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; launch prices were $1199 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads — 80/100 vs 75/100 (a 5-point difference). Key differences: the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max has the bigger battery (5567 mAh vs 4823); the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is faster in AnTuTu (3,551,073 vs 2,538,751); the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is noticeably lighter (233g vs 249g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
What makes Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max better?
- Lighter: 233g vs 249g
- Cheaper at launch: $1199 vs $1299
- Better portability (30/100 vs 27/100)
What makes Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3551073 vs 2538751
- Better Geekbench Single: 4612 vs 3933
- Better Geekbench Multi: 11819 vs 10223
- Bigger battery: 5567 vs 4823 mAh
- Faster charging: 60W vs 40W
- Higher performance (97/100 vs 92/100)
- Longer battery life (67/100 vs 53/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max scores 5 points higher (80/100 vs 75/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads (67/100 vs 53/100). Value score: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max — 60/100, Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max — 70/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a bit better (97/100 vs 92/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 85/100. In the "camera" category, both devices are on the same level — 71/100. In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a bit better (67/100 vs 53/100). In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max are nearly equal (30/100 vs 27/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A19 Pro | Apple A20 Pro | |
| AnTuTu | 2538751 | 3551073 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3933 | 4612 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 10223 | 11819 | |
| 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 | 5567 mAh | |
| Charging | 40W | 60W | |
| 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 | 3000 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 163.4×78.0×8.8 mm | 163.4×78.0×8.8 mm | |
| Weight | 233 g | 249 g | |
| Launch price | $1199 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Main: 48MP f/1.78
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 48MP
- Front: 18MP
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Main: 48MP f/1.48
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 48MP
- Front: 18MP
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2868x1320
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 1320x2868
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
- 4823 mAh
- Wired: 40W
- Wireless: 25W
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- 5567 mAh
- Wired: 60W
- Wireless: 25W
Overall performance score
We compared Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max by 28.5% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $100. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max was $100 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a bit better (97/100 vs 92/100).
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 85/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, both devices are on the same level — 71/100.
battery
In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a bit better (67/100 vs 53/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max are nearly equal (30/100 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 18 Pro Max edges out the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max by just 5 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
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 75/100, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max — 80/100.
Which is more powerful: the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads on performance (97/100 vs 92/100).
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 gamers and power users. The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a better fit for gamers and power users.