Tom’s Guide assessment
The Max combines a larger display with strong battery results, but adds size, weight and cost.
Tom’s GuidePhones & tablets / Review roundup
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
2026 Pro Max, 256GB
Roundup updated 2026-10-03 · 2 assessment sources · 3 additional reviews
What reviewers found
For iPhone buyers who prioritize a large display and endurance over pocketability.
The smaller Pro offers the same core camera features and is easier to live with for many people.
A roundup of published reviews; we haven’t tested this product. How we work
At a glance
Good for
For iPhone buyers who prioritize a large display and endurance over pocketability.
The catch
Heavy two-handed phone; Expensive starting configuration
Where to buy
Current prices are available at the retailer.Check price at Amazon Product search
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Strengths and limitations
Pros
- Large 120Hz display
- Strong reported endurance
Cons
- Heavy two-handed phone
- Expensive starting configuration
In depth
TechRadar assessment
The large model shares the Pro camera experience. Its 249g weight makes one-handed use a more substantial compromise.
TechRadarWho should buy it
For iPhone buyers who prioritize a large display and endurance over pocketability. The smaller Pro offers the same core camera features and is easier to live with for many people.
Tom’s GuideTechRadarReview observations
What reviewers reported in use; these are qualitative observations, not benchmark scores.
Review observation · Published assessment
Qualitative findingTom’s Guide: The Max combines a larger display with strong battery results, but adds size, weight and cost.
Tom’s GuideSpecifications
Check the configuration: memory, storage and cooling can vary between models.
Hardware & configuration
- Chip
- Apple A20 Pro
- Memory
- 12 GB
- Storage
- 256 GB selected
- Display
- 6.9-inch OLED
- Resolution
- 2868 × 1320
- Refresh rate
- ProMotion up to 120 Hz
- Main camera
- 48 MP, variable aperture
- Other rear cameras
- 48 MP ultrawide / 48 MP 4× telephoto
- Front camera
- 18 MP Center Stage
- Weight
- 249 g
- Protection
- IP68
- Port
- USB-C
Still unknown
- No firsthand testing or long-term failure-rate study by Next Interrupt. Published measurements retain their original sample and test conditions.
Watch the reviews
1 videos
Watch on YouTube ↗Dave2D ·
iPhone 18 Pro Max Review - Apple's Hyping The Wrong Thing
Published reviews & comparisons
TechRadar · Comparison ·
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: which should you choose? ↗
Publisher excerptWe compare the key specs and features of the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to help you decide which is right for you.
9to5Mac · Comparison ·
iPhone Duo video reveals size compared to iPhone 18 Pro Max ↗
Publisher excerptiPhone Duo has the largest display ever in an iPhone, bigger even than iPhone 18 Pro Max. But how do the two models truly compare in size? A side-by-side video offers a great look.
Trusted Reviews · Review ·
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Review ↗
Publisher excerptIt's big. It's expensive. But it's great.
Tom’s Guide ·
Tom’s Guide review ↗
The Max combines a larger display with strong battery results, but adds size, weight and cost.
Test scope
The Max combines a larger display with strong battery results, but adds size, weight and cost.
Publisher group: Future
TechRadar ·
TechRadar review ↗
The large model shares the Pro camera experience. Its 249g weight makes one-handed use a more substantial compromise.
Test scope
The large model shares the Pro camera experience. Its 249g weight makes one-handed use a more substantial compromise.
Publisher group: Future
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Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max3 reviewsBetter internal cooling allows games to maintain high framerates for longer periods while running noticeably cooler than the prior model.Trusted Reviews: Weighing 249g, the phone is noticeably heavier than previous generations, making it one of the weightiest devices reviewed recently. Trusted Reviews: While the physical variable aperture is innovative, the visible real-world imaging advantages remain relatively minor and subtle.Compare →