BeastCompare

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

iPhone 17 Pro Max edges ahead with a BeastScore of 84.5/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple

Apple iPad mini (2024)

Apple iPad mini (2024)
84/ 100
Launch pricePrice on request
Apple · 2025

iPhone 17 Pro Max

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

iPhone 17 Pro Max wins 2 of 5 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Apple iPad mini (2024)
Apple iPad mini (2024)
2 wins
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Pro Max
2 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraBatteryDisplayValue
Apple iPad mini (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
  • BatteryTie
    86
    86
  • DisplayApple iPad mini (2024)
    94
    90
  • ConnectivityNot enough data
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueApple iPad mini (2024)
    85
    55
Key differences
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger battery5,088 mAh vs 5,078 mAh
  • Apple iPad mini (2024) has the bigger screen8.3" vs 6.9"
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM12 GB vs 8 GB
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max has the faster chipApple A19 Pro vs Apple A17 Pro
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Apple iPad mini (2024)
  • ✓8.3" display at 120 Hz
Reasons to buy iPhone 17 Pro Max
  • ✓Bigger 5,088 mAh battery (+10 mAh)
  • ✓48 MP main camera
  • ✓6.9" display at 120 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationApple iPad mini (2024)iPhone 17 Pro Max
1. Display & Screen🏆 Apple iPad mini (2024) Wins Display
Screen typeAMOLEDLTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Screen Size8.3"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 A17 Pro 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 Storage512 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
Battery Capacity5,078 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

iPhone 17 Pro Max wins — BeastScore 84.5/100

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (5,088 mAh vs 5,078 mAh) and more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB). The Apple iPad mini (2024) is worth a look if you prefer its bigger screen (8.3" vs 6.9").

Buy Apple iPad mini (2024) if you want

Larger display: 8.3" 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 mini (2024) or iPhone 17 Pro Max?

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (5,088 mAh vs 5,078 mAh) and more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB). The Apple iPad mini (2024) is worth a look if you prefer its bigger screen (8.3" vs 6.9"). BeastScore: Apple iPad mini (2024) 83.5/100, iPhone 17 Pro Max 84.5/100.

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

Apple iPad mini (2024) has a 8.3-inch display and 5078 mAh battery. iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display and 5088 mAh battery.

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

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

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