Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 17e

Our Verdict: For Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max versus Apple iPhone 17e, the recommendation depends mostly on what you want from the hardware. The Pro Max is ahead for display quality, with a larger 6.7-inch screen, its LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel, and a larger 4,422 mAh battery; the 17e is the better match for its Super Retina XDR OLED panel and a lighter 169g body. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. The Pro Max is the better fit for display quality, while the 17e is the one to consider for portability.

The 15 Pro Max 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £663 over a typical contract, £69 less than the 17e.

Release Date
22 September 2023 11 March 2026
Expert Rating
4.6
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.1"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
1290 x 2796 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch
460 457
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A17 Pro Apple A19 (3 nm)
Battery
4,422 mAh 4,005 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type
Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight
221 grams 169 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£51.50/mo (£30.00 upfront) £11.95/mo (£475.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£440.00 £529.99
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Apple iPhone 17e Apple iPhone 17e
Release Date 22 September 2023 11 March 2026
Expert Rating 4.6
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.1"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 1290 x 2796 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch 460 457
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A17 Pro Apple A19 (3 nm)
Battery 4,422 mAh 4,005 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight 221 grams 169 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts £51.50/mo
£30.00 upfront
£11.95/mo
£475.00 upfront
SIM-free £440.00 £529.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

24 Months

256GB

Black Titanium

400GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£32 a month, £99 upfront.

Monthly payment will increase to £34.50 on 1 April 2027. Then to £37.00 on 1 April 2028.

Apple iPhone 17e
Apple iPhone 17e

24 Months

256GB

White

15GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£11.95 a month, £475 upfront.

No mid-contract price increases.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17e cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is cheaper on contract at £663.00 over the life of the deal from £51.50 per month with £30.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 17e's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 460 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 17e has a Super Retina XDR OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17e has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £440.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Apple iPhone 17e comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17e use?

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A17 Pro , while the Apple iPhone 17e uses the Apple A19 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 17e is the more portable of the two: it's 52g lighter at 169 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17e?

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17e run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.