BeastCompare

Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Which One Should You Buy?

Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) edges ahead with a BeastScore of 85.3/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple

Apple iPad Air 11 (2024)

Apple iPad Air 11 (2024)
85/ 100
Launch pricePrice on request
Apple · 2025

iPhone 17 Pro Max

iPhone 17 Pro Max
85/ 100
Launch price$1,199
Head-to-head

Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) wins 3 of 5 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Apple iPad Air 11 (2024)
Apple iPad Air 11 (2024)
3 wins
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Pro Max
2 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraBatteryDisplayValue
Apple iPad Air 11 (2024)iPhone 17 Pro Max
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeediPhone 17 Pro Max
    79
    90
  • CameraiPhone 17 Pro Max
    80
    85
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieNot enough data
  • BatteryApple iPad Air 11 (2024)
    95
    86
  • DisplayApple iPad Air 11 (2024)
    94
    90
  • ConnectivityNot enough data
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueApple iPad Air 11 (2024)
    85
    55
Key differences
  • Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) has the bigger battery7,606 mAh vs 5,088 mAh
  • Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) has the bigger screen11" vs 6.9"
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM12 GB vs 8 GB
  • Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) has the faster chipApple M2 vs Apple A19 Pro
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Apple iPad Air 11 (2024)
  • ✓Bigger 7,606 mAh battery (+2,518 mAh)
  • ✓11" display at 120 Hz
Reasons to buy iPhone 17 Pro Max
  • ✓48 MP main camera
  • ✓6.9" display at 120 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationApple iPad Air 11 (2024)iPhone 17 Pro Max
1. Display & Screen🏆 Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) Wins Display
Screen typeAMOLEDLTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Screen Size11"6.9"
Resolution & DensityFHD+ / LTPO AMOLED 2868x1320 (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate120 Hz ProMotion120 Hz ProMotion
BrightnessN/A3,000 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 iPhone 17 Pro Max Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorApple M2 Apple A19 Pro (3nm)
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedApple GPU (6-core)
Operating SystemiOS iOS 26
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory8 GB LPDDR12 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage1024 GB256GB / 512GB / 1024GB / 2048GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 iPhone 17 Pro Max Wins Camera
Primary Cameraundefined MP, Triple Camera System48 MP, f/1.78, OIS, Fusion 48MP
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)48 MP (8x optical zoom), f/2.8, OIS
Ultrawide CameraN/A48 MP, f/2.2
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lensundefined MP18 MP, f/1.9
7. Body & Dimensions
DimensionsN/A163.4 x 78 x 8.75 mm
WeightN/A233 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedIP68
8. Battery & Charging🏆 Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) Wins Battery
Battery Capacity7,606 mAh5,088 mAh
Wired Fast ChargingFast charging40W wired fast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listed25W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardNot listedWi-Fi 7
BluetoothNot listed6.0
USB Port & SpeedNot listedUSB-C 3.0
NFCYesYes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch PricePrice on request$1,199
Our verdict

Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) wins — BeastScore 85.3/100

The Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (7,606 mAh vs 5,088 mAh) and bigger screen (11" vs 6.9"). The iPhone 17 Pro Max is worth a look if you prefer its more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB).

Buy Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) if you want

Larger battery: 7,606 mAh vs 5,088 mAh · Larger display: 11" vs 6.9"

Buy iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want

Optical telephoto zoom (1 telephoto lens) · More RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB

Common questions

Which is better: Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) or iPhone 17 Pro Max?

The Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (7,606 mAh vs 5,088 mAh) and bigger screen (11" vs 6.9"). The iPhone 17 Pro Max is worth a look if you prefer its more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB). BeastScore: Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) 85.3/100, iPhone 17 Pro Max 84.5/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) and iPhone 17 Pro Max?

Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) has a 11-inch display and 7606 mAh battery. iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display and 5088 mAh battery.

How do Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) and iPhone 17 Pro Max compare for speed?

Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) scores 79/100 for performance; iPhone 17 Pro Max scores 90/100.

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