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Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 17 256GB

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the bigger, heavier phone with a 6.9-inch screen, a 48MP rear camera system, 12GB of RAM and a 37-hour video playback rating. The iPhone 17 is lighter at 6.24 ounces, easier to hold one-handed and runs the same A19-class chip with a 120Hz ProMotion display. Buyers who want maximum screen, battery and camera reach pick the Pro Max; buyers who want a compact, fast phone that does everything daily pick the 17. Owners of both praise the smooth 120Hz display and build quality, while Pro Max owners note the weight and size in a pocket.

  • Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want the largest screen, the longest battery life and the most camera reach for photos and video.
  • Choose the iPhone 17 if you want a lighter, one-hand-friendly phone with the same 120Hz smoothness and strong everyday performance.

Prices

  • Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,199.00 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Apple iPhone 17 256GB: $829.00 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Difference: the Apple iPhone 17 256GB is $370.00 cheaper than the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max today
Apple
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Unlocked Deep Blue

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Unlocked Deep Blue

4.7(3,100 ratings)
$1,199.00at WalmartChecked 4 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Largest 6.9-inch display for video and reading
  • Longest video playback rating of the two
  • 12GB RAM and 48MP rear camera for heavier photo and video work
  • Satellite link and fast wireless charging
Cons
  • Heavy at 8.15 oz
  • Bulky in a pocket and hard to use one-handed
  • Bigger screen drains more power under heavy use
Apple
Apple iPhone 17 256GB

Apple iPhone 17 256GB

4.8(112 ratings)
$829.00at WalmartChecked 4 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Light at 6.24 oz and easy to hold one-handed
  • 3000 nits peak brightness for outdoor use
  • IP68 water resistance rated to 6 meters
  • A19 chip handles games and apps smoothly
  • 48MP main and 48MP ultra wide cameras
Cons
  • Smaller 6.3-inch screen
  • Shorter 30-hour video playback rating
  • Less RAM than the Pro Max

What separates them

Apple iPhone 17 Pro MaxApple iPhone 17 256GB
Screen size6.9-inch OLED6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
Weight8.15 oz6.24 oz (177 g)
Chip and RAMA-series Pro chip with 12GB RAMA19 chip with 5-core GPU
Rear cameras48MP main plus ultra wide, dual lens48MP Fusion Main plus 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide
Video playback ratingUp to 37 hoursUp to 30 hours
Peak outdoor brightnessNot specified3000 nits
Water resistanceWater resistantIP68, 6 meters for 30 minutes
One-hand useLarge body, two-hand reach for mostCompact 2.81-inch width, easy one-hand reach

Price history

$899.99$23.02
Nov 1Nov 10
  • Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: lowest $33.31 on Nov 8 at Viaero Wireless; $38.88 on Nov 10.
  • Apple iPhone 17 256GB: lowest $23.02 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $1,199.00Checked 4 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • T-MobileNew

    In stockPrice may need a phone plan

    $1,199.88Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit T-Mobile
  • Reebelo USANew

    In stock

    $1,208.19Free shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit Reebelo USA
  • Metro by T-MobileNew

    Availability unknownPrice may need a phone plan

    $1,199.99Checked Nov 8
    Visit Metro by T-Mobile

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
All 13 stores and price history →

Apple iPhone 17 256GB

  • Best BuyRefurbished

    In stock

    $719.97Free shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $829.00Checked 4 h ago
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • VerizonCheck price at Verizon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPhone 17 Pro MaxApple iPhone 17 256GB
Operating SystemiOSiOS
Display Resolution2868 x 13202622 x 1206
ColorDeep BlueSage
SecurityFacial RecognitionFacial Recognition
With Wireless ChargingYesYes
With Fast ChargingYesYes
With OLED DisplayYesYes
Broadband Generation5G5G
SIM Card TypeNano SIM, eSIMeSIM
Lens TypeUltra Wide AngleUltra Wide Angle
With Satellite LinkYesYes
Screen Size6.9″6.3 inches
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPhone 17 Pro MaxApple iPhone 17 256GB
Weight8.15 oz177 grams (6.24 ounces)
Storage Capacity256 GB storage256 GB storage
RAM12 GB RAM8 GB RAM
Refresh Rate120Hz refresh rateadaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz
SIM SupportDual SIM—
Water ResistantYes—
Lens QuantityDual Lens—
With 4K VideoYes—
Standby Time53 hours on standby—
Rear Camera Resolution

