AppleApple iPhone 17 Pro Max
76
BUYARY SCORE
Advanced camera and cooling deliver pro performance, balanced by premium price and weight.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a powerhouse tailored for creators and pros craving triple 48MP cameras and vapor chamber cooling to tame heat during intense use. Experts applaud its A19 Pro chip’s sustained performance, while users praise the long-lasting battery that keeps pace with demanding days. The massive, bright 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display dazzles outdoors, though the aluminum unibody invites some scratching concerns amid its heftier build. Brand claims of pro-grade video tools find solid footing in real-world tests, balancing premium price against tangible benefits. Ultimately, it’s a high-end marvel where imaging prowess and endurance define its allure—and influence buyer enthusiasm.
Apple
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Series
Pro Camera
Pro Smartphone
Long Battery
Pro Video
Telephoto Zoom
ProPerformance
USB‑C (USB 3)
Large Display
Vapor Cooling
120Hz OLED
MagSafe Qi2
High Brightness
High Storage
Center Stage
Fast Charging
Ceramic Shield 2
4K Video
eSIM Ready
Privacy & FaceID
Aluminum Unibody
Pro Accessories
Trade‑in Eligible
The Scoreboard
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max dazzles experts with its innovative vapor chamber cooling and robust A19 Pro chip, delivering buttery performance without overheating. Reviewers laud the triple 48MP camera system boasting up to 8x optical zoom, making it a powerhouse for photography enthusiasts. The device’s impressive battery life, stretching close to two days, keeps users unplugged longer than ever. While some find the weight and price on the heftier side, these trade-offs are balanced by premium build quality and a vivid 3,000-nit display that shines outdoors. Positioned as a top-tier flagship, this model impresses with meaningful upgrades yet faces minor critiques around bulkiness.
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max shines with notable improvements in battery life and thermal management, delivering a cooler, more reliable performance that satisfies both casual users and power multitaskers. Its premium aluminum design feels as sleek as it sounds, while the upgraded telephoto camera offers photographers sharper, versatile shots that elevate everyday snaps to professional levels. However, some express frustration over incremental upgrades beyond GPU gains and the high price tag paired with the absence of charging bricks—small grumbles against an otherwise polished package. Users appreciate how this device balances workhorse stamina with standout imaging prowess, making it a true "Pro" contender in today’s smartphone arena.
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max positions itself as a premium flagship priced from $1,199 to nearly $2,000, catering to buyers seeking top-tier performance and features. Budget alternatives often fall below $800 with fewer camera capabilities and slower processors, while midrange options hover around $900–$1,100 offering balanced specs without the full Pro experience. This model delivers value through extended battery life, advanced triple 48MP cameras with up to 8x optical zoom, and a vapor chamber cooling system for sustained performance—benefits that justify its premium cost for professionals and enthusiasts. Experts suggest maximizing value by leveraging its ProRes RAW video capabilities and high storage tiers up to 2TB. Despite lacking bundled charging bricks—which can add costs—users appreciate the device’s longevity in daily use. Overall, it offers strong convenience and productivity gains but demands investment reserved for those valuing elite features over budget savings.
Publications
5 leading publication reviews
88
Cherlynn Low from Engadget highlights the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max as a significant and thoughtfully redesigned flagship. She praises its innovative Center Stage selfie camera, which intelligently adjusts framing during photos and FaceTime calls, enhancing user experience. The new aluminum unibody offers improved durability and a premium matte finish reminiscent of the iPhone 8, while the vapor chamber effectively manages heat during intensive tasks. The triple 48MP rear cameras deliver versatile, high-quality images with extended zoom capabilities up to 40x, rivaling the Pixel 10 Pro in many scenarios. Battery life remains solid, especially on the Pro Max, lasting close to two days under typical use. While the device is expensive, its combination of durability, camera advancements, and thermal improvements make it a compelling upgrade, especially for users coming from older iPhones. Overall, the iPhone 17 Pro Max impresses with meaningful enhancements that go beyond surface-level changes.
89
Raymond Wong from Gizmodo highlights the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max as a powerhouse designed for true professionals, emphasizing its no-compromise approach. The phone impresses with its best-in-class A19 Pro chip, advanced thermal management via a vapor chamber, and the longest battery life ever seen in an iPhone. Wong praises the upgraded 48-megapixel 4x Fusion Telephoto lens delivering up to 8x optical-quality zoom and the innovative 18-megapixel Center Stage selfie camera that improves framing for social content creators. The thicker, heavier design prioritizes function over form, enhancing heat dissipation and durability, though it may feel bulky with cases. The brighter 3,000-nit display with effective anti-reflection coating is a subtle but valuable improvement. While the controversial Camera Control button remains frustrating, the overall package is a “practical perfection” that delivers on Apple’s promise of a truly pro-level device, making it a compelling choice for users seeking top-tier performance and features.
