iPhone 16 Pro Max VS iPhone 17
iPhone 16 Pro Max
6.9-inch OLED 120Hz · A18 Pro · 4685mAh · 48MP · IP68
MSRP
iPhone 17
6.3-inch OLED 120Hz · A19 · 3692mAh · 48MP · IP68
MSRP
Our verdict
The iPhone 17 takes the performance lead, 1% ahead overall, driven by its A19 and an AnTuTu score of 1,950,000.
On value the iPhone 17 stands out at $799, pairing a 48MP main camera with a 3692mAh battery.
For most buyers the iPhone 17 is the smarter choice.
Performance winner
iPhone 17
1% faster overall
Best value for money
iPhone 17
18% better value per dollar
iPhone 16 Pro Max best for
Power efficiency
18% better value per dollar
Overview
The iPhone 17 comes out ahead overall, scoring 89 to the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 88. Priced at $799 against $1199, the choice between them is as much about budget as specs, and each phone leans toward a slightly different buyer.
Performance
For raw speed the iPhone 17 takes the lead, with an AnTuTu score of 1,950,000 against 1,750,331, driven by its A19. Both feel quick in everyday use, but the gap shows up in demanding games and heavy multitasking where the faster chip pulls ahead.
Cameras
The iPhone 16 Pro Max pairs a 48MP main camera with optical zoom and a 12MP front sensor. The iPhone 17 answers with 48MP, zoom and a 18MP selfie camera.
Battery and charging
Battery favours the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a 4685mAh cell against 3692mAh. For refills the iPhone 16 Pro Max is quickest at , spending less time tied to a charger.
Display
Both use high refresh rate OLED screens. The iPhone 16 Pro Max measures 6.9" and peaks at 2000 nits, while the iPhone 17 is 6.3" and reaches 3000 nits. Screen size and outright brightness are where they separate most.
Which should you buy
Overall the iPhone 17 is the one we would steer most buyers toward. Consider the iPhone 16 Pro Max instead if longer battery life matters more to you.
battery
camera
display
Performance
Physical
Synthetic & compute benchmarks
Frequently asked questions
Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max better than the iPhone 17?
Overall the iPhone 17 scores 89 out of 100 against the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 88, so it edges ahead on our combined rating. Even so, the two are close enough that price, size and your preferred ecosystem should also guide the decision.
Which has the better camera, the iPhone 16 Pro Max or the iPhone 17?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has the stronger camera on paper, leading with a 48MP main sensor and optical zoom. Both take excellent photos, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers more reach and flexibility.
Which has better battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max or the iPhone 17?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max carries the larger 4685mAh battery against 3692mAh, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max charges fastest at . For heavy all-day use the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the safer bet.
Which is faster, the iPhone 16 Pro Max or the iPhone 17?
In benchmarks the iPhone 17 is quicker, posting an AnTuTu score of 1,950,000 against 1,750,331 thanks to its A19. Both handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the iPhone 17 pulls ahead in demanding games.
Should I buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max or the iPhone 17?
For most buyers the iPhone 17 is the smarter pick, balancing performance, features and price. Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if longer battery life is your priority.
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