Apple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max

The Apple iPhone 17 (2025) runs on the Apple A19, while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (2026) runs on the Apple A20 Pro. By overall MobileRank rating, the Apple iPhone 17 leads — 55/100 vs 40/100 (a 15-point difference). Key differences: the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max has the bigger battery (5100 mAh vs 3692).

The Apple iPhone 17 is noticeably better than the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max — the overall rating gap is 15 points.
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 17
Performance 64
Display 100
Camera 43
Battery 13
Design 78
Value for money 55
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Performance 0
Display 100
Camera 66
Battery 44
Design 50
Value for money 55
What makes Apple iPhone 17 better?
  • Faster charging: 40W vs 25W

  • Higher performance (64/100 vs 0/100)
  • Better design/ergonomics (78/100 vs 50/100)
What makes Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max better?
  • Bigger battery: 5100 vs 3692 mAh

  • Better camera (66/100 vs 43/100)
  • Longer battery life (44/100 vs 13/100)
Comparison verdict

Comparing the Apple iPhone 17 vs the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, the Apple iPhone 17 scores 15 points higher (55/100 vs 40/100). In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 17 leads (64/100 vs 0/100). In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads (66/100 vs 43/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads (44/100 vs 13/100). In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 17 significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (64/100 vs 0/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100. In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 (66/100 vs 43/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 (44/100 vs 13/100). In the "design" category, the Apple iPhone 17 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (78/100 vs 50/100). In the "value for money" category, both devices are on the same level — 55/100.

Apple iPhone 17: The Apple iPhone 17 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 Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Processor Apple A19 Apple A20 Pro
AnTuTu 2450000
Geekbench Single 3608
Geekbench Multi 8810
Display 6.3" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 2622x1206 1320x2868
Refresh rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Battery 3692 mAh 5100 mAh
Charging 40W 25W
Wireless charging 25W 25W
Main camera 48 MP 48 MP
Ultrawide 48 MP 48 MP
Telephoto 0 MP 48 MP
Front camera 12 MP 18 MP
RAM 8GB 12GB
Storage 256GB / 512GB 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB
OS iOS 26 iOS 27
Brightness (peak) 3000 nits
NFC yes yes
Protection IP68 IP68
Dimensions 149.6×71.5×8.0 mm
Weight 177 g
Price $799
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 17
  • Main: 48MP f/f/1.6
  • Ultrawide: 48MP
  • Front: 12MP
43
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
  • 6.3" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
  • Resolution: 2622x1206
  • 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
  • 3692 mAh
  • Wired: 40W
  • Wireless: 25W
13
battery
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
  • 5100 mAh
  • Wired: 25W
  • Wireless: 25W
44
battery
Benchmarks
Price and availability
Apple iPhone 17
$799
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Price unknown
Detailed category analysis
performance

In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 17 significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (64/100 vs 0/100).

display

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

camera

In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 (66/100 vs 43/100).

battery

In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 (44/100 vs 13/100).

design

In the "design" category, the Apple iPhone 17 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (78/100 vs 50/100).

value for money

In the "value for money" category, both devices are on the same level — 55/100.

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

The Apple iPhone 17 is noticeably better than the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max — the overall rating gap is 15 points.

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

The Apple iPhone 17 has a MobileRank rating of 55/100, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max — 40/100.

Which has the better camera: the Apple iPhone 17 or the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads on camera score (66/100 vs 43/100).

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

The Apple iPhone 17 leads on performance (64/100 vs 0/100).

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

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