Apple iPhone XS Max vs Nokia X30 5G
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone XS Max commands a premium price with its iconic Super Retina OLED display at 725 nits, A12 Bionic processor delivering exceptional performance, and telephoto lens for versatile photography. However, it lacks 5G connectivity and relies on proprietary Lightning charging. Nokia's X30 5G offers compelling value at less than half the price, featuring a larger 4200 mAh battery with faster 33W charging, modern 90Hz AMOLED display, 50 MP main camera with ZEISS optics, and 5G support via Snapdragon 695. While the iPhone excels in processing power and ecosystem integration, the Nokia provides superior battery life, faster charging, higher refresh rate, and 5G connectivity for significantly less investment. For budget-conscious users prioritizing practical features and longevity, Nokia X30 5G delivers better real-world value. iPhone XS Max remains superior for iOS loyalists and performance-critical tasks.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone XS Max if…
- →Largest iPhone display at the time (6.5 inches)
- →Dual SIM with eSIM support introduced
- →Gorgeous Super Retina OLED display
Buy the Nokia X30 5G if…
- →Three years of OS updates and three years of security patches
- →100% recycled materials in the frame and back for sustainability
- →ZEISS optics produce natural, sharp photos
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone XS Max
Pros
- Largest iPhone display at the time (6.5 inches)
- Dual SIM with eSIM support introduced
- Gorgeous Super Retina OLED display
- A12 Bionic with first 7nm mobile chip
- Stereo speakers with wide sound
Cons
- No ultrawide camera
- 5W charger in the box
- Very expensive starting at $1099
- No Night mode in camera
- No Wi-Fi 6 support
Nokia X30 5G
Pros
- Three years of OS updates and three years of security patches
- 100% recycled materials in the frame and back for sustainability
- ZEISS optics produce natural, sharp photos
- IP67 water resistance and wireless charging at this tier
- Clean, near-stock Android experience
Cons
- Snapdragon 695 is underpowered compared to alternatives at $449
- 90Hz refresh rate instead of 120Hz competitors
- 4200 mAh battery is modest for 5G usage
- Limited availability in some markets
- Camera processing can be slow to capture and process shots
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone XS Max | Nokia X30 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 12 | Android 12 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 208 g | 185 g |
| Material | Stainless steel frame, glass back | 100% recycled aluminum frame, recycled plastic back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm | 158.9 x 73.9 x 7.99 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS, ZEISS optics |
| Front camera | 7 MP, f/2.2 | 16 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Telephoto | 12 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom | — |
| Ultrawide | — | 13 MP, f/2.4 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 6 GB / 8 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3174 mAh | 4200 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired (adapter sold separately) | 33W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.5 inches | 6.43 inches |
| Type | Super Retina OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2688 x 1242 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 90Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 725 | 700 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz + 4x1.6 GHz) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz + 6x1.7 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 619 |
| Chipset | Apple A12 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Nokia products. View full details for the Apple iPhone XS Max or the Nokia X30 5G.