iPhone 17
A19 · 6.3″ OLED · ProMotion 120 Hz
iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB
A17 Pro · iOS · 128GB
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, iPhone 17 lands at 92 and iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick iPhone 17 if…
- ✓A19 chip with 6-core CPU
- ✓ProMotion 120 Hz on a non-Pro iPhone
- ✓Up to 30 hours of video playback
Pick iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB if…
- ✓iOS ecosystem
- ✓Long update support
- ✓Polished hardware
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPhotography
iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GBStills and video quality across lenses
iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB leads on camera (91 vs 88).
Battery life
iPhone 17Screen-on time and charging
iPhone 17 leads on battery (88 vs 86).
Performance
TieChipset speed for gaming and heavy apps
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Display
iPhone 17Panel quality, brightness, refresh rate
iPhone 17 leads on display (92 vs 89).
Value for money
iPhone 17Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
iPhone 17 more score per dollar ($799 vs $1,199).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | iPhone 17 | iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3″ OLED, 2622×1206 at 460 ppi, ProMotion 120 Hz | — |
| Chipset | Apple A19 chip (6-core CPU) | A17 Pro |
| Storage | ▲ 256 / 512 GB | 128GB |
| Battery (video) | Up to 30 hours | — |
| Charging | 50% in 20 min with 40W adapter; MagSafe up to 25W | — |
| OS | iOS 26 | iOS 17 |
| Weight | 177 g | — |
| IP rating | IP68 (6 m, 30 min) | — |
| Release year | — | 2023 |
iPhone 17
- +A19 chip with 6-core CPU
- +ProMotion 120 Hz on a non-Pro iPhone
- +Up to 30 hours of video playback
- −No telephoto
- −Two storage tiers only (256/512 GB)
- −Charging needs 40W+ adapter for the headline 50%-in-20-min claim
iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB
- +iOS ecosystem
- +Long update support
- +Polished hardware
- −Premium pricing
- −Limited customization
- −Lightning/USB-C split across generations
FAQ: iPhone 17 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB
Which is better, iPhone 17 or iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB? +
Both score 92 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is iPhone 17 worth the price? +
At $799, iPhone 17 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in cpu.
Is iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB worth the price? +
At $1,199, iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in cpu.
Does iPhone 17 or iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for photography, iPhone 17 or iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB? +
iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB — leads on camera (91 vs 88). Stills and video quality across lenses.
Which is better for battery life, iPhone 17 or iPhone 15 Pro Max 128GB? +
iPhone 17 — leads on battery (88 vs 86). Screen-on time and charging.