural Engine |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (2688 x 1242) | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display (2532 x 1170) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto | Dual 12MP ultra-wide and wide-angle |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 2,815 mAh |
| Original Retail Price | Starting at $1,099 | Starting at $799 |
You would also be getting a newer processor, the Apple A14 Bionic, which gives a boost in performance, as well as MagSafe wireless charging at up to 15W. One area that you will see a bit of a drop is the rear camera, which goes from a triple 12MP setup on the iPhone 11 Pro Max to a dual 12MP setup on the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 doesn’t have a telephoto lens. But on the flip side, the iPhone 12 wide-angle lens has an f/1.6 aperture, which is improved from f/1.8 on the 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 can also record HDR video with Dolby Vision at up to 30 frames per second.
The current iPhone 12 pricing can be seen below, and you can learn more about how the iPhone 12 compares to the iPhone 11 Pro Max in our comparison guide.
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iPhone 11 Pro Max vs SE 2020
Going from the iPhone 11 Pro Max to the iPhone SE 2020 is another less common upgrade path. Of course, that isn’t to say there is no benefit. A big phone with a big display sounds like a really great idea — until you begin carrying it around every day.
The iPhone SE (2020) measures in at 5.45 (H) by 2.65 (W) by 0.29 (D), as compared to the iPhone 11 Pro Max which measures in at 6.22 (H) by 3.06 (W) by 0.32 (D). Naturally, the smaller size means a smaller display. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 4.7-inch (1334 x 750) Retina HD display. The iPhone SE also uses a home button with Touch ID, instead of the Face ID found on newer models.
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone SE 2020 | |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (2688 x 1242) | 4.7-inch Retina HD display (1334 x 750) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 7MP front camera |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto | 12MP wide camera |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 1,821 mAh |
| Original Retail Price | Starting at $1,099 | Starting at $399 |
Both of these phones are powered by the Apple A13 Bionic chip, and they have both have options for 64GB and 256GB of storage, though the iPhone 11 Pro Max also has a 512GB option available.
The other trade-off going to the iPhone SE (2020) is the camera. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a triple 12MP camera array on the back and the iPhone SE takes that down to a single 12MP wide-angle lens. That said, if your primary camera usage is grabbing quick images to share via text or email, the single 12MP lens should meet your needs without any issue.
The current iPhone SE 2020 pricing can be seen below, and you can learn more about how the iPhone SE 2020 compares to the iPhone 11 Pro Max in our comparison guide.
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Up until this point, we’ve been looking from the perspective of having an iPhone 11 Pro Max and upgrading to a newer iPhone. Our next two comparisons would be a move from the 11 Pro Max to the 11 Pro and from the 11 Pro Max to the 11. After that, we’ll be looking from the perspective of upgrading to the iPhone 11 Pro Max from an older iPhone.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 11 Pro
Moving from the iPhone 11 Pro Max to the iPhone 11 Pro is a lateral move or side-grade. The specs are largely the same from phone to phone, and the only notable differences are the size of the display, the size of the phone, and the battery.
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone 11 Pro | |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (2688 x 1242) | 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display (2436 x 1125) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto | Triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 3,046 mAh |
| Original Retail Price | Starting at $1,099 | Starting at $999 |
Simply put, the iPhone 11 Pro is smaller in overall size, which brings a smaller display, and a smaller battery. The measurements of the iPhone 11 Pro Max are 6.22 (H) by 3.06 (W) by 0.32 (D) and the measurements of the iPhone 11 Pro are 5.67 (H) by 2.81 (W) by 0.32 (D). The display size goes from a 6.5-inch on the 11 Pro Max to a 5.8-inch on the 11 Pro.
The battery size goes from 3,969 mAh on the 11 Pro Max to 3,687 mAh on the 11 Pro. According to Apple, this means that the iPhone 11 Pro Max can provide up to 20 hours for video playback, whereas the iPhone 11 Pro can provide up to 18 hours.
The current iPhone 11 Pro pricing can be seen below, and you can learn more about how the iPhone 11 Pro compares to the iPhone 11 Pro Max in our comparison guide.
