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; launch prices were $799 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads — 80/100 vs 76/100 (a 4-point difference). Key differences: the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max has the bigger battery (5567 mAh vs 3692); the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is faster in AnTuTu (3,551,073 vs 2,156,126); the Apple iPhone 17 is noticeably lighter (177g vs 249g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
What makes Apple iPhone 17 better?
- Lighter: 177g vs 249g
- Cheaper at launch: $799 vs $1299
- Better camera (86/100 vs 71/100)
- Better portability (73/100 vs 27/100)
What makes Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3551073 vs 2156126
- Better Geekbench Single: 4612 vs 3608
- Better Geekbench Multi: 11819 vs 8810
- Bigger battery: 5567 vs 3692 mAh
- Faster charging: 60W vs 40W
- Higher performance (97/100 vs 88/100)
- Longer battery life (67/100 vs 29/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Apple iPhone 17 vs the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max scores 4 points higher (80/100 vs 76/100). In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 17 leads (86/100 vs 71/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads (67/100 vs 29/100). Value score: Apple iPhone 17 — 66/100, 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 88/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 85/100. In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 17 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (86/100 vs 71/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 (67/100 vs 29/100). In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone 17 significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (73/100 vs 27/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 17 | Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A19 | Apple A20 Pro | |
| AnTuTu | 2156126 | 3551073 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3608 | 4612 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 8810 | 11819 | |
| 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 | 5567 mAh | |
| Charging | 40W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 25W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 157 | — | |
| 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 | 3000 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 149.6×71.5×8.0 mm | 163.4×78.0×8.8 mm | |
| Weight | 177 g | 249 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 17
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Front: 12MP
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Main: 48MP f/1.48
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 48MP
- Front: 18MP
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 17
- 6.3" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2622x1206
- 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
- 3692 mAh
- Wired: 40W
- Wireless: 25W
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- 5567 mAh
- Wired: 60W
- Wireless: 25W
Overall performance score
We compared Apple iPhone 17 and Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads Apple iPhone 17 by 39.3% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $500. Apple iPhone 17 was $500 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a bit better (97/100 vs 88/100).
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 85/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 17 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (86/100 vs 71/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 (67/100 vs 29/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone 17 significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (73/100 vs 27/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 17 or the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max edges out the Apple iPhone 17 by just 4 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
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 76/100, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max — 80/100.
Which has the better camera: the Apple iPhone 17 or the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 17 leads on camera score (86/100 vs 71/100).
Which is more powerful: the Apple iPhone 17 or the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads on performance (97/100 vs 88/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 17 over the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 17 is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts. The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a better fit for gamers and power users.