The iPhone XS Max follows the same design as the iPhone X, but on a larger scale. The camera sensors are still in the same place, the back has the same simple reflective glass design, and the frame is still made of stainless steel. Equally, the XS Max retains the iPhone X’s infamous notch, and it is just as thick at a reported 7.7 mm (~0.3 in).

The XS Max is considerably heavier though at 208 g (~7.3 oz) given its gargantuan size. However, the device is a few grams lighter than both the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and the Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium. The 6.5-inch display has plenty of screen space even if you discount the areas surrounding the notch.

The XS Max is available in either Space Gray, Silver or a new Gold variant. According to Apple each of the XS series’ stainless-steel frames are sophisticatedly matched to their respective case color. The fit and finish of our 64-GB Space Gray XS Max test device is excellent, but the whole device is a fingerprint magnet. Apple further claims that they use the most structurally stable glass ever used in a smartphone in their XS series devices. We would recommend getting a screen protector and a case to protect your XS Max, even though Apple’s outlandish claim proves to be true as initial drop tests indicate that the iPhone XS is structurally stronger than its bigger sibling. Equally, the iPhone X’s metal case is susceptible to scratches, so it is likely that the XS Max’s will be too as they are both made of the same alloy.

The device should be strong enough for daily use, particularly as we could not get the case or display to deform with any amount of pressure that we applied with our hands. Annoyingly, our test device creaks audibly when we twist it, which is not something that we would expect from such an expensive smartphone. Equally, the iPhone X does not creak either. Moreover, our test device sounds rather hollow when we tap on the display, but this is a superficial complaint more than anything else.

The case is IP68 certified, but Apple limits the XS Max to just thirty minutes of underwater submersion. However, the device is also resistant to more aggressive liquids such as beer and chlorine, which is an improvement over the iPhone X’s liquid resistance.