iPhone 17 Pro Max
A19 Pro · 6.9″ OLED · IP68
iPhone 16 Pro Max 128GB (European)
A18 Pro · iOS · 128GB · European
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, iPhone 17 Pro Max lands at 96 and iPhone 16 Pro Max 128GB (European) at 96. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick iPhone 17 Pro Max if…
- ✓A19 Pro chip
- ✓Up to 39 hours video playback
- ✓Up to 2 TB storage
Pick iPhone 16 Pro Max 128GB (European) if…
- ✓iOS ecosystem
- ✓Long update support
- ✓Polished hardware
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPhotography
TieStills and video quality across lenses
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Battery life
iPhone 17 Pro MaxScreen-on time and charging
iPhone 17 Pro Max leads on battery (92 vs 90).
Performance
iPhone 17 Pro MaxChipset speed for gaming and heavy apps
iPhone 17 Pro Max leads on cpu (98 vs 96).
Display
iPhone 17 Pro MaxPanel quality, brightness, refresh rate
iPhone 17 Pro Max leads on display (95 vs 93).
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Pro Max 128GB (European) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9″ OLED, 2868×1320 at 460 ppi | — |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro chip | A18 Pro |
| Storage | ▲ 256 / 512 GB / 1 / 2 TB | 128GB |
| Battery (video) | Up to 39 hours | — |
| Charging | 50% in 20 min with 40W adapter; MagSafe up to 25W | — |
| OS | iOS 26 | iOS 18 |
| Weight | 233 g | — |
| IP rating | IP68 (6 m, 30 min) | — |
| Release year | — | 2024 |
iPhone 17 Pro Max
- +A19 Pro chip
- +Up to 39 hours video playback
- +Up to 2 TB storage
- −Premium price
- −Weighs 233 g
- −Wired charging requires 40W+ adapter
iPhone 16 Pro Max 128GB (European)
- +iOS ecosystem
- +Long update support
- +Polished hardware
- −Premium pricing
- −Limited customization
- −Lightning/USB-C split across generations
FAQ: iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max 128GB (European)
Which is better, iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Pro Max 128GB (European)? +
Both score 96 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is iPhone 17 Pro Max worth the price? +
At $1,199, iPhone 17 Pro Max delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.
Is iPhone 16 Pro Max 128GB (European) worth the price? +
At $1,199, iPhone 16 Pro Max 128GB (European) delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.
Does iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Pro Max 128GB (European) 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.
Which is better for battery life, iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Pro Max 128GB (European)? +
iPhone 17 Pro Max — leads on battery (92 vs 90). Screen-on time and charging.
Which is better for performance, iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Pro Max 128GB (European)? +
iPhone 17 Pro Max — leads on cpu (98 vs 96). Chipset speed for gaming and heavy apps.