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The iPhone 17 Pro Max stands as Apple’s most powerful and refined smartphone so far, though its updates and design choices have generated mixed reactions.
The most debated change is the move to an aluminum frame, which significantly reduces weight and improves heat management for better sustained performance, but also makes the device more prone to scratches compared to previous materials. Its revised glass-and-metal construction and new color options have resulted in one of Apple’s most polarizing designs in recent years. The new anti-glare display offers excellent brightness and sharpness that enhance daily use, yet it retains the familiar cutout and does not feel like a dramatic visual leap forward.
Battery life and charging performance show notable improvements and rank among the best ever on an iPhone, although the new AVS charger requirement has been criticized as unnecessary. Camera upgrades are present, particularly in selfie quality and zoom performance, but they remain incremental, with Apple still lagging behind some Chinese flagships in photographic innovation. However, video recording continues to be the iPhone’s standout strength, delivering industry-leading stability, detail, and consistency.
Overall, the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers exceptional performance and polish, but its cautious upgrades and divisive design keep it from universal praise, even as demand remains extremely strong.