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iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 17e

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the phone for people who want the biggest screen, the best cameras and the longest battery life Apple makes. The iPhone 17e is the sensible pick for most shoppers: same A19 chip family, a lighter 6.1-inch body and 256GB of storage, with one rear camera instead of three. Reviewers praise the Pro Max for speed, low-light photos and battery life but call it heavy and occasionally warm; the 17e's higher owner rating reflects that it does the everyday jobs well without the bulk.

  • Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you watch a lot of video, shoot photos and video seriously, or want the telephoto zoom and the longest battery life in an iPhone.
  • Choose the iPhone 17e if you want a lighter, easier-to-hold iPhone that handles everyday apps, photos and gaming smoothly without paying for cameras and screen size you won't use.

Prices

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: $33.31 at Viaero Wireless (checked today)
  • Apple iPhone 17e: $19.44 at Best Buy (checked today)
  • Difference: the Apple iPhone 17e is $13.87 cheaper than the iPhone 17 Pro Max today
Apple
iPhone 17 Pro Max

iPhone 17 Pro Max

3.9(6,990 ratings)
$33.31at Viaero WirelessObserved Nov 8, 2026, 6:43 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Viaero Wireless
Pros
  • Longest battery life of any iPhone, up to 39 hours of video
  • Three rear cameras with real telephoto zoom for distant subjects
  • 120Hz ProMotion screen is smooth for games and scrolling
  • A19 Pro and 12GB RAM keep heavy apps and multitasking fast
Cons
  • Heavy and large; hard to use one-handed
  • Runs warm under sustained load, per reviewers
  • Costs far more than the 17e for features many people rarely use
Apple
Apple iPhone 17e

Apple iPhone 17e

4.7(629 ratings)
$19.44at Best BuyObserved Nov 8, 2026, 8:54 AM
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy
Pros
  • Light and compact at 6.1 inches
  • A19 chip handles games, streaming and everyday apps without lag
  • 256GB storage as the base
  • Higher owner rating than the Pro Max
Cons
  • Single rear camera; no ultra wide or long telephoto
  • 60Hz screen feels less smooth than ProMotion
  • Shorter battery life, up to 26 hours of video

What separates them

iPhone 17 Pro MaxApple iPhone 17e
Screen6.9-inch OLED with 120Hz ProMotion and 3000 nits peak6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz, 1200 nits peak HDR
CamerasThree 48MP rear cameras with 4x and 8x optical-quality zoom plus 18MP frontOne 48MP rear camera with 2x optical-quality zoom plus 12MP front
Chip and memoryA19 Pro with 6-core GPU, vapor chamber cooling, 12GB RAMA19 with 4-core GPU, 8GB RAM
Battery5088 mAh, up to 39 hours video playback4005 mAh, up to 26 hours video playback
Size and weightLarge and heavy; reviewers call it bulky6.1-inch, 11.5 oz, easier one-handed use
Storage256GB, 512GB or 1TB256GB
ConnectivityWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, 5G, USB-C5G, USB-C, wireless charging
Owner ratings3.9 out of 5 from about 7,000 ratings4.7 out of 5 from about 630 ratings

Price history

$1,227.15$11.75
Oct 28Nov 9
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: lowest $11.75 on Oct 31 at Walmart; $38.88 on Nov 9.
  • Apple iPhone 17e: lowest $19.44 on Nov 3 at Best Buy; $699.99 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

iPhone 17 Pro Max

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $38.89Free shippingObserved at 8:56 PM
    Visit Best Buy
  • AT&TNew

    In stockPrice may need a phone plan

    $719.64Free shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 6:43 PM
    Visit AT&T
  • Viaero WirelessNew

    Availability unknown

    $33.31Observed Nov 8, 2026, 6:43 PM
    Visit Viaero Wireless
  • Optimum MobileNew

    Availability unknown

    $33.31Observed Oct 31, 2026, 7:22 AM
    Visit Optimum Mobile

Also available at

  • PopdealsCheck price at Popdeals
  • The Phone GuysCheck price at The Phone Guys
  • The Cell Phone ShoppeCheck price at The Cell Phone Shoppe
All 27 stores and price history →

Apple iPhone 17e

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $19.44Free shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 8:54 AM
    Visit Best Buy
  • Cricket WirelessNew

    In stockPrice may need a phone plan

    $399.99Free shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 8:54 AM
    Visit Cricket Wireless
  • Rexi ResaleNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $432.99Observed Nov 8, 2026, 8:55 AM
    Visit Rexi Resale
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by itsworthmore

