iPhone XS Max vs iPhone 17
Quick answer
The iPhone 17 is 5.9 millimetres0.23 inches narrower and 31 grams1.09 ounces lighter than the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone 17 on Amazon (paid link) shrinks the footprint while nearly doubling battery life, making it genuinely easier to hold all day. While the XS Max (paid link) is a bargain on the renewal market, it stopped getting updates years ago and won't see them again. If you need a phone that lasts into the future, spend the extra on the newer model.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 17
Pocket: iPhone 17
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone XS 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 · 1.4 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 XS Max: 157.5 by 77.4 by 7.7 millimetres, 208 grams. iPhone 17: 149.6 by 71.5 by 7.95 millimetres, 177 grams.
XS Max, 17 shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone XS 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: XS Max 157.5 millimetres, 17 149.6 millimetres.Height: XS Max 6.20 inches, 17 5.89 inches.Width: XS Max 77.4 millimetres, 17 71.5 millimetres.Width: XS Max 3.05 inches, 17 2.81 inches.Depth: XS Max 7.70 millimetres, 17 7.95 millimetres.Depth: XS Max 0.30 inches, 17 0.31 inches.Weight: XS Max 208 grams, 17 177 grams.Weight: XS Max 7.34 ounces, 17 6.24 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | XS Max | 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 157.5 millimetres6.20 inches | 149.6 millimetres, 7.9 millimetres less5.89 inches, 0.31 inches less |
| Width | 77.4 millimetres3.05 inches | 71.5 millimetres, 5.9 millimetres less2.81 inches, 0.23 inches less |
| Depth | 7.70 millimetres0.30 inches | 7.95 millimetres, 0.25 millimetres more0.31 inches, 0.01 inches more |
| Weight | 208 grams7.34 ounces | 177 grams, 31 grams less6.24 ounces, 1.09 ounces less |
| Volume | 93.9 cubic centimetres5.73 cubic inches | 85.0 cubic centimetres, 8.8 cubic centimetres less5.19 cubic inches, 0.54 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 84 percent | 90 percent, 6 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.5 inches | 6.3 inches, 0.2 inches less |
| Resolution | 1242 × 2688 | 1206 × 2622 |
| Pixel density | 458 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 2 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | Notch | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 12MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A12 Bionic | A19 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 15 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP67 (1m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 512 GB | 256 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 1,099 dollars | 799 dollars, 300 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2018 | Sep 2025 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 17 is 7.9 mm (0.31 in) shorter, 5.9 mm (0.23 in) narrower, 0.25 mm (0.01 in) thicker and 31 g (1.09 oz) lighter than the iPhone XS Max. 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). 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).
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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. It is also 31 grams lighter.
What is the screen size difference between the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 17?
The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch display while the iPhone 17 has a 6.3 inch display. This is a difference of 0.2 inches.
Is the iPhone 17 easier to use one handed than the iPhone XS Max?
Yes, the iPhone 17 is rated as easier for one handed use. It is also better suited for small hands compared to the iPhone XS Max.
Do both the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 17 fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 17 fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. The iPhone 17 is considered more pocketable due to its smaller size.
Is the weight difference between the iPhone 17 and iPhone XS Max noticeable?
The iPhone 17 is 31 grams lighter than the iPhone XS Max. The verdicts note that this weight difference is noticeable.
Is upgrading from the iPhone XS Max to the iPhone 17 worth it for size alone?
The page verdicts state that a size only upgrade is worth it. The iPhone 17 is smaller and lighter while maintaining a similar screen experience.