88
Cherlynn Low from Engadget highlights the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max as a significant and thoughtfully redesigned flagship. She praises its innovative Center Stage selfie camera, which intelligently adjusts framing during photos and FaceTime calls, enhancing user experience. The new aluminum unibody offers improved durability and a premium matte finish reminiscent of the iPhone 8, while the vapor chamber effectively manages heat during intensive tasks. The triple 48MP rear cameras deliver versatile, high-quality images with extended zoom capabilities up to 40x, rivaling the Pixel 10 Pro in many scenarios. Battery life remains solid, especially on the Pro Max, lasting close to two days under typical use. While the device is expensive, its combination of durability, camera advancements, and thermal improvements make it a compelling upgrade, especially for users coming from older iPhones. Overall, the iPhone 17 Pro Max impresses with meaningful enhancements that go beyond surface-level changes.
89
Raymond Wong from Gizmodo highlights the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max as a powerhouse designed for true professionals, emphasizing its no-compromise approach. The phone impresses with its best-in-class A19 Pro chip, advanced thermal management via a vapor chamber, and the longest battery life ever seen in an iPhone. Wong praises the upgraded 48-megapixel 4x Fusion Telephoto lens delivering up to 8x optical-quality zoom and the innovative 18-megapixel Center Stage selfie camera that improves framing for social content creators. The thicker, heavier design prioritizes function over form, enhancing heat dissipation and durability, though it may feel bulky with cases. The brighter 3,000-nit display with effective anti-reflection coating is a subtle but valuable improvement. While the controversial Camera Control button remains frustrating, the overall package is a “practical perfection” that delivers on Apple’s promise of a truly pro-level device, making it a compelling choice for users seeking top-tier performance and features.
88
Cherlynn Low from Engadget highlights the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max as a significant and thoughtfully redesigned flagship. She praises its innovative Center Stage selfie camera, which intelligently adjusts framing during photos and FaceTime calls, enhancing user experience. The new aluminum unibody offers improved durability and a premium matte finish reminiscent of the iPhone 8, while the vapor chamber effectively manages heat during intensive tasks. The triple 48MP rear cameras deliver versatile, high-quality images with extended zoom capabilities up to 40x, rivaling the Pixel 10 Pro in many scenarios. Battery life remains solid, especially on the Pro Max, lasting close to two days under typical use. While the device is expensive, its combination of durability, camera advancements, and thermal improvements make it a compelling upgrade, especially for users coming from older iPhones. Overall, the iPhone 17 Pro Max impresses with meaningful enhancements that go beyond surface-level changes.
89
Raymond Wong from Gizmodo highlights the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max as a powerhouse designed for true professionals, emphasizing its no-compromise approach. The phone impresses with its best-in-class A19 Pro chip, advanced thermal management via a vapor chamber, and the longest battery life ever seen in an iPhone. Wong praises the upgraded 48-megapixel 4x Fusion Telephoto lens delivering up to 8x optical-quality zoom and the innovative 18-megapixel Center Stage selfie camera that improves framing for social content creators. The thicker, heavier design prioritizes function over form, enhancing heat dissipation and durability, though it may feel bulky with cases. The brighter 3,000-nit display with effective anti-reflection coating is a subtle but valuable improvement. While the controversial Camera Control button remains frustrating, the overall package is a “practical perfection” that delivers on Apple’s promise of a truly pro-level device, making it a compelling choice for users seeking top-tier performance and features.
YouTube & Social
10 leading expert & influencer reviews
88
GSMArena OfficialWill from GSM Arena highlights the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s new aerospace-grade aluminum unibody, powerful A19 Pro chip, and improved battery life with faster charging. While praising the anti-reflective Ceramic Shield 2 display and versatile camera system, he notes thermal management and telephoto close-focus limitations. Overall, a solid flagship worth considering.
87
9to5Mac9to5Mac’s Fernando praises the iPhone 17 Pro Max for its redesigned aerospace-grade aluminum unibody, improved ergonomics, and the integration of a vapor chamber cooling system that prevents overheating. He highlights the substantial 40% performance boost from the A19 Pro chip, excellent RAM management, and best-in-class battery life with fast charging. The enhanced 8x telephoto camera and refined haptics round out a compelling upgrade, making it a worthy choice especially for users of the 14 Pro Max or earlier, or those facing thermal and battery issues on recent models.
