Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (2025) runs on the Apple A19 Pro, while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (2026) runs on the Apple A20 Pro. By overall MobileRank rating, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max leads — 63/100 vs 40/100 (a 23-point difference). Key differences: the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max has the bigger battery (5100 mAh vs 4823).

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max by 23 points (63/100 vs 40/100).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Performance 72
Display 100
Camera 66
Battery 41
Design 8
Value for money 27
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Performance 0
Display 100
Camera 66
Battery 44
Design 50
Value for money 55
What makes Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max better?
  • Faster charging: 40W vs 25W

  • Higher performance (72/100 vs 0/100)
What makes Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max better?
  • Bigger battery: 5100 vs 4823 mAh

  • Longer battery life (44/100 vs 41/100)
  • Better design/ergonomics (50/100 vs 8/100)
  • Better value for money (55/100 vs 27/100)
Comparison verdict

Comparing the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max scores 23 points higher (63/100 vs 40/100). In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max leads (72/100 vs 0/100). In the "value for money" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads (55/100 vs 27/100). In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (72/100 vs 0/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100. In the "camera" category, both devices are on the same level — 66/100. In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max are nearly equal (44/100 vs 41/100). In the "design" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (50/100 vs 8/100). In the "value for money" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (55/100 vs 27/100).

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is a better fit for active users.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max: The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a better fit for everyday use.
Specs comparison
Specification Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Processor Apple A19 Pro Apple A20 Pro
AnTuTu 2601000
Geekbench Single 3933
Geekbench Multi 10223
Display 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 2868x1320 1320x2868
Refresh rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Battery 4823 mAh 5100 mAh
Charging 40W 25W
Wireless charging 25W 25W
Main camera 48 MP 48 MP
Ultrawide 48 MP 48 MP
Telephoto 48 MP 48 MP
Front camera 18 MP 18 MP
RAM 12GB 12GB
Storage 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB
OS iOS 26 iOS 27
Brightness (peak) 3000 nits
NFC yes yes
Protection IP68 IP68
Dimensions 163.4×78.0×8.8 mm
Weight 233 g
Price $1199
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
  • Main: 48MP f/f/1.78
  • Ultrawide: 48MP
  • Telephoto: 48MP
  • Front: 18MP
66
camera
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
  • Main: 48MP f/f/1.6
  • Ultrawide: 48MP
  • Telephoto: 48MP
  • Front: 18MP
66
camera
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
  • 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
  • Resolution: 2868x1320
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
100
display
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
  • 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
  • Resolution: 1320x2868
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
100
display
Battery and charging
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
  • 4823 mAh
  • Wired: 40W
  • Wireless: 25W
41
battery
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
  • 5100 mAh
  • Wired: 25W
  • Wireless: 25W
44
battery
Benchmarks
Price and availability
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
$1199
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Price unknown
Detailed category analysis
performance

In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (72/100 vs 0/100).

display

In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100.

camera

In the "camera" category, both devices are on the same level — 66/100.

battery

In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max are nearly equal (44/100 vs 41/100).

design

In the "design" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (50/100 vs 8/100).

value for money

In the "value for money" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (55/100 vs 27/100).

Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max by 23 points (63/100 vs 40/100).

What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has a MobileRank rating of 63/100, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max — 40/100.

Which is more powerful: the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max leads on performance (72/100 vs 0/100).

Should you choose the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max over the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is a better fit for active users. The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a better fit for everyday use.