Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Our Verdict: iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max keep you in the same iOS ecosystem, so this is mainly an upgrade-versus-cost decision. iPhone 17 Pro Max has the larger display, 6.9 inches against 6.3, while iPhone 17 Pro Max stretches further on storage, topping out at 2TB rather than 1TB; iPhone 17 Pro Max has the larger rated battery, 4823mAh to 3582mAh, a useful capacity lead. iPhone 16 Pro is clearly cheaper over a contract, which puts pressure on iPhone 17 Pro Max to justify the extra spend. Pick iPhone 17 Pro Max only if its upgrades are important to you; otherwise iPhone 16 Pro is the better-value buy.

Over a full contract, the 16 Pro works out around £924 all-in, about £297 less than the 17 Pro Max.

Expert Rating
4.2
11 reviews
4.4
11 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.9"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1320 x 2868
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
3,582 mAh 4,823 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
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
5.2, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm
Weight
199 grams 233 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
£37.29/mo (£29.00 upfront) £44.99/mo (£119.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£589.99 £1035.00

Prices updated 16 July 2026

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Apple iPhone 16 Pro Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Expert Rating 4.2
11 reviews
4.4
11 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.9"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1320 x 2868
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 3,582 mAh 4,823 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
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 5.2, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm
Weight 199 grams 233 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 £37.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
£44.99/mo
£119.00 upfront
SIM-free £589.99 £1035.00
Prices updated 16 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Apple iPhone 16 Pro

24 Months

128GB

Desert Titanium

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£37.29 per month, £29 upfront.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

24 Months

256GB

Cosmic Orange

10GB

Data

£44.99 per month, £119 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro is cheaper on contract at £923.96 over the life of the deal from £37.29 per month with £29.00 upfront.

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

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro'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 or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £589.99.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB.

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 34g lighter at 199 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm, and is slimmer at 8.3mm thick.

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

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

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

Both phones run Apple iOS.