iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. XS Max: Which iPhone Is Worth Buying in 2026?

Instead of shelling out for the latest generation iPhone, you can snag an older model for a cheaper price. But how old should you go?

Between the iPhone 11 Pro Max and XS Max, the 11 Pro Max is the better option—especially since you’d have to buy either device refurbished. The XS Max is slightly cheaper, but the 11 Pro Max is a solid choice for an older model you can still use in 2026. 

Apple no longer manufactures the iPhone 11 Pro Max nor the iPhone XS Max, so the risks of purchasing a refurbished phone, like faulty batteries or mismatched parts, could complicate things. But if you can snag a reliable one, you'll save a chunk of cash.

Should I buy a refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max or XS Max?

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Whether you should buy an iPhone 11 Pro Max or XS Max comes down to what you really need. The XS Max delivers the same core experience for a little less money. However, if a better camera or battery are must-haves for you, choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Its triple-camera system with ultra-wide capabilities, slightly better battery life, and speed boost are upgrades over the XS Max. 

While the iPhone XS Max was originally released in 2018, followed a year later by the 11 Pro Max in 2019, both phones have since been discontinued. If you want to snag one for yourself, buying refurbished is your only option. 

That said, both the 11 Pro Max and XS Max can function with the latest iOS update, but don’t expect these earlier models to handle much more. Both have limited storage options, even more so if you opt for the lower 64GB of memory. 

If you decide to buy the iPhone 11 Pro Max or XS Max, only buy from certified refurbishers with warranties—otherwise, you won’t have support when something goes wrong. Besides, most Americans only hold onto their iPhones for about 3 years, so you’re likely to find a great refurbished option.

Where can I buy a refurbished iPhone?

If you’re buying a refurbished iPhone, prioritize trusted sellers that offer warranties, proper testing, and return policies. Generally, the best places to get a used iPhone in great condition or with replaced parts are from Apple itself or massive retailers like Amazon or Best Buy.

You can buy a refurbished iPhone on:

• Apple Certified Refurbished
• Amazon Renewed
• Best Buy
• Black Market
• Gazelle

Although cheaper deals exist on peer-to-peer platforms (like OfferUp), the risk of getting a faulty or blacklisted device might not be worth the savings. 

iPhone 11 Pro Max camera vs. XS Max camera comparison

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The iPhone 11 Pro Max is better for photography, featuring three rear-facing cameras and ultra-wide capability. The iPhone XS Max, on the other hand, is limited to only two cameras, and inferior image software. 

Apple upgraded the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s camera software with Night Mode for low-light photos, and the ability to capture 4K video with all three rear-facing cameras. You can also take slow-motion selfies with the front-facing camera. 

All in all, neither the iPhone XS Max nor the iPhone 11 Pro Max still hold strong in the camera department, but if you're serious about photography, the 11 Pro Max wins out.

Which iPhone has better battery life: XS Max or 11 Pro Max?

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Choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max if you don’t want to have to constantly recharge. Since you’re probably buying a refurbished phone, you already run the risk of depleted battery life, so opt for an extra five hours with the iPhone 11 Pro Max. 

The massive 3,500 mAh battery in the iPhone 11 Pro Max provides more power than the XS Max’s 3,174 mAh battery. It charges quickly too, giving you a 50% charge in around 30 minutes. According to Apple, their impressive strides in this department are not only the result of the battery itself, but a more efficient chip and display (Super Retina XDR). 

iPhone 11 Pro Max display vs. iPhone XS Max display

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Both the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 11 Pro Max feature 6.5" screens, with a slight improvement in the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s HDR display. However, the difference is minimal when it comes to definition. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is brighter and sharper than the iPhone XS, with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. 

The iPhone XS Max's 6.5" display is similarly excellent and also classified as HDR by Apple (granted its contrast ratio is half that of the 11 Pro's at 1,000,000:1). It's safe to say you won't be disappointed by the XS's screen quality, but if you do a lot of video streaming on your phone, you'll definitely appreciate what the 11 Pro Max gives you.

iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. iPhone XS Max processor comparison

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In its day, the A13 chip in the iPhone 11 Pro Max was leaps better than the A12 found in the iPhone XS Max; but today you probably won’t notice much of a difference. With 1.5 billion more transistors, better thermal management, and 20% faster speed, the A13 is much more powerful than the A12. 

However, compared with the latest iPhone models, the difference between the A12 and A13 processors isn't substantial.

Which phone is cheaper, the iPhone 11 Pro Max or the iPhone XS Max?

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The iPhone 11 Pro Max is generally more expensive than the iPhone XS Max, even when both are refurbished and used. You can find a used iPhone 11 Pro Max on Amazon for about $250, while the iPhone XS Max is usually closer to $200. Remember, pricing will depend on where you decide to buy, the availability of the device, and what condition it’s in.