Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 17

Our Verdict: iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 17 keep you in the same iOS ecosystem, so this is mainly an upgrade-versus-cost decision. iPhone 16 Pro Max has the larger display, 6.9 inches against 6.3, while iPhone 16 Pro Max has the larger rated battery, 4685mAh to 3692mAh, a useful capacity lead; iPhone 17 is noticeably lighter at 177g versus 227g. iPhone 17 is clearly cheaper over a contract, which puts pressure on iPhone 16 Pro Max to justify the extra spend. Pick iPhone 16 Pro Max only if its upgrades are important to you; otherwise iPhone 17 is the better-value buy.

The 17 is the cheaper one to own: around £801 over a typical contract, £231 less than the 16 Pro Max.

Expert Rating
4.4
11 reviews
4.5
12 reviews
Screen
6.9" 6.3"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
1320 x 2868 1206 x 2622
Pixels Per Inch
458 458
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 18 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 Pro Apple A19 Pro
Battery
4,685 mAh 3,692 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm
Weight
227 grams 177 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£41.79/mo (£29.00 upfront) £29.99/mo (£59.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£689.99 £599.00

Prices updated 16 July 2026

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17
Expert Rating 4.4
11 reviews
4.5
12 reviews
Screen 6.9" 6.3"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 1320 x 2868 1206 x 2622
Pixels Per Inch 458 458
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 18 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 Pro Apple A19 Pro
Battery 4,685 mAh 3,692 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm
Weight 227 grams 177 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts £41.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
£29.99/mo
£59.00 upfront
SIM-free £689.99 £599.00
Prices updated 16 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

24 Months

256GB

Desert Titanium

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£41.79 per month, £29 upfront.

Apple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 17

24 Months

256GB

White

Refurbished

50GB

Data

£29.99 per month, £59 upfront.

Use code: IDM10OFF (£10)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17 is cheaper on contract at £801.16 over the life of the deal from £29.99 per month with £59.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone 17's 6.3", both screens are similarly sharp at around 458 pixels per inch, and both use LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panels.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17 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 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17?

The Apple iPhone 17 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £599.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Apple iPhone 17 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17 use?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Apple iPhone 17 uses the Apple A19 Pro.

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17?

The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two: it's 50g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm, and is slimmer at 7.95mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Apple iPhone 17 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17 run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.