iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone XS Max
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iPhone 17 Pro
Starting at
£1,074.24£1,099.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat'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
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- 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
Colour
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
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
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
RAM
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
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
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
Main camera
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
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
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.









