The Pro Max is for those who want everything from an iPhone: a big screen, the biggest battery and the best cameras. I compare the last two generations and answer the question 16 Pro Max owners often ask me: "Is it worth switching?".
Short answer
16 Pro Max owners don't have to upgrade - the phone is still very relevant. If you are buying now, the 17 Pro Max is better value: a better telephoto and front camera, a brighter screen, 12 GB of RAM and a 2 TB option.
Key differences
| Spec | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A19 Pro | A18 Pro |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB - 2 TB | 256 GB - 1 TB |
| Peak brightness | 3000 nits | 2000 nits |
| Telephoto | 48 MP, 4× | 12 MP, 5× |
| Front | 18 MP | 12 MP |
| Body | aluminium | titanium |
| Dimensions / weight | 163.4 × 78 × 8.75 mm, 231 g | 163 × 77.6 × 8.25 mm, 227 g |
| Battery | 4823 mAh | 4685 mAh |
| Price | current prices | current prices |
Design
The 17 Pro Max is slightly thicker (8.75 vs 8.25 mm) and 4 g heavier. That's hard to notice. The more visible difference is the material: titanium in the 16 Pro Max vs aluminium in the 17 Pro Max.
Display
Both are 6.9 inches and 120 Hz, but the 17 Pro Max is brighter - up to 3000 nits. For those who use their phone outdoors a lot, the difference is significant.
Cameras
Just like in the smaller models: the new 48 MP 4× telephoto and the 18 MP front camera are the main arguments for the 17 Pro Max. For portraits, details at a distance and selfies it's a clear step forward.
Performance and battery
The A19 Pro with 12 GB of RAM and a vapour chamber sustains performance better than the A18 Pro in the 16 Pro Max. Battery life on both is among the best iPhones - the Pro Max is traditionally the leader of the line-up.
Verdict: who should buy which
- You have a 16 Pro Max - you can skip this upgrade.
- You have a 14 Pro Max or older - get the 17 Pro Max.
- Telephoto and selfies matter - 17 Pro Max.
- You like titanium and there's a big discount - 16 Pro Max.
FAQ
Is there a 2 TB iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Yes, 12 GB / 2 TB is the top configuration.
Which is better for zoom - 4× at 48 MP or 5× at 12 MP?
For most scenes the 48 MP telephoto gives a better result thanks to detail and sensor cropping.
Is the 17 Pro Max heavier?
By 4 g - 231 g vs 227 g.