iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max
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iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £1040.91 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 on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- Battery: 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, 3174 mAh on the iPhone XS Max.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max differ mainly in size, performance, screen quality, and camera features. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a larger screen with a higher refresh rate and different resolution, which benefits those who watch a lot of video or want a smoother display. It has a more powerful chipset and more RAM, suitable for heavy multitasking or demanding apps. Its cameras capture more detail, ideal for photography enthusiasts. It is smaller and lighter, which may suit those preferring a more compact device.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software updates are key to how long a phone stays usable each day and over time.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a larger battery capacity with options of 4823 mAh or 5088 mAh, which supports longer use between charges. The iPhone XS Max has a smaller 3174 mAh battery, suitable for daily use but with less runtime compared to the 17 Pro Max. This difference matters if you often use your phone away from charging points.
Operating System Compatibility
This ensures both phones remain functional with new software features.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance affects how smoothly your phone runs apps and manages multiple tasks. Differences in chipset, RAM, and storage options influence speed and capacity for apps and files.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the Apple A19 Pro chipset, which is designed for high performance and efficiency. The iPhone XS Max has the Apple A12 Bionic chipset, suited for everyday use and moderate multitasking. The 17 Pro Max is better suited for intensive apps and gaming.
Memory Size
With 12 GB of RAM, the iPhone 17 Pro Max can keep more apps open at once and handle demanding tasks smoothly. The iPhone XS Max comes with 4 GB of RAM, which supports typical daily use but is less ideal for heavy multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in a wide range of storage capacities from 256GB up to 2TB, suitable for users who need space for many apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone XS Max offers up to 512GB, which suits most everyday users who do not store very large files.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen size, resolution, and refresh rate affect how much you see and how smooth visuals appear. These factors matter for video watching, gaming, and general use.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 2868x1320, providing a larger and different display area. The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1242x2688, still spacious but smaller. Larger screens suit those who prefer more room for video and multitasking.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling appear smoother, especially noticeable when gaming or browsing quickly. The iPhone XS Max has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is the standard for many phones and works well for everyday activities.
Screen Type
The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR screen, while the iPhone XS Max has a Super Retina OLED. Both offer vibrant colours and strong contrast, but the XDR screen is designed for a wider dynamic range, which may improve viewing in bright or varied lighting.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera quality is important if you take many photos or selfies. Higher megapixels can capture more detail in images, affecting clarity and cropping options.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has an 18 megapixel front camera, which will capture more detail in selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS Max offers a 7 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear everyday selfies and video chats.
Main Camera Resolution
The iPhone 17 Pro Max's main camera has 48 megapixels, allowing for more detailed photos and potential for cropping without losing sharpness. The iPhone XS Max has a 12 megapixel main camera, which suits general photography needs.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other features include network support, connectors, size, and weight. These details affect how you use the phone day to day and what accessories you need.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports 5G, providing faster mobile internet where 5G networks are available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G, which is widely available and sufficient for many users.
Connector Type
The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a USB-C connector, which is common for many modern devices and supports faster charging and data transfer. The iPhone XS Max uses the Lightning connector, compatible with many Apple accessories and chargers.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 17 Pro Max measures 163.4 mm tall, 78 mm wide, and 8.8 mm deep, weighing 233 g. The iPhone XS Max is slightly smaller and lighter at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, 7.7 mm deep, and 208 g. The XS Max may suit users preferring a more compact and lighter device.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support a physical SIM card along with eSIM, allowing flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers or plans.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.5 inch)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £1040.91 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (208 g vs 233 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 17 Pro Max often praise its condition, describing it as like new or perfect with good battery health. Many mention smooth setup and good performance, noting the phone works as described and meets expectations for speed and camera quality. Some customers have experienced minor issues unrelated to the phone itself, but overall users appreciate the larger screen and advanced features.
For the iPhone XS Max, customers value the phone for everyday use and find it reliable with good condition and battery life for its age. Some mention that the battery can be weaker, but overall the phone performs well for typical tasks. Users appreciate the clear descriptions and find the device good value, with many saying it suits their needs without the latest features.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max suits those who want a larger screen, more RAM, and higher camera resolution for demanding use. The iPhone XS Max is a solid choice for users who prefer a lighter, smaller phone that still runs current software and handles everyday tasks well.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh and the iPhone XS Max has 3174 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 XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.5 inch) and a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £1040.91 more (from £1209 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
