Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max

Our Verdict: Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max share the A20 Pro chip and camera system, so size is the more useful deciding factor. The Max gives you a 6.9-inch screen, while the 6.3-inch Pro is easier to accommodate in a pocket and weighs 38g less. Choose the larger model for reading and video, or the smaller one for the same core features in a more manageable body.

The Pro is the cheaper one to own: around £1216 over a typical contract, £96 less than the Pro Max.

Release Date
18 September 2026 18 September 2026
Expert Rating
4.6
11 reviews
4.5
11 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.9"
Display
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 A20 Pro (2 nm) Apple A20 Pro (2 nm)
Battery
4,056 mAh 5,391 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB 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
150.0 x 71.9 x 8.75 mm 163.4 x 78.0 x 8.75 mm
Weight
211 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 (£959.00 upfront) £11.95/mo (£1055.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£1197.00 £1297.00
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Apple iPhone 18 Pro Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Release Date 18 September 2026 18 September 2026
Expert Rating 4.6
11 reviews
4.5
11 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.9"
Display 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 A20 Pro (2 nm) Apple A20 Pro (2 nm)
Battery 4,056 mAh 5,391 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB 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 150.0 x 71.9 x 8.75 mm 163.4 x 78.0 x 8.75 mm
Weight 211 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
£959.00 upfront
£11.95/mo
£1055.00 upfront
SIM-free £1197.00 £1297.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 18 Pro
Apple iPhone 18 Pro

24 Months

256GB

Silver

15GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£11.95 a month, £959 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)

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro is cheaper on contract at £1215.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £959.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 18 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 18 Pro's 6.3", both screens are similarly sharp at around 458 pixels per inch, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.

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

The Apple iPhone 18 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 18 Pro or Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £1197.00.

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

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

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 38g lighter at 211 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 150.0 x 71.9 x 8.75 mm.

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

Both phones run Apple iOS.