iPhone XS Three Bigger Screens? Size Guide
No, the iPhone XS does not come in three bigger screens. Apple released the iPhone XS with a single 5.8-inch display and the iPhone XS Max with a 6.5-inch display; there is no third, larger model in the XS lineup. This article explains the exact screen sizes, how they compare to other iPhones, and which one might suit you.
The iPhone XS Lineup: Two Sizes, Not Three
When Apple introduced the iPhone XS in September 2018, it offered two models: the iPhone XS (5.8 inches) and the iPhone XS Max (6.5 inches). The “XS Max� was the larger option, and there was no third phone with an even bigger screen. The confusion likely comes from the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max (also two sizes) or from the iPhone 12 Pro Max, 13 Pro Max, and 14 Pro Max, which are separate generations.
Here are the exact display sizes for the XS family:
- iPhone XS: 5.8-inch OLED display
- iPhone XS Max: 6.5-inch OLED display
Both use Super Retina OLED technology with a resolution of 2436×1125 pixels (XS) and 2688×1242 pixels (XS Max). The pixel density is 458 ppi on both, so text and images look equally sharp—the Max just shows more content because the screen is physically larger.
Why People Think There Are Three Sizes
The idea of “three bigger screens� may stem from the iPhone 11 series, which came in three sizes: 5.8-inch (iPhone 11 Pro), 6.1-inch (iPhone 11), and 6.5-inch (iPhone 11 Pro Max). Or it could come from the iPhone 12 and later, which offer 5.4, 6.1, and 6.7-inch models. The XS generation, however, only had two sizes.
Another source of confusion: the iPhone XR (released alongside the XS) has a 6.1-inch screen, but it is a lower-cost model with an LCD display, not a third XS variant. So if you see a list of “three iPhones from 2018,� it’s the XS, XS Max, and XR—not three XS screens.
Screen Size vs. Body Size: What “Bigger� Really Means
Screen size is measured diagonally, from corner to corner. A 6.5-inch display is about 12% larger in diagonal than a 5.8-inch display, but the actual area difference is more significant: the XS Max has roughly 20% more screen area. That means more room for videos, games, and split-screen apps.
However, the phone body is also bigger. The XS Max is taller, wider, and heavier than the XS. If you want a larger screen without a huge phone, the XS Max is the only option in this lineup. There is no “middle ground� like a 6.1-inch XS.
Comparing XS Screens to Other iPhones
To put the XS sizes in context, here’s how they stack up against common models:
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen): 4.7 inches
- iPhone X, XS: 5.8 inches
- iPhone XR, 11: 6.1 inches
- iPhone XS Max, 11 Pro Max: 6.5 inches
- iPhone 12/13/14 (standard): 6.1 inches
- iPhone 12/13/14 Pro Max: 6.7 inches
So the XS Max is actually smaller than the modern Pro Max models (6.7 inches) but larger than the standard iPhone 12/13/14 (6.1 inches). If you’re upgrading from an XS Max, you’ll get a slightly bigger screen with the 6.7-inch models.
How to Choose Between XS and XS Max
If you’re buying a used iPhone XS today, your choice depends on your priorities:
- One-handed use: The 5.8-inch XS is easier to hold and fits in smaller pockets.
- Media consumption: The 6.5-inch XS Max is better for watching videos, reading, and gaming.
- Battery life: The XS Max has a larger battery (3174 mAh vs. 2658 mAh), so it lasts longer on a charge.
- Weight: The XS Max is heavier (208g vs. 177g), which can be tiring for long sessions.
There is no “best� size—it’s about what fits your hands and usage. If you’re coming from an older Plus model (5.5 inches), the XS Max will feel familiar. If you’re used to a standard iPhone 8 (4.7 inches), the XS is a big step up without being unwieldy.
Common Misconceptions About XS Screens
One myth is that the XS Max has a higher resolution than the XS, but both have the same pixel density (458 ppi). The Max just has more pixels because it’s larger. Another misconception: the XS screen is “too small� compared to modern phones. In reality, 5.8 inches is still a comfortable size, and many people prefer it.
Also, note that the XS and XS Max have the same notch size, so the actual usable screen area is slightly less than the full diagonal measurement. But that’s true for all modern iPhones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an iPhone XS Plus?
No. Apple used the “Plus� name for older iPhones (6 Plus, 7 Plus, 8 Plus). For the XS generation, they used “Max� instead. The XS Max is the larger model, and there is no “XS Plus.�
What is the biggest iPhone screen ever made?
As of 2024, the largest iPhone screen is 6.7 inches, found on the Pro Max models (iPhone 12 Pro Max through iPhone 15 Pro Max). The XS Max at 6.5 inches is slightly smaller.
Does the iPhone XS have a 6.1-inch screen?
No. The standard iPhone XS has a 5.8-inch screen. The 6.1-inch screen belongs to the iPhone XR, which is a different, lower-cost model from the same year.
Which is better: XS or XS Max?
It depends. The XS Max has a bigger screen and better battery life, but it’s heavier and more expensive. The XS is more portable and easier to use one-handed. Both have the same performance and camera quality.
Are the XS and XS Max screens the same quality?
Yes, both use the same Super Retina OLED technology with identical pixel density, contrast ratio, and brightness. The only difference is the physical size and resolution (which scales with size).
Can I use an XS Max screen on an XS?
No. The screens are not interchangeable because the phone bodies are different sizes. The connectors and mounting points are different, and the resolution differs, so you cannot swap them.
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