iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus Screen Size Comparison
Visual comparison of iPhone 17 Pro Max (6.9") and iPhone 16 Plus (6.7") screen size.
Last updated: Dec 2025
Detailed Comparison Analysis
Looking at iPhone 17 Pro Max versus iPhone 16 Plus, the screens are virtually the same size at 6.9" and 6.7", so other factors become more important. The 6% area difference between these displays is minimal in practice. iPhone 16 Plus weighs 199g, 28g lighter than iPhone 17 Pro Max at 227g. iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 120Hz display versus 60Hz on iPhone 16 Plus.In daily use, this affects typing comfort, video watching, and portability. The iPhone 17 Pro Max's large display is great for videos and reading but harder to use one-handed.
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iPhone 17 Pro Max
Body: 163×78mm
Screen: 159×73mm
iPhone 16 Plus
Body: 161×78mm
Screen: 155×71mm
431.6px/inch
Overlay comparison view
The Verdict
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is 6.1% larger than the iPhone 16 Plus in screen area.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
18.1 sq in
iPhone 16 Plus
17.1 sq in
Quick Comparison
iPhone 17 Pro Max wins 5/8
6.9"
Screen Size
6.7"
18.1 sq in
Screen Area
17.1 sq in
2.89"
Width
2.81"
458 PPI
Pixel Density
460 PPI
4685 mAh
Battery
4674 mAh
227g
Weight
199g
120Hz
Refresh Rate
60Hz
2500 nits
Brightness
2000 nits
iPhone 17 Pro Max
vs
iPhone 16 Plus
Use Case Comparison
👋
One-Handed Use
Ease of reaching corners with your thumb
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Manageable
iPhone 16 Plus
Manageable
🎬
Video Watching
Movies, streaming, and video content
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Excellent
iPhone 16 Plus
Very Good
👖
Pocket Fit
Comfort in jeans and jacket pockets
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Tight fit
iPhone 16 Plus
Tight fit
🎮
Mobile Gaming
Gaming performance and experience
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Excellent
iPhone 16 Plus
Very Good
Upgrade Insight
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is 1 year newer, with incremental updates in camera, chip performance, software support.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose iPhone 17 Pro Max
- • You prioritize screen size for media and productivity
- • You typically use your phone with two hands
- • You want a smoother 120Hz display
Choose iPhone 16 Plus
- • You want a slightly more compact option
- • You prefer a lighter device for extended use
- • You prefer a lighter phone (199g vs 227g)
Detailed Specifications
Diagonal
iPhone 17 Pro Max
6.9"
iPhone 16 Plus
6.7"
Diff: 0.2"
Dimensions (W × H)
iPhone 17 Pro Max
2.9" × 6.3"
iPhone 16 Plus
2.8" × 6.1"
Screen Area
iPhone 17 Pro Max
18.1 sq in
iPhone 16 Plus
17.1 sq in
Diff: 1.0 sq in
Aspect Ratio
iPhone 17 Pro Max
2.17:1
iPhone 16 Plus
2.17:1
Resolution
iPhone 17 Pro Max
2868 x 1320
iPhone 16 Plus
2796 x 1290
Refresh Rate
iPhone 17 Pro Max
120Hz
iPhone 16 Plus
60Hz
Diff: 60
Hz
Screen Type
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Super Retina XDR
iPhone 16 Plus
Super Retina XDR
Peak Brightness
iPhone 17 Pro Max
2500 nits
iPhone 16 Plus
2000 nits
Diff: 500
nits
Weight
iPhone 17 Pro Max
227g
iPhone 16 Plus
199g
Diff: 28
g
Battery
iPhone 17 Pro Max
4685 mAh
iPhone 16 Plus
4674 mAh
Diff: 11
mAh
Body Size (H×W×D)
iPhone 17 Pro Max
163×77.6×8.25mm
iPhone 16 Plus
160.9×77.8×7.8mm
Always-On Display
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Yes
iPhone 16 Plus
No
Category
iPhone 17 Pro Max
phone
iPhone 16 Plus
phone
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Plus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagonal | 6.9" | 6.7" | 0.2" |
| Width | 2.89" | 2.81" | 0.08" |
| Height | 6.26" | 6.08" | 0.18" |
| Screen Area | 18.1 sq in | 17.1 sq in | 1.0 sq in |
| Aspect Ratio | 2.17:1 | 2.17:1 | 0.00 |
| Resolution | 2868 x 1320 | 2796 x 1290 | - |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Screen Type | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR | - |
| Peak Brightness | 2500 nits | 2000 nits | 500 nits |
| Weight | 227g | 199g | 28g |
| Battery | 4685 mAh | 4674 mAh | 11 mAh |
| Body Size (H×W×D) | 163×77.6×8.25mm | 160.9×77.8×7.8mm | - |
| Always-On Display | Yes | No | - |
| Category | phone | phone | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus the same size?
iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus are very similar in size, with only a 0.2" difference in diagonal (6.9" vs 6.7"). The iPhone 17 Pro Max is 6% larger in screen area, but in daily use, the size difference is minimal.
Which phone is lighter and easier to hold?
The iPhone 16 Plus weighs 199g, which is 28g lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro Max at 227g. This difference is noticeable during extended use, reading, or one-handed operation.
Which phone has a smoother display?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 120Hz display compared to 60Hz on the iPhone 16 Plus. The higher refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and more responsive touch input, which is especially noticeable in gaming and fast-scrolling content.
Will both phones fit in my pocket?
Both phones will fit in standard pockets, but the iPhone 16 Plus will be more comfortable. The iPhone 17 Pro Max measures 2.89" wide and 6.26" tall, which may feel bulky in tight jeans or smaller pockets. The iPhone 16 Plus at 2.81" × 6.08" offers better portability.
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