iPhone 17 Pro vs Pro Max — My Brutally Honest Review After One Month

9to5Mac October 18, 2025
Video Thumbnail

About

No channel description available.

Video Description

After years of always choosing Apple’s biggest iPhones — from the XS Max to last year’s 16 Pro Max — I decided to switch things up and go with the smaller iPhone 17 Pro this year. And honestly, it completely changed how I use my phone. In this long-term review, I break down what it’s been like using both the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max for a month — covering design, performance, battery life, cameras, and overall usability. With both models now sharing identical specs — from the A19 Pro chip, 48MP triple camera system, vapor cooling, and Apple Intelligence support — the only real difference is size and battery. So is the extra screen and weight of the Pro Max worth it anymore? Let’s find out.. Best accessories: ESR Clear Case for iPhone Air: https://amzn.to/4pq3Lig (Under $10!) ESR Color matching iPhone 17 Pro/Max Case: https://amzn.to/3JXkCIV (Under $13!) Ultra Slim Thinborne Case: https://thinborne.com/NANDOPRINCE93 Spigen MagSafe Case for all iPhone 17: https://amzn.to/4glfFpr (Under $22!) Favorite Magsafe battery: https://kuxiu.co/products/kuxiu-s2-power-bank?ref=bjyfkxdn Subscribe to our Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP3DOW_eX2AwO_whrINOi-TuAdgsSR83i https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-overtime/id1727206360 Subscribe to the channel! https://youtube.com/@9to5Mac?sub_confirmation=1 Follow me on X: @nandoprince93 📦 Other tech I like: The $2 Airtag: https://9to5toys.com/2024/11/25/heres-how-to-get-an-airtag-for-just-2/ iMac mini m4: https://amzn.to/3B5Kleg ($529, Normally $599) M2 MacBook Air: https://amzn.to/3VcDlTq ($749, normally $999) M3 Macbook Air: https://amzn.to/3ZcWrtX ($844, normally $1099) M4 MacBook Pro 14: https://amzn.to/3B1CjD6 ($1749, Normally $1999) iPad 10th Gen: https://amzn.to/49bKkC6 ($259, Normally $349) iPad mini 7th Gen: https://amzn.to/3ZrPVkd ($459, Normally $499) iPad Air 11: https://amzn.to/415W6vP ($499, $599) Apple Pencil: Apple Watch SE: https://amzn.to/4idQDJc ($149, Normally $249) Series 10: https://amzn.to/3CQ3ZLM ($359, Normally $429) AW Ultra Ocean: https://amzn.to/3ZqPbvM ($719, Normally $800) AirPods Pro: https://amzn.to/4i7na3H ($153, Normally $249) AirTags: https://amzn.to/3Z9RpP0 ($72, Normally $99) ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Why I switched 01:00 – Pro vs Pro Max history 02:00 – Size & ergonomics 04:30 – Design and camera plateau 06:00 – Performance and vapor cooling 08:00 – Camera upgrades 10:00 – Battery life & efficiency 12:30 – Final thoughts

Upgrade Your iPhone 17 Experience

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case 6.9" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case 6.9" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

(0)
$10.76
FREE delivery Thu, Oct 16 on your first order
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
ESR 3 Pack of iPhone 17 Pro Max Screen Protector, Military-Grade Shatterproof, 9H Hardness, Full Coverage Tempered Glass with Ultra Fit Tray Global Recycled Standard

ESR 3 Pack of iPhone 17 Pro Max Screen Protector, Military-Grade Shatterproof, 9H Hardness, Full Coverage Tempered Glass with Ultra Fit Tray Global Recycled Standard

(8,713)
$14.07
Prime
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
ESR 3 Pack for iPhone 17 Pro Max Privacy Screen Protector, Military Grade Shatterproof, 9H Hardness, Anti-spy Tempered Glass with UltraFit Tray Global Recycled Standard

ESR 3 Pack for iPhone 17 Pro Max Privacy Screen Protector, Military Grade Shatterproof, 9H Hardness, Anti-spy Tempered Glass with UltraFit Tray Global Recycled Standard

(75)
$19.99
FREE delivery Tue, Sep 30 on your first order
500+ bought in past month
Loading...
ESR 3 Pack 9H+ Glass for iPhone 17 Pro Max Screen Protector, [Military-Grade Shatterproof & Highly Durable] Armorite Ultra-Tough Tempered Glass with Ultra Fit Tray Global Recycled Standard

ESR 3 Pack 9H+ Glass for iPhone 17 Pro Max Screen Protector, [Military-Grade Shatterproof & Highly Durable] Armorite Ultra-Tough Tempered Glass with Ultra Fit Tray Global Recycled Standard

(99)
$21.99$20.45
FREE delivery Fri, Sep 26 on your first order
Loading...
TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case 6.9" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case 6.9" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

(0)
$10.76
FREE delivery Thu, Oct 16 on your first order
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
ESR 3 Pack of iPhone 17 Pro Max Screen Protector, Military-Grade Shatterproof, 9H Hardness, Full Coverage Tempered Glass with Ultra Fit Tray Global Recycled Standard

