iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17
Quick answer
The iPhone 17 is 6.6 millimetres0.26 inches narrower and 51 grams1.80 ounces lighter than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 17 on Amazon (paid link) feels noticeably lighter and lasts much longer through the day than the 12 Pro Max (paid link). While both still receive updates, the newer model runs faster with a smoother screen, making every swipe easier. You might keep the older phone to save money, but the 17 is the one to buy now.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 17
Pocket: iPhone 17
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 12 Pro Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 17
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.3 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.1 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 12 Pro Max: 160.8 by 78.1 by 7.4 millimetres, 228 grams. iPhone 17: 149.6 by 71.5 by 7.95 millimetres, 177 grams.
12 Pro Max, 17 shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 12 Pro Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 17
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 12 Pro Max 160.8 millimetres, 17 149.6 millimetres.Height: 12 Pro Max 6.33 inches, 17 5.89 inches.Width: 12 Pro Max 78.1 millimetres, 17 71.5 millimetres.Width: 12 Pro Max 3.07 inches, 17 2.81 inches.Depth: 12 Pro Max 7.40 millimetres, 17 7.95 millimetres.Depth: 12 Pro Max 0.29 inches, 17 0.31 inches.Weight: 12 Pro Max 228 grams, 17 177 grams.Weight: 12 Pro Max 8.04 ounces, 17 6.24 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 12 Pro Max | 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 160.8 millimetres6.33 inches | 149.6 millimetres, 11.2 millimetres less5.89 inches, 0.44 inches less |
| Width | 78.1 millimetres3.07 inches | 71.5 millimetres, 6.6 millimetres less2.81 inches, 0.26 inches less |
| Depth | 7.40 millimetres0.29 inches | 7.95 millimetres, 0.55 millimetres more0.31 inches, 0.02 inches more |
| Weight | 228 grams8.04 ounces | 177 grams, 51 grams less6.24 ounces, 1.80 ounces less |
| Volume | 92.9 cubic centimetres5.67 cubic inches | 85.0 cubic centimetres, 7.9 cubic centimetres less5.19 cubic inches, 0.48 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 87 percent | 90 percent, 3 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.7 inches | 6.3 inches, 0.4 inches less |
| Resolution | 1284 × 2778 | 1206 × 2622 |
| Pixel density | 458 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 2 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | Notch | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A19 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 20 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 128 – 512 GB | 256 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 1,099 dollars | 799 dollars, 300 dollars less |
| Released | Nov 2020 | Sep 2025 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 17 is 11.2 mm (0.44 in) shorter, 6.6 mm (0.26 in) narrower, 0.55 mm (0.02 in) thicker and 51 g (1.80 oz) lighter than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max measures 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.40 mm (6.33 × 3.07 × 0.29 in) and weighs 228 g (8.04 oz). The iPhone 17 measures 149.6 × 71.5 × 7.95 mm (5.89 × 2.81 × 0.31 in) and weighs 177 g (6.24 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 12 Pro Max
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- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16
- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16e
- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17e
- iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone Duo
Questions about these phones
How much smaller is the iPhone 17 compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The iPhone 17 is 11.2 mm shorter and 6.6 mm narrower than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 is also slightly thicker by 0.5 mm.
Is the iPhone 17 lighter than the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Yes, the iPhone 17 weighs 51 grams less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 is noticeably lighter in daily use.
Which phone has a larger screen, the iPhone 17 or the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch display, which is 0.4 inches larger than the iPhone 17 screen.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
The iPhone 17 is easier to use with one hand compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 smaller dimensions fit better in an average adult hand.
Do both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 12 Pro Max fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. The iPhone 17 is considered more pocketable due to the smaller dimensions.
Is upgrading from the iPhone 12 Pro Max to the iPhone 17 worth it for size only?
Whether upgrading from the iPhone 12 Pro Max to the iPhone 17 is worth it for size alone depends on your preference. The iPhone 17 is lighter and smaller, but the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger screen.