iPhone 17 Pro Max – Full Review
Key Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A19 Pro chip – 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, next-gen Neural Engine. |
| RAM | 12GB (Pro Max model). |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB (top model). |
| Display | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, Always-On Display, peak brightness ~3000 nits. |
| Design & Build | Aluminum body, Ceramic Shield 2 glass front/back, redesigned internal cooling system with vapor chamber for heat dissipation. |
| Rear Cameras | Triple 48MP setup: Main (Wide), Ultra-Wide, and Telephoto (up to 8x optical zoom). |
| Front Camera | ~18MP with Center Stage support. |
| Battery | ~5,088mAh (about 8.6% larger than iPhone 16 Pro Max). Video playback: up to 39 hours. |
| Charging | Fast charging: up to 50% in ~20 minutes with high-wattage adapter. Supports MagSafe wireless charging. |
| Connectivity | New N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread smart-home support, 5G. |
| Durability | IP68 water and dust resistance, improved scratch resistance with Ceramic Shield 2. |
Standout Features
- Best battery life ever on an iPhone, especially on the Pro Max model.
- Next-level performance thanks to A19 Pro and improved cooling, perfect for gaming and heavy workloads like 4K/8K video editing.
- Major camera upgrade: All three rear lenses are 48MP, with up to 8x optical zoom – a huge step for telephoto shooting.
- Massive 6.9-inch display with extreme brightness and smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
- Huge storage options (up to 2TB) for professionals handling large media files.
- Durability & design: New Ceramic Shield 2 glass and improved internal design.
Downsides
- Size & weight – At nearly 7 inches, the Pro Max is big and heavy, not ideal for one-hand use.
- High price – Especially for 1TB and 2TB models; among the most expensive phones on the market.
- Incremental design – While internal upgrades are significant, the external design doesn’t feel drastically different from iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- Charging speeds – Still slower than Android competitors offering super-fast wired/wireless charging.
- Regional limitations – Some models are eSIM-only or may have different feature availability depending on your country.
Comparison to iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Battery: Larger capacity and longer life (up to 39 hours video).
- Cameras: All 48MP lenses + 8x telephoto vs. limited zoom on iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- Cooling: New vapor chamber reduces overheating during gaming or heavy use.
- Storage: Up to 2TB (not available on iPhone 16 series).
- Display: Brighter (3000 nits peak).
Price & Availability
- US starting price: $1,199 (256GB model).
- Higher tiers: 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB priced significantly higher.
- Canada starting price: ~CAD $1,749.
- Preorders: Began September 12, 2025.
- Available in stores: September 19, 2025.
Should You Upgrade?
- If you’re on iPhone 14 or earlier → Huge leap forward, worth the upgrade.
- If you’re on iPhone 15 → Noticeable improvements in battery, cameras, and screen, but not essential unless you want the absolute best.
- If you’re on iPhone 16 Pro Max → Upgrade only if you need the extended battery life, 8x zoom camera, or max storage. Otherwise, you might wait for iPhone 18
