iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8
Shop iPhone
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 8?
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £1119 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 A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 2 GB.
- Battery: 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, 1821 mAh on the iPhone 8.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 specs
The iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 8 differ significantly in size, power, and features, suiting different types of users. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a much larger screen and much more RAM, making it better for multitasking and media viewing. Its battery capacity and camera megapixels are also much higher, fitting those who want longer use and sharper photos. The iPhone 8 is smaller and lighter, with specs that suit everyday tasks and straightforward use. It offers fewer storage options but remains a solid choice for basic apps and communication.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 price
Colour
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design. These factors affect how long the device lasts in daily use and how current its software remains.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a battery capacity of 4823 mAh or 5088 mAh depending on the model, which supports longer use between charges. The iPhone 8 has a 1821 mAh battery, suitable for standard daily use but with shorter runtime. If you often use your phone heavily or want less frequent charging, the iPhone 17 Pro Max suits you better.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 performance
Performance involves the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly the phone runs apps, multitasks, and stores data.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the Apple A19 Pro chipset paired with 12 GB of RAM, which supports heavy multitasking, demanding apps, and fast performance. The iPhone 8 uses the Apple A11 Bionic chipset with 2 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday apps and lighter multitasking. Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want more power for advanced use.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage options, offering plenty of space for large apps, photos, and files. The iPhone 8 comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, which meets the needs of users with moderate storage demands.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and use your device for media, reading, and apps.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 2868x1320, providing a large, high-definition display ideal for video, gaming, and detailed work. The iPhone 8 has a 4.7 inch screen and 750x1334 resolution, which suits users who prefer a compact phone that fits comfortably in one hand.
Screen Type
The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a Super Retina XDR screen, designed for bright colours and deep contrast. The iPhone 8 uses a Retina IPS LCD screen, delivering clear visuals and accurate colours suited for everyday viewing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 camera
Audiovisual features include camera quality, important for selfies, video calls, and photography.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has an 18 megapixel front camera, which captures detailed selfies and sharp video calls. The iPhone 8 offers a 7 megapixel front camera, suitable for basic selfies and video.
Main Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro Max's main camera has 48 megapixels, allowing for detailed photos and high-resolution images. The iPhone 8's main camera has 12 megapixels, which works well for everyday photography needs.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 size and design
Miscellaneous details cover physical size, network compatibility, connectors, and SIM options, which affect usability and convenience.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 17 Pro Max measures 163.4 mm in height, 78 mm in width, and 8.8 mm in depth, weighing 233 g. It offers a larger screen but is heavier and bigger to carry. The iPhone 8 is smaller at 138.4 mm height, 67.3 mm width, and 7.3 mm depth, weighing 148 g, which suits those preferring a compact and lighter phone.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports 5G networks, suitable for faster data speeds where available. The iPhone 8 supports 4G networks, fitting users satisfied with established mobile broadband speeds.
Connector Type
The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a USB-C connector, compatible with modern accessories and charging cables. The iPhone 8 uses a Lightning connector, which fits older Apple accessories.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing flexible mobile network setups. The iPhone 8 supports a physical SIM only.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone 8: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 4.7 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone 8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £90, £1119 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 233 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 17 Pro Max often comment on how the phone looks and works like new, with battery health rated at 100%. Many appreciate the ease of moving apps and data from an older iPhone to this one. The larger size and quality match expectations for a newer model. Some mention occasional call issues but still recommend the device for saving money and the environment.
The iPhone 8 customers report the phone looks nearly new and performs well for everyday use. Battery health is generally good, supporting a full day with moderate use. Users find it suitable for work and basic apps, with some noting the phone runs perfectly for their needs. Storage options like 256 GB provide ample space for photos and apps. Some customers mention minor marks or scratches but remain happy with the overall condition and performance.
Both devices suit different users: the iPhone 17 Pro Max appeals to those wanting a large screen, advanced cameras, and more power, while the iPhone 8 fits those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone for everyday tasks.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 FAQs
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh and the iPhone 8 has 1821 mAh.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone 8 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max adds more RAM (12 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 4.7 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £1119 more (from £1209 vs £90).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the iPhone 8 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
