Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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

For most buyers the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the better pick — it scores 74/100 to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max's 71, leading on Chip and Memory. Choose the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max instead if design & weight and miscellaneous matter most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

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

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Where Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max stands out

Chip Model: Apple A19 Pro
Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB (50% more)
Display Protection: Ceramic Shield 2

Where Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max stands out

Rear Camera Optical zoom: 5 (25% more)
Miscellaneous SAR (Head): 1.01 W/kg (15% less)

Winner by category for Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Category	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max	Winner
Chip	86	82	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Memory	90	69	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Storage	48	48	Tie
Display	66	66	Tie
Rear Camera	70	72	Tie
Front Camera	81	73	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Cellular	84	84	Tie
Connectivity	74	71	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Sensors	85	85	Tie
Design & Weight	47	52	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Power & Battery	73	72	Tie
Benchmark	88	75	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
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 17 Pro Max

This is Apple's premium smartphone targeting professional and power users who require top-tier mobile capability. It features the A19 Pro chip and advanced camera systems, making it a flagship device optimized for high performance and durability. Its inclusion of specialized software like Apple Intelligence positions it as a powerful creative and productivity tool.

Best for Mobile photography and videographyBest for Professional content creationBest for Power users utilizing AI productivity tools

Pros

Powered by the A19 Pro chipset, which utilizes vapor cooling technology to manage heat and sustain peak performance.
Features an advanced camera system with 48MP rear sensors and includes the longest zoom capability ever implemented on the iPhone.
The device boasts a Durable design achieved through a heat-forged aluminum unibody enclosure, enhancing longevity and structure.
Improves user customization with a dedicated Action button for quick access to preferred functions.
Runs on iOS 26 and features Apple Intelligence, providing new generative AI tools like image creation and Live Translation.

Cons

The Pro Max model is noticeably heavier than its Pro counterpart at 233g compared to the Pro’s 206g.
While highly advanced, the device's initial focus on raw capability may overwhelm average users who only need basic communication features.
Achieving maximum performance requires sustained use of the specialized vapor cooling system.

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

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 17 Pro Max

Check Price on Amazon

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max2,600,583

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max1,838,828

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 17 Pro Max4,823 mAh

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max4,685 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 17 Pro MaxApple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is 6 g (3%) heavier than Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Chip

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Model

Memory

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
RAM capacity	12 GB50% more	8 GB
Memory technology	N/A	N/A

Storage

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

Display

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Size	6.9 in	6.9 in
Resolution	1320 × 2868 px	1320 × 2868 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%	92%

Rear Camera

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Rear camera (megapixels)	48 MP	48 MP
Rear camera aperture	1.8	1.8
Optical zoom	4	525% more
Has High Dynamic Range (HDR)	Yes	Yes
Has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)	Yes	Yes
Number of cameras	3	3
Other cameras	48 MP f/2.8, 48 MP ultrawide f/2.2	12 MP f/2.8, 48 MP ultrawide f/2.2

Front Camera

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

Cellular

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

Connectivity

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

Sensors

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
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 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Color	N/A
Dimensions	7.8 × 16.34 × 0.88 cm	7.76 × 16.3 × 0.825 cm
Weight	233 g	227 g3% less

Power & Battery

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Battery capacity	4,823 mAh3% more	4,685 mAh
Has wireless charging support	Yes	Yes
Has fast charging support	Yes	Yes

Benchmark

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Antutu score	2,600,58341% more	1,838,828
Geekbench single-core score	3,89111% more	3,490
Geekbench multi-core score	10,11818% more	8,606

Miscellaneous

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

Security

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
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 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max comparison

They are closely matched: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max scores 78/100 and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max scores 76/100 in our overall comparison — within 2 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 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 78/100 for Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and 76/100 for Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.

At launch, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max was the more affordable option ($1199) versus Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1199). Weigh that against the overall scores (78/100 vs 76/100) 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 17 Pro Max (78/100) and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (76/100) 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.