iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Screen Size Comparison
Visual comparison of iPhone 17 Pro Max (6.9") and iPhone 16 (6.1") screen size.
Last updated: Dec 2025
Detailed Comparison Analysis
Looking at iPhone 17 Pro Max versus iPhone 16, both devices are close in size at 6.9" and 6.1", with just 0.8" separating them. In actual viewing area, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has 28% more screen space—18.1 square inches compared to 14.2 square inches. The 0.34" width and 0.73" height difference affects how each phone feels in hand. iPhone 17 Pro Max has a larger 4685mAh battery compared to 3561mAh on iPhone 16. iPhone 16 weighs 170g, 57g lighter than iPhone 17 Pro Max at 227g.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.
The Verdict
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is 27.9% larger than the iPhone 16 in screen area.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
18.1 sq in
iPhone 16
14.2 sq in
Quick Comparison
Use Case Comparison
One-Handed Use
Ease of reaching corners with your thumb
Video Watching
Movies, streaming, and video content
Pocket Fit
Comfort in jeans and jacket pockets
Mobile Gaming
Gaming performance and experience
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 longer battery life (4685mAh vs 3561mAh)
- • You want a smoother 120Hz display
Choose iPhone 16
- • You want a more manageable device size
- • You prefer easier one-handed use
- • You prefer a lighter phone (170g vs 227g)
- • You have smaller hands (71.6mm vs 77.6mm width)
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagonal | 6.9" | 6.1" | 0.8" |
| Width | 2.89" | 2.56" | 0.34" |
| Height | 6.26" | 5.54" | 0.73" |
| Screen Area | 18.1 sq in | 14.2 sq in | 4.0 sq in |
| Aspect Ratio | 2.17:1 | 2.17:1 | 0.00 |
| Resolution | 2868 x 1320 | 2556 x 1179 | - |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Screen Type | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR | - |
| Peak Brightness | 2500 nits | 2000 nits | 500 nits |
| Weight | 227g | 170g | 57g |
| Battery | 4685 mAh | 3561 mAh | 1124 mAh |
| Body Size (H×W×D) | 163×77.6×8.25mm | 147.6×71.6×7.8mm | - |
| Always-On Display | Yes | No | - |
| Category | phone | phone | - |