TLDR Review: iPhone 17 Pro Max
Pros
- •The 48MP 4x telephoto lens offers a natural and versatile focal length, improving portrait and landscape photography compared to the previous 5x lens.
- •The new 8x telephoto zoom provides impressive detail retention for capturing distant subjects.
- •Photographic Styles, especially the new Bright style, intelligently enhance image quality while keeping natural tones.
- •Redesigned iOS 26 camera interface allows quicker mode switching and easier controls for night mode and shooting options.
- •4K ProRes Log video at 120FPS delivers stunningly sharp footage, with the ability to extract higuality still frames.
- •The front camera upgrade to 24MP with Center Stage framing supports both horizontal and vertical shooting for dynamic selfies and group shots.
- •All rear cameras support 48MP RAW capture and 24MP HEIF files, increasing detail and editing flexibility.
- •Display is Apple's brightest yet, hitting 3,000 nits peak brightness with durable Ceramic Shield 2 protection.
- •The aluminum unibody design with a new vapor chamber improves heat dissipation during intensive use.
- •Battery life is the besver on an iPhone, making the larger Pro Max model ideal for all-day use.
Cons
- •No 48MP photo option for the new 8x telephoto lens limits maximum resolution on the most powerful zoom.
- •The camera app cannot preserve Dual Camera settings between sessions, which can be inconvenient for power users.
- •ProRes 4K video at 60/120fps requires external storage, limiting functionality for some users.
- •The new crossbody camera strap, while comfortable, features a thin tether line that may raise durability concerns.
- •Using AirPods as a remote trigger is functional but limited by mandatory timer and countdown indicators.
- •Overheating during video recording remains similar to last year’s model; no significant thermal improvements.
- •The smaller iPhone 17 Pro is preferred for onanded use, making the larger Pro Max less convenient for some users.
- •Dynamic range improvements in video are modest and shadows can appear noisy in low light with the Apple Log 2 profile.
- •Slootion video at 120fps is limited to the main camera; other lenses only support 1080p/120fps.
- •Some video editing controls for ProRes RAW are currently limited, which could impact posroduction flexibility.
Bottom Line
The iPhone 17 Pro Max Deep Blue 256GB is a powerhouse for photographers and videographers, offering standout telephoto zooms, the brightest display ever, and advanced video capabilities like 4K ProRes Log. If you crave top-tier zoom and battery life in a large phone, this is your best bet. However, if you prefer easier one-handed use or want maximum video recording flexibility without external storage, the smaller iPhone 17 Pro might suit you better. This model marks a significant hardware upgrade but juggling its quirks and limitations is part of the deal for creative professionals and enthusiasts alike.
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