I have the max coming from both a 6 plus and 7 plus. I am still trying to decide if the Max is right for me. It feels massive, especially in a case. I love the screen size for watching video but for other uses it almost feels too big, like it screams look at my phone.
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iPhone X on the fence: Max vs XS
- Thread starter SHKLMRE
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Been Plus since it existed. Held off on X as it wasn’t quite wide enough for me. Went with 8+. Love the build of the 8+ but I now know .. 95-% I’m ready to go down to XS. I don’t even need to update but my pinkie is tapping out. My wife went from Plus to X last year. She loves it. When I hold her phone it feels perfect.
I’ve spent over an hour in a store comparing XS & XSM and other than video I don’t see much advantage with the XSM.
I’ve spent over an hour in a store comparing XS & XSM and other than video I don’t see much advantage with the XSM.
I’m coming from the Pixel 2 XL which is the same size as the Max but has roughly the same size screen size as the XS.
I took advantage of Apple’s generous return policy and ordered both the Max and XS (sim-free versions) and used them both for several days. Ended up keeping the XS. I have pretty big hands and could deal with the Max’s size, but found that with the screen being so big on it, it required way too much two-handed use. With the XS I can reach all 4 corners while using it single-handed and that made such a big difference.
I took advantage of Apple’s generous return policy and ordered both the Max and XS (sim-free versions) and used them both for several days. Ended up keeping the XS. I have pretty big hands and could deal with the Max’s size, but found that with the screen being so big on it, it required way too much two-handed use. With the XS I can reach all 4 corners while using it single-handed and that made such a big difference.
Lots of people here have said they feel the Max feels bigger than the 6+, 7+, and 8+ phones, but physically, it's not. It's a bit smaller overall.
I think people feel the XS Max is bigger because you're expected to be able to swipe from the top and bottom of the screen, and with no top and bottom bezels, it's too difficult for those gestures. With previous Plus phones, you could still get away with some one-handed use. You could use your thumb (single-handed) to swipe up for Control Centre, and unlock your phone with Touch ID.
Now you get Face ID that requires you to swipe, and you need to swipe down from both top corners (!!!) and you can't do it. You can't do it, so it's "too big". It's too big for that sort of screen-swiping. It's too big for some of the one-handed use you used to be able to do.
I think people feel the XS Max is bigger because you're expected to be able to swipe from the top and bottom of the screen, and with no top and bottom bezels, it's too difficult for those gestures. With previous Plus phones, you could still get away with some one-handed use. You could use your thumb (single-handed) to swipe up for Control Centre, and unlock your phone with Touch ID.
Now you get Face ID that requires you to swipe, and you need to swipe down from both top corners (!!!) and you can't do it. You can't do it, so it's "too big". It's too big for that sort of screen-swiping. It's too big for some of the one-handed use you used to be able to do.
I love face id. And I love the big screen. I can't help but feel the back being glass really adds to the weight. I feel like I'm carrying a brick.
Not complaining but it just isn't for me.
I love being able to choose whatever device size I want with Apple. Heading to the att store tomorrow to return and give myself some time to decide what I want to do.
Except physically it is due to the reasons you stated.
I’m surprised Apple didn’t adjust the UI for the Max. Reachability, while useful, is only a bandaid.
I'm not surprised at all it took them almost 4 years to realise that a 1 handed keyboard would be a good idea on a plus sized phone. No way that have happened on SJs watch. Neither would a mouse that you can't use whilst plugged in but that's another post altogether!
In my time with the max I also noticed that my WiFi speed felt slower, will be interested to see how that develops as it seems to be widespread.
Exactly. In the past (used all plus versions except the 8) I had to go with Plus because the screen and battery life of 4.7" versions were dismal, and there was a camera bonus from the 7 Plus.
Now, there is literally zero incentive to have to lug that brick around, as the Max offers nothing extra (battery life with X(s) is easily a day).
Apple really needs to differentiate the big screen phones by, you know, actually doing something worthwhile with the big screens other than just making them geriatric friendly.
I’ve always liked big phones and have used phablets since 2012. The X is a nice size though. Very comfortable to hold and for web browsing and anything but videos it’s pretty perfect. However I did upgrade to the max because I want a bigger screen for watching videos. One that I don’t have to zoom in on and have the notch intruding in my video. I also find I make more mistakes typing on the X than I did on the plus models. However one handed use will not be a problem as I’ve used the plus models standing up on the train before with one hand.
I think both phones performance is almost same. But MAX battery life and screen size best in comparison to XS. May be this blog can clear your confusion : https://www.iglobsyn.com/apple-announces-iphone-xs-xs-max-xr/
Why are you trying so hard here to convince others that what you think is the model right for you is also right for everybody else around here ?
I caved and exchanged my XS for the XS Max. The XS is a good overall chassis size but the screen's non-standard aspect ratio makes is "small" for video and landscape web browsing.
Have taken my Max back today and now have an XS instead.
Much as I loved the big screen, I found it a nuisance to carry about, and in particular the weight was just excessive in my opinion. Just too much of a trade off.
Sitting typing this on my XS I am feeling much happier, it’s definitely the right choice for me personally.
And to answer the question that I previously asked, it was no problem at all to return an online order to a retail store. (I’m in the UK).
Much as I loved the big screen, I found it a nuisance to carry about, and in particular the weight was just excessive in my opinion. Just too much of a trade off.
Sitting typing this on my XS I am feeling much happier, it’s definitely the right choice for me personally.
And to answer the question that I previously asked, it was no problem at all to return an online order to a retail store. (I’m in the UK).
Spot on! This is why I went from Android to iPhone XS. The smaller size just works better for me.