Apple
iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB (Black)
A19 Pro · 256GB · Black
98
/ 100
From $1,199
VS
Apple
iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB (Black)
A19 Pro · 512GB · Black
98
/ 100
From $1,349
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB (Black) lands at 98 and iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB (Black) at 98. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB (Black) if…
- ✓Apple A19 Pro silicon
- ✓120 Hz ProMotion (Pro/Air)
- ✓Apple Intelligence Gen 2
Pick iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB (Black) if…
- ✓Apple A19 Pro silicon
- ✓120 Hz ProMotion (Pro/Air)
- ✓Apple Intelligence Gen 2
iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB (Black) 98
vs 98 iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB (Black)
Score breakdown
iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB (Black)
98 cpu 99
gpu 98
camera 97
battery 92
display 96
design 99
iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB (Black)
98 cpu 99
gpu 98
camera 97
battery 92
display 96
design 99
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB (Black) | iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A19 Pro | A19 Pro |
| Storage | 256GB | ▲ 512GB |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Release year | 2025 | 2025 |
| OS | iOS 19 | iOS 19 |
iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB (Black)
Pros
- +Apple A19 Pro silicon
- +120 Hz ProMotion (Pro/Air)
- +Apple Intelligence Gen 2
Cons
- −Still Lightning-free, USB-C only
- −Premium pricing
- −AI features require online offload for some tasks
iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB (Black)
Pros
- +Apple A19 Pro silicon
- +120 Hz ProMotion (Pro/Air)
- +Apple Intelligence Gen 2
Cons
- −Still Lightning-free, USB-C only
- −Premium pricing
- −AI features require online offload for some tasks
FAQ: iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB (Black) vs iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB (Black)
Which is better, iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB (Black) or iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB (Black)? +
Both score 98 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB (Black) worth the price? +
At $1,199, iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 98 — strongest in cpu.
Is iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB (Black) worth the price? +
At $1,349, iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 98 — strongest in cpu.
Does iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB (Black) or iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB (Black) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.