Apple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Our Verdict: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the one to look at if you want the full-size Apple experience: it gives you a much larger 6.9-inch display and storage options all the way up to 2TB. The standard iPhone 17 keeps the same 48MP rear camera, 18MP front camera, Apple A19 Pro chipset and iOS ecosystem, while being far lighter at 177g rather than 233g. It is also much cheaper on the deals shown here, so the Pro Max is mainly worth paying extra for if the bigger screen, larger battery and very high storage ceiling are genuinely useful to you.

The 17 is the cheaper one to own: around £801 over a typical contract, £420 less than the Pro Max.

Expert Rating
4.5
12 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
18 Megapixels 18 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro Apple A19 Pro
Battery
3,692 mAh 4,823 mAh
Storage
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
6.0, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm
Weight
177 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
£29.99/mo (£59.00 upfront) £44.99/mo (£119.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£599.00 £1035.00

Prices updated 17 July 2026

Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Expert Rating 4.5
12 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 18 Megapixels 18 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro Apple A19 Pro
Battery 3,692 mAh 4,823 mAh
Storage 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 6.0, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm
Weight 177 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 £29.99/mo
£59.00 upfront
£44.99/mo
£119.00 upfront
SIM-free £599.00 £1035.00
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 17

24 Months

256GB

Sage

Refurbished

50GB

Data

£29.99 per month, £59 upfront.

Use code: IDM10OFF (£10)

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

24 Months

256GB

Deep Blue

10GB

Data

£44.99 per month, £119 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 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 17 or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two: it's 56g 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 17 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 17 and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.