What reviewers say

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

  • 4.7 / 53,100 ratings

Owners rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 3,100 ratings. Most praise the screen, camera and battery life; complaints center on size, weight and price.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners call the 6.9-inch 120Hz OLED screen bright and smooth.
  • BatteryPraisedMost say it lasts a full day and the 37-hour video rating holds up.
  • CameraPraisedThe 48MP main and ultra wide cameras get sharp, consistent results.
  • Size and weightCriticisedMany find the 8.15 oz body heavy and awkward in one hand.

Apple iPhone 17 256GB

  • 4.8 / 5112 ratings

Owners rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 112 ratings, with most praise going to the smoother 120Hz screen and the brighter display. Complaints center on the price and the missing telephoto camera.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners say the 120Hz ProMotion screen and 3000-nit brightness are the biggest everyday improvements.
  • CamerasMixedThe 48MP main and ultrawide get praise, but the lack of a telephoto lens draws complaints.
  • BatteryPraisedReviewers report it lasting a full day and cite the 30-hour video rating.
  • ChargingCriticised

Questions and answers

Which is better for photos and video?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the larger body and 12GB RAM, which helps with sustained 4K recording and heavier editing. The iPhone 17 pairs a 48MP main with a 48MP ultra wide, so stills are close; the Pro Max wins on reach and endurance.
Which is easier to use one-handed?
The iPhone 17. At 2.81 inches wide and 6.24 ounces, most people can reach the whole screen with a thumb. The Pro Max at 6.9 inches and 8.15 oz needs two hands for most tasks.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max, rated at up to 37 hours of video playback versus up to 30 hours on the iPhone 17. The gap grows with screen-on time because the Pro Max has a larger battery to feed its larger display.
Is the Pro Max worth stepping up to?
Only if screen size, battery life and camera reach matter more than weight. If you mostly text, browse and take casual photos, the iPhone 17 covers it in a lighter body.
Do both have 120Hz displays?
Yes. Both use adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, so scrolling and animations feel the same. The iPhone 17 adds 3000 nits peak outdoor brightness.
Which is more durable?
Both are water resistant, but the iPhone 17 is rated IP68 to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The Pro Max's larger glass area is more exposed to drops, so a case matters more on it.

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More comparisons

  • Apple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Unlocked Deep Blue
  • iPhone 17 Pro vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Unlocked Deep Blue
  • Apple iPhone 17e vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Unlocked Deep Blue

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best unlocked iPhones
48 MP rear camera
—
Video Playback37 hour video playback—
Display size—6.3‑inch (diagonal) all‑screen OLED display
Resolution—2622‑by‑1206-pixel resolution at 460 ppi
Peak brightness outdoor—3000 nits peak brightness (outdoor)
Water resistance—IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minute…
Chip—A19 chip
CPU cores—6‑core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency …
GPU cores—5‑core GPU with Neural Accelerators
Main camera—48MP Fusion Main: 26 mm, ƒ/1.6 aperture
Width—71.5 mm (2.81 inches)
Height—149.6 mm (5.89 inches)
Rear-Facing Camera—48 megapixels
Built-in Storage—256 gigabytes
Brand—Apple
Model Number—MG4A4LL/A
Series—Apple iPhone 17
Year of Release—2025
Screen Resolution—2622 x 1206
Owners note the box has a cable but no power adapter for fast charging.