Apple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the step-up phone: a bigger 6.9-inch screen, 12 GB of RAM, a 37-hour video rating, a telephoto lens and satellite connectivity. The iPhone 17 is lighter at 6.24 oz, easier in one hand, and still covers 120Hz ProMotion, 3,000 nits and a 48MP main camera. Owners rate the Pro Max higher (4.7 from 3,100 ratings versus 4.1 from 465), and reviewers of the smaller phone praise its light, premium feel while noting it runs warm during setup. Buy the Pro Max for the camera system and battery headroom; buy the iPhone 17 if you want a compact flagship that does the same everyday jobs.

• Choose the iPhone 17 if you want a lighter, smaller phone that still has a 120Hz display, 48MP cameras and all-day battery.
• Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want the largest screen, a telephoto camera, more RAM and the longest battery life in the lineup.