iPhone X Plus

When Apple unveiled the iPhone X in 2017, it changed the trajectory of mobile technology forever. However, there was one thing missing for power users: a larger canvas. In 2018, Apple answered those calls with what the rumors originally dubbed the iPhone X Plus, ultimately hitting the market as the iPhone XS Max.

This device represented more than just a size increase; it was the blueprint for every “Pro Max” model we see today. In this article, we dive deep into the design, performance, and lasting impact of the device that brought the “Plus” size into the bezel-less era.

1. The Design Philosophy: From Plus to Max

Before 2018, “Plus” meant a phone with massive top and bottom bezels (the forehead and chin). The iPhone X Plus transition moved that massive 6.5-inch screen into a body roughly the same size as the old iPhone 8 Plus.

Premium Build Materials

The iPhone X Plus utilized a surgical-grade stainless steel frame, which provided significantly more structural integrity than the aluminum used in previous generations. This was paired with the “most durable glass ever in a smartphone” at the time, finished in iconic colors:

• Space Gray

• Silver

• Gold (A new, deeper finish introduced specifically for this generation)

Ergonomics of a Giant

Despite its large screen, the device maintained a slim profile. Apple’s engineering allowed the screen-to-body ratio to reach approximately 84.4%, a staggering leap from the 67.4% found on the iPhone 8 Plus.

2. Display Excellence: The Super Retina Experience

The centerpiece of the iPhone X Plus was undoubtedly its display. It featured a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED panel that remains impressive even by modern standards.

Technical Specifications iPhone X Plus

• Resolution: $2688 \times 1242$ pixels at $458$ ppi.

• Contrast Ratio: $1,000,000:1$.

• HDR Support: Full support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

• True Tone: Sensors that adjust the white balance based on the ambient light of your room.

For the first time, users could watch cinematic content on a mobile device with “true blacks,” thanks to the OLED technology’s ability to turn off individual pixels completely.

3. The Power Within: A12 Bionic and Neural Engine

The iPhone X Plus was powered by the A12 Bionic, the industry’s first 7-nanometer chip. This was a pivotal moment in mobile computing.

iPhone X Plus Performance Breakdown

The A12 Bionic featured a six-core fusion architecture:

• Two Performance Cores: $15\%$ faster than the previous X.

• Four Efficiency Cores: Consumed $50\%$ less power for daily tasks.

• 8-Core Neural Engine: Capable of running $5$ trillion operations per second.

This chip didn’t just make apps open faster; it enabled Smart HDR for the camera and more secure, faster Face ID authentication.

4. iPhone X Plus Photography and Videography

The camera system on the iPhone X Plus was a dual-lens $12$ MP setup, consisting of a wide-angle and a telephoto lens.

Advanced Features

• Dual Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Kept shots steady even in low light.

• Depth Control: For the first time, users could adjust the background blur (bokeh) after taking the photo.

• 4K Video: Smooth $60$ fps recording with extended dynamic range up to $30$ fps.

Fun Fact: The Neural Engine worked so fast that it could perform trillions of operations on every single photo taken, automatically correcting shadows and highlights before you even saw the preview.

5. Battery Life and Connectivity of iPhone X Plus

One of the primary reasons users opted for the “Plus/Max” size was the battery. The featured the largest battery Apple had ever put in a phone up to that point.

• Longevity: It lasted up to $1.5$ hours longer than the standard iPhone X.

• Dual SIM: This model introduced eSIM technology, allowing users to have two phone numbers (Business and Personal) on a single device.

• Gigabit-class LTE: Provided faster download speeds for streaming and browsing on the go.

6. The Legacy of the iPhone X Plus

While the name “iPhone X Plus” eventually became the “iPhone XS Max,” the concept remains the same. It proved that there was a massive market for “Ultra-Premium” devices. It paved the way for the current iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 series by showing that users were willing to pay a premium for more screen real estate and better battery life.

Why it Still Matters Today

Even in the 2020s, the iPhone X Plus (XS Max) is a common sight in the refurbished market. Its support for modern iOS versions and its timeless stainless steel design make it a favorite for those who want a premium feel without the $1,000+$ price tag of the newest models.

Summary Table: Specs at a Glance

Conclusion

The iPhone X Plus was a milestone. It was the moment Apple successfully merged the “Big Screen” trend with the “Bezel-less” future. Whether you call it the X Plus or the XS Max, its influence on the mobile industry is undeniable. It took the bold risks of the iPhone X and scaled them up for a world that can never have enough screen.