iPhone 17
iPhone 17 Pro Max
🏆 Verdict
iPhone 17 Pro Max is the better pick overall by 11.5 points, leading in Camera, Battery and Performance. iPhone 17 remains a strong contender elsewhere.
iPhone 17 offers more for the money ($799 vs $1,199 at launch).
By category
Performance
iPhone 17 Pro Max is faster with the Apple A19 Pro (performance index 99 vs 90). You notice it in heavy games and video editing, less in daily use. iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB), which helps multitasking.
Camera
Only iPhone 17 Pro Max has an optical 4× telephoto; the other relies on digital zoom.
Battery
iPhone 17 Pro Max's battery is 1,140 mAh larger (4,832 vs 3,692 mAh), about 31% more. Real battery life also depends on chip and display efficiency.
Charging
Charging speeds are similar.
Display
iPhone 17 Pro Max has the larger screen (6.9" vs 6.3").
Build & durability
iPhone 17 is 56 g lighter.
Updates
Both have about the same update window (6 years).
Specifications
| iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Apple A19 | Chipset | Apple A19 Pro |
| 8 GB | RAM | 12 GB |
| 256 GB / 512 GB | Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB |
| 6.3" LTPO OLED | Display | 6.9" LTPO OLED |
| 120 Hz | Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
| 2622×1206 (458 ppi) | Resolution | 2868×1320 (458 ppi) |
| 3,000 nits | Peak brightness | 3,000 nits |
| 48 MP | Main camera | 48 MP |
| 48 MP | Ultrawide | 48 MP |
| None | Telephoto | 48 MP · 4× |
| 18 MP | Front camera | 18 MP |
| 3,692 mAh | Battery | 4,832 mAh |
| 40 W | Wired charging | 40 W |
| 25 W | Wireless charging | 25 W |
| IP68 | Water & dust rating | IP68 |
| aluminium | Frame | aluminium |
| 177 g | Weight | 233 g |
| 6 years | OS updates (estimated) | 6 years |
| $799 | Launch price | $1,199 |
| 2025-09 | Released | 2025-09 |
Official source: iPhone 17 · Official source: iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17
Pros
- Light at 177 g
- Lower price ($799)
Cons
- Slower chip
- No optical telephoto
- Smaller battery
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Pros
- Faster chip (Apple A19 Pro)
- 12 GB RAM
- 4× optical zoom
- 4,832 mAh battery
- 6.9" screen
Cons
- Heavier (233 g)
- Pricier ($1,199)
How is the score calculated?
Each phone gets 0–100 points in seven categories (performance, camera, battery, charging, display, build, updates), computed only from its published specs, then combined with fixed, published weights. A gap under 2.5 points counts as a tie. The performance index is an estimate based on benchmark results published at launch.
Figures come from the manufacturers’ official pages. Some specs vary by market. We do not sell devices or earn commissions.