iPhone 17 Pro Max Review: My First Week Experience

When Apple launched the iPhone 17 Pro Max earlier this month, Tim Cook described it as “the most Pro lineup we’ve ever created.” After spending a full week with the device, I can confidently say he wasn’t exaggerating. This is the most complete Pro iPhone to date. It isn’t flawless, but it comes closer than any iPhone I’ve used before. From the refreshed design to the new thermal system and cameras, everything feels like a step forward.

Design and Durability

Apple made a bold choice this year by moving away from titanium and back to aluminum. It’s a decision that has sparked plenty of conversation. Some users reported that the Deep Blue model scratches easily, even on launch day. Display units in Apple Stores showed visible wear within hours, and buyers have shared similar experiences at home.

Personally, I went with the Cosmic Orange Pro Max and also tested the Silver Pro. Both are still pristine, with no scratches or scuffs after daily use. I don’t use cases, which usually means a phone will pick up blemishes within days. So far, durability has been excellent for me. Still, if you’re worried, a case will make all the difference.

The colors this year are interesting. There’s no black option, which some think Apple skipped to hide aluminum scratches. I’m not fully convinced of that theory, though. The Deep Blue is dark enough that it often looks black in certain lighting, yet scratches show clearly on it. My favorite has been the silver, which has a subtle two-tone look that makes it one of the best-looking Pro models yet. The orange is fun and bold, but the secondary tone on its glass isn’t as elegant as the silver.

At the end of the day, there isn’t a bad option, but if scratch resistance matters to you, avoiding the Deep Blue might be the smart move.

Display Strength and Brightness

The biggest surprise for me was the Ceramic Shield 2 glass. Apple claims it’s three times more scratch resistant than before, and for once, marketing lines up with reality. I’m rough on my phone. They go in my pocket with keys, coins, and I often place them on rough tabletops. Usually, even with careful use, I end up with fine scratches after a few days. Not this time. After a week, the screen is still flawless.

I’ve watched durability tests, including the JerryRigEverything scratch test, and they show the same thing: this display holds up much better. Glass is still glass, so a screen protector is never a bad idea, but this is the most durable iPhone screen yet.

Apple also added an anti-reflective coating for the first time. It works, but the difference is subtle. Samsung still does this better on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It reduces glare slightly, but it’s not a game-changer.

What is a game-changer is brightness. The peak outdoor brightness has jumped from 2,000 nits to 3,000 nits. On sunny days, the difference is immediately noticeable. The older iPhone 16 Pro Max would heat up quickly outdoors, and the titanium frame would get uncomfortably hot, forcing the screen to dim. The iPhone 17 Pro Max stays cooler and brighter, thanks to its new thermal design.

Cooling and Performance

Inside, Apple introduced a vapor chamber cooling system. I can’t tell you exactly when it activates, but I can tell you the phone hasn’t gotten hotter than slightly warm during my time with it. Even during outdoor use with max brightness, it stayed comfortable to hold. That’s a major improvement.

This cooling pairs with the A19 Pro chip, which delivers Apple’s best performance yet. Day-to-day, it feels buttery smooth. In real-world use, I don’t notice a huge jump from the A18 Pro, but the big win here is sustained performance. Because the phone doesn’t heat up, it never throttles. Apps stay fast, games run without hiccups, and everything just feels consistent.

Battery Life

If there’s one thing Apple nailed this year, it’s battery life. The iPhone 17 Pro Max packs over 5,088 mAh, the largest battery ever in an iPhone. With heavy use of social media, video streaming, photography, and navigation  I’ve ended days with 30–40% still left. That’s outstanding for a Pro Max.

Of course, new batteries always perform better in the first few weeks, so I’ll be curious to see how it holds up months from now. But right now, this is easily the best battery life I’ve ever had on an iPhone.

The trade-off? The phone is thicker and heavier. You feel it, especially one-handed. The smaller 6.3-inch Pro model feels more comfortable to hold, but I keep coming back to the Pro Max for its endurance.

Camera Upgrades

Now let’s talk about the part I’ve enjoyed the most: the cameras. Apple kept the triple 48MP setup but introduced a new 8x telephoto lens exclusive to the Pro models.

I tested it at a football game, a baseball game, and even a concert. From my seats, the 8x lens produced crisp, detailed shots that honestly blew me away. For photos, it’s excellent: sharp, vibrant, and full of detail even from far away. For me, this single lens makes it hard to go back to a non-Pro iPhone.

Video is a little less consistent at 8x. At long distances, footage can look rough. But at the concert, where I wasn’t too far from the stage, the results were cinematic, especially when shooting at 24fps. I can’t wait to test Apple’s new ProRes RAW video format, though it requires an external drive.

The front camera also deserves a mention. It’s now an 18MP sensor with autoframing. That means it automatically zooms out to fit more people into a group selfie. No more awkward angles where half the group gets cut out. I’m not a selfie person, but when I use it with my family, the results are excellent.

Everyday Use and Ergonomics

The Pro Max feels solid and premium, but its size does make it harder to use with one hand. The flat edges provide a decent grip, and without a case, the phone feels sleek and industrial. Some might find it bulky, but others will appreciate the sturdiness.

The combination of brightness, durability, battery life, and camera power makes it an all-day device you can count on. After a week, I feel more confident in calling this Apple’s most refined iPhone yet.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s the verdict after a week with the iPhone 17 Pro Max? It’s not perfect. It’s heavier and thicker, and if you go with the Deep Blue finish, scratches might be an issue. But those are minor complaints in a phone that otherwise delivers across the board.

The display is tougher and brighter than ever, the thermal system keeps performance steady, the battery lasts all day with room to spare, and the cameras, especially that 8x telephoto, are a joy to use.

If you’ve been waiting for a truly polished Pro Max experience, this is the year. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is as close as Apple has come to building the perfect iPhone.

See Also Apple iPhone 17 Review: Familiar Design, Big Inside Upgrades

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