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iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS Max

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iPhone 17 Pro

Starting at

£1,074.24£1,099.00 new
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iPhone XS Max

Starting at

£168.09£459.00 new
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(117 reviews)
(436 reviews)

What's the difference between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone XS Max?

iPhone 17 Pro vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £906.15 less than the iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone 17 Pro is the newer model, released in 2025.

Refurbished from

£1074.24£168.09

Chipset

Apple A19 Pro (3 nm)Apple A12 Bionic

RAM

12 GB4 GB

Battery

3998 mAh, 4252 mAh3174 mAh

Screen size

6.3 inch6.5 inch

Screen type

Super Retina XDRSuper Retina OLED
  • Chipset: Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
  • The iPhone 17 Pro has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
  • Battery: 3998 mAh, 4252 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro, 3174 mAh on the iPhone XS Max.

iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS Max specs

The iPhone 17 Pro offers a faster chipset, more RAM, higher resolution with a faster refresh rate, and stronger cameras suited for content creators or those wanting sharper visuals. The XS Max has a slightly larger screen and comes with a physical SIM slot alongside eSIM, which suits users preferring physical SIM cards. Battery capacity and network generation also differ, with the 17 Pro supporting 5G and a larger battery, making it suitable for users who need longer use and faster internet. Both phones are unlocked and weigh about the same, fitting different preferences in size and features.

iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS Max price

iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates

These affect how long each phone lasts on a charge and how long it receives software updates.

Battery Capacity

The iPhone 17 Pro has a battery capacity of 4252 mAh, larger than the 3174 mAh of the iPhone XS Max. This means the 17 Pro will generally provide longer battery life for daily use, which benefits users who spend more time away from charging points.

Battery

3998 mAh, 4252 mAh3174 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP68IP68

Software updates

Supported, up to iOS 27Ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18

Wireless charging

YesYes

Year of release

20252018

iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS Max performance

Performance hinges on chipset, RAM, and storage options. These determine how smoothly the phone runs apps, multitasks, and handles storage needs.

Chipset Power

The iPhone 17 Pro uses the Apple A19 Pro chipset built on a 3 nm process, offering more processing power than the iPhone XS Max's Apple A12 Bionic. This suits users running demanding apps or multitasking heavily.

RAM Size

With 12 GB of RAM, the iPhone 17 Pro can keep more apps active in the background and manage memory-intensive tasks better than the iPhone XS Max, which has 4 GB of RAM. This is useful for users who often switch between apps or use advanced applications.

Storage Options

The iPhone 17 Pro is available with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options, catering to users who need ample space for files and apps. The iPhone XS Max comes with 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB, offering fewer high-capacity options.

Chipset

Apple A19 Pro (3 nm)Apple A12 Bionic

RAM

12 GB4 GB

iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS Max screen

Screen quality influences how content looks and feels on each device, including size, resolution, refresh rate, and display technology.

Refresh Rate

The iPhone 17 Pro features a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations smoother compared to the iPhone XS Max's 60 Hz display. This is noticeable when browsing or playing games.

Resolution and Size

The iPhone 17 Pro has a resolution of 2622 by 1206 pixels on a 6.3 inch screen, delivering sharp visuals in a slightly smaller display than the iPhone XS Max, which has a 1242 by 2688 pixel resolution on a 6.5 inch screen. The XS Max's taller screen offers more vertical space for reading and watching videos.

Screen Type

The iPhone 17 Pro uses a Super Retina XDR screen, while the iPhone XS Max has a Super Retina OLED. Both deliver vivid colours and deep blacks, but the 17 Pro's screen technology supports its higher refresh rate and resolution.

Refresh rate

120 Hz60 Hz

Resolution

2622x12061242 x 2688

Screen size

6.3 inch6.5 inch

Screen type

Super Retina XDRSuper Retina OLED

iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS Max camera

Audiovisual capabilities relate to the quality of front and main cameras. This affects photo and video detail and clarity.

Front Camera

The iPhone 17 Pro offers an 18 megapixel front camera, which is higher resolution than the 7 megapixels on the iPhone XS Max. This suits users who take many selfies or use video calls frequently.

Main Camera

With a 48 megapixel main camera, the iPhone 17 Pro captures more detail compared to the 12 megapixels of the iPhone XS Max. This benefits users who want sharper photos and more flexibility in editing images.

Front camera

18 megapixels7 megapixels

Main camera

48 megapixels12 megapixels

iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS Max size and design

Other features include network type, SIM options, connectors, and device size and weight, which affect usability and connectivity.

Network and SIM

The iPhone 17 Pro supports 5G mobile networks and uses an eSIM only, offering faster internet speeds and a fully digital SIM experience. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G and includes both a physical SIM and an eSIM, which suits users who prefer or need a physical SIM card.

Connector Type

The iPhone 17 Pro uses a USB-C connector, which is common for many modern devices. The iPhone XS Max uses a Lightning connector, which works with many accessories made for older iPhones.

Size and Weight

The iPhone 17 Pro measures 150 mm tall, 71.9 mm wide, and 8.8 mm deep, weighing 206 g. The iPhone XS Max is slightly larger at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, and 7.7 mm deep, weighing 208 g. The 17 Pro's smaller width makes it easier to hold and fit in pockets.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CLightning

Depth

8.8 mm7.7 mm

Height

150 mm157.5 mm

Mobile network

5G4G

Release date

19 September 202521 September 2018

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

eSIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

206 g208 g

Width

71.9 mm77.4 mm

iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?

Buy the iPhone 17 Pro if

  • you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
  • you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
  • you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)

Buy the iPhone XS Max if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £906.15 less than the iPhone 17 Pro
  • you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.3 inch)
  • you want an OLED screen

What our customers say

Customers say the iPhone 17 Pro looks like new, often noting perfect or spotless condition and excellent battery health. Many appreciate the clear and bright screen, which is easier to see in sunlight, and find the slightly smaller size fits more comfortably in pockets. The phone's performance and camera quality receive positive remarks, with users reporting a smooth experience for tasks like content creation and daily use. Some customers highlight that the phone feels almost brand new, especially when choosing premium options with high storage and very low battery cycles.

For the iPhone XS Max, customers note good condition with minimal scratches, often describing it as excellent value for the price. Battery life varies more, with some needing replacements after use. The physical SIM slot is important for some users, and the larger screen size is appreciated for media. Users find the XS Max reliable for everyday tasks, though some mention slower setup or issues like Face ID not working properly. Overall, it suits those wanting a capable phone with a bigger display and simpler features.

The iPhone 17 Pro fits users who want higher performance, sharper cameras, and a smoother display in a more compact size. The iPhone XS Max suits those who prefer a larger screen, physical SIM cards, and a proven smartphone for everyday use at a lower price point.

iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS Max FAQs

iPhone 17 Pro vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 17 Pro has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.

The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £1074.24 for the iPhone 17 Pro.

The iPhone 17 Pro has 3998 mAh, 4252 mAh and the iPhone XS Max has 3174 mAh.

The iPhone 17 Pro has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.

The iPhone 17 Pro 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 adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £906.15 more (from £1074.24 vs £168.09).

Refurbished, the iPhone 17 Pro comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.

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