iPhone 17e vs iPhone XS Max
Quick answer
The iPhone XS Max is 5.9 millimetres0.23 inches wider and 39 grams1.38 ounces heavier than the iPhone 17e.
The XS Max on Amazon (paid link) has stopped receiving updates, leaving it stuck on its last version. The 17e (paid link) runs modern iOS and lasts significantly longer on a charge, available now for $699. It’s the obvious pick unless you want the budget-friendly, older design.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 17e
Pocket: iPhone 17e
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 17e
from $599 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 17e: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.8 millimetres, 169 grams. iPhone XS Max: 157.5 by 77.4 by 7.7 millimetres, 208 grams.
17e, XS Max shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 17e
from $599 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: 17e 146.7 millimetres, XS Max 157.5 millimetres.Height: 17e 5.78 inches, XS Max 6.20 inches.Width: 17e 71.5 millimetres, XS Max 77.4 millimetres.Width: 17e 2.81 inches, XS Max 3.05 inches.Depth: 17e 7.80 millimetres, XS Max 7.70 millimetres.Depth: 17e 0.31 inches, XS Max 0.30 inches.Weight: 17e 169 grams, XS Max 208 grams.Weight: 17e 5.96 ounces, XS Max 7.34 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 17e | XS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 146.7 millimetres5.78 inches | 157.5 millimetres, 10.8 millimetres more6.20 inches, 0.43 inches more |
| Width | 71.5 millimetres2.81 inches | 77.4 millimetres, 5.9 millimetres more3.05 inches, 0.23 inches more |
| Depth | 7.80 millimetres0.31 inches | 7.70 millimetres, 0.10 millimetres less0.30 inches, the same |
| Weight | 169 grams5.96 ounces | 208 grams, 39 grams more7.34 ounces, 1.38 ounces more |
| Volume | 81.8 cubic centimetres4.99 cubic inches | 93.9 cubic centimetres, 12.1 cubic centimetres more5.73 cubic inches, 0.74 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 86 percent | 84 percent, 2 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 6.5 inches, 0.4 inches more |
| Resolution | 1170 × 2532 | 1242 × 2688 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 458 pixels per inch, 2 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Notch | 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. | 26 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. | 599 dollars | 1,099 dollars, 500 dollars more |
| Released | Mar 2026 | Sep 2018 |
| Status | Current | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone XS Max is 10.8 mm (0.43 in) taller, 5.9 mm (0.23 in) wider, 0.10 mm thinner and 39 g (1.38 oz) heavier than the iPhone 17e. The iPhone 17e measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.80 mm (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.31 in) and weighs 169 g (5.96 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 17e
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Questions about these phones
How do the physical sizes compare between iPhone 17e and iPhone XS Max?
The iPhone XS Max is 10.8 mm taller and 5.9 mm wider than the iPhone 17e. The iPhone 17e is slightly thicker at 7.8 mm compared to 7.7 mm for the iPhone XS Max.
Which phone is lighter in weight?
The iPhone 17e weighs 169 g while the iPhone XS Max weighs 208 g. This 39 g difference is noticeable when holding the devices.
What is the screen size difference?
The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch display while the iPhone 17e has a 6.1 inch display. The iPhone XS Max screen is 0.4 inches larger than the iPhone 17e.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
The iPhone 17e is easier to use with one hand than the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 17e is also better suited for small hands due to its smaller dimensions.
Do these phones fit in a standard jeans pocket?
Both the iPhone 17e and iPhone XS Max fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. Neither phone fits in a typical women's jeans pocket according to median measurements.
Is it worth upgrading from iPhone XS Max to iPhone 17e for size?
The iPhone 17e is smaller and lighter than the iPhone XS Max which may matter if you prefer compact phones. Whether the size change alone justifies an upgrade depends on your priorities.