Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Our verdict: On contract, the Apple iPhone 16 works out £483.03 cheaper overall than the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9". If you'd rather buy outright, the Apple iPhone 16 starts at £481.00 SIM-free. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max gives you more flexibility with 4 storage options to choose from.

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
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 (£19.00 upfront) £44.29/mo (£99.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£481.00 £1094.99
Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
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
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
£19.00 upfront
£44.29/mo
£99.00 upfront
SIM-free £481.00 £1094.99
Deals Deals

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 £678.93 over the life of the deal from £26.99 per month with £19.00 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 £481.00.

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.