After using the iPhone 17 Pro Max for seven days, my experience is completely different from what I read online
Before buying the iPhone 17 Pro Max, I was brainwashed by endless review videos and bloggers’ hype, almost convinced it was Apple’s most perfect model. But after using it for seven days, I found the real experience completely different from what was said online.
IPhone 17 ProMax — Blue Color
It does have some impressive aspects, but there are also many details that left me puzzled or even annoyed. Today, I’ll share my genuine thoughts—no sugarcoating, just the straight facts—for those still on the fence.
Large screen viewing experience: soaring brightness, full attention to detail
The screen of the iPhone 17 Pro Max this time can be said to be a “dazzling” presence. The 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR screen has a resolution of 2868 × 1320, and with a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, it slides smoothly like butter. The most critical factor is brightness, which skyrocketed from the previous generation’s 2000 nits to 3000 nits.
In practical experience, looking at the navigation outdoors under the scorching sun, I can finally see the map clearly, no longer needing to squint my eyes and desperately identify. It has to be said that this is a real improvement. But in daily indoor use scenarios, to be honest, it’s difficult to distinguish the difference between 2000 and 3000, it’s more of a ‘psychological luxury’.
Imaging System: This time it really has a Pro Max vibe
In terms of cameras, this generation finally makes me feel that “Pro Max” is no longer just a decoration. The front camera has been upgraded to 18 million pixels, and compared to the previous generation’s 12 million pixels, the details of video calls and selfies are significantly richer, no longer at the level of “just make do with it”. The rear combination is more awesome. The main camera and ultra wide angle still have 48 million pixels, but this 8x optical zoom telephoto lens is the key. Compared with the previous generation’s 5x telephoto lens, the clarity of long-range shooting has been greatly improved. Even for concerts and sports events, the picture can be clearly captured without being blurred into a mosaic
Video shooting remains Apple’s absolute advantage. 4K Dolby Vision, with a maximum of 120fps, can easily capture “Hollywood blockbusters” without even needing post production color grading. The only practical problem is that most people don’t usually need this top-notch video ability, it’s like giving you a supercar but only being able to circle around at the entrance of the community.
Performance and battery life: still Apple’s confidence
In terms of performance, the A19 Pro chip is paired with iOS 26
Still an invincible existence. Over the course of 7 days, there have been no instances of app crashes or large-scale mobile games. Stable frame rate and better heat control than previous generations. It can be said that this is the kind of experience where you don’t usually notice how strong the performance is, but once you compare it with other models, you know the difference.
The battery life was a surprising surprise to me. The 4823mAh battery may not be very large based on its specifications, but it has been tested to last for 9 hours and 27 minutes. More durable than the previous generation, it’s no problem to go out for a day without a power bank. Apple has finally eased its’ battery anxiety ‘a lot.
As for charging, 40W wired+25W wireless, it can be fully charged in 84 minutes. Compared to Android’s “30 minute full health” that often consumes hundreds of watts, it is still slower, but for Apple fans, this speed is already a qualitative leap. In other words, this is’ not attractive to Android users, but a big improvement for iPhone users’.
Not entirely satisfied: The design and feel are a bit worn down
What was mentioned earlier were all advantages, now let’s talk about the shortcomings. The first point is the material of the frame. Returning from the previous generation of titanium metal to aluminum alloy, the scratch resistance and high-end feel are significantly inferior. People who have used the iPhone 16 Pro Max will feel that “this generation’s sense of class has shrunk” when compared.
The second point is weight. A thickness of 8.75 millimeters and a weight of 231 grams make it a perfect small brick to hold in your hand. Spending long hours watching videos or playing games can really make your wrist sore. It’s true that Apple has piled up a lot of materials in this generation, but the side effect it brings is a “heavy experience”.
Summary: Who is suitable and who is not?
In summary, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a flagship phone with outstanding advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are full screen brightness, truly evolved camera, and dual online performance and battery life; The disadvantage is that the weight is heavy and the border material is reversed.
It is suitable for users who love taking photos, pursue video shooting, and want a large screen experience. This machine can meet all your needs. If you have small hands, pursue lightness, and care about the texture of the border, then it may not be suitable. In a word, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the flagship of “I will love when I buy it, but I will love when I buy it”. Whether it’s worth it or not depends on whether you care more about the ultimate experience or daily comfort.
