iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro

What’s the Real Difference of iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro ?

Every year, Apple fans ask the same question: Should I get the Pro or the Pro Max? With the upcoming iPhone 17 series, that question is popping up again. So, what really sets the iPhone 17 Pro Max apart from the regular iPhone 17 Pro?

The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a larger 6.9-inch display compared to the 6.3-inch screen on the iPhone 17 Pro.

Let’s break it all down in plain English. Whether you're a hardcore Apple fan or just shopping for your next upgrade, here’s everything you need to know.

As usual, the Pro Max model will be the larger of the two. The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to come with a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max will sport a 6.9-inch screen. That extra screen space makes a noticeable difference for watching videos, gaming, and multitasking.

Because the Pro Max is physically bigger, it can fit a larger battery. And yes, that means better battery life. Apple has always used that extra space in the Max model to provide longer-lasting performance—and that trend continues.

In fact, this year, there’s a rumor that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be approximately 5% thicker than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Why? To fit an even bigger battery. That might not sound like a huge change, but in smartphone design, a 5% increase is significant. The extra thickness is expected to boost battery capacity up to 5,000 mAh, compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 4,676 mAh.

According to a leak from Ice Universe, a well-known source with over 1.5 million followers on Weibo, the new iPhone 17 Pro Max will deliver one of the best battery experiences ever on an iPhone. Their previous Apple leaks have often turned out to be accurate, so this rumor has some credibility.

In terms of camera features, there’s not much separating the Pro and Pro Max this year. Both are rumored to include three 48-megapixel rear cameras, along with a new 24-megapixel front camera for better selfies and video calls. That means both phones will likely offer the same high-quality photography experience.

If you want more camera leak details, you can read this related article: iPhone 17 camera upgrades and new design changes.

There were some early whispers that the iPhone 17 Pro Max might get a smaller Dynamic Island, but more recent reports suggest that may not happen this year. And if it does, it’s likely to appear across all iPhone 17 models—not just the Pro Max.

So what’s actually the same between the Pro and the Pro Max? A lot. Both are expected to use Apple’s new A19 Pro chip, run on iOS 19, feature similar storage options, and have nearly identical designs. In short, the real difference boils down to size and battery.

If you’re unsure which one to pick, think about your priorities. The Pro Max is ideal if you want the biggest screen and longest battery life. But if you prefer a phone that’s easier to hold and slide into your pocket, the Pro model might suit you better.

As always, Apple is expected to reveal both models in September, so we’ll know everything for sure very soon. Until then, rumors and leaks like these give us a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Want to dive deeper into the Pro Max’s expected upgrades? Check out this article: Top 12 iPhone 17 Pro Max leaks and upgrades.

Final thought: The iPhone 17 Pro Max will likely be the better choice for users who want a large display and top-tier battery life. But for many people, the iPhone 17 Pro will deliver the same power and camera quality in a more compact form.

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