iPhone 17 vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 17
Starting at
£713.34£799.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17 and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 17 vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £545.25 less than the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 17 and iPhone XS Max differ in several key areas that affect who they suit best. The iPhone 17 offers a more powerful chipset and double the RAM, making it better for users who want smoother multitasking and faster performance. It has a slightly smaller but higher refresh rate screen, ideal for those who appreciate fluid visuals. The iPhone 17 also has higher resolution cameras, appealing to users focused on photography. Battery capacity is larger on the iPhone 17, which can support longer use between charges. The XS Max offers a larger screen and a familiar Lightning connector, which may suit those who prefer a bigger display and existing accessories. Network support differs with the iPhone 17 providing 5G connectivity.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 17 vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Battery life, software updates and build dimensions impact how long a phone meets your needs.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17 has a 3692 mAh battery, larger than the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This means the iPhone 17 can generally last longer between charges, which benefits users who rely on their phone throughout a busy day. The XS Max's battery is still capable but suits lighter daily use or those who can recharge more often.
Software Updates
This keeps both phones relevant in terms of software.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 17 is smaller and lighter at 149.6 mm height, 71.5 mm width, and 177 g weight compared to the XS Max's 157.5 mm height, 77.4 mm width, and 208 g weight. The iPhone 17 suits those wanting a more compact, lighter phone while the XS Max offers more screen space but is noticeably larger and heavier.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance affects how fast the phone runs apps and handles multitasking. The iPhone 17 and iPhone XS Max differ in chipset, RAM, and storage options.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 17 uses the Apple A19 chipset, a more recent and capable processor compared to the XS Max's Apple A12 Bionic. This means the iPhone 17 handles demanding apps and multitasking more smoothly, benefiting users who run many apps or play games.
RAM Capacity
With 8 GB RAM, the iPhone 17 supports keeping more apps open and switching between them efficiently. The XS Max has 4 GB RAM, which is sufficient for everyday use but may require more frequent app reloads during heavy multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17 is stocked in 256GB and 512GB storage sizes, providing plenty of space for apps, photos, and media. The XS Max offers 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, so it includes a lower storage option for simpler needs or cost savings.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen features determine how content looks and feels when you use your phone. The iPhone 17 and XS Max differ in refresh rate, resolution, screen size, and screen technology.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 17 has a 120 Hz refresh rate, which doubles the XS Max's 60 Hz. This makes scrolling, animations, and supported games appear smoother on the iPhone 17, appealing to users who value fluid visuals.
Resolution and Size
The iPhone 17's screen resolution is 2622x1206 on a 6.3 inch display, offering high pixel density and sharp images in a compact size. The XS Max's 6.5 inch screen has a resolution of 1242x2688, providing a larger viewing area that suits users who prefer bigger screens for video or reading.
Screen Type
The iPhone 17 uses a Super Retina XDR screen, while the XS Max has a Super Retina OLED display. Both offer excellent colour and contrast, so your choice depends more on size and refresh rate preferences.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera quality defines the detail and clarity of your photos and videos. The iPhone 17 and XS Max differ significantly in camera megapixels.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17 has an 18 megapixel front camera, more than twice the 7 megapixels of the XS Max. This means selfies and video calls capture more detail and clarity on the iPhone 17, suiting anyone prioritising high-quality front-facing photos.
Main Camera
The iPhone 17's main camera boasts 48 megapixels, which is four times the 12 megapixels on the XS Max. This higher megapixel count allows for more detailed and sharper photos, ideal for photography enthusiasts or those who want to crop images without losing quality.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other features like network support, connectors, and physical design can influence your daily experience with a phone. Here the iPhone 17 and XS Max differ in several ways.
Network Compatibility
The iPhone 17 supports 5G mobile networks, offering faster data speeds where available. The XS Max supports 4G, which is sufficient for many users but delivers slower mobile internet in comparison.
Connector Type
The iPhone 17 uses a USB-C connector, which is becoming a common standard for charging and accessories. The XS Max uses Apple's Lightning connector, compatible with many existing accessories but different from USB-C.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 17 is slightly thicker at 8 mm compared to the XS Max's 7.7 mm. The XS Max is taller and wider, so the iPhone 17 is easier to hold and pocket while the XS Max offers a larger footprint.
Weight
Weighing 177 g, the iPhone 17 is lighter than the XS Max at 208 g. This makes the iPhone 17 more comfortable for long use or carrying in a pocket.
SIM Options
Both phones support a physical SIM plus eSIM, so you can use multiple numbers or carriers on either device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
- 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, £545.25 less than the iPhone 17
- 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 looks like new with excellent battery health and very few or no physical signs of use. Many mention that the phone's battery was at 100% health and that it performs like a new device, with smooth setup and reliable speed. The camera and screen quality are described positively, with users appreciating the phone for everyday use and as an upgrade from earlier models. Some customers highlight the value they found in purchasing a refurbished iPhone 17, noting the condition and performance met or exceeded their expectations.
The iPhone XS Max also receives positive comments for its appearance and condition, with many users finding it to be a good, trustworthy refurbished phone. Battery life varies more among customers, with some noting the battery health was lower or required replacement. The screen and general phone functionality receive praise, with users happy for typical daily use and value for money. Some customers mention minor cosmetic wear but say it does not interfere with their experience.
Overall, the iPhone 17 suits those looking for a device that performs smoothly with up-to-date hardware and a high-quality camera. The iPhone XS Max suits users wanting a larger screen and a reliable, unlocked phone for everyday tasks, with storage options that include smaller capacities.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 17 vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £713.34 for the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
The iPhone 17 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 17 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 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 3174 mAh) and a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £545.25 more (from £713.34 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
