Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Compare Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max side by side: Apple A19 Pro vs Apple A20 Pro, 48MP vs 48MP camera, 4823mAh vs 5567mAh battery, $699…
Apple
iPhone 17 Pro Max
$699
3categories won
Apple
iPhone 18 Pro Max
$1,299
1categories won
9 categories tied · 13 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 claims the overall win over the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, delivering a stronger technical package across measurable key specifications. In camera testing, the iPhone 17 Pro Max leads with sharper imaging, while battery endurance leans towards the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone 18 Pro Max if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
iPhone 18 Pro Max takes battery honors offering 5,567 mAh.
Both handsets deliver top-tier speed with Apple A19 Pro and smooth everyday multitasking.
iPhone 17 Pro Max wins photography with 48MP main imaging and 4x dedicated optical zoom.
iPhone 17 Pro Max provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $699 vs $1299.
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 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 18 Pro Max: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.9" | 6.9" |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1320 x 2868 |
| Pixel density | 458 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 3000 nits | 3000 nits |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Apple A20 Pro |
| Process node | 3 nm | — |
| AnTuTu score | 2,400,000 | — |
| Geekbench multi | 8900 | — |
| Maximum RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Maximum storage | 2TB | 2TB |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Rear cameras | 3Winner | 1 |
| Optical zoom | 4x | — |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | — |
| Selfie camera | 18 MP | — |
| Max video | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps | 4K |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,823 mAh | 5,567 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 42 W | — |
| Wireless charging | 25 W | 25 W |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 233 gWinner | 249 g |
| Thickness | 8.75 mm | 8.75 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Aluminum unibody, Ceramic Shield 2 front | Aluminum frame, glass back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS iOS 26 | iOS 27 |
| OS updates | 6 years | — |
| Security updates | 6 years | — |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) | — |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $699Winner | $1,299 |
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
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a $1299 super-sized flagship aimed at power users and mobile gamers. Featuring a massive 6.9-inch OLED display, a huge 5567 mAh battery, and a new variable aperture 48MP camera, it offers peak hardware performance but compromises with a surprisingly heavy 249g aluminum chassis.
- Display
- 6.9"
- Chipset
- Apple A20 Pro
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 5,567mAh
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