Pros
Cons
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is presented as Apple’s flagship for creators, combining a 6.9-inch OLED ProMotion display, the A19 Pro chip and a versatile triple 48MP camera array. Reviewers highlight class-leading battery life (4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on eSIM model) and faster USB-C (USB 3 up to 10 Gb/s) as major advantages for photography and video workflows. The phone adds features such as LIDAR, ProRes RAW video support and vapor chamber cooling for sustained performance. Most outlets give the device strong scores (around 80%), calling it the best option for those who want the biggest screen, longest battery life and top cameras. Common criticisms focus on the high price, increased weight and largely incremental updates over prior Pro Max models. For many users the regular iPhone 17 remains the better value, while the Pro Max is recommended for power users and mobile creators.
Specifications
Secondary Camera: 18 MPix (f/1.9, 20 mm, AF)
Price comparison
Average of 6 scores (from 20 reviews)
Reviews for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Which iPhone is the best? It goes without saying, Apple will point to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, since their new flagship iPhone model is home to every superlative in the book. It might also be a worthwhile upgrade, because numerous fine details have been improved compared to its predecessor. In terms of battery life, you could even say the 17 Pro Max is proving itself to be the new iPhone ultimate.
Source: Hardware Zone

I’m still in the midst of evaluating the iPhone Air and iPhone 17, but I’d say that the iPhone Air is a very different type of phone. Because of its super-svelte body, it demands some sacrifice from its users. The iPhone 17, on the other hand, is the best regular iPhone we’ve had in years, and I think it should be the iPhone most people should get.
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/27/2025
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 85% performance: 100% workmanship: 85%
Source: Tom's Guide

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the phone to get if you love iOS and you want a big screen and the longest battery life possible. The iPhone 17 Pro is also great, though, if you prefer a design that’s more compact. I would personally not upgrade if you have an iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Pro Max. The enhancements aren’t compelling enough. But if you’re coming from an older iPhone 14 Pro Max, I could definitely recommend stepping up to the new iPhone. You’ll enjoy a larger and brighter 6.9-inch display on Apple’s newer phone, considerably faster performance, a tougher design, longer battery life, a better and smarter Center Stage front camera and other perks like Audio Mix for your videos. And even though there’s no true killer Apple Intelligence feature yet, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is in line to get the new and improved Siri when it’s finally ready.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/27/2025
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Slashgear

A good chunk of iPhone 17 Pro owners won't necessarily stretch the limits of its processing power, or its video capture tech. I suspect the same could be said for last year's phone, and Apple's flagship from the year before that. Nonetheless, improvements in the iPhone 17, along with the arrival of the iPhone Air, make it easier to list the reasons you might want to go Pro this time. It has the best battery life, the most powerful chipset, and, in the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the biggest screen. It has more cameras and an ever-useful longer telephoto lens; LIDAR where the others go without; and a much faster USB-C port (USB 3 for up to 10 Gb/s, versus the others' 480 MB/s USB 2) with support for video capture to an external SSD. I'd say the iPhone 17 Pro Max gets the biggest bang for your buck on display and battery life.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/24/2025
Source: Phone Arena

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a big upgrade for enthusiasts. The performance jump is actually tangible and will improve your experience if you want that iPhone to be your mobile gaming console. The new ProRes RAW for video will unlock new possibilities for current or aspiring videographers or influencers that are looking to up their game. The new selfie camera is plain cool. But let's be real. Another year — another iPhone. Predictable, solid, well-performing and well-enduring. Those things were true for the iPhone 16 Pro Max and 15 Pro Max before it. And they still ring true — they are not suddenly bad phones because there's a new shiny toy out. In other words, if you are happy with your current iPhone Pro Max and don't feel like something's bogging you down in performance or battery — maybe you can skip the upgrade for another year.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/23/2025
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 85% display: 85% mobility: 74% workmanship: 80%
Source: Gadgetguy

This is the iPhone for people who would take advantage of a bigger screen, extra battery life, and a telephoto lens. If you go to concerts and don’t get tickets down the front, this is for you. However, if you are still happy with your iPhone 14 Pro Max or newer, this isn’t an essential year to upgrade. There are a lot of benefits to upgrading this year, but if you’re still being served by your current phone, it won’t be life-changing. Even the 13 Pro Max is a borderline case, though more on the side of upgrading for those who would like to. Anything older than an iPhone 11 isn’t eligible for the upgrade to iOS 26, so an upgrade for you is more essential. The iPhone 12 generation would benefit enormously, though there’s still another year of iOS updates to be enjoyed.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/23/2025
Rating: Total score: 97% price: 90% performance: 100% workmanship: 100%
Source: OI Spice Tech News

