iPhone 17 Pro Max Review: Does a Larger Battery Live Up to the Hype?

October 11, 2025 Bradley Bosch

Following the launch of the sleek and lightweight iPhone Air, critics raised the question, “Who asked for a thinner phone?” In response, Apple soon announced the heftier and bulkier iPhone 17 Pro series.

In this manner, Apple addressed the critiques by developing a device with greater heft to accommodate a larger battery, ultimately bolstering performance. The new Pro models mainly received minor updates (apart from the introduction of a vibrant orange hue). Nevertheless, users of these models will still reap significant advantages.

The Build

One striking feature of the iPhone 17 Pro is its new unibody design, constructed from aluminum, which includes a reimagined camera bump at the back for MagSafe accessories. Having become used to diagonal camera bumps like those on the Pixel 10, I find Apple’s latest design acceptable.

Apple asserts that this design increases the phone’s durability. Yet, the 17 Pro Max is heftier at 233 grams compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 227 grams. I noticed this weight difference especially when switching between the light iPhone Air and the 17 Pro Max.

The new Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and the first-generation Ceramic Shield on the back offer enhanced protection, especially since I previously cracked the back of my iPhone 15 Pro Max, which only had a textured glass surface. I welcome the added security from the aluminum frame.

I should briefly touch on the colors. I have a silver model, which I find the least striking compared to other choices. I’m partial to the blue shade and find the orange vibrant and appealing. I usually go caseless but am intrigued by the new TechWoven blue case made from 100% recycled polyester yarn to refresh my style.

While I’ve seen many reviews mentioning the new device’s back is prone to scratches, mine has remained fairly scratch-resistant thus far.

Enhanced Battery, Improved Performance

Thanks to its unibody design, Apple has incorporated a larger battery within the iPhone 17 Pro Max. I consistently achieved over five hours of screen time, regardless of usage patterns. The Pro Max features a 4,823 mAh battery, compared to 4,685 mAh in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. For those opting for the eSIM-only model, where available, you can look forward to a respectable 5,088 mAh battery that may last even longer than the physical SIM version.

Additionally, the new design integrates vapor chamber cooling in iPhones, which helps maintain cooler temperatures during demanding tasks like gaming. I played War Thunder at 60 FPS for an extended period, and the Pro Max stayed noticeably cooler than the iPhone Air.

Small Upgrades to Appreciate

Another commendable upgrade is in battery management with improved charging capabilities.

The device now complies with USB-PD 3.2 standards. While it won’t reach the extreme 100W+ charging speeds seen in some competitors, it can theoretically charge at 40W, up from 30W. This change allows for quicker charging with a 40W or above adapter.

The larger device also supports enhanced Qi2-based wireless charging at 25W. If you have a wireless charging station at your desk, this new iPhone can fully take advantage of it.

The display size remains consistent with last year’s model, but the panel has been improved to achieve a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. It also features a new anti-reflective coating, enhancing visibility in bright conditions. Increasing brightness in displays has become a trend this year across devices, as seen in the Pixel 10 Series and Honor V5 Magic, making it a valuable addition.

Some reviews have noted that models like the Samsung Galaxy S25 utilize superior reflective materials for their screens, however.

Camera Upgrades

This year, the Pro iPhone models have received two crucial camera enhancements.

To start, all three rear cameras are now equipped with a 48-megapixel sensor. While the ultrawide received an upgrade last year, this time it’s the telephoto lens that has been improved. (As a pet owner, I always appreciate enhanced zoom capabilities to capture candid moments without disturbing my animals.)

Prior to last year, the Pro Max provided zoom options of 2x and 5x. This year, the focal lengths have been updated to offer 2x, 4x, and 8x (the last being a 2x crop). While details may diminish at the 8x setting, the overall image quality remains commendable.

In contrast to devices like the Pixel 10 Series, Xiaomi 15T Pro, and Honor Magic V5 that utilize digital zoom enhanced by generative AI, Apple provides a 40x digital zoom without any additional processing. The outcomes can be unimpressive, displaying noise and a lack of detail.