iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max review – At their peak
Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max review - Verdict
It's an impressive year for Apple's lineup of iPhones, and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are no exception. They're not wildly different from their predecessors, though the bolder design and what now feels like a complete camera system stand out. There's also very little to critique when it comes to performance or battery life.
The good stuff
- Great industrial-looking design
- Excellent performance
- Fantastic cameras
- Great battery life and faster charging speed
- Better anti-reflective screen
What we don't love
- Price increase
Apple has nailed a lot this year with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
The updates may look like subtle refinements, but together they make for smartphones that sit comfortably among the best you can buy.
But before I go any further, here are my usual caveats. If you're upgrading from one of the more recent Pro models, you might not notice a big difference in day-to-day use.
They're expensive tech, with prices starting at $1,999 for the iPhone 17 Pro and $2,199 for the Pro Max.
Consider the costs carefully before you decide to upgrade, and make sure to hunt down a good trade-in deal if you can.
I really like the design refresh on the iPhone 17 Pro models
The new design for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max has divided the internet since their launch.
Some find the bold new look refreshing; others have called it 'hideous'.
I was dubious at first, but after testing the phones for over 30 days, I've grown to love the redesign as it feels different.
Titanium is out, aluminium is back, and the camera plateau now spans the full width, keeping the phone more balanced on the back.
The new aluminium unibody also features a dual-tone design. My only concern is that I can see it getting scratches and scuffs over time. I almost always have a case on, though, so there's no damage yet, even after a few drops.
Deep Blue is stunning and my preferred choice, Silver is a safe bet, but I've actually come to like Cosmic Orange more than I initially expected.
So my only advice is: don't write it off until you see it in person.
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Display
The iPhone 17 Pro sits at 6.3 inches, while the Pro Max boasts a large 6.9-inch screen - which I personally love.
People aren't joking when they say that once you go big, it's almost impossible to go back to a smaller screen.
If you've used the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max, you won't find the displays on the newer models groundbreaking. However, the Super Retina XDR displays this year are still pretty darn good.
The phone brightness holds up under harsh Aussie sun with 3000 nits of peak brightness, and the anti-reflective coating works like a charm.
In fact, with the new Ceramic Glass 2, you'll find the screen fairly protected.
The bezels are thin and barely take up any screen real estate, while the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate keeps everything fluid.
And then you have the dynamic island sitting at the top, centred. Ever since its launch, I've found it quite useful for keeping an eye on timers, music controls, and incoming notifications without interrupting what I'm doing.
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Performance and battery life
Both iPhone 17 Pro models feature the A19 Pro chip.
To be honest, I'm not a heavy user, so I haven't noticed a huge difference compared to the iPhone 16 Pros, but the performance still feels top-notch.
One thing I noticed during long sessions of gaming and streaming YouTube videos is that the phone runs a bit cooler, thanks to the new vapour chamber design.
That said, I tend to keep my phone use pretty simple - some Netflix and doomscrolling on TikTok - and even the Google Pixel 10 Pro, which isn't quite as powerful as Samsung or Apple's flagships, works perfectly for me.
As for battery life, the iPhone 17 Pro Max lasts longer than the Pro. Under normal use, you can get a day and a half of battery life, though it will drain faster when you're gaming a lot.
Charging speeds have also improved, especially when the battery is low.
Camera setup
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max feature a triple-camera system, all with 48MP sensors, including an upgraded telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom.
The new selfie camera is now 18MP, double the size of the iPhone 16 Pros. And when I tell you, the new centre stage camera is very cool, I mean it.
The new square sensor lets you switch between vertical and horizontal photos or videos without you having to change your grip.
It also means you can get more people into your shot very easily. I went on a cruise with 14 other girls, and it made taking a gazillion selfies that much easier.
In most situations, the image quality has been fantastic. Video recording is also great, with optical zoom up to 8x and digital zoom up to 24x.
You'll even appreciate the dual-camera mode, where you can capture both perspectives at the same time.
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder
Final thoughts on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
As far as flagships go, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max really deliver, as you get all the things you'd want in a flagship phone.
I almost find that you get more value from the iPhone 17 Pro Max than the Pro, given how much you're spending on these phones.
But of course, the screen size may not be everyone's cup of tea, so it'll end up coming down to personal choice.
All in all, it's an easy recommendation to make if you have the budget to spare.
All opinions expressed in this review are based on my own experience with the phone. Use this review for informational purposes only.
How to buy the Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max on a phone plan
You can sign up for a 12-, 24-, or 36-month phone repayment plan with Optus, Vodafone and Telstra.
Sources
Ask a question
can i get a phone for free
Hi Grace, unfortunately not. But you can sign up on a phone repayment plan with Optus, Telstra or Vodafone if you would like to pay off the cost of phone in monthly instalments. Hope this helps!