iPhone 16 Pro/Max vs iPhone 17 Pro/Max: Side-by-side comparison

Recent leaks have set the tech world abuzz with claims about major hardware changes coming to Apple’s flagship iPhones. 

These rumours have yet to be confirmed by Apple, but fans and critics alike can’t help but speculate: could the iPhone 17 Pro/Max finally be the generational leap iPhone devotees have been waiting for?

Dramatic jump in features

If the rumours are to be believed, the iPhone 17 Pro/Max will deliver one of the most dramatic feature jumps seen in recent years, leaving the iPhone 16 Pro/Max feeling noticeably more “last-gen.” 

Here’s a deep dive into the rumoured specs and features, comparing the two potential powerhouses.

Processor and performance

• iPhone 16 Pro/Max: Apple A18 Pro chip, 8GB RAM

• iPhone 17 Pro/Max: Apple A19 Pro chip, 12GB RAM

The leap from the A18 Pro to the A19 Pro represents Apple’s continued dedication to pushing processing power and efficiency. 

The iPhone 17 Pro/Max is also set to get a significant memory boost, jumping to 12GB RAM — a move that should enhance multitasking, gaming, and pro-level photo/video editing.

Camera upgrades

Telephoto Lens:

• iPhone 16 Pro/Max: 12MP

• iPhone 17 Pro/Max: 48MP

Front Camera:

• iPhone 16 Pro/Max: 12MP

• iPhone 17 Pro/Max: 24MP

Design:

• iPhone 16 Pro/Max: Old camera design

• iPhone 17 Pro/Max: New camera design

The iPhone 17 Pro/Max looks set to usher in a new era for mobile photography, featuring a huge jump in telephoto megapixels and doubling the selfie camera’s resolution. 

The new camera design hints at more than just optics improvements — it could mean a radical redesign to house these enhanced sensors.

Battery and charging

Battery Capacity:

• iPhone 16 Pro/Max: 4,685mAh

• iPhone 17 Pro/Max: 5,000mAh

MagSafe Charging:

• iPhone 16 Pro/Max: 25W

• iPhone 17 Pro/Max: 50W

Expect longer usage times and much quicker top-ups on the iPhone 17 Pro/Max, thanks to a larger battery and double the MagSafe charging wattage. This could make a noticeable difference for power users and anyone constantly on the move.

Build and design

Thickness:

• iPhone 16 Pro/Max: 8.25mm

• iPhone 17 Pro/Max: 8.725mm

Frame Material:

• iPhone 16 Pro/Max: Titanium

• iPhone 17 Pro/Max: Aluminum

The iPhone 17 Pro/Max is rumoured to be slightly thicker, possibly to accommodate the larger battery and new camera system. 

The switch from a titanium to an aluminum frame indicates a significant design philosophy shift — potentially for weight reduction or production efficiency.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

The Big Picture

If these leaks pan out, the iPhone 17 Pro/Max will not only surpass its predecessor in raw performance and photography capabilities but also redefine Apple’s approach to design — from frame material to camera layout. 

While last year’s model brought steady incremental improvements, the next generation appears poised to jump ahead with changes that are bold both on paper and, likely, in your hand.

These rumours have yet to be confirmed by Apple, but fans and critics alike can’t help but speculate: could the iPhone 17 Pro/Max finally be the generational leap iPhone devotees have been waiting for?