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Here is a comprehensive comparison of the iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. the iPhone 16 Pro Max, detailing the various features.
The primary reason to consider the iPhone 17 Pro Max over the 16 Pro Max is its improved chip and vapor chamber cooling. All of which helps prevent the device from overheating while shooting videos in Pro mode. With the new iPhone 17 Pro series, not only does the camera subsystem undergo a significant overhaul, but the efficiency is also increased.
Here we break down the A19 Pro chip, 8x zoom camera, brighter screen, new design, and price of both phones.
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iPhone 17 Pro Max vs 16 Pro Max: A19 Pro vs A18 Pro
CPU-wise, the A19 Pro has the fastest CPU in any smartphone. The performance cores have improved front-end bandwidth and branch prediction. The efficient cores feature a 50% larger last-level cache to improve performance per watt. This makes the A19 Pro more efficient than the stock A19 and even the last-gen A18 Pro.
The GPU gets a significant upgrade. Apple has built neural accelerators into each GPU core, delivering up to three times the peak GPU compute power of the A18 Pro. Apple describes this as “MacBook Pro levels of compute” in an iPhone.
Regarding performance, the new chip, combined with the vapor chamber, allows the iPhone 17 flagship to deliver up to 40% better sustained performance than the last-gen flagship. Regarding battery backup, if we believe Apple’s efficiency claims, then the 17 Pro Max will have significantly higher battery life than the 16 Pro Max.
Price and Storage
The iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199, the same as the launch price of the 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max from last year. That said, all iPhone 17 models now start with 256GB of storage. For the first time, Apple introduces a 2TB storage configuration option, available exclusively for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, marking a significant change.
Design and Screen
The iPhone 17 Pro Max features an improved forged-aluminum unibody design. Apple chose this material for its superior thermal conductivity. Apple claims that this is 20 times more conductive than the titanium used previously. Along with the new frame, the device also features an Apple-designed vapor chamber to dissipate heat. On top of that, the new iPhone is protected by the Ceramic Shield 2 on the front. Apple claims this offers three times better scratch and crack resistance than the previous back glass.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max display features a seven-layer anti-reflective coating to reduce glare. Compared to the basic oleophobic coating found on the 16 Pro Max, it’s a welcome change. The screen size (6.9 inches) and Pro-Motion specs (120 Hz) remain the same. The peak brightness is around 3000 nits, which is an increase from the 2000 nits of the 16 Pro Max.
Camera System
As mentioned initially, the camera system receives a significant upgrade. All three rear cameras are now 48-megapixel sensors. The new telephoto lens provides up to 8x optical zoom. Compared to last year’s 5x zoom on the 16 Pro Max, it’s a substantial upgrade. The front camera features the all-new 18-megapixel Center Stage, which utilizes a unique square sensor for improved framing and includes AI assistance for capturing pictures. The AI also automatically frames your photos without needing to rotate your phone, depending on how many people are in the shot.
Moving Forward
So far, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is more than just an incremental update. Apple has listened to the community, addressed thermal constraints, and even improved the cameras. While on paper, these specs look incredibly compelling. It’s best to wait it out, observe reviews, and see how things turn out in real life.
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