Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
The 16 is the cheaper one to own: around £709 over a typical contract, £512 less than the 17 Pro Max.
12 reviews 4.4
11 reviews
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16
|
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.4 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.9" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 1320 x 2868 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 458 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 18 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Apple A19 Pro |
| Battery | 3,561 mAh | 4,823 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 6.0, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm |
| Weight | 170 grams | 233 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts |
£26.99/mo
£39.00 upfront |
£44.99/mo
£119.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £470.00 | £1035.00 |
| Prices updated 17 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper on contract at £709.16 over the life of the deal from £26.99 per month with £39.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 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's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 461 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £470.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the Apple A19 Pro.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 63g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
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 16 and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max run?
Both phones run Apple iOS.