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iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 11
As we noted in the iPhone 11 Pro Max to iPhone 11 Pro section, going from the 11 Pro Max to the iPhone 11 would be a lateral move. Many of the specs are the same from model to model, however, there are some differences in one key area — the rear-facing camera.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a triple 12MP camera on the back with an ultra-wide, wide-angle, and telephoto lens. The iPhone 11 has a dual 12MP setup with an ultra-wide and a wide-angle lens.
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone 11 | |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (2688 x 1242) | 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display (1792 x 828) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto | Dual 12MP ultra-wide and wide-angle |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 3,110 mAh |
| Original Retail Price | Starting at $1,099 | Starting at $699 |
The smaller form factor of the iPhone 11 means a smaller phone, with a smaller display. The display goes from 6.5-inches to 6.1-inches. You also get a little less battery life on the iPhone 11, with up to 17 hours of video playback. The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers up to 20 hours of video playback.
On the flip side, the iPhone 11 Pro Max has four options: white, black, gold, and green. The iPhone 11 offered more (and brighter) options including purple, yellow, green, black, white, and red.
The current iPhone 11 pricing can be seen below, and you can learn more about how the iPhone 11 compares to the iPhone 11 Pro Max in our comparison guide.
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iPhone 11 Pro Max vs XS Max
Going from the iPhone XS Max to the 11 Pro Max means going from the 12th generation to the 13th generation. Moving up a generation means getting the newer Apple processor, which in the case of these two phones means going from the Apple A12 Bionic to the A13 Bionic. You would get a bit of a performance boost due to the newer processor.
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone XS Max | |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine | Apple A12 Bionic with Next-generation Neural Engine |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (2688 x 1242) | 6.5-inch Super Retina HD display (2688 x 1242) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 7MP TrueDepth |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto | Dual 12MP wide-angle and telephoto |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 3,174 mAh |
| Original Retail Price | Starting at $1,099 | Stating at $1,099 |
Overall though, you will notice quite a few similarities between these two models. For example, both have a 6.5-inch Super Retina HD display, they both have 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, and they both measure in at almost the same size. But the iPhone 11 Pro Max has better battery life. Apple states the 11 Pro Max allows for up to 20 hours of video playback, with the XS Max offering up to 15 hours of video playback.
The front-facing camera goes from a 7MP TrueDepth to a 12MP TrueDepth on the 11 Pro Max. The rear camera setup is also improved. Both models have a 12MP wide-angle and telephoto, but the iPhone 11 Pro Max adds an ultra-wide camera. The iPhone 11 Pro Max also has Night Mode and Deep Fusion, neither of which are supported on the iPhone XS Max.
The current iPhone XS Max pricing can be seen below, and you can learn more about how the iPhone XS Max compares to the iPhone 11 Pro Max in our comparison guide.
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iPhone 11 Pro Max vs XS
Choosing to upgrade from an iPhone XS to an iPhone 11 Pro Max means going up one generation. In this case that would have you going from a phone that is powered by an Apple A12 Bionic to a phone that is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic. This means that you will see a bit of a boost in terms of performance. You would also be getting a bigger battery, which according to Apple, means going from up to 14 hours of video playback to up to 20 hours of video playback.
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone XS | |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine | Apple A12 Bionic with Next-generation Neural Engine |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (2688 x 1242) | 5.8-inch Super Retina HD display (2436 x 1125) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 7MP TrueDepth |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto | Dual 12MP wide-angle and telephoto |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 2,658 mAh |
| Original Retail Price | Starting at $1,099 | Starting at $999 |
Another noticeable difference would be the display size. Both models have a Super Retina HD display with True Tone and HDR. But the iPhone XS is 5.8-inches with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and 625 nits max brightness, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max brings that up to a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and an 800 (typical) nits or 1200 (HDR) nits max brightness.
Lastly, the rear-facing camera improvements include the addition of an ultra-wide-angle camera and camera features to include Deep Fusion and Night Mode. The iPhone XS has a dual 12MP wide and telephoto setup, and the 11 Pro Max has a triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto setup.
The current iPhone XS pricing can be seen below, and you can learn more about how the iPhone XS compares to the iPhone 11 Pro Max in our comparison guide.
