Apple iPhone 16e vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Compare Apple iPhone 16e vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max side by side: Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine) vs Apple A19 Pro, 48MP vs 48MP camera, 3960mAh vs…
Apple
iPhone 16e
$599
4categories won
Apple
iPhone 17 Pro Max
$699
12categories won
4 categories tied · 20 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max proves superior overall against the Apple iPhone 16e, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the iPhone 17 Pro Max leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone 16e if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
iPhone 17 Pro Max takes battery honors offering 4,823 mAh alongside 42W charging.
iPhone 17 Pro Max provides greater sustained gaming output with its Apple A19 Pro and 12GB RAM.
iPhone 17 Pro Max takes photography with 48MP optics and 4x optical telephoto capabilities.
iPhone 16e provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $599 vs $699.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.9" |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1320 x 2868Winner |
| Pixel density | 457 ppi | 458 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 HzWinner |
| Peak brightness | 2000 nits | 3000 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine) | Apple A19 Pro |
| Process node | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 1,650,000 | 2,400,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 8120 | 8900Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 12 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 128GB | 2TBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Rear cameras | 1 | 3Winner |
| Optical zoom | — | 4x |
| Ultrawide | — | 48 MP |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | 18 MPWinner |
| Max video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision HDR | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,960 mAh | 4,823 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 25 W | 42 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 25 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 167 gWinner | 233 g |
| Thickness | 7.8 mmWinner | 8.75 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Aerospace-grade aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, color-infused glass back | Aluminum unibody, Ceramic Shield 2 front |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 18.3 | iOS iOS 26 |
| OS updates | 6 years | 6 years |
| Security updates | 7 yearsWinner | 6 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $599Winner | $699 |
Apple iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e brings Apple's apex 3nm A18 silicon and full Apple Intelligence generative AI support to a sub-$600 form factor. Featuring an upgraded 48MP 2-in-1 Fusion camera with 2x lossless telephoto cropping, Face ID, USB-C, and class-leading battery endurance, it replaces both legacy SE models and previous base offerings.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine)
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,960mAh
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is a massive 6.9-inch flagship suited for power users and mobile videographers. With its new A19 Pro 3nm chipset, 12GB of RAM, and a complete triple 48MP camera system, it delivers top-tier performance, though its 233g aluminum build makes it exceptionally heavy.
- Display
- 6.9"
- Chipset
- Apple A19 Pro
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 4,823mAh