Apple’s newest flagship iPhone has yet to hit stores, but early reviews are already in. Tech journalists have shared their insights on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the biggest and most expensive model in the iPhone 17 lineup. Mashable will be releasing its review soon, but for now, here’s a recap of the impressions regarding the new device. In spite of its contentious design, battery life, cameras, and other features, critics are predominantly offering favorable feedback.
iPhone 17 Pro Max Review Overview
Here’s what is being said about the new iPhone, which operates on the recently launched iOS 26.
The New Design is Earning Praise
The design of the iPhone 17 Pro Max has ignited discussions. Apple has revamped the phone, relocating numerous components into a new camera plateau that extends across the back. It’s bulkier than its predecessor. The new orange hue and the lack of a black variant have also been points of contention.
Nevertheless, reviews indicate that critics are beginning to embrace the design. Mark Spoonauer from Tom’s Guide commended it, stating, “Apple took a chance with the iPhone 17 Pro Max redesign, and I genuinely believe it pays off. What was simply a camera bump in the upper left corner is now a massive camera bar that Apple refers to as the plateau. Some may not favor it, but to me, it feels more Pro.”
Additionally, Apple incorporated a new aluminum frame into the phone’s shell, which Cherlynn Low from Engadget pointed out should improve durability. She referenced her iPhone 16 Pro experiencing damage from a fall, but noted the 17 Pro Max is less likely to suffer similar fate.
“With its aluminum frame safeguarding the edges of the rear and back, the chances of the iPhone 17 Pro breaking like my iPhone 16 Pro did are slim. Its display is now shielded by Ceramic Shield 2, so if it were to fall flat, it should withstand the impact,” Low wrote. “The rear is somewhat more exposed, as the three cameras still slightly extend from the plateau, but those are protected by the same sapphire crystal as earlier models.”
As for the new orange color, that’s a matter of personal taste, but critics largely reacted positively.
The Selfie Camera is a Standout
Reviews have highlighted the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s 48MP rear cameras, which is to be expected. However, the highlight is the new Center Stage selfie camera.
Patrick Holland from CNET emphasized the enhancements, including the capability to zoom out for wider group photos.
“There’s an updated selfie camera on both Pro models that Apple brands as Center Stage. It not only captures 18-megapixel selfies, up from the 12 megapixels on the 16 Pro, but you can hold the 17 Pro in portrait mode and take a landscape selfie due to a new square image sensor.” Holland wrote. “You can press a button on the screen to switch the orientation, and there are even settings that will auto-rotate and auto-zoom out for group portraits.”
At Engadget, Low initially had doubts about Center Stage but was swiftly impressed after trying it in various contexts.
“I was further convinced when I used Center Stage with a timer or remote control of the selfie camera while placing the iPhone 17 Pro Max on a table,” Low wrote. “A group of about seven friends and I gathered in front of the device and saw it switch to landscape mode as more of us entered the frame. It has been useful in several unexpected manners.”
Remarkable Battery Performance
Apple’s new camera plateau makes room for additional components, including an enhanced battery. Initial reviews validate the battery’s efficiency.
Julian Chokkattu from Wired mentioned that the iPhone 17 Pro Max easily lasts through a day on a single charge.
“In real-world testing, I haven’t had any concerns regarding battery life with either of these devices. I’m currently using the Pro Max, which has over 5 hours of screen-on time (SoT) with 55 percent battery remaining. I achieved nearly seven hours of SoT with the iPhone 17 Pro, and it still had 30 percent left,” Chokkattu wrote. “Much will hinge on your usage—extended gaming sessions will drain the battery more rapidly—but I believe there’s a solid chance you won’t need to charge your iPhone daily anymore, particularly with the Pro Max.”
Lance Ulanoff from TechRadar also had favorable encounters with the battery but mentioned it might take time to acquire comprehensive metrics on its performance.
“In my experience, I surpassed 30 hours (it’s rated for 39 hours) before needing to recharge the phone. However, I think it’s premature to draw a final conclusion on battery life,” Ulanoff wrote. “I know my phone is busy syncing 30,000 emails, updating photo libraries, and conducting other background tasks linked to initial setup.”
In conclusion, it appears Apple has triumphed with the iPhone.