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iPhone 11 Pro Max vs Xr
The iPhone Xr is part of the 12th generation lineup, which means moving from an iPhone Xr to an iPhone 11 Pro Max (13th generation) would be a year-over-year upgrade. We do not often recommend year-over-year upgrades, but the iPhone Xr was the lower-priced model and the iPhone 11 Pro Max was a higher-end model in their respective generations. Essentially, this means that you would see a decent set of improvements if you opted to follow this upgrade path.
The display size would go from 6.1-inches on the Xr to 6.5-inches on the 11 Pro Max. More importantly, is the quality of the display. The iPhone Xr has a Liquid Retina HD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828, a 1400:1 contrast ratio, and a 625 nits max brightness. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2688 x 1242, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and an 800 nits (typical) max brightness.
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone Xr | |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine | Apple A12 Bionic with Second-generation Neural Engine |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (2688 x 1242) | 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display (1792 x 828) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 7MP TrueDepth |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto | 12MP wide camera |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 2,942 mAh |
| Original Retail Price | Starting at $1,099 | Starting at $749 |
Other highlights for this upgrade path include longer battery life, more storage, and an improved camera setup on the front and back. Apple states the iPhone Xr can offer up to 16 hours of video playback, and the 11 Pro Max is able to offer up to 20 hours. Storage on the iPhone Xr tops out at 128GB, whereas the iPhone 11 Pro Max has options for 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB.
In terms of the camera, the front-facing setup goes from a 7MP TrueDepth on the Xr to a 12MP TrueDepth on the 11 Pro Max. The front-facing camera on the 11 Pro Max can also capture 4k video (at 24, 30, or 60 fps) and slo-mo video (1080 at 120 fps).
Upgrading certainly yields a decent improvement on the front-facing camera, but the rear camera setup is where you’ll likely notice the bigger difference. The iPhone Xr has a single 12MP wide-angle camera on the back. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a triple 12MP camera with an ultra-wide, wide-angle, and telephoto. The 11 Pro Max also brings key camera features such as Night Mode and Deep Fusion.
The current iPhone Xr pricing can be seen below, and you can learn more about how the iPhone Xr compares to the iPhone 11 Pro Max in our comparison guide.
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iPhone 11 Pro Max vs X
The iPhone X was introduced as part of the 11th generation of the iPhone lineup. This means you would be skipping from the 11th generation to the 13th generation, which brings a good boost in terms of overall performance. The iPhone X is powered by the Apple A11 Bionic chip, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max has the Apple A13 Bionic chip.
Both of these models offer options for 64GB or 256GB of storage, but the iPhone 11 Pro Max also has an option for 512GB. Battery life is another big area of improvement. Apple has said the iPhone X will allow for up to 13 hours of video playback, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max brings that up to 20 hours.
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone X | |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine | Apple A11 Bionic with Neural Engine |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (2688 x 1242) | 5.8-inch Super Retina HD display (2436 x 1125) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 7MP TrueDepth |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto | 12MP wide-angle and telephoto |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 2,716 mAh |
| Original Retail Price | Starting at $1,099 | Starting at $999 |
The iPhone X has a good display, a 5.8-inch Super Retina HD with a resolution of 2436 x 1125, a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and a 625 nits max brightness. However, the iPhone 11 Pro Max bumps that up to a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2688 x 1242, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and an 800 nits max brightness. Both models support HDR and True Tone.
Similar to the display, the iPhone X has a good camera setup. But the iPhone 11 Pro Max brings several camera-related improvements as compared to the iPhone X. The front-facing camera setup goes from a 7MP TrueDepth on the X to a 12MP TrueDepth on the 11 Pro Max. The rear-camera setup goes from a dual 12MP wide and telephoto setup on the iPhone X to a triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto setup on the iPhone 11 Pro Max. This brings features such as Deep Fusion, Night Mode, and an improved Portrait Mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control.
The current iPhone X pricing can be seen below, and you can learn more about how the iPhone X compares to the iPhone 11 Pro Max in our comparison guide.
