iPhone 17e vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 17e
Starting at
£603.69
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17e and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 17e vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £435.60 less than the iPhone 17e. The iPhone 17e is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17e, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone 17e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 17e has a bigger battery: 4005 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
iPhone 17e vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 17e and iPhone XS Max differ mainly in size, performance, camera ability and network technology. The iPhone 17e is a lighter and smaller phone with a sharper main camera and a more powerful chipset suited to users who want a compact device with strong performance. Its battery is larger, which may benefit longer daily use. The iPhone XS Max offers a bigger screen, more storage variety including a smaller 64GB option, and a wider display ideal for viewing video or multitasking. It supports 4G mobile network while the iPhone 17e supports 5G. Buyers who prefer a larger display or a range of storage sizes may prefer the XS Max, while those seeking newer features and a lighter phone may favour the 17e.
iPhone 17e vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 17e vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability includes battery capacity and software support. Their battery sizes differ, which affects how long each lasts between charges.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17e has a 4005 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This means the 17e can offer longer battery life between charges, which is beneficial for users who spend a lot of time away from power sources. The XS Max's battery size is suitable for everyday use but may require more frequent charging.
Software Updates
This ensures both devices can run the current software and access new features and security improvements.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17e vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance covers the chipset, RAM and storage options. These influence how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking, as well as how much data you can store.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 17e uses the Apple A19 chipset with 8 GB RAM, while the iPhone XS Max has the Apple A12 Bionic chipset and 4 GB RAM. The 17e's higher RAM supports smoother multitasking and better performance for demanding apps. The XS Max's setup suits everyday tasks and apps well but with fewer simultaneous apps open.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17e is stocked in 256GB and 512GB storage sizes, offering ample space for apps, photos and media. The iPhone XS Max has 64GB, 256GB and 512GB options, making it suitable for those who want a lower priced model or prefer a larger capacity.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17e vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how you experience videos, photos and apps. Differences include screen size, resolution and screen technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen, offering more room for watching videos and multitasking. Its resolution is 1242 by 2688, providing a tall and wide display area. The iPhone 17e has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 2532 by 1170, which is sharper horizontally. The smaller 17e suits users who prefer a more compact phone.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 17e uses Super Retina XDR OLED, which may provide improved contrast and colour accuracy compared to the XS Max's Super Retina OLED. Both have a 60 Hz refresh rate, so motion smoothness is similar on each.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17e vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual specs focus on the front and main cameras, important if you often take photos or video calls.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17e features a 12 megapixel front camera, offering clearer selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS Max has a 7 megapixel front camera, which suits everyday video chatting and casual selfies.
Main Camera
The iPhone 17e's main camera is 48 megapixels, capturing more detail for photos. The iPhone XS Max has a 12 megapixel main camera, which works well for general photography but with less resolution for fine detail.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17e vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectors, network compatibility and physical dimensions. These affect how the phone fits your lifestyle and accessories.
Mobile Network and Connectivity
The iPhone 17e supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile internet speeds where available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G, which provides reliable connectivity for everyday use.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 17e is smaller and lighter, measuring 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide and weighing 169 g. The iPhone XS Max is larger and heavier at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide and 208 g. The 17e suits those wanting a pocket-friendly device, while the XS Max is better for users who prefer a bigger phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17e or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17e if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4005 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
- 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, £435.60 less than the iPhone 17e
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 17e feels like a brand new phone and is in good condition with a nice size. They mention the battery is at 100 percent lifespan and the phone works well with no marks or scratches. Setup is described as quick and easy, and users appreciate the sharp screen and high quality. Some users recommend the phone for its top quality and fair price, while one noted a screen protector was helpful to avoid scratches.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max praise its condition as looking brand new with no scratches or dents. Customers say it performs well for everyday needs and is excellent value for the price. Some mention the battery life was good but note it may be shorter than newer models. A few users appreciated the clear product description and trustworthy purchase experience. One user had an issue with Face ID but others found the phone reliable and functional.
The iPhone 17e suits those who want a newer, compact phone with a strong battery and camera. The iPhone XS Max is a good choice for those who want a larger screen and a range of storage sizes, with solid performance for daily tasks.
iPhone 17e vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 17e vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17e, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 17e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £603.69 for the iPhone 17e.
The iPhone 17e has a bigger battery: 4005 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
The iPhone 17e has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 17e 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 17e adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4005 mAh vs 3174 mAh) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £435.60 more (from £603.69 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17e comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
