Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max takes the lead with its larger 6.9" display and impressive 5088mAh battery, perfect for power users. In real-world use, that battery means you can enjoy up to 39 hours of video playback, which is crucial for anyone on the go in 2026. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro, while slightly smaller at 6.3", still packs a punch with its bright display and fulfills the needs of users who want high-end performance without the bulk. Key specs: Display: 6.9" vs 6.3" and Battery: 5088 mAh vs 4252 mAh.
Why compare these? Both the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17 Pro are premium flagship smartphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for premium flagship features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.8★ (126 reviews) | 4.8★ (108 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Brightest iPhone display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor) | Brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor) |
| Main Drawback | Large and heavy form factor (233 g) | Charging requires purchasing a 40W+ adapter separately for max speed |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing)
Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing)
Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 17 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(126)Best Buy | ★4.8(108)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | iOS |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades |
Processor | Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing) | Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing) |
Graphics | Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro) | Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro) |
RAM | 12 GB (LPDDR5X) | 12 GB (LPDDR5X) |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (NVMe) | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (NVMe) |
Display Size | 6.9" (6.86" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.3" (6.27" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
Resolution | 2868 x 1320 pixels (460 ppi) | 2622 x 1206 pixels (460 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz) | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion Main (24 mm, f/1.78), 2nd-gen sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for 24MP and 48MP super-high-resolution photos | 48MP Fusion Main (24 mm, f/1.6), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography | 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography |
Telephoto Camera | 48MP Fusion Telephoto (100 mm, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus; enables 12MP optical-quality 8x zoom (200 mm equivalent) | 48MP Fusion Telephoto (100 mm, 4x, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus; enables 12MP optical-quality 8x zoom (200 mm equivalent) |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x optical-quality zoom steps (16x optical zoom range) | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x optical-quality zoom steps (16x optical zoom range) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 40x | Up to 40x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion Main); ProRes up to 4K at 120 fps with external recording; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion Main); ProRes up to 4K at 120 fps with external recording; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps |
Front Camera | 18MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 18MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps |
Battery | 5088 mAh (Li-ion, eSIM model); Up to 39 hours video playback (35 hours streamed) | 4252 mAh (Li-ion, eSIM model); Up to 33 hours video playback (30 hours streamed) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Ceramic Shield back; Aerospace-grade aluminum unibody (with internal vapor chamber) | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Ceramic Shield back; Aerospace-grade aluminum unibody (with internal vapor chamber) |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.34" (163.4 x 78.0 x 8.75 mm) | 5.89" x 2.81" x 0.32" (149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm) |
Weight | 8.22 oz (233 g) | 7.27 oz (206 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Always-On display; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite |
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing)
Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
12 GB (LPDDR5X)
256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (NVMe)
Pros
- Brightest iPhone display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor)
- Triple 48MP camera system with 8x optical-quality zoom
Cons
- Large and heavy form factor (233 g)
- Fastest charging speeds require purchasing a 40W+ adapter separately
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing)
Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
12 GB (LPDDR5X)
256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (NVMe)
Pros
- Brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor)
- Triple 48MP camera system with new 4x tetraprism telephoto
Cons
- Charging requires purchasing a 40W+ adapter separately for max speed
- No physical SIM tray (eSIM only in US models)
Which one is better?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the better buy for most people - its 5088mAh battery crushes the 4252mAh of the Pro. That said, grab the iPhone 17 Pro if you prefer a lighter device at 1 ounce less, making it easier to handle daily.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if: you need the longest battery life for video playback, want the brightest display for outdoor use, or frequently take photos with the best optical zoom. (6.9" display, 5088 mAh battery)
Choose the Apple iPhone 17 Pro if: you prefer a lighter phone for everyday use, want a smaller size for easier handling, or are looking to save some weight without sacrificing performance. (6.3" display, 4252 mAh battery)
Brightest iPhone display Priority
Brightest iPhone display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor)
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Brightest 6.3-inch display Priority
Brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor)
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17 Pro are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4.8★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17 Pro?
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the better choice if you prioritize brightest iphone display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor). Apple iPhone 17 Pro wins if you value brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor). Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.8★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17 Pro?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max offers brightest iphone display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor), while Apple iPhone 17 Pro stands out with brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor). Consider that Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max large and heavy form factor (233 g). Meanwhile, Apple iPhone 17 Pro charging requires purchasing a 40w+ adapter separately for max speed. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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