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iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 8 Plus
Upgrading from an iPhone 8 Plus to an iPhone 11 Pro Max means you will see an improvement in almost all aspects of the phone. Added performance comes by way of going from the Apple A11 Bionic with Neural Engine to the A13 Bionic with third-generation Neural Engine. Battery life goes from an estimated up to 14 hours of video playback on the iPhone 8 Plus to up to 20 hours on the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone 8 Plus | |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine | Apple A11 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (2688 x 1242) | 5.5-inch Retina HD display (1920 x 1080) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 7MP TrueDepth |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto | Dual 12MP wide-angle and telephoto |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 2,691 mAh |
| Original Retail Price | Starting at $1,099 | Starting at $799 |
A newer processor and better battery life are certainly good starting points, but that is only the beginning of the improvements. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 5.5-inch (1920 x 1080) display and uses a home button with Touch ID for device security. The iPhone 11 Pro Max display is 6.5-inches and has a resolution of 2688 x 1242. The 11 Pro Max display is also brighter and has HDR support. Another noticeable feature improvement is how the iPhone 11 Pro Max shifts to the gesture-based UI with Face ID. You’ll also have more storage on the 11 Pro Max, with options for 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB. The iPhone X storage topped out at 128GB.
The rear-facing camera also saw notable improvements. The iPhone X has a dual 12MP wide (f/1.8) and telephoto (f/2.8) camera setup. The iPhone 11 Pro Max rear-camera shifted to a triple-camera setup with improved aperture, as well as other features. The 11 Pro Max has an ultra-wide (f/2.4), wide-angle (f/1.8), and telephoto (f/2.0) with new features to include Deep Fusion and Night Mode, along with an improved Portrait Mode.
The current iPhone 8 Plus pricing can be seen below, and you can learn more about how the iPhone 8 Plus compares to the iPhone 11 Pro Max in our comparison guide.
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iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 8
Similar to the iPhone 8 Plus, upgrading from an iPhone 8 to an iPhone 11 Pro Max is going to bring improvements in every aspect of your experience. You switch from a home button with Touch ID to Face ID for your device security, and battery life also increases by nearly 7 hours (according to Apple estimates for video playback).
The processor goes from the Apple A11 Bionic with Neural Engine to the A13 Bionic with third-generation Neural Engine. Storage topped out at 128GB on the iPhone 8, but the 11 Pro Max has options for 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB.
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone 8 | |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic with Third-generation Neural Engine | Apple A11 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 2GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (2688 x 1242) | 4.7-inch Retina HD display (1334 x 750) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 7MP TrueDepth |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto | 12MP wide-angle |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 1,821 mAh |
| Original Retail Price | Starting at $1,099 | Starting at $699 |
So far, this upgrade path means better performance, longer battery life, and more available storage. Perhaps the most noticeable difference is the look and feel. The iPhone 8 is a small phone, with a 4.7-inch (1334 x 750) display, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max steps up with a (nearly) 2-inch bigger display. The 11 Pro Max display measures in at 6.5-inches, and it has a resolution of 2688 x 1242.
The camera will also bring dramatic improvements. The iPhone 8 has a 7MP FaceTime HD camera on the front, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 12MP TrueDepth camera on the front. The rear-facing camera on the iPhone 8 was a single 12MP wide (f/1.8) camera, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max features a triple 12MP setup with an ultra-wide (f/2.4), wide-angle (f/1.8), and telephoto (f/2.0). Of course, improved camera hardware brings improved features, which in the case of this upgrade path, mean Night Mode, Deep Fusion, Portrait Mode, and Portrait Lighting.
The current iPhone 8 pricing can be seen below, and you can learn more about how the iPhone 8 compares to the iPhone 11 Pro Max in our comparison guide.
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Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max worth it in 2020?
The short answer is yes. But not only is the answer, yes, but it is also a firm yes. Not only would you be getting a phone that has a solid set of specs and features, but you will also be able to find an iPhone 11 Pro Max at a great price now that Apple has released the iPhone 12 family.
How to get a cheap iPhone 11 Pro Max
Buying a current-generation iPhone is fun, but it is also expensive, which is why you should consider purchasing an iPhone 11 Pro Max.
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Regardless of which model you choose to purchase, you can rest assured in knowing that you will get a really great deal when you shop in the safe, secure, and easy-to-use Swappa marketplace.
