Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 17

Updated Jun 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17 are closely matched at 72 and 72/100. The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max edges ahead on Rear Camera and Power & Battery, while the Apple iPhone 17 leads on Memory and Front Camera — pick the one whose strengths match what you'll actually use.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17 are closely matched

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 17

Where Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max stands out

Rear Camera Optical zoom: 5 (400% more)
Display Resolution: 1320 × 2868 px
Design & Weight Dimensions: 7.76 × 16.3 × 0.825 cm

Where Apple iPhone 17 stands out

Display Protection: Ceramic Shield 2
Front camera (megapixels): 18 MP (50% more)
Connectivity Bluetooth technology: Bluetooth 6.0

Winner by category for Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 17
Category	Apple iPhone 17	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Winner
Chip	82	82	Tie
Memory	79	74	Apple iPhone 17
Storage	48	48	Tie
Display	65	67	Tie
Rear Camera	68	74	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Front Camera	81	73	Apple iPhone 17
Cellular	84	84	Tie
Connectivity	74	71	Apple iPhone 17
Sensors	85	85	Tie
Design & Weight	66	45	Apple iPhone 17
Power & Battery	60	74	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Benchmark	82	77	Apple iPhone 17
Miscellaneous	65	68	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Security	85	85	Tie

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the flagship generation of Apple's smartphone line, designed for advanced users who require high performance and premium features. As one of Apple’s top-tier devices, it incorporates the latest processor technology and sophisticated camera systems. Its large display makes it suitable for content creators, power users, and media consumers.

Best for video creationBest for heavy media consumptionBest for professional photographers

Pros

Features a powerful A18 Pro chip combined with Snapdragon X71 modem capabilities (Source 2)
Offers an advanced cinematic experience on its large screen with up to 120Hz refresh rates (Source 2)
Includes professional-grade camera hardware, such as a 48 MP main lens and dedicated telephoto/ultrawide cameras (Source 2)
Provides comprehensive connectivity options including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and advanced GPS capabilities (Source 2)

Cons

The device is a large and relatively heavy phone, weighing up to 227g (Source 2)
Requires the latest connection standards like Wi-Fi 7 and USB 10Gbps to utilize its full potential (Source 2)

Source

Video — reviews used (2)

Generated Jun 28, 2026

Apple iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 is Apple's latest flagship smartphone, featuring premium design upgrades and significant camera improvements. It targets users who desire a powerful mobile experience with advanced features like enhanced display technology and deep integration with Apple’s operating ecosystem.

Best for content creatorsBest for power usersBest for photography enthusiasts

Pros

Features the A19 chip and iOS 26, promising high performance and improved user intelligence capabilities.
Enhanced displays include ProMotion up to 120Hz refresh rate and brighter Super Retina XDR panels.
Camera system upgrades include a 48MP Dual Fusion setup and an 18MP Center Stage front camera for flexible framing.
Design improvements feature Ceramic Shield 2 on the front glass, lending increased durability.

Cons

The inclusion of new features like 'Apple Intelligence' makes it more complex than standard smartphone functions.
Reported hardware might feel overkill for users who only need basic calling and texting functionality.

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Check Price on Amazon

Apple iPhone 17

Check Price on Amazon

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max1,838,828

Apple iPhone 172,109,773

See the raw benchmark values →

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Battery capacity

Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max4,685 mAh

Apple iPhone 173,692 mAh

Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.

Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

Apple iPhone 16 Pro MaxApple iPhone 17

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is 50 g (28%) heavier than Apple iPhone 17.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Chip

Feature	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 17
Model

Memory

Feature	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 17
RAM capacity	8 GB	8 GB
Memory technology	N/A

Storage

Feature	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 17
Storage capacity	256 GB	256 GB
Is expandable	No	No

Display

Feature	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 17
Size	6.9 in10% more	6.3 in
Resolution	1320 × 2868 px	1206 × 2622 px
Pixel density	460 PPI	460 PPI
Refresh rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Display technology
Protection
Has pen support	No	No
Screen-to-body ratio	92%	91%

Rear Camera

Feature	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 17
Rear camera (megapixels)	48 MP	48 MP
Rear camera aperture	1.8	1.611% less
Optical zoom	5400% more	1
Has High Dynamic Range (HDR)	Yes	Yes
Has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)	Yes	Yes
Number of cameras	3	2
Other cameras	12 MP f/2.8, 48 MP ultrawide f/2.2	48 MP ultrawide f/2.2

Front Camera

Feature	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 17
Front camera (megapixels)	12 MP	18 MP50% more
Front camera aperture	1.9	1.9

Cellular

Feature	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 17
Cellular technology
SIM type
Has dual-sim support	Yes	Yes

Connectivity

Feature	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 17
Bluetooth technology
Wi-Fi technology
Connector
Has a headphone jack	No	No

Sensors

Feature	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 17
Has a NFC sensor	Yes	Yes
Has an accelerometer sensor	Yes	Yes
Has a gyroscope sensor	Yes	Yes
Has a magnetic field sensor	Yes	Yes
Has an atmospheric pressure sensor	Yes	Yes
Has a GPS sensor	Yes	Yes

Design & Weight

Feature	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 17
Color		N/A
Dimensions	7.76 × 16.3 × 0.825 cm	7.15 × 14.96 × 0.8 cm
Weight	227 g	177 g22% less

Power & Battery

Feature	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 17
Battery capacity	4,685 mAh27% more	3,692 mAh
Has wireless charging support	Yes	Yes
Has fast charging support	Yes	Yes

Benchmark

Feature	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 17
Antutu score	1,838,828	2,109,77315% more
Geekbench single-core score	3,490	3,6805% more
Geekbench multi-core score	8,606	9,3609% more

Miscellaneous

Feature	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 17
Release date	September 20, 2024	September 19, 2025
SAR (Head)	1.01 W/kg15% less	1.19 W/kg
SAR (Body)	1.15 W/kg3% less	1.19 W/kg
Dust & Water resistance
Operating system

Security

Feature	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 17
Has a fingerprint scanner	No	No
Has an advanced face scanner	Yes	Yes

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 17 comparison

They are closely matched: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max scores 80/100 and Apple iPhone 17 scores 79/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 point. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17 are compared side by side above across every spec in the smartphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 80/100 for Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and 79/100 for Apple iPhone 17.

At launch, Apple iPhone 17 was the more affordable option ($799) versus Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1199). Weigh that against the overall scores (80/100 vs 79/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.

It's close — Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (80/100) and Apple iPhone 17 (79/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.