With the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple is launching its latest flagship smartphone. As every year, the question arises whether the smaller Pro model or the larger Pro Max is the better choice. Rumors about exclusive features in the iPhone 17 Pro Max, in particular, sparked controversy in advance. The official presentation revealed that both devices share the same feature set, with differences existing almost exclusively in size and the resulting features.
With the new Pro models, Apple has refrained from reserving technical advantages exclusively for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The processor, camera, software, and overall features are identical. Differences arise in three key areas: display size, battery life, and storage options. Anyone who wants to make the right decision should keep these aspects in mind.
Display size
The iPhone 17 Pro has a 6.3-inch display. It's compact, lighter, and fits better in the hand. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, on the other hand, features a significantly larger 6.9-inch display. This makes it better suited for movies, games, and anyone who prefers a wider field of view.
Battery life
The larger body of the iPhone 17 Pro Max accommodates a more powerful battery. While the iPhone 17 Pro offers up to 33 hours of video playback, the Pro Max achieves 39 hours—the longest battery life ever offered by an iPhone.
Storage options
For the first time, Apple is taking a different approach to storage sizes. The iPhone 17 Pro is limited to a maximum of 1 TB. The iPhone 17 Pro Max also offers a new upper limit of 2 TB. This version is aimed at users with particularly high storage requirements, such as for ProRes videos or large app libraries. The 2 TB model of the iPhone 17 Pro Max costs €2,449, making it the most expensive iPhone ever released.
Price and availability
Both models are available from Apple. Prices vary depending on storage capacity, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max in the highest version representing the absolute top of the range.
iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: What Really Makes the Difference
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are technically identical and differ only in size. The Pro model impresses with its compact design, while the Pro Max offers a larger display, longer battery life, and the exclusive option for 2 TB of storage. Those who choose the iPhone 17 Pro only forgo these three differences, but otherwise get the same high-end smartphone as the larger model. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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FAQ: iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro offers a powerful display, improved performance, and optimized battery life. It's more compact than the Pro Max, but technically identical.
Both devices share the same range of functions. Differences arise only in a few areas related to size and features.
The iPhone 17 Pro's compact size makes it more suitable for one-handed use. The iPhone 17 Pro Max boasts a larger display and longer battery life.
The iPhone 17 Pro is available in various storage sizes, up to 1 TB. The iPhone 17 Pro Max also offers a version with up to 2 TB.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is available starting at €1,449. The largest version with 2 TB costs around €2,449.
It depends on your individual needs. Both devices offer the same performance. If you want a larger display, longer battery life, and more storage, the Pro Max is a better choice.