88
GSMArena OfficialWill from GSM Arena highlights the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s new aerospace-grade aluminum unibody, powerful A19 Pro chip, and improved battery life with faster charging. While praising the anti-reflective Ceramic Shield 2 display and versatile camera system, he notes thermal management and telephoto close-focus limitations. Overall, a solid flagship worth considering.
87
9to5Mac9to5Mac’s Fernando praises the iPhone 17 Pro Max for its redesigned aerospace-grade aluminum unibody, improved ergonomics, and the integration of a vapor chamber cooling system that prevents overheating. He highlights the substantial 40% performance boost from the A19 Pro chip, excellent RAM management, and best-in-class battery life with fast charging. The enhanced 8x telephoto camera and refined haptics round out a compelling upgrade, making it a worthy choice especially for users of the 14 Pro Max or earlier, or those facing thermal and battery issues on recent models.
88
GSMArena OfficialWill from GSM Arena highlights the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s new aerospace-grade aluminum unibody, powerful A19 Pro chip, and improved battery life with faster charging. While praising the anti-reflective Ceramic Shield 2 display and versatile camera system, he notes thermal management and telephoto close-focus limitations. Overall, a solid flagship worth considering.
87
9to5Mac9to5Mac’s Fernando praises the iPhone 17 Pro Max for its redesigned aerospace-grade aluminum unibody, improved ergonomics, and the integration of a vapor chamber cooling system that prevents overheating. He highlights the substantial 40% performance boost from the A19 Pro chip, excellent RAM management, and best-in-class battery life with fast charging. The enhanced 8x telephoto camera and refined haptics round out a compelling upgrade, making it a worthy choice especially for users of the 14 Pro Max or earlier, or those facing thermal and battery issues on recent models.
88
GSMArena OfficialWill from GSM Arena highlights the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s new aerospace-grade aluminum unibody, powerful A19 Pro chip, and improved battery life with faster charging. While praising the anti-reflective Ceramic Shield 2 display and versatile camera system, he notes thermal management and telephoto close-focus limitations. Overall, a solid flagship worth considering.
87
9to5Mac9to5Mac’s Fernando praises the iPhone 17 Pro Max for its redesigned aerospace-grade aluminum unibody, improved ergonomics, and the integration of a vapor chamber cooling system that prevents overheating. He highlights the substantial 40% performance boost from the A19 Pro chip, excellent RAM management, and best-in-class battery life with fast charging. The enhanced 8x telephoto camera and refined haptics round out a compelling upgrade, making it a worthy choice especially for users of the 14 Pro Max or earlier, or those facing thermal and battery issues on recent models.
88
GSMArena OfficialWill from GSM Arena highlights the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s new aerospace-grade aluminum unibody, powerful A19 Pro chip, and improved battery life with faster charging. While praising the anti-reflective Ceramic Shield 2 display and versatile camera system, he notes thermal management and telephoto close-focus limitations. Overall, a solid flagship worth considering.
87
9to5Mac9to5Mac’s Fernando praises the iPhone 17 Pro Max for its redesigned aerospace-grade aluminum unibody, improved ergonomics, and the integration of a vapor chamber cooling system that prevents overheating. He highlights the substantial 40% performance boost from the A19 Pro chip, excellent RAM management, and best-in-class battery life with fast charging. The enhanced 8x telephoto camera and refined haptics round out a compelling upgrade, making it a worthy choice especially for users of the 14 Pro Max or earlier, or those facing thermal and battery issues on recent models.
Forum Reviews
Customer reviews from 1 forum
53
Reddit users generally express a positive sentiment toward the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, highlighting significant improvements in battery life, thermal management, and camera performance compared to previous models. Many appreciate the premium aluminum design, smooth multitasking experience, and the enhanced telephoto camera, which offers sharper and more versatile photography. While some users note that upgrades beyond GPU performance are incremental and express concerns about the high price and lack of included charging bricks, the overall consensus is that the iPhone 17 Pro Max delivers a true "Pro" experience with reliable performance, cooler operation under load, and a standout camera for both work and personal use.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Sustained thermal coolingKeeps device cooler under load
- •Long battery enduranceExtended real-world runtime
- •Pro-grade camera arrayTriple 48MP system with telephoto
- •High-performance chipsetA19 Pro for heavy workloads
- •High-brightness ProMotion displayVery bright and smooth panel
- •Professional video toolsetProRes RAW, Apple Log 2
Considerations
- •Surface scratch susceptibilityBack and plateau scratched reports
- •Premium upfront costHigh purchase price and options
- •Device weight and bulkThicker and heavier in hand
- •Charging accessory omissionNo included power adapter
- •Telephoto focal tradeoff4× optical replaces longer reach
- •Occasional biometric hiccupsSome Face ID recognition issues
Apple’s latest flagship aims to redefine the high-end smartphone experience with a bold aluminum unibody and an innovative vapor chamber designed for improved thermal management. Tailored for creatives, professionals, and power users alike, it boasts a triple 48MP camera system featuring up to 8× optical-quality zoom that elevates mobile photography. The expansive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, pushing brightness to an eye-catching 3,000 nits with smooth ProMotion technology, sets new standards for outdoor visibility and fluidity. Under the hood lies the potent A19 Pro chip delivering sustained performance even under heavy workloads while supporting long-lasting battery life paired with fast wired and wireless charging options. Though its build balances durability against added weight, this device clearly targets those who demand excellence in imaging, speed, endurance, and viewing pleasure. For anyone weighing premium features against practicality—read on; this phone just might make you reconsider what “Pro” really means today.
