iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
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iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at
£840.13£1,399.00 new
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00What's the difference between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at £840.13, £368.87 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- Battery: 4685 mAh on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro Max share many features like screen size and 5G support but differ in areas that suit different users. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a larger RAM capacity and the Apple A19 Pro chipset, which may appeal if you use many apps or demanding software. Its front camera captures more detail with 18 megapixels, ideal for clearer selfies. The 17 Pro Max also supports physical SIM cards alongside eSIM, offering more flexibility in network use. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a slightly smaller battery and less RAM but still provides smooth everyday performance. It is a solid choice if you want a premium phone with proven features.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates and physical design. The two iPhones differ in battery size and SIM options, which matter for daily use and connectivity.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 4685 mAh battery, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers either 4823 mAh or 5088 mAh depending on the unit. A larger battery in the 17 Pro Max means longer potential use between charges, which suits those who rely on their phone throughout a busy day or prefer fewer charging stops.
SIM Card Flexibility
The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses an eSIM, which is convenient for users who prefer digital SIM management. The iPhone 17 Pro Max includes both a physical SIM slot and eSIM, offering more options for users who want to switch physical SIM cards or manage multiple numbers easily.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM and storage options. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is designed for heavier multitasking and higher storage needs, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max suits everyday use well.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 16 Pro Max runs on the Apple A18 Pro chip, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the Apple A19 Pro. This upgrade benefits users running intensive apps or multitasking, providing smoother performance for demanding tasks.
RAM Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 Pro Max keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The iPhone 17 Pro Max increases RAM to 12 GB, allowing more apps to stay open simultaneously and better handling of complex workflows or gaming.
Storage Options
Both phones offer 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage variants. The iPhone 17 Pro Max adds a 2TB option, making it suitable for users needing extensive space for large files, high-resolution videos or extensive app libraries.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects viewing comfort and clarity. Both iPhones share many screen features but the iPhone 17 Pro Max has a different screen type and resolution orientation that may influence your experience.
Screen Resolution
Both devices have a resolution of 2868 by 1320 pixels but the iPhone 16 Pro Max lists it as 1320 by 2868, which suggests a difference in orientation or reporting format. Both offer the same screen size of 6.9 inches, providing a large display for videos and apps.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, ideal for vivid colours and efficient power use. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR screen without the LTPO designation, which offers excellent brightness and clarity but may differ slightly in power efficiency or refresh behaviour.
Refresh Rate
Both phones support a 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive touch input for gaming and general use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max camera
Camera specs influence the quality of photos and videos. The two iPhones have the same main camera resolution but differ in front camera megapixels.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear selfies and video calls. The iPhone 17 Pro Max increases this to 18 megapixels, capturing more detail and sharper images for users who prioritise front camera quality.
Main Camera Consistency
Both models have a 48 megapixel main camera, providing high-quality photos and videos for everyday photography needs without differences in resolution.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, weight, connectivity and SIM options, affecting comfort and usability.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 16 Pro Max measures 163 mm in height, 77.6 mm in width and 8.3 mm in depth, weighing 227 g. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is slightly larger and heavier, at 163.4 mm tall, 78 mm wide, 8.8 mm deep and 233 g. These small differences may be noticeable if you prefer a lighter or slimmer device.
Carrier Compatibility
Both devices are unlocked and support 5G networks, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of carriers and fast mobile internet.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 17 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £840.13, £368.87 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (227 g vs 233 g)
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 16 Pro Max often praise its like-new condition, with many highlighting battery health near or at 100 percent and screens free from scratches. Several mention smooth and responsive touchscreens and they find performance reliable for daily use. The premium condition phones feel almost new and are well cared for. Battery life and screen quality receive frequent positive mentions, making it a dependable choice for those wanting a high-end refurbished iPhone.
Reviews for the iPhone 17 Pro Max mention good condition and quality, with some customers happy with the phone's performance and ease of setup. Battery health is noted as excellent by some users. Overall customers find the device works as described. The 17 Pro Max appeals to those looking for a refurbished phone with newer features and solid condition.
Both phones satisfy users who want high quality refurbished iPhones. The 16 Pro Max suits those valuing a proven smooth experience with excellent battery health, while the 17 Pro Max draws buyers interested in a newer model with updated hardware and camera features.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £840.13 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has 4685 mAh and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max adds more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB) and a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £368.87 more (from £1209 vs £840.13).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
