Apple · Released Sep 2018 Last verified April 30, 2026

iPhone XS Max 256GB Review

Name: iPhone XS Max 256GB
Brand: Apple

A12 · iOS · 256GB

Specdex verdict The iPhone XS Max 256GB scores 78/100 — a competent mid-range pick when the price is right, but watch our cheaper-and-better alternatives below.

The iPhone XS Max (256GB) — Apple's 2018 flagship generation with the A12 chipset.

All iPhone XS Max 256GB matchups → From $1,199

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Specdex Score

/ 100

cpu 78

gpu 76

camera 77

Compare

iPhone XS Max 256GB versus its closest rivals

All matchups →

Editorial · Specdex take

Pros

+iOS ecosystem
+Long update support
+Polished hardware

Cons

−Premium pricing
−Limited customization
−Lightning/USB-C split across generations

Who's the iPhone XS Max 256GB for?

Quick verdicts for the most common buyer profiles, derived from the sub-scores above.

Power users and creators Skip

Compute scores trail current top-tier — look at our step-up alternatives below if performance is the priority.

Battery-life shoppers Skip

Battery sub-score of 72 trails category leaders by a meaningful margin — see the “Best for Battery” lists.

Photography enthusiasts Skip

Camera sub-score of 77 is below the photography-flagship tier — better picks live in our "best for photography" list.

Budget-conscious buyers Consider

Mid-tier pricing at $1,199 — review whether the score-per-dollar lines up against the cheaper alternatives we recommend.

In the box

What you get when you unbox the iPhone XS Max 256GB.

Device
USB-C cable
SIM ejector tool
Quick-start guide
Brand sticker

Standard contents — region/SKU may vary; confirm at retailer.

Full score breakdown

Editorial · Specdex score

cpu 78

gpu 76

camera 77

battery 72

display 75

design 78

Sub-scores are Specdex's own assessment, weighted by category. They are not endorsed by, sourced from, or affiliated with the manufacturer. How we score →