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iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is the better buy for most people deciding between these two. It has the newer A20 Pro chip, a 48MP Fusion main camera with variable aperture, and Apple's longest iPhone battery life, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a strong last-generation phone with a proven 48MP camera and 12GB RAM. On price, the iPhone 17 Pro Max shows $38.89 at Best Buy as of November 3, 2026, which is far below any plausible new iPhone 18 Pro Max price and looks like a listing error or a non-phone item, so confirm the actual price before treating it as a real deal.

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Apple
iPhone 17 Pro Max

iPhone 17 Pro Max

$38.89at Best BuyObserved at 1:19 AM

Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want a proven 6.9-inch Pro Max with 12GB RAM and a 48MP camera and you find a genuine new-unit price well below the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Pros
  • Proven 48MP camera with ultra wide and telephoto lenses
  • 12GB RAM and 5088 mAh battery
  • 6.9-inch OLED at 2868 x 1320
  • Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and 5G
  • Listed at $38.89 at Best Buy as of November 3, 2026, if that price is genuine
    • Cons
    • Older A19 Pro generation chip than the iPhone 18 Pro Max
    • No variable aperture or 8x optical-quality zoom
    • No Ceramic Shield 2 or vapor chamber cooling
    • The $38.89 price is implausible for a new phone and needs verification
    Apple
    iPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB

    iPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB

    Choose the iPhone 18 Pro Max if you want the newest Pro Max with the A20 Pro chip, variable-aperture 48MP camera, 8x optical-quality zoom and the longest iPhone battery life.

    Pros
    • A20 Pro chip with vapor chamber and up to 40% better GPU performance
    • 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture and 8x optical-quality zoom
    • Longest iPhone battery life
    • Ceramic Shield 2 front and back with 3x better scratch resistance
    • 6.9-inch ProMotion display up to 120Hz with better antireflection
    Cons
    • No price is stated for this listing
    • RAM not disclosed
    • 256GB base storage fills fast with 48MP photos and video
    • Newest model usually costs more than the previous generation

    What separates them

    iPhone 17 Pro MaxiPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB
    ProcessorA19 Pro generation chipA20 Pro chip with vapor chamber and Dual 16-core Neural Engine, up to 40% better GPU performance than iPhone 17 Pro Max
    Main camera48MP rear camera with ultra wide and telephoto lenses48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture and 8x optical-quality zoom
    Front camera18MP front camera18MP Center Stage front camera with front and rear Dual Capture video
    Display6.9-inch OLED, 2868 x 13206.9-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion up to 120Hz and better antireflection
    DurabilityWater resistant, Ceramic Shield frontCeramic Shield 2 front and Ceramic Shield back, 3x better scratch resistance than iPhone 16 Pro
    Battery5088 mAhApple's longest iPhone battery life, exact figure not stated
    RAM12GBNot stated for this listing
    Price$38.89 at Best Buy as of November 3, 2026No price given

    Price history

    $2,499.00$11.75
    Oct 28Nov 3
    • iPhone 17 Pro Max: lowest $11.75 on Oct 31 at Walmart; $38.89 on Nov 3.
    • iPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB: lowest $2,499.00 on Oct 31.

    Prices at every store

    iPhone 17 Pro Max

    • Best BuyNew

      In stock

      $38.89Free shippingObserved at 1:19 AM
      Visit store
    • AmazonRefurbished

      Availability unknown

      $1,119.99Free shippingObserved at 1:19 AM
      Visit store

    Also available at

    • Total WirelessCheck price at Total Wireless
    • eBayCheck price at eBay
    • Mint MobileCheck price at Mint Mobile
    All 2 stores and price history →

    iPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB

    • woioxCheck price at woiox
    • CpozipCheck price at Cpozip
    • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
    Prices and history →

    Specs compared

    SpeciPhone 17 Pro MaxiPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB
    Operating SystemiOS—
    CarrierAT&T, Verizon, Unlocked—
    Display Resolution2868 x 1320—
    SIM SupportDual SIM—
    Connector TypeUSB C—
    Cellular NetworkGSM—
    ColorBlue, Silver, Deep Blue, Cosmic Orange—
    Water ResistantYes—
    SecurityFacial Recognition—
    With Wireless ChargingYes—
    With Fast ChargingYes—
    With OLED DisplayYes—
    Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
    SpeciPhone 17 Pro MaxiPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB
    Broadband Generation5G—
    SIM Card TypeNano SIM, eSIM—
    Lens TypeUltra Wide Angle, Telephoto—
    Screen Size6.9″—
    Storage Capacity256 GB storage, 512 GB storage, 1 TB storage—
    Rear Camera Resolution48 MP rear camera—
    Front Camera Resolution18 MP front camera—
    RAM12 GB RAM—
    BrandApple—
    Mobile OSiOS

    Questions and answers

    Which is better for photography?
    The iPhone 18 Pro Max. Its 48MP Fusion Main camera adds variable aperture and 8x optical-quality zoom, plus an 18MP Center Stage front camera with Dual Capture video. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a solid 48MP camera but lacks those additions.
    Which has the better battery?
    The iPhone 18 Pro Max. Apple calls it the longest iPhone battery life. The iPhone 17 Pro Max lists a 5088 mAh battery, which is strong but a generation behind.
    Is the iPhone 18 Pro Max worth the extra over the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
    Yes if you want the A20 Pro chip, variable aperture, 8x zoom and Ceramic Shield 2. If you mainly want a large Pro Max screen and a good 48MP camera, the iPhone 17 Pro Max covers that for less, provided you find a genuine new-unit price.
    Which lasts longer?
    The iPhone 18 Pro Max should stay current longer because of its newer A20 Pro chip and Ceramic Shield 2 scratch resistance. Both run iOS and use USB-C, so accessory life is similar.
    Is the $38.89 iPhone 17 Pro Max price real?
    Treat it with caution. That price at Best Buy as of November 3, 2026 is far below any normal new iPhone price and is likely a listing error or a different item. Verify the exact model and condition before buying.
    Which is better for gaming?
    The iPhone 18 Pro Max. Its A20 Pro chip with vapor chamber and Dual 16-core Neural Engine delivers up to 40% better GPU performance than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and its ProMotion display runs up to 120Hz.

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    —
    Model nameiPhone 17 Pro Max—
    HD capacity2 TB—
    Battery capacity5088 mAh—
    Ram memory12 GB—
    FeaturesWireless Charging—
    WirelessWi-Fi 7, 5G, Bluetooth 6—
    Service providerVerizon—
    Cellular service planPostpaid—
    Rear cam mpx48 MP—
    Front cam mpx18 MP—
    Proc. brandApple—
    DisplayOLED—
    Resolution2868 x 1320—
    Color categorySilver—
    Series17—
    Device typeContract Cell Phones—
    ModelMFXR4LL/A—
    Processor speed4.49 GHz—