iPhone 17 vs iPhone XS Max
Quick answer
The iPhone XS Max is 5.9 millimetres0.23 inches wider and 31 grams1.09 ounces heavier than the iPhone 17.
The iPhone XS Max on Amazon (paid link) no longer gets updates, so it is stuck on its last version. The iPhone 17 (paid link) is lighter, lasts much longer, and runs the newest software by several years. It is the obvious pick unless you absolutely need the lowest price.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 17
Pocket: iPhone 17
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 17
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone XS Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.4 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: 149.6 by 71.5 by 7.95 millimetres, 177 grams. iPhone XS Max: 157.5 by 77.4 by 7.7 millimetres, 208 grams.
17, XS Max shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 17
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone XS Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 17 149.6 millimetres, XS Max 157.5 millimetres.Height: 17 5.89 inches, XS Max 6.20 inches.Width: 17 71.5 millimetres, XS Max 77.4 millimetres.Width: 17 2.81 inches, XS Max 3.05 inches.Depth: 17 7.95 millimetres, XS Max 7.70 millimetres.Depth: 17 0.31 inches, XS Max 0.30 inches.Weight: 17 177 grams, XS Max 208 grams.Weight: 17 6.24 ounces, XS Max 7.34 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 17 | XS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 149.6 millimetres5.89 inches | 157.5 millimetres, 7.9 millimetres more6.20 inches, 0.31 inches more |
| Width | 71.5 millimetres2.81 inches | 77.4 millimetres, 5.9 millimetres more3.05 inches, 0.23 inches more |
| Depth | 7.95 millimetres0.31 inches | 7.70 millimetres, 0.25 millimetres less0.30 inches, 0.01 inches less |
| Weight | 177 grams6.24 ounces | 208 grams, 31 grams more7.34 ounces, 1.09 ounces more |
| Volume | 85.0 cubic centimetres5.19 cubic inches | 93.9 cubic centimetres, 8.8 cubic centimetres more5.73 cubic inches, 0.54 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 90 percent | 84 percent, 6 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.3 inches | 6.5 inches, 0.2 inches more |
| Resolution | 1206 × 2622 | 1242 × 2688 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 458 pixels per inch, 2 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Dynamic Island | Notch |
| Rear main | 48MP | 12MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A19 | A12 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 30 hrs | 15 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP67 (1m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 256 – 512 GB | 64 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 799 dollars | 1,099 dollars, 300 dollars more |
| Released | Sep 2025 | Sep 2018 |
| Status | Current | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone XS Max is 7.9 mm (0.31 in) taller, 5.9 mm (0.23 in) wider, 0.25 mm (0.01 in) thinner and 31 g (1.09 oz) heavier than the iPhone 17. 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). The iPhone XS Max measures 157.5 × 77.4 × 7.70 mm (6.20 × 3.05 × 0.30 in) and weighs 208 g (7.34 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 17
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- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
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- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16e
- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Questions about these phones
How does the iPhone 17 size compare to the iPhone XS Max?
The iPhone 17 is 7.9 mm shorter and 5.9 mm narrower than the iPhone XS Max. This makes the iPhone 17 more compact overall.
Which phone is lighter between the iPhone 17 and iPhone XS Max?
The iPhone 17 weighs 177 g, which is 31 g lighter than the iPhone XS Max at 208 g. The weight difference is noticeable in the hand.
What is the screen size difference between the iPhone 17 and iPhone XS Max?
The iPhone 17 has a 6.3 inch display while the iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch display. The difference is about 0.2 inches.
Is the iPhone 17 easier to use one handed than the iPhone XS Max?
Yes, the iPhone 17 is rated easier for one handed use and is better for small hands than the iPhone XS Max. Its smaller width helps reach the screen more easily.
Do the iPhone 17 and iPhone XS Max fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both the iPhone 17 and iPhone XS Max fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. The iPhone 17 is rated more pocketable than the iPhone XS Max.
Is upgrading from the iPhone XS Max to the iPhone 17 worth it for size only?
Yes, the size only upgrade is worth it because the iPhone 17 is smaller and lasts longer. The iPhone 17 also supports newer iOS versions.