Verdict
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple’s ultimate iPhone. It’s big, powerful, and dependable. It’s not revolutionary, but if you want the best blend of battery, performance, and camera prowess, this is the iPhone to buy.
The Good
- Stunning, massive 6.9-inch display
- Class-leading battery life
- Excellent 4x telephoto camera upgrade
- Rugged, comfortable new design
The Bad
- Size is bulky for some users
- Display still lags Samsung
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Design
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Display
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Sound
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Camera
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Performance
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Battery Life
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max is the largest, most powerful iPhone you can buy in 2025.
Like its smaller sibling, this isn’t a radical reinvention, but it feels like a fresher, more confident update compared to the iterative iPhone 16 Pro series.
For those who prefer the biggest screen, the best battery, and the most versatile camera, the Pro Max continues to be the no-compromise flagship.
Design
The 17 Pro Max introduces a more rugged, aluminium-heavy design that shifts away from the glossy titanium aesthetic of the 16 Pro Max.
Rounded edges make the large frame surprisingly comfortable to hold, reducing the “sharp” discomfort of earlier generations.
The wider camera plateau not only looks distinctive but also reduces wobble on flat surfaces. Colours are excellent this year, with the Cosmic Orange making a bold statement.
It was so similar to the Magno Orange of the Mercedes-Benz AMG G63’s Magno Orange paint job that I just had to reserve an evening for a photoshoot with the two. And you can see the results of it yourself.
Display and Sound
The 6.9-inch OLED display remains one of the brightest and sharpest in the industry, with buttery-smooth 120Hz ProMotion.
The new anti-reflective coating cuts down glare, though Samsung’s panels still edge out Apple in direct sunlight performance.
Audio is strong, with rich stereo output that makes gaming and video consumption immersive.
Camera
The 17 Pro Max inherits Apple’s most advanced camera system.
The new 4x telephoto lens is a noticeable upgrade over last year’s 5x, particularly in low light.
Landscape selfies via the new front camera feel surprisingly useful, and dual-capture video adds a creative twist (though niche).
For professionals, ProRes RAW and Genlock support make this a genuine pocket production tool, while everyday users get consistently excellent results with minimal fuss.
Performance
The A19 Pro chip delivers class-leading speed. From editing 4K video to long gaming sessions, the Pro Max stays cool, fixing the heat issues that plagued the 15/16 Pro series.
Benchmark gains of around 30% over the 16 Pro Max are impressive, but the real story is how smooth everything feels in daily use.
Battery Life
Battery is where the iPhone 17 Pro Max shines.
If the regular 17 Pro leaves you glancing at the charger by evening, the Max restores “infinite” battery confidence.
Even heavy users will find it lasts all day without anxiety. Faster 25W MagSafe and Apple’s new 40W wired charging make top-ups quicker than ever.