iPhone 17 Pro vs. 17 Pro Max Buyer's Guide: 8 Differences Compared

[cdsapplefan]

Probably either a new camera sensor on the main camera, the new rumored variable aperture feature, or both.

This year the 17 Pro Max has a new 56% Larger Telephoto Sensor that’s able to get 8x optical zoom and more light and less noise. Will have to test it out. 📱

 

[du57in]

I’m coming from an iPhone XR and I’m almost positive I will be getting a Pro phone. It looks like from a weight and size perspective the normal Pro is very, very close to what I’m used to.

The Max is so tempting for the battery life though.

 

[kauthor]

I upgrade to the 15 Pro Max and am going back to the Pro for the 17. The screen size difference is minimal, but the size in my pocket is noticeable. I have plenty of other options for larger screens when needed.

That's what Im doing!

 

[MacMediaNet]

Both are big and heavy bricks. Apple, please bring back iPhone mini.

 

[GuruZac]

Since the Pro line landed, I have only ever selected the Pro. After many pre-orders spent hovering over Pro Max, this cycle I finally opted to see what a year with a Max is like.

Curious to hear from others that have moved from Pro to Pro Max... Did you stay with a Max for your next hardware update or did you revert back to a Pro? What have been the pros/cons of your Max experience? Thanks.

I had the 11 Pro, then 13 Pro, then decided on 15 Pro max last time, and my 17 Pro Max will be here Friday. I contemplated going back down, but once I made the adjustment getting used to the increased size of Max, there is no going back for me. My iPhone is my main computer for work and home, my camera, my calculator, calendar, messenger, phone, media consumption, etc. I want the best specs, biggest display.

 

[svish]

Other than the difference in display size and the bigger battery the Pro Max carries, everything else is the same. The final decision comes down to the size of the device one wishes to carry around. Very happy with the bright color orange this year. Hope Apple continues to have at least one nice bright option every year.

 

[Tyrell Corporation]

Still see no reason to replace my 13 Pro Max. Got a new battery instead. Hopefully there's some real innovation next year.

I guess the new battery isn’t going to do much good if the iPhone 13 has to work harder and not smarter to run iOS 26.

 

[StrollerEd]

I guess the new battery isn’t going to do much good if the iPhone 13 has to work harder and not smarter to run iOS 26.

That attachment was interesting. My OH has my hand-me-down 12Pro from last upgrade (to 15Pro), but makes only occasional use. Battery drain would be a downer though: will try to stick to iOS 18 then.

 

[Chris Laarman]

0) Thanks for this buyer's guide!

1) I wonder if the size preference has more to do with "screen estate" or with the position the device is used in: held in and operated using one hand or otherwise.

2) Me, I have always been of the two-handed approach. I am preparing to order a Pro Max, to be used as my "iPad micro" in waiting rooms and similar situations, plus as a lightweight alternative for my system-camera.

3) My "big" question is the amount of on-device storage, as I have never filmed in higher resolution than Full HD, nor in RAW. No lack of cloud storage, but what "local buffer" I'd need. Apart from me hoarding apps...

4) This iPhone 17 Pro Max is actually to replace my battery-dead iPhone 7 Plus and relegate my iPhone Xs to when /small/ size matters.

 

[silvertech]

I've used the Pro Max every time. Others in my household use the Pro. For me the size of the display is the main reason I continue to go with the Pro Max. I view photos and video quite often and the bigger screen really makes a difference to me.

I ended up ordering a pro after years with a Max. I think I want something more comfortable plus the Pro still does have quite a large screen.