iPhone 17 Pro Max review

A fresh look that is notable — iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple has taken a risk with the design of its latest flagship, and it largely pays off. The new camera bar — which the company calls the plateau — stretches across the entire back, giving the phone a more professional and distinctive appearance. The shift from titanium to aluminum might seem like a downgrade on paper, but it allows for that eye-catching Cosmic Orange finish and helps with heat distribution.

New colors like Cosmic Orange, Silver, and Deep Blue add personality, though the phone does come in heavier and thicker than its predecessor. Some users may find iOS 26’s updated interface a bit confusing at first, but the overall look is unmistakably Pro. For more options across different brands, check out our detailed phone reviews.

Bigger screen for watching and working — iPhone 17 Pro Max

The 6.9-inch LTPO OLED display remains the largest ever on an iPhone, and it now gets brighter and less reflective than before. The 120Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling and animations smooth, though the resolution and underlying technology are essentially unchanged from the previous generation. This is still a fantastic screen for streaming video, editing photos, or reading documents, but it’s not a leap forward like the camera improvements.

Battery life is the best on any iPhone to date, rated for up to 37 hours of video playback, and faster USB-C charging along with 25W MagSafe wireless charging help you top up quickly. If screen size and endurance are your priorities, there’s no better iPhone. Browse our phone directory to see how it stacks up against other large-screen models.

Three 48MP cameras that zoom like never before — iPhone 17 Pro Max

For photography enthusiasts, the camera system is the highlight. All three rear lenses are now 48MP — main, ultrawide, and a new 4x optical telephoto — which means you get excellent detail and flexibility across all focal lengths. The telephoto lens also offers a sensor-crop 8x zoom that, thanks to the large sensor and upgraded image pipeline, delivers sharp, vibrant shots even when you’re far away.

The selfie camera gains a Center Stage feature that keeps you framed during video calls, a genuinely useful addition for remote work or family chats. Overall, this is the most versatile and powerful camera system Apple has ever put in a phone, and it makes the iPhone 17 Pro Max a top choice for anyone who values photography. Just don’t expect groundbreaking AI features — Apple still trails competitors on that front.

Performance that stays strong under pressure — iPhone 17 Pro Max

Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A19 Pro chip, which is paired with a new vapor chamber cooling system. This combination means the phone can handle demanding tasks like gaming or video editing without throttling. The sustained performance is noticeably better than previous iPhones, making it a solid choice for power users. However, the phone is heavier and thicker than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, a trade-off for the larger battery and cooling hardware.

While the display remains a 6.9-inch LTPO OLED with 120Hz, the resolution and technology are essentially unchanged from last year, which may disappoint those hoping for a visual upgrade. The new iOS 26 software introduces features like Liquid Glass, which can be confusing at first due to the many changes. Apple also trails rivals on AI features, so don’t expect groundbreaking smart tools here. If you want to compare this phone to others, use our phone finder to see how it stacks up.

All‑day battery with faster charging — iPhone 17 Pro Max

Battery life is a standout feature of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple claims up to 37 hours of video playback, and early reports confirm it lasts longer than any previous iPhone. This is partly thanks to the larger battery housed under the new camera bar design. Charging is also improved, with fast USB-C and 25W MagSafe support, so you can top up quickly. The phone starts at $1,199 for 256GB of storage and goes up to 2TB, a first for an iPhone.

While the price remains the same as last year, the storage options give you more flexibility. The phone is IP68 rated for water resistance, and it comes in Silver, Cosmic Orange, and Deep Blue. The Cosmic Orange color is particularly eye-catching, with a new anodized finish that is notable. For a direct comparison with the smaller model, check out our side-by-side comparison.

Is the iPhone 17 Pro Max right for you?

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max review: A big Pro phone that delivers where it counts

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a bold update that focuses on the essentials: performance, battery, and cameras. The new design, with its camera bar across the back, is distinctive and gives the phone a more professional look. The three 48MP lenses—main, ultrawide, and 4x telephoto—deliver sharp, detailed photos, and the telephoto lens offers a sensor-crop 8x zoom that produces impressive results. The A19 Pro chip with vapor chamber cooling ensures smooth performance, even during intense gaming. Battery life is the best ever in an iPhone, and charging is faster.

However, the phone is heavier and thicker, the screen tech is unchanged, and Apple is behind on AI features. iOS 26 can also be confusing at first. If you want the biggest iPhone screen, longest battery life, and best zoom cameras, and you don’t mind a heavier phone, this is the one to get. The starting price of $1,199 is the same as last year, making it a solid value for a flagship.