Head to head

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max

Specs, full price and monthly payments for both phones, side by side.

The short version

  • On a carrier plan, the lowest tracked monthly payment is $30.55 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max (AT&T) and $10.99 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max (AT&T). Plan and bill-credit requirements apply.
  • The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the A19 Pro chip, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max uses the A18 Pro.
  • Both have a 6.9-inch display.
  • Cameras: iPhone 17 Pro Max has Triple 48MP (Main, Ultra Wide, 5x Telephoto); iPhone 16 Pro Max has 48MP Main, 48MP Ultra Wide, 12MP 5x Telephoto.
  • Both are rated for up to 33 hours of video.
iPhone 17 Pro MaxiPhone 16 Pro Max
ChipA19 ProA18 Pro
Display6.9-inch6.9-inch
CamerasTriple 48MP (Main, Ultra Wide, 5x Telephoto)48MP Main, 48MP Ultra Wide, 12MP 5x Telephoto
Battery (video)Up to 33 hoursUp to 33 hours
Base storage256GB256GB
Lowest full price——
Lowest monthly$30.55/mo (AT&T)$10.99/mo (AT&T)

Specs come from our tracking sheet; check Apple's official specifications before relying on them.

Deals for both phones

Pay monthly with a carrier

Little or nothing down, then monthly payments over the term.

ModelRetailer / CarrierUpfrontMonthlyTerms & conditionsEst. totalSource
iPhone 16 Pro MaxAT&T$0$10.99per month36 MonthsPlan: Qualifying Unlimited PlanUp to $885 trade-in+ $35 activation fee$430.64View terms
iPhone 16 Pro MaxVerizon$0$27.77per month36 MonthsPlan: Unlimited PlusUp to $885 trade-in+ $35 activation fee$1034.72View terms
iPhone 17 Pro MaxAT&T$0$30.55per month36 MonthsPlan: Unlimited Premium PLUp to $1000 trade-in+ $35 activation fee$1134.80View terms
iPhone 17 Pro MaxVerizon$0$33.33per month36 MonthsPlan: Unlimited UltimateUp to $1000 trade-in+ $35 activation fee$1234.88View terms

Prices shown were saved on November 4, 2026 and may have changed. See the live deals page and confirm terms with the retailer before you buy. Estimated total = upfront + monthly × term + activation fee; it excludes plan price, taxes and trade-in credits. Some “View terms” links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

What chip does each phone use?

The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the A19 Pro; the iPhone 16 Pro Max uses the A18 Pro.

Should I pay in full or monthly?

Paying in full gives you the phone with no contract and no bill credits. Monthly plans spread the cost over a term, often with credits tied to a plan, so the real cost depends on how long you stay. Compare both tables on this page, and see how we treat $0 offers on our deals page.

Related comparisons