The iPhone XS Max, released in 2018, may not be the latest model in Apple’s lineup, but it still boasts an impressive array of features that make it a formidable choice for anyone looking for a high-performance smartphone. While much of the attention surrounding iPhones is focused on the most recent releases, the iPhone XS Max is still incredibly relevant today. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the often-overlooked features of the iPhone XS Max, its outstanding performance, and why it still offers great value in 2025.
For Australian consumers considering purchasing the iPhone XS Max, you can rest assured that Wise Market Australia offers this powerful device at competitive prices with outstanding customer support, making it a trusted place for your next iPhone purchase.
The Powerhouse Inside – iPhone XS Max’s A12 Bionic Chip
When the iPhone XS Max was released, it was powered by Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, which was the first-ever 7-nanometer chip in a smartphone. At the time, the A12 was a significant leap forward in terms of performance and efficiency. Fast forward to 2025, and while newer models like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 have arrived with even more powerful chips, the A12 Bionic chip in the iPhone XS Max still holds its ground. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons why the iPhone XS Max continues to perform at such a high level years after its release.
Key Features of the A12 Bionic Chip:
- High Efficiency: The A12 Bionic chip is made up of a 6-core CPU that makes tasks like browsing, gaming, and multitasking feel incredibly fluid. In real-world performance, whether you are playing a demanding game like PUBG or running complex apps, the iPhone XS Max handles it with ease. For everyday tasks like social media browsing, photography, and even video editing, the A12 chip does not slow down.
- Neural Engine: The 8-core Neural Engine was designed specifically for machine learning tasks, such as recognizing objects in photos, enhancing face recognition for Face ID, and making apps run smoother and faster. It’s a feature that many people don’t notice on a day-to-day basis but significantly improves the overall user experience.
- Energy Efficiency: Another major highlight of the A12 chip is its energy efficiency. Despite its power, it uses less power than previous generations, meaning you get longer battery life. Apple was able to offer an all-day battery with the XS Max, despite its large screen and powerful internals.
Comparison with Other Models:
When you compare the iPhone XS Max with newer models like the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, or iPhone 13, you’ll find that the newer models come with even more advanced chips, such as the A13, A14, or A15. However, these newer chips offer only marginal performance improvements, especially when it comes to tasks like everyday browsing, gaming, or even multitasking. The A12 chip is still incredibly capable and offers great value for anyone who doesn’t need the latest and greatest processing power.
In fact, when you consider the difference in pricing between the iPhone XS Max and the newer iPhone models, the A12 Bionic chip in the XS Max offers an unbeatable performance-to-cost ratio, especially for customers in Australia shopping through Wise Market Australia.
The iPhone XS Max Display – Still One of the Best Screens Around
When it comes to displays, Apple has always been known for creating stunning, high-quality screens. The iPhone XS Max boasts a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display, which remains one of the most visually impressive screens on the market. The screen itself offers a resolution of 2688 x 1242 pixels, ensuring sharpness and detail in every image.
Key Display Features:
- True Tone Technology: One of the standout features of the iPhone XS Max’s display is its True Tone technology. This feature automatically adjusts the white balance of the screen to match the surrounding light, providing a more natural viewing experience. Whether you’re outdoors in the sunlight or using the phone in a dim room, the display adapts to give you the most accurate colors possible.
- HDR10 and Dolby Vision Support: For video enthusiasts, the XS Max supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, which are high-dynamic-range (HDR) video formats. This allows users to watch videos with deeper contrasts and more vibrant colors. The XS Max’s display can render richer reds, greens, blues, and deeper blacks, making it a joy to watch HD content on streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and more.
- Brightness and Color Accuracy: Although newer iPhone models, such as the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14, may offer slightly higher peak brightness, the XS Max’s display still performs well in most environments. It’s capable of reaching brightness levels of up to 625 nits, and the color accuracy is on par with current-generation iPhones.
Comparison with Other Models:
When comparing the iPhone XS Max’s display to the iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro, the differences are relatively small. While the iPhone 12 offers Ceramic Shield for added durability, the visual experience on the XS Max remains fantastic. For users who don’t necessarily need the absolute brightest or latest OLED tech, the XS Max offers an incredible display at a more affordable price.
For Australians purchasing through Wise Market Australia, the iPhone XS Max provides a fantastic display that rivals even newer models at a fraction of the price.
iPhone XS Max Camera – Still Taking Stunning Photos
The iPhone XS Max comes equipped with a 12 MP dual-camera system, which includes both a wide and telephoto lens. While this setup may seem standard by today’s smartphone camera standards, it remains a powerhouse in terms of quality and versatility.
