Let’s cut the fluff. You are not looking at the iPhone XS Max because you want the latest tech. You are looking at it because you want that massive Apple logo, the premium stainless steel weight, and the “Max” screen size, but your budget is stuck at ₹18,000.
Back in 2018, this phone cost over ₹1 Lakh. It was the phone for CEOs and influencers. Today, in 2026, it costs less than a basic 5G Android phone. It sounds like the deal of the century. But here is the real truth: Buying an 8-year-old smartphone is like adopting a retired racehorse. It still looks majestic, but can it actually run? Or will it collapse the moment you try to play BGMI?
QUICK SPECS TABLE
| Feature | Specification | The 2026 Reality Check |
| Processor | A12 Bionic (7nm) | Decent for Reels, struggles with heavy gaming. |
| RAM | 4 GB | Just enough for basic multitasking. |
| Display | 6.5″ Super Retina OLED | Still looks better than many budget Androids. |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | Painfully slow if you’ve used 120Hz. |
| Cameras | Dual 12MP (Wide + Tele) | Great daylight shots, No Night Mode. |
| Battery | 3,174 mAh | Likely 80-85% health on used units. Poor backup. |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE Only | NO 5G. This is a dealbreaker for many. |
| Current Price | ₹14,500 – ₹20,000 | (Refurbished/Used Market) |
DESIGN & BUILD (Deep Dive)
If there is one reason to buy this phone, it is this section right here. The iPhone XS Max is built like a tank dressed in a tuxedo.
- The Materials: Unlike the plastic (or “glasstic”) you get on a Redmi Note 13 Pro or Realme, the XS Max uses surgical-grade stainless steel. It feels cold, heavy, and expensive.
- The Weight: At 208 grams, it’s heavy. But it’s a “good heavy.” It feels dense.
- The Gold Color: If you can find the Gold variant, grab it. It was a unique, coppery gold that Apple hasn’t quite replicated since.
- Durability: The glass is tough, but it’s still glass. A drop will cost you ₹8,000+ for a back glass replacement.
The “In-Hand” Truth: It feels more premium than a standard iPhone 14 or 15. Seriously.
DISPLAY & VISUALS
The screen is a 6.5-inch OLED panel. In 2018, this was revolutionary. In 2026, it is… mixed.
- The Good: The colors are punchy, blacks are deep (thanks to OLED), and 1080p videos look fantastic. If you just watch Netflix or YouTube, you will love it.
- The Bad: It is stuck at 60Hz. If you are coming from a 120Hz Android phone, the scrolling on the XS Max will feel “choppy” or laggy. It’s not lagging; it’s just fewer frames per second.
- Brightness: It peaks at about 625 nits typical brightness. Outdoors under the harsh Indian summer sun, you will struggle to read Google Maps. Modern budget phones now hit 1000+ nits easily.
PERFORMANCE & GAMING
This is where the age shows. The A12 Bionic was a beast, but apps in 2026 are heavier.
- Daily Usage: For WhatsApp, Instagram, and web browsing, it is surprisingly smooth. Apple’s optimization is magic.
- Gaming:
- BGMI / COD Mobile: You can play on “Smooth + Extreme” settings, but the phone will overheat within 20 minutes. The stainless steel frame spreads heat, so your hands will get sweaty.
- Multitasking: With only 4GB RAM, apps will reload in the background frequently.
- Software Updates: This is the biggest risk. As of late 2025/2026, the iPhone XS series is on the chopping block for major iOS updates. You might be stuck on iOS 18 or 19 forever, getting only security patches.
CAMERA (The “No Night Mode” Problem)
The iPhone XS Max takes beautiful photos, provided the sun is shining.
- Daylight: The “Smart HDR” is still very capable. Skin tones are natural—better than the over-processed beauty filters on Chinese Androids. It has that classic “iPhone look.”
- Portrait Mode: Edge detection is decent, though it struggles with curly hair sometimes.
- Video: This is still superior to almost any Android phone under ₹20,000. 4K at 60fps is stable and crisp. If you are a budding content creator, this is a cheap entry point.
- The Dealbreaker: There is NO dedicated Night Mode. Low-light photos are noisy, dark, and often unusable compared to an iPhone 11 or a modern budget Android. You have to rely on flash.
BATTERY & ENDURANCE
Don’t expect miracles.
- Used Reality: Most used XS Max units will have 80-85% battery health.
- Screen-on-Time: Expect about 4 to 5 hours. You will need a power bank by 4 PM.
- Charging: It supports 15W fast charging (slow by 2026 standards). It takes over 1.5 hours to go from 0-100%.
THE COMPETITION: OLD KING VS NEW PRETENDERS
The Winner:
- For Practicality: Redmi Note 13 Pro. You get 5G, warranty, 120Hz screen, and all-day battery. It is the logical choice.
- For Photography: iPhone 11. The inclusion of Night Mode and the Ultra-Wide lens makes it much more versatile than the XS Max, even if the screen is worse.
- For “Flex” Value: iPhone XS Max. It looks the most expensive. If your goal is to look like you own a premium device, this wins.
Read More : iQOO 15 Review
FINAL VERDICT
Buy it if:
- You are desperate for an OLED iPhone on a strict budget (under ₹18k).
- You primarily use your phone for watching movies and want a big screen.
- You want a secondary phone that feels incredibly premium in hand.
Skip it if:
- You need 5G. (This phone will never support Jio/Airtel 5G).
- You take a lot of photos at night (Clubbing, dinners, etc.).
- You are a heavy gamer. It heats up too fast.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
(Still a beauty, but age and lack of 5G are catching up fast.)
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q1: Does iPhone XS Max support 5G in India?
No. The iPhone XS Max is a 4G-only device. You cannot use Jio True 5G or Airtel 5G Plus on this phone.
Q2: Is iPhone XS Max good for PUBG/BGMI in 2026?
It is “playable” but not “good.” It supports high graphics but heats up quickly, which leads to frame drops and dimming of the screen.
Q3: How much does a battery replacement cost?
An original Apple battery replacement can cost ₹6,000 – ₹7,000. Third-party batteries cost ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 but may show “Service” warnings in settings.
Q4: Will WhatsApp stop working on iPhone XS Max?
Not anytime soon. Even if iOS updates stop, app support usually continues for another 2-3 years. You are safe until at least 2028.
Q5: iPhone XS Max or iPhone 11?
If you watch videos, get the XS Max (Better Screen). If you take photos, get the iPhone 11 (Better Cameras + Night Mode).
