Introduction
As a tech enthusiast, I've had the pleasure of using the iPhone 11 Pro Max as my daily driver for the past year. This flagship device, released in September 2019, marked a significant leap forward in Apple's smartphone lineup. Now, with the iPhone 12 series on the horizon, it's the perfect time to revisit this powerhouse and see how it holds up in 2020. This comprehensive review will delve into the device's design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience from a long-term perspective.
Design and Build Quality: A Premium Feel That Lasts
The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced several design changes that set it apart from its predecessors. The frosted glass back, a departure from the glossy finish of earlier models, not only looks elegant but also provides a better grip. The centrally-aligned Apple logo adds a touch of symmetry, while the introduction of the Midnight Green color option offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional space gray, silver, and gold.
The stainless steel frame, a hallmark of the "Pro" lineup, has proven its durability over time. After a year of use, my device shows minimal signs of wear, with only minor microscratches visible under close inspection. This resilience is a testament to Apple's commitment to using high-quality materials.
At 6.22 inches tall and weighing 226 grams, the 11 Pro Max is undeniably a large device. However, the curved edges and weight distribution make it surprisingly comfortable to hold for extended periods. For those upgrading from similarly sized phones like the iPhone 7 Plus or 8 Plus, the transition feels natural.
Display: OLED Excellence
The 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display remains one of the iPhone 11 Pro Max's standout features. With a resolution of 2688 x 1242 pixels (458 ppi), it delivers crisp, vibrant visuals that continue to impress a year later. The peak brightness of 1200 nits ensures excellent visibility even in bright sunlight, while the 2 million-to-1 contrast ratio produces deep blacks and vibrant colors.
True Tone technology, which adjusts the display's white balance to match ambient lighting, has proven to be more than just a gimmick. It noticeably reduces eye strain during prolonged use, especially in low-light environments. The P3 wide color gamut support ensures accurate color reproduction, making the 11 Pro Max an excellent device for photo editing and content consumption.
While the 60Hz refresh rate may seem dated compared to the 90Hz and 120Hz displays found on some Android flagships, it's worth noting that iOS's smooth animations and optimizations make the difference less noticeable in day-to-day use. However, as a tech enthusiast, I'm eagerly anticipating the rumored 120Hz ProMotion displays in future iPhone models.
Performance: A13 Bionic Still Leads the Pack
The A13 Bionic chip powering the iPhone 11 Pro Max continues to impress with its raw power and efficiency. Featuring two high-performance cores clocked at 2.65 GHz and four efficiency cores at 1.8 GHz, coupled with a quad-core Apple-designed GPU, this SoC has consistently outperformed Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 in various benchmarks throughout 2020.
In real-world usage, the A13 Bionic's prowess is evident. Apps launch instantaneously, multitasking is seamless, and even the most demanding games run without a hitch. The 8-core Neural Engine, capable of performing up to 5 trillion operations per second, enables advanced machine learning tasks on-device, enhancing everything from photography to augmented reality experiences.
Thermal management has been impressive, with the device maintaining consistent performance even under heavy loads. However, during extended gaming sessions or when using computationally intensive AR applications in warm environments, I have noticed the stainless steel frame can become quite warm to the touch.
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power with Room for Improvement
The iPhone 11 Pro Max boasts a 3969 mAh battery, a significant upgrade from its predecessor. This larger capacity, combined with the energy-efficient A13 Bionic chip, delivers exceptional battery life. In my experience, the device consistently lasts through a full day of heavy use, often with 30-40% charge remaining.
On average, I've achieved 8-10 hours of screen-on time, which includes a mix of web browsing, social media, video streaming, and occasional gaming. The standby time is equally impressive, with the device losing only a few percentage points overnight.
The included 18W fast charger is a welcome addition, capable of charging the device from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes. However, it's worth noting that some Android competitors offer faster charging speeds, with some reaching 65W or higher.