Battery Life & Charging
This model impresses with its largest-ever battery capacity on such a phone combined with advanced power management delivering multi-day endurance in real-world use cases. Fast wired charging hits 50% within about 20 minutes while wireless MagSafe Qi2 support offers speedy top-ups at up to 25W—a marked upgrade over prior generations' slower wireless rates. Owners appreciate less anxiety around daily charges thanks to consistent longevity and rapid recharge times keeping pace with busy lifestyles.
Processor & Sustained Performance
Powered by Apple’s A19 Pro chip fabricated on a cutting-edge 3nm process node, this powerhouse combines six-core CPU/GPU architecture ensuring snappy app launches and fluid multitasking—even during demanding creative workflows like editing or augmented reality tasks. Enhanced RAM allocation helps keep apps resident longer without reloads while efficient thermals enable sustained peak speeds avoiding throttling pitfalls common in rivals’ designs—delivering genuinely seamless day-to-day responsiveness users expect at this price tier.
Thermal Management
Thanks to its innovative vapor chamber cooling paired with an aluminum unibody design, the device keeps its cool during heavy workloads like gaming or extended filming sessions. This system spreads heat efficiently away from critical components, reducing thermal throttling compared to predecessors notorious for overheating issues. Reviewers highlight how these improvements deliver smoother performance without sacrificing battery life or user comfort—making it a rare flagship where heat is rarely felt in hand even under pressure.
Display Performance
The expansive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen shines bright—literally—with peak outdoor brightness hitting up to 3,000 nits, far exceeding many competitors for clarity under sunlight glare conditions. Coupled with smooth ProMotion adaptive refresh rates scaling from 1Hz–120Hz, scrolling feels buttery smooth whether browsing or gaming long sessions are visually effortless on this panel enhanced by Ceramic Shield glass that also reduces reflections substantially versus previous models.
Camera System
Step up your photo game with the triple 48MP rear cameras, featuring a 4× telephoto lens that doubles as an 8× optical-quality zoom. This setup delivers crisp detail and vibrant colors, making it ideal for professionals and enthusiasts alike. The inclusion of ProRes RAW video recording elevates cinematic possibilities beyond typical smartphones. Users praise the versatility across focal lengths, though some note Apple's color processing leans warmer than reality. Overall, this camera system redefines what mobile photography can achieve in both stills and video.
Conclusion
Drawing the final curtain, this phone stakes its claim with a triple 48MP camera system that redefines mobile imaging and a vapor chamber cooling design that keeps performance steady without turning up the heat. Its battery life and fast charging capabilities offer real-world stamina to power through demanding days, while the vibrant 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display dazzles even in bright sunlight. The powerhouse A19 Pro chip delivers seamless multitasking and sustained speed, though some users might note its heft due to the robust aluminum unibody construction. While it may not suit those craving featherlight portability or budget-friendly options, it stands tall for creators and pros who value precision optics, reliable endurance, and fluid visuals. This device doesn’t just promise excellence—it engineers it into every frame of use with undeniable flair and substance worthy of serious consideration.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Processor Performance
5/5
Battery Life
5/5
Camera Performance
5/5
Value
Price-to-Quality Ratio
3/5
Resale Value
4/5
Warranty Coverage
TBD
Design
Display Quality
5/5
Build Quality
4/5
Ergonomics
4/5
Health
SAR/EMF Exposure
TBD
Blue Light Emission
TBD
Allergenic Materials
TBD
Safety
Data Security
4/5
Biometric Reliability
4/5
Overheat/Fire Risk
4/5
Sustainability
Repairability
TBD
Recyclability
TBD
Energy Efficiency
4/5
Experience Style
Ease of Use
4/5
Feature Richness
5/5
Accessibility Features
TBD
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questions