    $519.00Free shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 8:54 AM
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 18 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpeciPhone 17 Pro MaxApple iPhone 17e
Operating SystemiOSiOS
CarrierAT&T, Verizon, UnlockedT-Mobile, Verizon, Unlocked
Display Resolution2868 x 13202532 x 1170
SIM SupportDual SIMDual SIM
Connector TypeUSB CUSB C
Cellular NetworkGSMGSM, CDMA
ColorBlue, Silver, Deep Blue, Cosmic OrangeBlack
Water ResistantYesYes
SecurityFacial RecognitionFacial Recognition
With Wireless ChargingYesYes
With OLED DisplayYesYes
Broadband Generation5G5G
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpeciPhone 17 Pro MaxApple iPhone 17e
SIM Card TypeNano SIM, eSIMNano SIM, eSIM
Lens TypeUltra Wide Angle, TelephotoTelephoto
Screen Size6.9″6.1 in
Storage Capacity256 GB storage, 512 GB storage, 1 TB storage256 GB storage, 512 GB storage
Rear Camera Resolution48 MP rear camera48 MP rear camera
Front Camera Resolution18 MP front camera12 MP front camera
RAM12 GB RAM6 GB RAM, 8 GB RAM
BrandAppleApple
Mobile OSiOSiOS

What reviewers say

iPhone 17 Pro Max

  • 4.4 / 5Google Shopping · 30,795 ratings

Reviewers consistently praise the iPhone 17 Pro Max for fast, smooth performance, excellent cameras and strong battery life, and many like the larger screen. The main complaints are its weight and size, plus occasional warmth during use. CNET calls the battery life and cameras the real reasons to choose the Pro.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedReviewers say the phone stays fast and responsive with no lag.
  • CamerasPraisedOwners praise sharp detail and strong low-light shots from the 48 MP system.
  • BatteryPraisedBattery life is called best-in-class by reviewers.
  • WeightCriticisedReviewers find the phone heavy and large in the hand.
A reviewer's verdict
  • CNET

    Apple's bold redesign, especially in orange, draws attention, but best-in-class battery life and superb cameras are the real reasons to choose the Pro.

    Read the review

Apple iPhone 17e

  • 4.7 / 5629 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 629 ratings, buyers are broadly satisfied with the 17e as a value iPhone. Praise centers on performance, storage and the camera for the price. Complaints are mostly about the single rear lens and battery life under heavy use.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the A19 chip keeps apps and games running smoothly.
  • StoragePraisedBuyers like getting 256GB without paying for an upgrade.
  • CameraMixedThe 48MP main camera and 2x zoom get praise, but the missing ultrawide lens draws complaints.
  • BatteryCriticised
Reviews
  • iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Review: Part Midlife Crisis, Part Battery King
  • The Best Unlocked Phones for 2026
  • I've tried every iPhone 17 model, and my golden rule for upgrading is changing in 2025 - ZDNET
  • The Best Phones for 2026 - The reviews on this page have been selected by our editors, but have been optimized by our commerce team
  • The Best Phones We've Tested for 2026 - PCMag editors select and review products independently
  • The Best Phones for 2026

Questions and answers

Which has the better camera?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max. It adds an ultra wide lens and a telephoto with 4x and 8x optical-quality zoom, plus a higher-resolution front camera. The 17e's single 48MP camera is strong for everyday shots and 2x zoom but can't match that range.
Is the iPhone 17e fast enough for gaming?
Yes. It uses the A19 chip with a 4-core GPU, which handles demanding games and 4K streaming well. The Pro Max's A19 Pro and vapor chamber cooling hold up better in long sessions and heavy editing.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max, by a wide margin: up to 39 hours of video playback versus up to 26 on the 17e. The 17e still gets through a normal day.
Is the Pro Max worth stepping up to?
Only if you want the large 120Hz screen, the telephoto zoom or maximum battery life. If you mostly text, browse and take casual photos, the 17e covers it in a lighter body.
Which is easier to hold and carry?
The iPhone 17e. At 6.1 inches and 11.5 oz it fits one hand more comfortably. The Pro Max's 6.9-inch screen is better for movies but reviewers consistently call it heavy.
Do both support wireless charging and dual SIM?
Yes. Both charge wirelessly, use USB-C and support dual SIM with eSIM. The Pro Max adds Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

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Model name
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17e
HD capacity2 TB256 GB
Battery capacity5088 mAh4005 mAh
Ram memory12 GB8 GB
FeaturesWireless ChargingWireless Charging
WirelessWi-Fi 7, 5G, Bluetooth 65G NR
Service providerVerizonUnlocked
Cellular service planPostpaidNo Plan-Unlocked Device
Rear cam mpx48 MP48 MP
Front cam mpx18 MP12 MP
Proc. brandAppleApple
DisplayOLEDSXRD
Resolution2868 x 1320460ppi
Color categorySilverBlack
Series1717e
Device typeContract Cell PhonesUnlocked Cell Phones
ModelMFXR4LL/AMHRU4LL/A
Processor speed4.49 GHz4.26 GHz
Assembled product weight8.22 oz11.5 oz
Heavy users report needing a charge before the day ends.