Key Camera Features:
- Smart HDR: The iPhone XS Max utilizes Smart HDR, which takes multiple photos at different exposures and then combines them into one image to ensure that every photo is perfectly exposed. Whether you’re shooting portraits in bright sunlight or taking landscape shots at sunset, Smart HDR ensures that every photo captures the finest details.
- Portrait Mode with Depth Control: Portrait mode on the iPhone XS Max allows you to take stunning photos with a beautiful bokeh effect (blurred background). The XS Max also includes a feature called Depth Control, which allows you to adjust the level of background blur after the photo is taken, giving you greater control over your shots.
- Enhanced Low-Light Performance: Although the iPhone XS Max doesn’t have Night Mode (a feature found on the iPhone 11 and beyond), it still performs well in low light thanks to its larger sensor. Whether you’re in a dimly lit restaurant or taking a nighttime shot, the camera captures bright and sharp images with minimal noise.
Comparison with Other Models:
When compared to the iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro, the XS Max’s camera system is still competitive. The iPhone 11 Pro introduced Night Mode, which helps with low-light photography, while the iPhone 12 Pro added the LiDAR scanner for better portrait shots and AR experiences. However, the iPhone XS Max’s camera can still hold its own, especially in well-lit environments. If you’re an Australian looking to get a premium iPhone camera without the extra cost, the iPhone XS Max is still an excellent option.
iPhone XS Max Battery – All-Day Power That Keeps Going
One of the often-overlooked aspects of the iPhone XS Max is its excellent battery life. Despite its large display and powerful internals, the XS Max offers all-day battery life, making it an ideal phone for users who don’t want to constantly recharge their device.
Key Battery Features:
- Long Battery Life: Thanks to the combination of a large 3,174 mAh battery and the energy-efficient A12 Bionic chip, the iPhone XS Max is able to deliver all-day performance with normal usage. Apple claims up to 25 hours of talk time, and most users can easily get through a full day without needing to recharge.
- Fast Charging: The iPhone XS Max supports fast charging, which means that you can charge your device to 50% in just 30 minutes with a fast charger (sold separately). This is a huge advantage for users who need to charge their phone quickly before heading out.
- Wireless Charging: The XS Max also supports wireless charging, which allows you to charge your phone using any Qi-certified wireless charging pad. This makes it easy to charge your device without having to deal with cables.
Comparison with Other Models:
Compared to the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, the iPhone XS Max’s battery life is very comparable, though it’s a bit behind the iPhone 12’s improved energy efficiency. Still, the XS Max holds up well in real-world usage, and its battery can last a full day for most users.
For customers in Australia who are considering purchasing the iPhone XS Max from Wise Market Australia, it’s a great option for users who want long battery life without paying the premium price for newer models.
Face ID – Your Secure, Effortless Way to Unlock Your Phone
Face ID on the iPhone XS Max was a revolutionary feature at the time of release, and it continues to be one of the most secure and seamless methods for unlocking your phone. With its advanced 3D facial recognition, Face ID is incredibly accurate and can unlock your phone even in low-light conditions.
Key Features of Face ID:
- Fast and Secure: Face ID is incredibly fast and accurate. It works by using the TrueDepth camera system to scan your face in 3D, ensuring that only you can unlock the device. It’s much more secure than the Touch ID fingerprint sensor and works seamlessly in all conditions.
- Integration with Apps and Payments: Face ID is also used for authenticating app logins and making secure payments through Apple Pay, ensuring that your sensitive information is kept secure.
Comparison with Other Models:
Face ID on the XS Max is as fast and accurate as the newer iPhone models. While the iPhone 12 Pro and later versions feature faster Face ID recognition, the difference is minimal. The XS Max still offers one of the most secure methods of unlocking your device.
iOS Updates – Future-Proofing Your Device
A key benefit of buying the iPhone XS Max is that it will continue to receive software updates for several more years. Apple has a well-deserved reputation for providing long-term software support for its devices, ensuring that your phone will stay up to date with the latest features, security patches, and improvements.
Conclusion: iPhone XS Max — Still a Smart Choice in 2025
The iPhone XS Max is far from obsolete in 2025. Its performance, display, camera system, and battery life continue to hold up against newer models, and its price point makes it an incredible value. For Australians looking to purchase an iPhone XS Max, Wise Market Australia offers a trusted platform to buy this amazing technology device with excellent customer service and support.
Despite the newer models on the market, the iPhone XS Max remains an excellent option for anyone who wants a high-quality, feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank. Whether you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or switching from another brand, the iPhone XS Max offers great value, performance, and longevity for years to come.
