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Price Difference Between iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 17 in the U.S.
Squaredtech analyzed current U.S. pricing for the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 17 to determine real market value. Buyers in America face a choice between spending on a refurbished flagship from last year or investing in Apple’s newest standard model.
Read More About Our Article of iPhone 17 Shocks Apple Fans With Bold Upgrades and All-New Air Model Published on September 11th, 2025 SquaredTech
The iPhone 16 Pro Max, launched originally at $1,199 for the 128GB variant, is now widely available in refurbished or pre-owned condition. On eBay, unlocked models in excellent condition sell between $780 and $950. Back Market lists “Good” condition devices near $970 and “Excellent” condition near $1,000. Verizon offers certified pre-owned units for around $1,000 with limited warranty. This means that while trade-in values hover around $421, real consumer purchase prices remain in the $800 to $1,000 range for a 256GB unit.
The new iPhone 17, by contrast, arrives directly from Apple at $799 for the base 256GB model. This makes the pricing decision interesting. A used iPhone 16 Pro Max costs roughly the same as a factory-new iPhone 17. Buyers must decide whether larger screen size and telephoto zoom on the older model outweigh the benefits of warranty, fresh battery health, and longer software support on the newer device.
For users considering Pro-level features in the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple sets pricing higher at $1,099 and $1,199 respectively. Those models bring more camera power and the A19 Pro chip, but for the purpose of budget comparison, most buyers will focus on the standard iPhone 17 versus the refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Our conclusion on pricing is straightforward. Both options demand similar cash outlay, but only one delivers new hardware, full support, and warranty protection. That advantage matters for most everyday buyers.
Feature Comparison: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17
Price is only part of the decision. Squaredtech also compared performance, display quality, camera systems, and charging features between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 17 in the U.S. market.
Performance and Thermal Design
The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses the A18 Pro chip. This processor is capable and efficient, but the titanium frame in last year’s design limited heat dissipation under heavy gaming or 4K video workloads. Extended tasks could cause reduced sustained performance.
The iPhone 17 comes with the newer A19 chip. While it is not the Pro edition, it benefits from updated architecture and efficiency improvements. The newer chip allows Apple Intelligence features to run smoothly. Because the iPhone 17 launches fresh, it also guarantees more years of software updates compared to a used iPhone 16 Pro Max that is already one generation old.
Display and Brightness
The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a large 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate. It delivers strong visuals with a typical peak brightness of about 2,000 nits. The large screen appeals to buyers who want immersive video or gaming.
The iPhone 17 carries a slightly smaller display at around 6.7 inches but makes up ground with peak brightness reaching up to 3,000 nits. This brightness boost is especially important outdoors in direct sunlight. Both models include ProMotion support, but the new iPhone delivers more visible improvements in real-life use thanks to brighter output.
Camera Systems
Camera differences may be the most important point for many buyers. The iPhone 16 Pro Max includes a triple rear camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto capable of 5x optical zoom. This makes the older Pro Max more versatile for photography, particularly for zoom shots at distance.
The iPhone 17, however, limits the setup to a dual 48MP system with main and ultrawide cameras. While both sensors capture high-quality images, the lack of telephoto zoom is a clear drawback for buyers who value optical reach. Advanced Fusion triple camera technology is exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, which cost more.
Battery and Charging
The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers around 27 to 29 hours of video playback according to Verizon’s certified pre-owned listing. Its large battery paired with the efficiency of the A18 Pro chip makes it one of the longest-lasting devices of its generation.
The iPhone 17 benefits from efficiency gains in the A19 chip. It maintains similar battery performance but adds faster charging through USB-C. With the proper adapter, it reaches 50 percent in around 20 minutes. This feature offers a real-world advantage over the older model.
Both devices bring premium Apple hardware and software, but differences in design and performance matter. Below is Squaredtech’s comparison table for a quick breakdown:
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2024 | 2025 |
| Display | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR, 120Hz ProMotion | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR, 120Hz ProMotion |
| Processor | A18 Pro Chip | A19 Bionic Chip |
| Camera | Triple-lens with 5x telephoto (Pro Max exclusive) | Dual-lens with improved main and ultra-wide |
| Battery Life | Up to 29 hours video playback | Up to 27 hours video playback |
| Build | Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield |
| Software | iOS 18 | iOS 19 |
| Price in US (current) | $850–$1,000 (used) | $999+ (new) |
Long-Term Software Support and Apple Intelligence
Squaredtech stresses that long-term support should factor into every U.S. buyer’s decision. Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 17 run iOS 26. Both support Apple Intelligence, the new suite of AI-powered tools built directly into the operating system. These include features such as smarter photo editing, advanced text assistance, and improved Siri capabilities.
However, the iPhone 17 starts its life cycle in 2025, meaning buyers will receive more years of software updates. A used iPhone 16 Pro Max is already one year into its update cycle. For buyers planning to keep their device for three or four years, the iPhone 17 clearly delivers more value by extending the support window.
This factor also links back to battery health. Refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max units may arrive with battery percentages ranging between 85 and 95 percent of original capacity. Apple-certified refurbished units replace batteries if they fall below acceptable levels, but private resellers often do not. In contrast, a new iPhone 17 guarantees a fresh battery and full support.
Squaredtech’s Recommendation: Which Device Should You Buy?
After evaluating price, features, battery, and long-term value, Squaredtech delivers its final analysis.
Choose a used iPhone 16 Pro Max if you need telephoto zoom and a 6.9-inch display. This phone still performs strongly and offers photography versatility that the iPhone 17 lacks. But buyers must ensure they purchase from a reliable U.S. seller, confirm warranty terms, and check battery health carefully.
Choose a new iPhone 17 if you value warranty coverage, full years of software updates, faster charging, and a brighter display. The new iPhone 17 also brings the advantage of Apple Intelligence tools with guaranteed long-term support. At $799 brand new, it directly competes with refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max units in cost.
Squaredtech concludes that for most U.S. buyers, the new iPhone 17 is the smarter purchase. It offers peace of mind, longer life cycle, and better charging speed. While it loses the telephoto zoom, its brighter screen, fresh battery, and extended update support outweigh that trade-off.
Final Word from Squaredtech
The choice between a refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max and a new iPhone 17 is not about headline specifications alone. Buyers in the U.S. must consider pricing, warranty, support, and condition. Squaredtech’s position is clear. If you prioritize zoom photography and do not mind a pre-owned device, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains attractive. But for a future-proof option that matches price with reliability, the iPhone 17 is the winner in 2025.
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