iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XR
Shop iPhone
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone XR?
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £1078.70 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 A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB.
- Battery: 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, 2942 mAh on the iPhone XR.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XR specs
The iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone XR differ significantly in screen size, camera quality, and performance. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a larger and higher resolution Super Retina XDR screen, making it well suited for watching videos and detailed viewing. It also offers much more RAM and a newer chipset, which helps keep many apps open and run demanding tasks smoothly. The 17 Pro Max has higher resolution cameras for clearer photos and selfies, and a larger battery for longer use. The iPhone XR provides a solid option for everyday use with a smaller screen, fewer memory options, and simpler camera setup. It suits those wanting a reliable iOS phone with straightforward features and lower storage options.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XR price
Colour
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability covers the battery capacity and software support that affect how long the phone lasts in daily use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a battery capacity between 4823 mAh and 5088 mAh depending on the model, which offers longer usage between charges. The iPhone XR has a 2942 mAh battery, suiting users with moderate daily needs or lighter phone use.
Latest Software Updates
This means both devices can run current apps and benefit from recent software features.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XR performance
Performance affects how smoothly apps run and how much multitasking you can do. The chipset, RAM, and storage options all influence this.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the Apple A19 Pro chipset, which is newer and designed for demanding tasks. The iPhone XR has the Apple A12 Bionic chipset built on 7 nm technology, suited for everyday apps and typical phone activities.
RAM Capacity
With 12 GB of RAM, the iPhone 17 Pro Max can keep many apps open and handle multitasking efficiently. The iPhone XR offers 3 GB of RAM, enough for regular use and running common apps smoothly.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in larger storage capacities ranging from 256GB up to 2TB, ideal if you store many photos, videos or apps. The iPhone XR is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, which suits users with average storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality influences viewing experience for videos, photos, and everyday use. Screen size, resolution and type all affect clarity and space.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a large 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 2868 by 1320 pixels, providing a spacious and detailed display. The iPhone XR offers a 6.1 inch screen at 828 by 1792 pixels, suitable for those who prefer a more compact phone.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR screen, which enhances brightness and colour accuracy. The iPhone XR features a Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen that delivers good colour and sharpness for everyday viewing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XR camera
Camera quality and front camera resolution matter for photography and video calls. Higher megapixels capture more detail in your shots.
Main Camera Detail
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in photos, which benefits users who often take high-quality pictures. The iPhone XR has a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for standard photography needs.
Front Camera Resolution
For selfies and video calls, the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers an 18 megapixel front camera, which can provide clearer and sharper images. The iPhone XR has a 7 megapixel front camera, sufficient for everyday video chats and selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XR size and design
The miscellaneous section covers network, connectors, size, weight and other features that affect everyday handling and connectivity.
Network Compatibility
The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports 5G networks, suitable for users wanting faster mobile data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone XR supports 4G networks, which covers most current mobile connections.
Connector Type
The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a USB-C connector, common in many modern devices for charging and data transfer. The iPhone XR has a Lightning connector, Apple's traditional charging port.
Physical Dimensions 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. The iPhone XR is slightly smaller and lighter at 150.9 mm height, 75.7 mm width, 8.3 mm depth, and 194 g. The XR suits those preferring a lighter and more compact phone.
SIM Options
Both phones support a physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexibility for managing mobile plans.
Carrier Compatibility and Storage
Both devices come unlocked, so you can use any compatible carrier. The iPhone XR offers up to 256GB storage, while the 17 Pro Max goes up to 2TB for heavier storage needs.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £130.30, £1078.70 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (194 g vs 233 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 17 Pro Max looks and performs like new, with several buyers noting easy setup and excellent battery health. Many praise its quality and smooth operation, highlighting the phone's suitability for users who want a premium experience. Some mention the phone's larger size and weight, which suits those comfortable with a bigger device. Occasional comments note minor network issues but overall the phone receives strong approval for performance and condition.
Reviews of the iPhone XR highlight its excellent condition and value, with customers appreciating the phone looking almost new and running well. Buyers mention the screen size as comfortable and the phone as speedy for everyday use. Some note the replacement battery is not official Apple but satisfactory for their needs. The XR is praised for reliability and ease of setup, making it a good choice for users who want a straightforward iOS phone with a manageable size and solid performance.
Both phones attract buyers who appreciate refurbished options that feel new. The iPhone 17 Pro Max suits those wanting a large screen, more power, and higher storage, while the iPhone XR appeals to users seeking a simpler, lighter device with essential features.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XR FAQs
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh and the iPhone XR has 2942 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 XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max adds more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £1078.70 more (from £1209 vs £130.30).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
