iPhone XR vs XS vs XS Max: Which is worth buying in 2026?

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EDITOR'S NOTE:

Since their release 2018, the iPhone X series—including the XR, XS, and XS Max—have been replaced by newer iPhone models. None of the iPhone XS or XR phones still receive or support the latest iOS version and are all now considered obsolete.

The information below reflects the data and pricing at the time of the devices' releases, and availability will differ from when we first reviewed them. You can upgrade to a newer iPhone, or you may still be able to find refurbished models of these devices through retailers such as Amazon or eBay.

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With so many variations of the iPhone X to choose from, figuring out which one best suits your needs can be quite the undertaking. All three devices are sure to leave most users happy, but there are some important distinctions between them that you should be aware of. Knowing the differences will help you decide which iPhone X model is right for you.

iPhone X models compared

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The XS, XS Max, and XR, while a few years old, are all excellent iPhones in their own right. What’s more, with every subsequent iPhone release, these devices get cheaper, so you can score one for a fraction of the price of a current generation iPhone. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the different features available for each iPhone X model:

iPhone XS: The all-around performance upgrade

The iPhone XS builds on the strengths of the older iPhone X, while maintaining an identical appearance. The biggest changes in the iPhone XS comes in the form of a turbo-charged processor, HDR10 support, louder speakers, smoother touch-screen responsiveness, and dual sim support.

Despite these changes, the leaps in performance are noticeable, but not game-changing—particularly with the release of the iPhone 11 and 12. That said, when compared to a phone like the iPhone XR, the XS is the clear winner when it comes to performance between the two. We’ve listed the iPhone XS features in greater detail below:

• 64GB, 256GB, 512GB storage options
• 5.8-inch OLED Multi-Touch display
• Super Retina HD 
• Dual 12MP rear cameras
• A12 Bionic chip with six-core fusion architecture
• Dual 12MP rear cameras
• Surgical grade stainless steel
• IP68 water resistance
• Dual-SIM support
• 2,800 mAh battery

iPhone XS Max: The biggest screen and longest battery of the trio

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The primary difference between the iPhone XS Max and regular iPhone XS is size. The XS Max features a 6.5-inch Super Retina display that offers a million-to-one contrast ratio, whereas the iPhone XS screen is a relatively modest 5.8 inches. Apple also says the XS Max's battery life is 90-minutes better than X, but only about 30 minutes better than the XS base model.

If you’re only thinking of getting the iPhone XS Max for its larger screen, keep in mind that the XR—while not as big—is larger than the XS base model. This makes the XR a decent alternative (as far as larger screens are concerned) for quite a bit cheaper, however, the specs won’t match the XS in terms of performance. 

Like XS, the XS Max also includes: 

• 64GB, 256GB, 512GB storage options
• Super Retina HD 
• Dual 12MP rear cameras
• A12 Bionic chip with six-core fusion architecture
• Dual 12MP rear cameras
• Surgical grade stainless steel
• IP68 water resistance
• Dual-SIM support

Additional XS Max features:

• 6.5-inch OLED Multi-Touch display
• 3,400 mAh battery

iPhone XR: The budget-friendly pick with all-day battery

The iPhone XR is a cheaper alternative to the XS and XS Max, yet includes some of the same core specs—things like an A12 Bionic chip-driven processor and dual-SIM support.  

The trade-off for the iPhone XR comes down to both the screen quality—which is LCD as opposed to OLED—and its overall build. Additionally, storage maxes out at 256GB instead of 512GB, but the XR wins out on battery life, given its slightly less vibrant, LCD display.

Like the XS and XS Max, the XR includes: 

• A12 Bionic chip with six-core fusion architecture
• Dual-SIM support

iPhone XR specific specs: 

• 64GB, 128GB, 256GB storage options
• 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display
• Single 12MP wide-angle camera
• Best battery life of the three new iPhones
• Aerospace-grade aluminum 
• IP67 water resistance
• A bunch of awesome colors

Which iPhone X model is best?

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In the end, there's no one clear "best iPhone" out of these three Apple phones—everyone's needs are different, so there's just a "best for you." With that in mind, here are our categorizations to help you decide whether an upgrade is worth it: 

Best for screen: iPhone XS Max

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The iPhone XS, of course, includes all of the features found in the XS Max—A12 processor, dual 12MP cameras, IP68 water resistance, surgical-grade stainless steel, Super Retina HD display—within a profile that fits more easily in one hand. Keep in mind, the XS's screen stretches end to end, so you're not sacrificing that much in terms of display real estate. 

Best for top features: iPhone XS

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The iPhone XS, of course, includes all of the features found in the XS Max—A12 processor, dual 12MP cameras, IP68 water resistance, surgical-grade stainless steel, Super Retina HD display—within a profile that fits more easily in one hand. Keep in mind, the XS's screen stretches end to end, so you're not sacrificing that much in terms of display real estate. 

In the end, there's no one clear "best iPhone" out of the three Apple is releasing—everyone's needs are different, so there's just a "best for you." With that in mind, here

Best for price, battery, and colors: iPhone XR

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While the XS and XS Max are not exactly brand-new phones, they are still incredibly expensive by most standards. The XR, while not on the same level regarding specs, still offers a great iPhone experience, albeit, for a much lower price. The XR is still lightning quick, and will serve as a perfectly suitable device for most of us iPhone users. Moreover, the XR features the best battery of the three phones, and a range of cool colors.  

Is the iPhone X Series worth buying today?

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With a new iPhone being released each and every year, old iPhones can seem to lose their appeal quickly. The truth is, with each passing year, the leaps in iPhone innovation become more incremental, meaning they stand the test of time better than they have in previous generations. Because of this, shopping iPhones that are one or two years older—such as the iPhone XS and XR— can save you quite a bit of money, without sacrificing much in terms of overall performance. If you still want the typical iPhone experience, without the hefty price tag you’ll definitely still be getting your money’s worth with a phone that is a couple years old.

If you're not ready to make the leap to Apple, see how the Samsung Galaxy S10 compares to the iPhone XS.

Getting a cell phone plan for your iPhone

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Given the price tag of Apple's new iPhones, the majority of us will purchase them via installment plan from a carrier. While you may not be able to do anything to affect the price of the phone you buy, you do have a lot of options when it comes to picking a cell phone plan to go along with it. 

When you're ready to start comparing plans from all of the carriers, head over to WhistleOut's industry-leading cell phone plan comparison engine, or use our best-in-class phone finder. 

iPhone X series: FAQ

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Is the iPhone X series supported by Apple?

No, the iPhone X series is no longer supported by Apple.

Is iPhone XS Max the same as iPhone XR?

The iPhone XS Max is not the same as the iPhone XR. Their displays and camera systems are two features that differ from one another, though they both share Apple's A12 Bionic processor chip.

Is an iPhone XS and XR the same size?

No, the iPhone XS and XR are not the same size. The iPhone XS display is 5.8 inches, while the iPhone XR display is 6.1 inches.

When will the newest iPhone be released?

The newest iPhone is typically released in September of each year. Check our guide to the iPhone's release dates to see its history and find out when the newest device is coming out.

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