iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16
Quick answer
The iPhone 16 is 6.4 millimetres0.25 inches narrower and 63 grams2.22 ounces lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 on Amazon (paid link) is noticeably lighter and far easier to manage with one hand than the massive iPhone 17 Pro Max (paid link). Apple sells the iPhone 16 for a lower price now, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max trades on a vastly larger canvas and significantly longer battery endurance. Choose the lighter standard model unless you specifically need the expansive screen.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 16
Pocket: iPhone 16
Weight difference: Noticeable
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 17 Pro Max: 163.4 by 78 by 8.75 millimetres, 233 grams. iPhone 16: 147.6 by 71.6 by 7.8 millimetres, 170 grams.
17 Pro Max, 16 shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
from $1,199 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone 16
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 17 Pro Max 163.4 millimetres, 16 147.6 millimetres.Height: 17 Pro Max 6.43 inches, 16 5.81 inches.Width: 17 Pro Max 78.0 millimetres, 16 71.6 millimetres.Width: 17 Pro Max 3.07 inches, 16 2.82 inches.Depth: 17 Pro Max 8.75 millimetres, 16 7.80 millimetres.Depth: 17 Pro Max 0.34 inches, 16 0.31 inches.Weight: 17 Pro Max 233 grams, 16 170 grams.Weight: 17 Pro Max 8.22 ounces, 16 6.00 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 17 Pro Max | 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 163.4 millimetres6.43 inches | 147.6 millimetres, 15.8 millimetres less5.81 inches, 0.62 inches less |
| Width | 78.0 millimetres3.07 inches | 71.6 millimetres, 6.4 millimetres less2.82 inches, 0.25 inches less |
| Depth | 8.75 millimetres0.34 inches | 7.80 millimetres, 0.95 millimetres less0.31 inches, 0.04 inches less |
| Weight | 233 grams8.22 ounces | 170 grams, 63 grams less6.00 ounces, 2.22 ounces less |
| Volume | 111.5 cubic centimetres6.81 cubic inches | 82.4 cubic centimetres, 29.1 cubic centimetres less5.03 cubic inches, 1.78 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 91 percent | 87 percent, 4 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.9 inches | 6.1 inches, 0.8 inches less |
| Resolution | 1320 × 2868 | 1179 × 2556 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, the same |
| Cutout | Dynamic Island | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A19 Pro | A18 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 38 hrs | 22 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 256 GB – 2 TB | 128 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 1,199 dollars | 799 dollars, 400 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2025 | Sep 2024 |
| Status | Discontinued | Current |
Also compared with iPhone 17 Pro Max
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- iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone Duo
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- iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro
Questions about these phones
How do the sizes of the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 16 compare?
The iPhone 16 is 15.8 mm shorter, 6.4 mm narrower, and 0.95 mm thinner than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Which phone is lighter between the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 is 63 g lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Is the iPhone 17 Pro Max easier to use with one hand than the iPhone 16?
No, the iPhone 16 is much easier to use with one hand and better suited for small hands.
Which phone fits better in a pocket?
The iPhone 16 is more pocketable, though both models fit into a typical men's jeans pocket.
What are the screen sizes of the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 16?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch display, while the iPhone 16 comes with a 6.1-inch display.
Should I upgrade from the iPhone 16 to the iPhone 17 Pro Max for a bigger screen?
Switching to the iPhone 17 Pro Max gives you 0.8 inches more screen space, but you trade away the lighter weight and compact reach of the iPhone 16.