iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max Screen Size Comparison

Visual comparison of iPhone 16 Pro Max (6.9") and iPhone 17 Pro Max (6.9") screen size.

Last updated: Dec 2025

Detailed Comparison Analysis

Looking at iPhone 16 Pro Max versus iPhone 17 Pro Max, both feature nearly identical screens at 6.9" and 6.9", making size a non-factor in your decision. These differences matter for one-handed use, media viewing, and how the phone fits in your pocket. The iPhone 17 Pro Max's large display is great for videos and reading but harder to use one-handed.

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The Verdict

Both devices have identical screen areas, though their aspect ratios may differ.

iPhone 16 Pro Max

18.1 sq in

iPhone 17 Pro Max

18.1 sq in

View full specs

iPhone 16 Pro Max Screen Size

View full specs

iPhone 17 Pro Max Screen Size

Quick Comparison

iPhone 17 Pro Max wins 1/8
6.9"
Screen Size
6.9"
18.1 sq in
Screen Area
18.1 sq in
2.89"
Width
2.89"
458 PPI
Pixel Density
458 PPI
4685 mAh
Battery
4685 mAh
227g
Weight
227g
120Hz
Refresh Rate
120Hz
2000 nits
Brightness
2500 nits
iPhone 16 Pro Max
vs
iPhone 17 Pro Max

Use Case Comparison

👋

One-Handed Use

Ease of reaching corners with your thumb

iPhone 16 Pro Max
Manageable
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Manageable
🎬

Video Watching

Movies, streaming, and video content

iPhone 16 Pro Max
Excellent
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Excellent
👖

Pocket Fit

Comfort in jeans and jacket pockets

iPhone 16 Pro Max
Tight fit
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Tight fit
🎮

Mobile Gaming

Gaming performance and experience

iPhone 16 Pro Max
Excellent
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Excellent

Upgrade Insight

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is 1 year newer, with incremental updates in camera, chip performance, software support.

iPhone 17 Pro Max (Sep 2025) iPhone 16 Pro Max (Sep 2024)

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

Choose iPhone 17 Pro Max

  • • You want a slightly more compact option
  • • You prefer a lighter device for extended use

Detailed Specifications

Diagonal
iPhone 16 Pro Max
6.9"
iPhone 17 Pro Max
6.9"
Diff: 0.0"
Dimensions (W × H)
iPhone 16 Pro Max
2.9" × 6.3"
iPhone 17 Pro Max
2.9" × 6.3"
Screen Area
iPhone 16 Pro Max
18.1 sq in
iPhone 17 Pro Max
18.1 sq in
Diff: 0.0 sq in
Aspect Ratio
iPhone 16 Pro Max
2.17:1
iPhone 17 Pro Max
2.17:1
Resolution
iPhone 16 Pro Max
2868 x 1320
iPhone 17 Pro Max
2868 x 1320
Refresh Rate
iPhone 16 Pro Max
120Hz
iPhone 17 Pro Max
120Hz
Diff: 0 Hz
Screen Type
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Super Retina XDR
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Super Retina XDR
Peak Brightness
iPhone 16 Pro Max
2000 nits
iPhone 17 Pro Max
2500 nits
Diff: 500 nits
Weight
iPhone 16 Pro Max
227g
iPhone 17 Pro Max
227g
Diff: 0 g
Battery
iPhone 16 Pro Max
4685 mAh
iPhone 17 Pro Max
4685 mAh
Diff: 0 mAh
Body Size (H×W×D)
iPhone 16 Pro Max
163×77.6×8.25mm
iPhone 17 Pro Max
163×77.6×8.25mm
Always-On Display
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Yes
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Yes
Category
iPhone 16 Pro Max
phone
iPhone 17 Pro Max
phone
Shop iPhone 16 Pro Max Shop iPhone 17 Pro Max

Frequently Asked Questions

Are iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro Max the same size?
Yes, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro Max are nearly identical in size. Both have 6.9" diagonal screens with the same 18.1 square inches of viewing area. The dimensional difference is negligible at just 0.00 inches.
Will both phones fit in my pocket?
Both phones will fit in standard pockets, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max 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 Pro Max at 2.89" × 6.26" offers better portability.

Related Comparisons

vs iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro
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