Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro

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 75/100 to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro's 69, leading on Chip and Memory. Choose the Apple iPhone 16 Pro instead if design & weight matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max leads overall

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Why it stands out

Storage capacity: 256 GB (100% more)
Chip Model: Apple A19 Pro
Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB (50% more)

Winner by category for Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Category	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro	Winner
Chip	86	82	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Memory	90	69	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Storage	55	35	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Display	68	64	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
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	44	58	Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Power & Battery	75	58	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Benchmark	88	75	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Miscellaneous	66	67	Tie
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

The iPhone 16 Pro is Apple's flagship high-end smartphone designed for users who demand advanced performance and premium features. It combines the latest operating system advancements with professional-grade hardware specifications. This device is best suited for tech enthusiasts, content creators, and power users who rely on their smartphone for demanding tasks.

Best for Power UsersBest for Pro CreatorsBest for Ecosystem Adopters

Pros

Features an integrated design approach where Apple customizes both the hardware and software for optimal performance.
Possesses durable build quality with a front screen protected by advanced materials for scratch resistance.
Offers comprehensive ecosystem integration, allowing simple connectivity to accessories like AirPods or seamless file sharing via AirDrop.
Designed to maintain value over time compared to general smartphone categories.

Cons

The device utilizes a proprietary Apple ecosystem, making data transfer from alternative platforms straightforward but exclusive to its unique method ('Move to iOS').
While appearing durable, the design and features are complex, potentially leading to feature bloat or unnecessary complexity for casual users.

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

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max2,600,583

Apple iPhone 16 Pro1,871,052

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 Pro3,582 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

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is 34 g (17%) heavier than Apple iPhone 16 Pro.

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
Model

Memory

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

Storage

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Storage capacity	256 GB100% more	128 GB
Is expandable	No	No

Display

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

Connectivity

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

Sensors

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro
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
Color	N/A	N/A
Dimensions	7.8 × 16.34 × 0.88 cm	7.15 × 14.96 × 0.83 cm
Weight	233 g	199 g15% less

Power & Battery

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Battery capacity	4,823 mAh35% more	3,582 mAh
Has wireless charging support	Yes	Yes
Has fast charging support	Yes	Yes

Benchmark

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Antutu score	2,600,58339% more	1,871,052
Geekbench single-core score	3,89115% more	3,370
Geekbench multi-core score	10,11822% more	8,283

Miscellaneous

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Release date	September 19, 2025	September 20, 2024
SAR (Head)	1.19 W/kg	1.09 W/kg8% less
SAR (Body)	1.19 W/kg	1.19 W/kg
Dust & Water resistance
Operating system

Security

Feature	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Apple iPhone 16 Pro
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 comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max rates higher at 83/100 versus 78/100 for Apple iPhone 16 Pro — a 5-point lead. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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 83/100 for Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and 78/100 for Apple iPhone 16 Pro.

At launch, Apple iPhone 16 Pro was the more affordable option ($999) versus Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max ($1199). Weigh that against the overall scores (83/100 vs 78/100) 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.

If you want the higher-rated smartphones option overall, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (83/100) edges out Apple iPhone 16 Pro (78/100). But if Apple iPhone 16 Pro is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.