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max was officially announced in September 2025. It features a 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with HDR10, 1320 x 2868 pixels resolution, and up to 3000 nits peak brightness. This is one of the brightest and most durable screens with Ceramic Shield 2. Besides this, it offers Mohs level 5 scratch resistance and anti-reflective coating on the display. The 120Hz refresh rate, combined with Dolby Vision support, ensures a smooth and cinematic viewing experience. Underneath, you will find the new 3nm A19 Pro chip, paired with a 6-core Apple GPU that delivers exceptional performance for gaming, video rendering, and multitasking. The device runs on iOS 26. Plus, it’s paired with a generous 12GB RAM.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/20/2025
Source: Mark Ellis Reviews

Get ready for a first look at the iPhone 17 Pro Max! In this hands-on video, I unbox Apple’s latest flagship, share my initial impressions, and take the new camera system for a quick spin.
Hands-On, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/19/2025
Source: PC Mag

Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max is a humongous phone that does a lot and costs a lot. There are plenty of reasons to buy it, and some to skip it. The 17 Pro Max is the best iPhone for creators who need a do-it-all phone. Not only does it take fantastic pictures and shoot crystal-clear video, it has a super-bright screen to edit your posts, the fastest radios for uploading them, and the epic battery life you need to capture content all day and all night while on the go. For everyone else, the regular iPhone 17 is the top value-for-dollar iPhone available and should be all you need, earning it our Editors' Choice award. But if you want the biggest screen, the longest battery life, or the best cameras, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will make you very happy.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/18/2025
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tom's Guide

Smartphone expert Mark delivers his iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max review after testing Apple’s latest-gen, Pro-level devices both in our benchmarks and anecdotal scenarios. In this video, he breaks down the pros and cons of these phones, comparing the iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra in terms of performance, camera quality, battery life and more. Expect a closer look at the aluminium design, upgraded zoom, Center Stage selfie lens, brighter display, vapor chamber cooling and faster charging, too. Mark also talks about what Apple didn’t nail this year, like the extra weight and lack of “wow” AI features. So if you’re wondering whether to upgrade or just hold onto your current phone, this video should have your answer.
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 09/17/2025
Source: SuperSaf

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max feature a new Aluminium Unibody Build, ProMotion Display, powered by the A19 Pro with a Vapor Chamber, a 48MP Primary Fusion Camera, 48MP Ultrawide and 48MP 4x Telephoto, Customizable Action Button, Camera Control, iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence and Price is from $1099/$1199.
Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 09/17/2025
Source: CNet

Apple gave the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max a new design, a new camera, an updated display and a bigger battery. I've been testing the iPhone 17 Pro Max in cosmic orange for five days and there's a lot I'm impressed with.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/17/2025
Source: Dave 2D

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/17/2025
Source: Patrick Rambles

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone Air! What are the main features of the iPhone Air and what are the iPhone 17 Pro Max new features? Which one should you get? Will you go for big ol' reliable or the fresh new kid on the block?
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 09/17/2025
Source: Manila Shaker

Comparison, online available, Short, Date: 09/14/2025
Source: Tom's Guide

Mark goes hands-on with the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max at the Apple event, and this flagship finally gives Pro users fun color options with Cosmic Orange joining the party. And the huge camera "plateau" on the back will turn some heads. But the new iPhone 17 Pro Max is about much more than just looks. You get a 48MP telephoto camera with 8x zoom, a powerful A19 Pro chip and much bigger battery. Watch this video for Mark's first impressions and how the iPhone 17 Pro vs Pro Max compare. Stay tuned for our full iPhone 17 Pro Max review.
Hands-On, online available, Short, Date: 09/10/2025
Source: Max Tech

Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 09/10/2025
Foreign Reviews
Source: Futurezone.at
DE→ENSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/19/2025
Source: Netzwelt
DE→ENComparison, online available, Short, Date: 09/19/2025
Source: Netzwelt
DE→ENComparison, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/10/2025
Source: K-tai Watch
JA→ENComparison, online available, Long, Date: 09/18/2025
Comment
Apple A19 Pro 6-Core GPU: A fast integrated graphics card with which the Apple A19 SoC is equipped. This iGPU has 6 cores and is capable of ray tracing.
Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
A19 Pro: The Apple A19 Pro integrates six 64-bit-capable ARM cores as well as an NPU with 16 cores. The two performance cores can clock at up to 4.26 GHz and the four efficiency cores at up to 2.6 GHz. In contrast to the non-Pro model, the A19 Pro offers larger L2 and SLC caches.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
Devices with the same GPU
Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight
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