After spending a full month with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, I can confidently say that Apple’s latest flagship continues to refine what makes the iPhone great, while adding a few surprises along the way.
As someone who takes most of their photos across London’s green parks, historic sites, and cozy coffee shops, I’ve been putting this phone through its paces. While the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra remains my top choice for pure camera performance thanks to its 200MP main sensor and extra telephoto lens, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has earned a permanent place in my pocket.
Here are five things I love about the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and two I don’t.
1. Incredible Battery Life
Apple has clearly made major improvements to battery capacity in the iPhone 17 lineup. Even on my busiest days, navigating maps, streaming music, taking photos, and browsing, I’ve never dropped below 30% battery by bedtime.
Our battery tests confirm it: the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the longest-lasting iPhone yet. And while all batteries degrade over time, it’s reassuring to know that this one can handle whatever my daily routine throws at it.
2. Lighter, Easier-to-Hold Design
The new unibody aluminum design marks a refreshing shift from the stainless-steel builds of previous Pro Max models. The iPhone 17 Pro Max feels significantly lighter and more balanced, which makes it easier to handle one-handed, a big deal for a phone this size.
3. Distinctive New Look
The glass-and-metal back combined with a wider camera plateau instantly sets this phone apart. It looks and feels different, more refined, more “Pro.” The subtle design tweaks make it clear that Apple wanted this generation to stand out visually as well as functionally.
4. Faster Charging Speeds
Apple finally bumped up charging power to 35W wired charging, compared to the iPhone 16 Pro’s 30W.
That 5W difference translates into real-world gains: the iPhone 17 Pro Max hits 40% in 15 minutes and 72% in 30 minutes. For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro only reached 29% and 56%, respectively.
This speed boost is a welcome upgrade for anyone who’s ever had to top up quickly before heading out.
5. Reliable Everyday Camera Performance
Even though the Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the edge in sheer camera hardware, the iPhone 17 Pro Max still shines in everyday photography. From detailed portraits to balanced low-light shots, it captures natural colors and sharp details without overprocessing.
It may not have a 200MP sensor, but the iPhone’s consistency and ease of use make it my go-to camera phone for daily photos.
What I Don’t Like About the iPhone 17 Pro Max
1. The Cosmic Orange Color
I went for the “hero” color this year , Cosmic Orange , because I like my phones to stand out. But after a few weeks, I’m not sure it suits me. It’s a bit too bold and flashy for everyday use, especially when paired with most cases or professional settings.
2. Limited Customization Options
While iOS 18 has added more customization features, Apple still trails behind Android in offering deep personalization. Small details, from icon layouts to quick toggles, still feel overly restricted for power users.
Final Verdict
After one month, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has proven itself as a top-tier smartphone that excels in battery life, speed, and design.
If you want a phone that feels premium, reliable, and effortlessly powerful, this is one of the best iPhones Apple has ever made. Just maybe skip the Cosmic Orange color, unless you really want to stand out.
