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dot points since its easier and i don't leave a wall of text wihout spacings.

1) i like the iPhone XS Max, screen has better colors than my iPhone 8 Plus [which I handed to my mom, she likes it]. OLED is noticably better than iPhone X from memory, since apple doesn't overdo the vibrance/saturation on their oled displays to match the LCD displays [in terms of accuracy], but I noticed the new XS Max Displays are that much more vibrant without going overboard which is nice.

2) The camera is notably superior over 8 Plus, I can notice it immediately and I'm a dedicated photographer who uses a dedicated camera [i use a full frame DSLR + 85 f1.4 lens for portraiture since thats what I love photographing]

3) in regards to point (2), this phone will be good for many people [95%] at least who buy it that doesn't want to invest 4000aud++ on a proper dedicated camera but will want one that does the jack of all trades. Whilst I like the natural bokeh created by my DSLR, the iPhone XS Max comes quite close... altho the bokeh isn't as creamy smooth since it's AI/Machine Learning/Software bound but for a phone this is pretty damn good.

4) Adjusting from 8 Plus to Max is very simple. Don't overthink this part. It's just an 8 Plus with a little bit more real estate but with FaceID and better cameras and better OLED display. So if you like your plus phones, by no means go with the Max models. I myself did not notice much difference it felt like any other iPhone, since the form factor was equally close in terms of size jumping from 8 Plus, to MAX for a day, and back to the 8 Plus was easy for me if I had to go through a dilemma of pickin the two.

Likewise, if you are a camera junkie you'll love iPhone XS/XS Max. It's miles better than iPhone X even in terms of photo quality (I've tested iPhone 8 Plus and X but settled with the 8 Plus before because I felt both camera produced the same image without much notable difference that didn't warrant the X's purchase, but I can say the XS [and maybe the XR will have the same league too for a "budget iPhone"] are notable upgrades in the camera department.

As for one handed use. FORGET IT, anyone who talks about 1 handed use disregard their opinions. This is by means a 2 handed device [duh given the size] since reaching the top right will need you to shift your hand a little bit [but it isn't so bad as what most people say, you get used to it quickly]
 
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What about those who went from the 8+... Im giving a lot of thought about if it's gonna be a substantial upgrade. Should I go for the Xs or the Xs Max?..

I would have to pay $260 to change my 8+ and the monthly payment will go up $8 to $10 more.. Not an easy transition
 
This is exactly I feel with my XS, I tried both new phones in my pocket, but the XS felt more comfortable to carry/wasn’t bulging in the pocket. However, I am coming from the iPhone 5 (I get my money’s worth! ;))
At $1149, I am starting to come round to your way of thinking.
 
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I'm so happy to report that iOS 12 fixed all the issues I had with my old airpod. Now it works like a charm. The battery last the whole day. Just need charge at night time. The max is the best iPhone, Apple have ever created. I am so in love with it.
 
I tried going from a Plus phone to the X last year and hated the narrow screen but finally settled on the 8. The Max is great, although I wouldn’t mind losing a cm or so off the top - dislike the new screen ratio, much prefer 16:9.

I also still prefer LCD screens, although turning off True Tone helped a little to get the screen whiter, a slight change in angle and it is back to either blue or yellow/pink tint. Blacker blacks are of no interest to me but whiter whites are important.

However the gold Max feels good in the hand, I can even manage to type one handed, although reaching for Control Centre or Reachability is a two handed task. I plan on keeping this phone until a real dual Sim, 16:9 LCD screen, no bezel iPhone is available - which is probably a long long time.
 
The max is amazing, it’s definitely faster than my laptop at web browsing/loading videos.

I’m just slightly irritated with the warmer display compared to my 7+ but I guess I will get used to it over time
 
I am very happy with my Max. I did come from a 7 plus. The change to the "new age" iphone is very nice. I really like not having a home button.
 
I am enjoying the Max so far.

I do have some weird concerns. Battery doesn't seem all that great on my unit. Weird bugs in settings (iPhone storage listing every app as 'Never Used', and my screen time just is not there from Friday or Saturday.
 
I went from a 7 to the XS and am happy. I love the phone and the camera and screen are amazing to me. Got blown away by the first picture I took. I haven't had any cell issues reported by other users and it hold my wifi signal much further away from my house compared to my 7.
 
Went from a 6S to a XS and not regretting my decision at all. Max and Xr would be too big IMO.

This jump reminds me a lot of going from the iPhone 5 to 6S. I love the feel of the XS, good weight. I have gotten used to the no home button and actually kind of prefer not having it. Camera is excellent especially in low light.
 

None of those would be a reason to bail...IMO! If they are system-wide problems they'll be fixed with the inevitable updates.
 
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