UgandaiPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
The new iPhone 18 Pro Max brings improvements in screen, performance, camera, and battery over its predecessor, but at a higher price. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers similar features at a lower cost.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
The iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro Max share the same design and build, with an aluminum unibody and a prominent camera bump. However, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is 15 grams heavier due to its larger battery and bigger heatsink.
The two iPhones have the same 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel with 1320 x 2868 pixels and 120Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a smaller Dynamic Island, with a 35% reduction in size.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is powered by a 5,391mAh battery, which is 500mAh more than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This results in an Active Use Rating of 19:20h, up from 17:58h on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 18 Pro also features a new variable aperture camera and improved Siri. The phone has a 6.3in screen, which is super bright, crisp, and smooth. It also has an anti-glare coating, making it easier to see outside.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is priced at $1,299 for the base 256GB model, which is more expensive than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. For the same price, Android phones like the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL offer similar features and experiences.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is another alternative, with a larger display, versatile cameras, S Pen functionality, and faster charging. It uses Gorilla Armor 2 on the front and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 at the back, with Armor Aluminum 2.
Apple's new A20 Pro chip is about 27% faster than the A19 Pro in last year's model, with about 45% faster graphics performance. The iPhone 18 Pro also has improved connectivity, including 5G, wifi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 6, Thread, USB-C, Satellite, UWB, and GNSS.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Galaxy S26 Ultra represent two different approaches to the premium smartphone market. Apple focuses on a compact flagship experience, while Samsung pushes a larger display and more features.
Key facts
- Iphone 18 Pro Max has a larger battery and better performance than iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Iphone 18 Pro Max has a smaller Dynamic Island than iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Iphone 18 Pro features a new variable aperture camera and improved Siri
- Iphone 18 Pro Max is priced at $1,299 for the base 256GB model
Three perspectives
Neutral
The iPhone 18 Pro Max offers improvements over its predecessor, but at a higher price. Consumers can consider alternative Android phones like the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL or the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The choice between these phones depends on individual preferences and needs.
Positive
The iPhone 18 Pro Max brings significant improvements in screen, performance, camera, and battery. The new variable aperture camera and improved Siri are notable features. The phone's compact design and super bright screen make it a great option for those who value a premium experience.
Negative
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is more expensive than its predecessor, and the improvements may not be enough to justify the higher price. The phone's design and build are similar to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which may not be enough to attract new buyers. Alternative Android phones offer similar features and experiences at a lower cost.
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