Wireless charging at up to 7.5W is convenient, but again, falls short of the faster wireless charging capabilities offered by some competitors. As a tech enthusiast, I'm hoping to see improvements in charging speeds in future iPhone models.
One concern I've noticed is the battery health degradation. After a year of use, my battery health has dropped to 93%, which seems slightly faster than expected. While still within Apple's normal range, it's something to keep an eye on for long-term users.
Camera System: Computational Photography at Its Finest
The triple-camera system on the iPhone 11 Pro Max continues to impress, even as we approach the next generation of iPhones. The setup includes:
- 12MP main wide camera (f/1.8, 26mm equivalent)
- 12MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.4, 13mm equivalent)
- 12MP telephoto camera (f/2.0, 52mm equivalent)
The main camera delivers exceptional results in various lighting conditions. The larger sensor and computational photography powered by the A13 Bionic chip produce images with excellent dynamic range, natural colors, and impressive detail. The Smart HDR feature has been particularly effective in balancing high-contrast scenes.
Night mode, available on the main and ultra-wide cameras, is a game-changer for low-light photography. By capturing and combining multiple exposures, it produces bright, detailed shots in near-darkness without the need for a flash. The results often surpass what the human eye can see, making it feel almost like night vision.
The ultra-wide camera offers a unique 120-degree field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or tight interior spaces. While the image quality is noticeably lower than the main camera, especially in low light, it's a versatile tool that adds creative flexibility to your photography.
The telephoto lens provides 2x optical zoom, useful for portraits and getting closer to distant subjects. Portrait mode, utilizing data from multiple cameras and the A13's Neural Engine, produces pleasing bokeh effects with accurate edge detection.
Video capabilities remain industry-leading, with 4K recording at up to 60 fps with extended dynamic range. The optical image stabilization on the main and telephoto lenses, combined with electronic stabilization, results in incredibly smooth footage, even when shooting handheld.
Areas for improvement include:
- Extending Night mode to the telephoto lens
- Improving the digital zoom quality beyond 5x
- Enhancing the autofocus speed and accuracy on the telephoto lens in low light conditions
Software Experience: iOS Matures with Age
The iPhone 11 Pro Max launched with iOS 13, which introduced several notable features:
- System-wide dark mode
- Swipe typing on the default keyboard
- Improved privacy features, including Sign in with Apple
- Enhanced Photos app with more powerful editing tools
Over the past year, Apple has consistently refined the OS through updates, addressing initial bugs and introducing new features. The tight integration between hardware and software results in a smooth, responsive experience that has remained consistent throughout the device's lifespan.
iOS 14, released in September 2020, brought significant changes to the home screen with the introduction of widgets and the App Library. These features have breathed new life into the iPhone's interface, offering more customization options and improved organization of apps.
The longevity of software support is a key advantage of the iPhone ecosystem. Based on Apple's track record, we can expect the iPhone 11 Pro Max to receive major iOS updates for at least four to five years from its release date, ensuring the device remains secure and feature-rich well into the future.
Conclusion: A Flagship That Stands the Test of Time
After a year of use, the iPhone 11 Pro Max continues to excel in key areas that matter most to users:
- The OLED display remains one of the best in the industry, offering vibrant colors and excellent brightness.
- The A13 Bionic chip delivers consistent, top-tier performance across all tasks.
- The versatile triple-camera system produces exceptional photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Battery life is reliable, easily lasting through a full day of heavy use.
- iOS provides a polished, secure, and feature-rich software experience with long-term support.
While there's always room for improvement, such as higher refresh rate displays and faster charging capabilities, the iPhone 11 Pro Max remains a highly capable flagship device. Its premium build quality and powerful internals ensure it will continue to serve users well for years to come.
For tech enthusiasts considering an upgrade, the iPhone 11 Pro Max still offers a compelling package. However, with the iPhone 12 series on the horizon, those seeking the latest innovations may want to wait and compare the new offerings. Regardless, the 11 Pro Max has proven itself as a device that can withstand the test of time, delivering a premium smartphone experience that continues to impress long after its initial release.
