This year, Apple’s iPhone lineup brings exciting changes. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a new build and upgraded cameras, along with the usual performance enhancements. If you’re considering an upgrade, especially from last year’s iPhone 16 Pro Max, you might wonder if the latest model is worth it. Let’s break it down.
First off, let’s look at the design. The 17 Pro Max has shifted from titanium to aluminum. This may not seem like a huge change, but it does make the phone slightly heavier. The smoother edges might enhance comfort in your grip, though the camera area is still prone to scratches.
Both models are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, meaning they can handle some splashes and dust. Apple claims they can withstand being submerged 6 meters deep for 30 minutes. Actual durability, though, often depends on how you handle your phone.
Color options are fresh this year, with the striking Cosmic Orange and a stylish blue, contrasted with the more muted shades of the 16 Pro Max. Aesthetics matter, especially for those who value visual appeal.
Now, let’s dive into the display. The 17 Pro Max sports an upgraded Ceramic Shield 2, which offers better scratch resistance than its predecessor. The display remains a 6.9-inch panel, featuring an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. Although brightness tweaks promise HDR performance up to 3000 nits for small areas, real-world usage sees similar performance for both phones.
Battery life sees a slight increase this year. The 17 Pro Max has a 4,832 mAh battery, compared to the 4,685 mAh of the 16 Pro Max. In practice, this translates to marginal improvements during video playback. For heavy users, especially in regions transitioning to eSIM, the difference may be notable.
Charging speeds have notably improved with the 17 Pro Max. It supports a new protocol that allows for faster charging. While the claims promise 50% charge in 20 minutes, most users reported close to that without the specific new adapter. This can make a difference for those who often find themselves in a rush.
On the audio side, both models have similar speaker systems, contributing to a great stereo experience. However, the 17 Pro Max’s speakers may have been toned down slightly, resulting in more balanced sound overall.
A major leap in performance comes from the new A19 Pro chipset. This upgrade includes more powerful GPU and CPU cores, as well as increased RAM—12GB versus 8GB. Benchmark tests demonstrate significant advantages, especially in graphic-intensive tasks.
Camera-wise, the 17 Pro Max introduces a new telephoto lens and a more versatile selfie camera at 18MP. While the main and ultrawide cameras remain unchanged, the 4x zoom telephoto lens offers notable improvements over the previous generation, though low-light performance remains a mixed bag across both models.
When it comes to video quality, the latest model excels in low-light settings, making it more suitable for evening events or low-lit environments. This edge could be the deciding factor for budding videographers.
In summary, the iPhone 17 Pro Max introduces significant enhancements over its predecessor, particularly in charging speed, camera versatility, and overall performance. For many users, the incremental upgrades may justify the higher price tag, especially if you’re buying a new phone. However, if you’re content with the features of the 16 Pro Max, it remains a solid option for those looking to save.
