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iPhone 17 Pro Max review: Orange you glad the battery is bigger
The iPhone 17 Pro Max introduces enhancements like a larger battery (4,823 mAh), a new sturdy unibody design, improved camera specifications with 48 MP sensors, and better thermal management. While it features minor iterative updates, including faster charging capabilities and a brighter 3,000-nit display, the phone appeals more to creators. However, it may not warrant an upgrade for those with newer models.
Key points
- Apple has introduced the iPhone 17 Pro Max with a thicker design for better performance.
- The phone now has a 4,823 mAh battery, providing over five hours of screen time.
- The new aluminum unibody design is sturdier but makes the phone slightly heavier.
- Camera upgrades include three 48 MP sensors and improved zoom capabilities.
- Users benefit from a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits on the display.
- Charging capacity increased to 40W, with Qi2-based wireless charging at 25W.
- No significant AI features were mentioned in this release, contrasting with competitors.
Why it matters
- Reflects current trends in smartphone design towards more robust materials and larger batteries.
- Aligns with the growing focus on mobile device capabilities for creators, similar to developments in 2025 IT trends emphasizing enhanced visual and processing power.
- The increase in display brightness parallels industry standards being adopted by competitors like Samsung and Google.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max represents a solid iteration in Apple's lineup, especially for creators seeking enhanced features. However, those with recent models may find it lacks compelling reasons to upgrade, fitting into a broader trend of incremental smartphone developments.