Every September, Apple makes headlines with its shiny new iPhones, but there’s always one device that steals the show: the Pro Max. It’s the giant in the lineup, the flagship of flagships, the one that usually says, “Yes, I’m the iPhone your friends will be jealous of.”
And with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple has gone all out. This isn’t just a minor refresh where you squint at spec sheets trying to find what’s new. No, this is a phone that’s been overhauled from its design down to its durability. Apple didn’t just polish last year’s model — it went back to the drawing board.
My colleague John Velasco already got some hands-on time with the Pro Max, and his verdict was clear: the changes are impressive. But let’s cut through the hype. Is the iPhone 17 Pro Max truly worth its premium price, or should you save your cash (and your wrist strength) by picking up one of the other iPhone 17 models? Let’s break it down.
Ceramic Shield 2: Built Like a Tank (Almost)
One of the biggest gripes iPhone owners have had over the years is durability. After all, nothing hurts more than watching your $1,500 investment slide off a table and meet the cold, hard floor.
Apple’s solution? Ceramic Shield 2. Every iPhone 17, including the Pro Max, comes with this upgraded glass on the front. Apple claims it’s more scratch-resistant than the previous version. Translation: fewer panic moments when your phone meets your keys in the same pocket.
But here’s where the Pro Max flexes: while every iPhone 17 gets Ceramic Shield 2 on the front, the Pro models (including the Pro Max) now feature the original Ceramic Shield on the back as well. That means double the protection compared to last year’s iPhone 16 Pro models. Combine this with the standard IP68 water and dust resistance, and you’ve got a phone that can handle life’s clumsier moments.
Is it indestructible? No. If you hurl it off your balcony, you’ll still have regrets. But compared to the previous generation, the odds of your Pro Max surviving everyday accidents have gone way up.
Pro vs. Pro Max: The $100 Question
Here’s the tricky part. The iPhone 17 Pro Max isn’t the only star of the show. There’s also the iPhone 17 Pro, which shares almost all the same features — at a slightly lower price.
The Pro starts at $100 less than the Pro Max. That may not sound like a huge gap, but when you’re already spending well over a thousand dollars, every bit counts. So, what exactly do you get for that extra $100?
- A bigger display: The Pro Max offers the largest screen in the iPhone family. If you binge Netflix, edit photos, or live for gaming, that extra real estate makes a difference.
- A bigger battery: Larger size = more room for juice. The Pro Max should comfortably outlast the Pro, though the Pro is no slouch either.
- A 2TB storage option: If you’re the kind of person who treats your phone like a portable hard drive for 4K videos, the Pro Max is the only option with this monster storage capacity.
If none of these perks scream “must-have” to you, the Pro is arguably the smarter buy. You’ll still enjoy the same Ceramic Shield upgrades, the same powerful chip, and the same camera tech, all while saving some cash.
The New Look: Love It or Hate It
The iPhone 17 Pro Max doesn’t just perform differently — it looks different, too. Apple has introduced an extended camera bar design, which makes the phone stand out even more than before. Some people are going to love it, others are going to mutter, “Why does my iPhone look like a sci-fi spaceship?”
But the redesign isn’t just for aesthetics. The unibody construction also helps with thermal performance, meaning the phone should run cooler during demanding tasks like gaming or shooting long 4K videos. Oh, and there’s the practical benefit of squeezing in a bigger battery.
So yes, the new design might divide opinions, but it’s not change for change’s sake. Apple clearly had utility in mind.
Size and Weight: The Heavy Truth
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room — or rather, the elephant in your pocket. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is heavier and thicker than ever.
- Thickness: 0.34 inches, compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 0.32 inches.
- Weight: 8.22 ounces, up from the 16 Pro Max’s 7.99 ounces.
At first glance, those numbers look tiny. Who cares about 0.02 inches or 0.23 ounces? But in practice, you will notice it. Slip this phone into your jeans, and you’ll feel it tug. Hold it in one hand for a long TikTok scroll, and you might feel the strain.
This is especially noticeable now that Apple has introduced the iPhone Air — a super-thin alternative that’s almost feather-like in comparison. The Pro Max is still the king of features, but it’s definitely not the king of portability.
Why Some People Will Love It
For all its heft, the iPhone 17 Pro Max isn’t short on fans. And for good reason.
- Bigger battery = fewer charging sessions. If you’re constantly on the move, this is priceless.
- 2TB storage = no compromises. Video editors, photographers, and digital hoarders rejoice.
- Thermal improvements = smoother gaming. Mobile gamers and creative professionals will love the cooler operation.
- Durability = peace of mind. Fewer cracked screens, fewer “sorry, I dropped my phone” stories.
In short, the Pro Max is the all-in iPhone. If you want the best Apple can offer, you’ll find it here.
Why Others Will Say “No Thanks”
On the flip side, some people will take one look at the Pro Max and decide it’s not for them.
- It’s bulkier. Not everyone wants to carry a phone that feels closer to a mini-tablet.
- It’s pricier. Spending $100 more for size and storage isn’t worth it for casual users.
- It’s not “pocket friendly.” If you want something light, sleek, and easy to carry, this isn’t it.
For these users, the iPhone 17 Pro or even the regular iPhone 17 might be the smarter choice.
Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 17 Pro Max Worth It?
So, should you buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max? The answer depends on what you value most in a phone.
- If you crave the biggest screen, the best battery, and the highest storage, the Pro Max is the undisputed champ.
- If you want nearly all the same features without the bulk or the price, the iPhone 17 Pro is the better buy.
- If you’re tired of heavy phones and just want something sleek, the iPhone Air might steal your heart.
Ultimately, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is like a luxury SUV: big, powerful, durable, and packed with features — but not for everyone. If you’re willing to carry the extra weight and pay the premium, it will serve you well.
But if you’re more of a compact-car kind of person, don’t feel bad skipping the Pro Max. Apple’s lineup has options for every type of user.
