Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max

Our Verdict: With Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, the most noticeable change is from a 6.3-inch screen to a 6.9-inch one. The Max also raises the storage ceiling from 1TB to 2TB, though its 249g body is substantially heavier than the older Pro at 206g. The smaller device remains attractive for handling; the Max is easier to justify around large-screen use and extensive local storage.

Over a full contract, the 17 Pro works out around £1026 all-in, about £286 less than the 18 Pro Max.

Release Date
19 September 2025 18 September 2026
Expert Rating
4.5
15 reviews
4.5
11 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.9"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1320 x 2868
Pixels Per Inch
458 458
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 18 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro Apple A20 Pro (2 nm)
Battery
3,988 mAh 5,391 mAh
Storage
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
6.0, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
150 x 71.9 x 8.8 mm 163.4 x 78.0 x 8.75 mm
Weight
206 grams 249 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£11.95/mo (£769.00 upfront) £11.95/mo (£1055.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£811.00 £1297.00
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Apple iPhone 17 Pro Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Release Date 19 September 2025 18 September 2026
Expert Rating 4.5
15 reviews
4.5
11 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.9"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1320 x 2868
Pixels Per Inch 458 458
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 18 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro Apple A20 Pro (2 nm)
Battery 3,988 mAh 5,391 mAh
Storage 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 6.0, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 150 x 71.9 x 8.8 mm 163.4 x 78.0 x 8.75 mm
Weight 206 grams 249 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts £11.95/mo
£769.00 upfront
£11.95/mo
£1055.00 upfront
SIM-free £811.00 £1297.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

24 Months

256GB

Cosmic Orange

15GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£11.95 a month, £769 upfront.

No mid-contract price increases.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30 off)

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max

24 Months

256GB

Black

15GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£11.95 a month, £1055 upfront.

No mid-contract price increases.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro or Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro is cheaper on contract at £1025.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £769.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro or Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone 17 Pro's 6.3", both screens are similarly sharp at around 458 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro or Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 18 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 17 Pro or Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £811.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max use?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max uses the Apple A20 Pro (2 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro or Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 43g lighter at 206 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 150 x 71.9 x 8.8 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro or Apple iPhone 18 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 17 Pro and Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.