The iPhone XS Max, launched in 2018, was once Apple's flagship device, offering a large display, powerful performance, and premium design. But in 2025, is it still a smart buy? With prices starting at just $170+ for a Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone XS Max, it remains an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Plus, it still supports iOS 18, meaning it gets the latest software updates from Apple.
Let’s dive into its specs, performance, and whether it’s still worth your money.
Before assessing whether the iPhone XS Max is still a good purchase in 2025, here’s a quick look at its key specifications:
| Feature | iPhone XS Max Specs |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| Launch Announced | September 12, 2018 |
| Status | Available, Released September 21, 2018 |
| Body Dimensions | 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm (6.20 x 3.05 x 0.30 in) |
| Weight | 208 g (7.34 oz) |
| Build | Glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back (Corning-made glass), stainless steel frame |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM / Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust-tight and water-resistant (immersible up to 2m for 30 min) |
| Apple Pay | Supported (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified) |
| Display Type | Super Retina OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 625 nits (HBM) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.9 cm² (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1242 x 2688 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~458 ppi density) |
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Additional Display Features | 3D Touch |
| Operating System | iOS 12, upgradable to iOS 18.3.1 |
| Chipset | Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) |
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
| Memory (No Card Slot) | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 512GB 4GB RAM (NVMe) |
| Main Camera | Dual: 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS + 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom |
| Camera Features | Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama) |
| Video Recording | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR, stereo sound recording |
| Selfie Camera | 7 MP, f/2.2, 32mm (standard) + SL 3D (depth/biometrics sensor) |
| Selfie Camera Features | HDR |
| Selfie Video | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
Despite being over six years old, the iPhone XS Max still performs surprisingly well in 2025. Here’s a breakdown of its performance in key areas:
The A12 Bionic chip was ahead of its time when it launched, featuring a 7nm architecture and a powerful Neural Engine. Even in 2025, it handles everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and messaging effortlessly. However, newer iPhones with A15 or A16 chips will offer better gaming performance and power efficiency.
One of the biggest strengths of the iPhone XS Max is its 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display. With HDR10 support and True Tone technology, it still provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it a great choice for watching videos or gaming. While newer models have ProMotion 120Hz displays, the 60Hz refresh rate on the XS Max still feels smooth for most users.
The 12MP dual-camera system on the iPhone XS Max still holds up for casual photography. It includes a wide and telephoto lens, offering optical zoom and Smart HDR for better image processing. While it lacks features like Night Mode found in later models, daytime shots remain impressive. The 7MP front camera is also decent for FaceTime and selfies.
Battery life is one of the main concerns for older iPhones. The 3174mAh battery originally provided all-day usage, but after several years, battery degradation is expected. If you're buying a Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone XS Max, make sure it comes with at least 85% battery health or consider replacing the battery for optimal performance.
One of the biggest reasons the iPhone XS Max is still relevant in 2025 is continued software support. Apple has rolled out iOS 18 for this model, meaning it still gets the latest features, security updates, and app compatibility. This is a significant advantage over Android phones of similar age, which typically lose support much sooner.
One of the biggest advantages of buying a Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone XS Max in 2025 is its affordability. While flagship iPhones now cost well over $1,000, you can find a Certified Used iPhone XS Max starting at just $170—a price that’s well below the $200 mark.
| Model | Price (Certified Used) | Software Support | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS Max | Starts at $170+ | iOS 18 supported | Large OLED display, dual camera, A12 chip |
| iPhone 11 | Starts at $150+ | iOS 18 supported | Improved battery life, Night Mode camera |
| iPhone SE (3rd Gen) | Starts at $150+ | iOS 18 supported | A15 Bionic chip, compact size, single-camera |
| iPhone 12 | Starts at $190+ | iOS 18 supported | 5G support, OLED display, better camera system |
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly iPhone with a premium feel, the iPhone XS Max still holds strong in 2025. It’s an excellent option for media consumption, gaming, and everyday use without breaking the bank.
When shopping for an iPhone XS Max in 2025, you’ll come across three common conditions:
If you’re looking for the best value for money, a Certified Used iPhone XS Max from trusted sellers like Apple, Amazon, and BestBuy gives you a balance of price and reliability without paying the premium for an Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone XS Max.
Finding the best deal on a Certified Used iPhone XS Max or Refurbished iPhone XS Max can be overwhelming, but UpTrade simplifies the process by doing the research for you.
Instead of searching through multiple websites, UpTrade compares prices from trusted sellers like Apple, Amazon, and BestBuy in one place.
UpTrade makes it easy to get a high-quality iPhone XS Max at the lowest price—without the hassle of searching through different marketplaces.
Yes! If you’re looking for an affordable iPhone that still performs well, the iPhone XS Max in 2025 remains a great choice—especially if you buy a Certified Used iPhone XS Max or Refurbished iPhone XS Max from trusted resellers.
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