The iPhone 11 Pro Max, launched in September 2019, was Apple’s largest and most advanced iPhone at the time, featuring a massive display, powerful hardware, and an impressive triple-camera system.
Specifications
- Display: 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 1242 x 2688 pixels (458 ppi)
- Dimensions: 158.0 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm (6.22 x 3.06 x 0.32 inches)
- Weight: 226 grams (7.97 ounces)
- Storage Options: 64GB, 256GB, 512GB (no external storage)
- Processor: Hexa-core Apple A13 Bionic, with two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: iOS 13 (upgradable to iOS 16)
- Camera: Triple 12 MP rear cameras (wide: f/1.8, telephoto: f/2.0, ultra-wide: f/2.4) with OIS, 4K video recording; 12 MP front camera
- Battery: 3969 mAh, non-removable, up to 20 hours video playback, wireless charging
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax), Bluetooth 5.0, GPS
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, facial recognition (Face ID)
Design and Display
The iPhone 11 Pro Max featured a large 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 1242 x 2688 pixels, offering one of the brightest and most color-accurate displays on a smartphone. It supported HDR10 and Dolby Vision, making it perfect for watching high-quality video content and gaming. The screen’s pixel density of 458 ppi ensured sharp, vibrant visuals.
Apple crafted the iPhone 11 Pro Max from surgical-grade stainless steel, with a toughened glass back for wireless charging. It came in Space Gray, Silver, Gold, and Midnight Green finishes, giving users premium color options. The device was also IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, offering durability in up to 4 meters of water for 30 minutes.
A13 Bionic Chip
Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, the iPhone 11 Pro Max was designed for incredible performance and efficiency. The 6-core CPU delivered fast, responsive performance, handling demanding tasks such as gaming, multitasking, and AR (augmented reality) applications with ease. The chip also featured a 4-core GPU, ensuring smoother graphics and gameplay.
The Neural Engine within the A13 chip enhanced the phone’s ability to perform machine learning tasks, including photo and video analysis, Face ID recognition, and more. This made the iPhone 11 Pro Max one of the fastest and most capable smartphones of its time.
Triple-Camera System
The iPhone 11 Pro Max came with a triple 12 MP camera setup that included:
- A 12 MP wide-angle lens with f/1.8 aperture for capturing more light, especially in low-light situations.
- A 12 MP telephoto lens with an f/2.0 aperture and 2x optical zoom for sharper portraits and close-up shots.
- A 12 MP ultra-wide lens with f/2.4 aperture and a 120-degree field of view for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots.
The Night Mode significantly improved low-light photography, while Smart HDR enhanced photos by balancing highlights and shadows. The Portrait Mode featured adjustable depth-of-field control and new Portrait Lighting effects for studio-quality photos.
The phone could also record 4K video at 60 fps, delivering stunning video quality with enhanced dynamic range. The 12 MP front-facing TrueDepth camera supported Portrait Mode, 4K video recording, and even slow-motion selfies (dubbed “Slofies”).
Face ID and Security
Face ID, powered by the TrueDepth camera system, was more efficient and accurate on the iPhone 11 Pro Max. This facial recognition system provided secure and fast authentication, enabling users to unlock their phone, use Apple Pay, and access secure apps without needing a password.
Battery Life and Charging
The 3969 mAh battery in the iPhone 11 Pro Max provided some of the best battery life seen in an iPhone, offering:
- Up to 20 hours of video playback
- 12 hours of internet usage
- 80 hours of audio playback
The device supported wireless charging with the Qi standard, and with fast charging, it could reach 50% charge in 30 minutes when using an 18W adapter (included in the box).
Operating System and Software Features
The iPhone 11 Pro Max launched with iOS 13, which brought several new features:
- Dark Mode: A system-wide dark theme to reduce eye strain and conserve battery life on OLED displays.
- Revamped Photos and Video Editing: Enhanced tools for managing and editing media.
- Improved Privacy Controls: Including Sign in with Apple, which allows users to log in to apps securely without sharing personal information.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is upgradable to iOS 16, ensuring it continues to receive software updates, new features, and security patches.
Connectivity
The iPhone 11 Pro Max supported 4G LTE Advanced, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for faster and more efficient wireless connectivity, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC for Apple Pay. The device also offered dual SIM capabilities with one physical SIM and one eSIM, allowing users to maintain two numbers or carriers.
Reception and Legacy
The iPhone 11 Pro Max was widely praised for its stunning display, powerful performance, and versatile camera system. The large battery capacity, triple-camera setup, and refined design made it a top choice for those seeking the best of Apple’s smartphone technology. Although its size might have been unwieldy for some users, the iPhone 11 Pro Max solidified its place as a flagship device, appealing to tech enthusiasts and creative professionals alike.
Conclusion
The iPhone 11 Pro Max delivered an all-around premium experience with its Super Retina XDR display, triple-camera system, and A13 Bionic chip. It catered to users who desired the best in smartphone technology, offering long battery life, top-tier performance, and impressive photography capabilities. For those looking for a high-end smartphone experience in a large, durable design, the iPhone 11 Pro Max was an excellent choice.