iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
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iPhone 16 Pro
Starting at
£737.50£999.00 new
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00What's the difference between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
iPhone 16 Pro vs 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Pro starts at £737.50, £471.50 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 size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- Battery: 3582 mAh on the iPhone 16 Pro, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max differ in size, performance, battery, and camera details, each suiting different needs. The iPhone 16 Pro offers a compact 6.3 inch screen with 8 GB RAM and a 3582 mAh battery, making it suitable for users who prefer a smaller phone with smooth everyday use. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a larger 6.9 inch display, more RAM at 12 GB, and a bigger battery capacity, fitting those who want more screen space and multitasking ability. The front camera resolution is higher on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which may appeal to selfie enthusiasts. Storage options also differ, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max offering up to 2TB.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software support, and physical characteristics. The two devices handle power and updates differently, which affects daily use and longevity.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro has a 3582 mAh battery, suitable for typical daily use. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a larger battery, with capacities listed as 4823 mAh and 5088 mAh. This means the 17 Pro Max can provide longer use between charges, ideal for heavy users or those who want extended battery life.
Operating System Compatibility
This ensures both devices stay current with Apple's software improvements and security.
Physical Durability
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is slightly thicker at 8.8 mm compared to 8.3 mm on the iPhone 16 Pro. This small difference might be noticeable when handling the phones but does not directly affect durability.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max performance
Performance includes the chipset, RAM, and storage options, which determine how smoothly the devices handle apps and multitasking.
Processor Power
The iPhone 16 Pro runs on the Apple A18 Pro chipset, offering strong performance for everyday tasks and demanding apps. The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the Apple A19 Pro, which provides enhanced processing power for more intensive use or future-proofing.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB RAM, the iPhone 16 Pro keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has 12 GB RAM, which helps keep more apps open simultaneously and supports heavier multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 16 Pro offers storage from 128GB up to 1TB, fitting a range of user needs. The iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at 256GB and goes up to 2TB, catering to users who require more space for apps, media, and files.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects viewing experience for media, gaming, and productivity. Size, resolution, and display type are key differences here.
Screen Size
The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3 inch display, making it compact and easier to use one-handed. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a larger 6.9 inch screen, offering a more spacious view for videos, games, and multitasking.
Screen Resolution
Resolution on the iPhone 16 Pro is 1206 by 2622 pixels, providing sharp and clear visuals. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a higher resolution at 2868 by 1320 pixels, which delivers more detail across its wider screen.
Display Type
The iPhone 16 Pro uses an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which balances brightness and power efficiency. The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR display, offering vibrant colours and contrast. Both have a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth motion.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max camera
Camera and audio features influence photography and video calls. The main camera is the same, but the front camera differs.
Front Camera Quality
The iPhone 16 Pro has a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for selfies and video calls with good detail. The iPhone 17 Pro Max's front camera is 18 megapixels, capturing more detail which benefits users who prioritise higher quality self-portraits or video chats.
Main Camera
Both phones share a 48 megapixel main camera, delivering high-resolution photos and videos. This consistency means both devices perform similarly in primary photography.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max size and design
Other features include size, weight, connectivity, and physical dimensions that affect handling and compatibility.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 16 Pro is smaller and lighter, measuring 149.6 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and weighing 199 g. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is larger and heavier, at 163.4 mm tall, 78 mm wide, and weighing 233 g. Choose the 16 Pro for easier one-handed use, or the 17 Pro Max for a bigger device experience.
Connector Type
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a USB-C connector.
Network and SIM Compatibility
Both phones support 5G connectivity and use a combination of physical SIM and eSIM, providing flexibility for mobile network options.
Storage Expansion
Neither device has an SD card slot, so storage capacity depends on internal options.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £737.50, £471.50 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (199 g vs 233 g)
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.3 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 16 Pro often praise its condition, with many saying it looks and feels almost new. Battery health is commonly reported as very good, around 94 to 95 percent. The screen and camera quality receive positive remarks and users appreciate the value for money. Some mention that the phone performs well and suits those upgrading from earlier models. A few customers note concerns about battery life or screen repairs but these are uncommon.
Reviews for the iPhone 17 Pro Max show satisfaction with the device's condition and battery health, with some users noting it feels like a new phone. The larger screen and higher front camera resolution align with users wanting a bigger device and better selfie quality. Overall users recommend the 17 Pro Max for its performance and storage options.
For those wanting a compact phone with strong everyday performance, the iPhone 16 Pro is a solid choice. If you prefer a larger screen, more memory, and higher front camera resolution, the iPhone 17 Pro Max suits you better.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 16 Pro vs 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro, 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 is cheaper refurbished, from £737.50 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 Pro has 3582 mAh and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The iPhone 16 Pro 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), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.3 inch) and a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £471.50 more (from £1209 vs £737.50).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