ESR 3 Pack of iPhone 17 Pro Max Screen Protector, Military-Grade Shatterproof, 9H Hardness, Full Coverage Tempered Glass with Ultra Fit Tray Global Recycled Standard

(8,713)
$14.07
Prime
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Case 6.3" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard
Best Seller

TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Case 6.3" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

(61,696)
$10.76
Prime
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Ailun 3 Pack Screen Protector for iPhone 17 Pro [6.3 inch] + 3 Pack Camera Lens Protector with Installation Frame,Sensor Protection,Dynamic Island Compatible,Case Friendly Tempered Glass Film

Ailun 3 Pack Screen Protector for iPhone 17 Pro [6.3 inch] + 3 Pack Camera Lens Protector with Installation Frame,Sensor Protection,Dynamic Island Compatible,Case Friendly Tempered Glass Film

(216,323)
$9.67
Prime
Loading...
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

(26,678)
$259.99$194.99
FREE delivery Wed, Aug 20
5K+ bought in past month
Loading...
3 in 1 Charging Station for iPhone, Wireless Charger for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 11 X Pro Max & Apple Watch - Charging Stand Dock for AirPods Global Recycled Standard

3 in 1 Charging Station for iPhone, Wireless Charger for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 11 X Pro Max & Apple Watch - Charging Stand Dock for AirPods Global Recycled Standard

(30,415)
$30.39
Prime
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
3 in 1 Charging Station for iPhone, Wireless Charger for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 11 X Pro Max & Apple Watch - Charging Stand Dock for AirPods (Blue) Global Recycled Standard

3 in 1 Charging Station for iPhone, Wireless Charger for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 11 X Pro Max & Apple Watch - Charging Stand Dock for AirPods (Blue) Global Recycled Standard

(27,328)
$39.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Charger for iPhone- 3 in 1 Charging Station for iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/Pro Max/Pro/Mini/Plus, Apple Watch 10/9/8/7/SE/6/5/4/3/2/1/Ultra2/Ultra, AirPods pro/2/3/4

Wireless Charger for iPhone- 3 in 1 Charging Station for iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/Pro Max/Pro/Mini/Plus, Apple Watch 10/9/8/7/SE/6/5/4/3/2/1/Ultra2/Ultra, AirPods pro/2/3/4

(27)
$27.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
Loading...
Spigen Case for Galaxy S25 Case, Tough Armor (Ai) MagFit [Wireless Charging] Compatible with MagSafe - Black

Spigen Case for Galaxy S25 Case, Tough Armor (Ai) MagFit [Wireless Charging] Compatible with MagSafe - Black

(2,126)
$28.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
500+ bought in past month
Loading...
Spigen Case for iPhone 16 Case, Tough Armor Designed for Apple iPhone 16 - Black

Spigen Case for iPhone 16 Case, Tough Armor Designed for Apple iPhone 16 - Black

(126)
$22.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
Spigen Case for iPhone 16 Pro Case, Tough Armor [MagFit] Compatible with MagSafe - Black

Spigen Case for iPhone 16 Pro Case, Tough Armor [MagFit] Compatible with MagSafe - Black

(341)
$32.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
Loading...
Spigen Case for iPhone 16 Plus Case, Tough Armor (AI) [MagFit] Compatible with MagSafe - Black

Spigen Case for iPhone 16 Plus Case, Tough Armor (AI) [MagFit] Compatible with MagSafe - Black

(818)
$29.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
Loading...
USB C Car Charger, 3-Port 67W Super Fast Charging Dual USB-C & USB-A Car Charger Accessories Cigarette Lighter Adapter for iPhone 17 16e 16 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max, iPad, Galaxy, Pixel, Android Phone

USB C Car Charger, 3-Port 67W Super Fast Charging Dual USB-C & USB-A Car Charger Accessories Cigarette Lighter Adapter for iPhone 17 16e 16 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max, iPad, Galaxy, Pixel, Android Phone

(524)
$13.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jan 3 on your first order
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
LISEN Retractable Car Charger, 69W USB C Car Accessories Adapter Fast Charging, Gifts Christmas for Women Men, Travel Essentials for Truck Ford Bronco Honda Dodge, for iPhone 17 Air 16 Pro Max

LISEN Retractable Car Charger, 69W USB C Car Accessories Adapter Fast Charging, Gifts Christmas for Women Men, Travel Essentials for Truck Ford Bronco Honda Dodge, for iPhone 17 Air 16 Pro Max

(10,786)
$26.99
Prime
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
JETech Screen Protector for iPhone 17 6.3-Inch, Tempered Glass Film with Easy Installation Tool, 9H Hardness, Case-Friendly, 3-Pack
Best Seller

JETech Screen Protector for iPhone 17 6.3-Inch, Tempered Glass Film with Easy Installation Tool, 9H Hardness, Case-Friendly, 3-Pack

(45,653)
$10.99
FREE delivery Sun, Oct 19 on your first order
4K+ bought in past month
Loading...
ivoler 2 Pack Tempered Glass for iPhone 17 Pro 6.3 Inch Screen Protector with [Easy Installation Frame] Full-Coverage, 9H Hardness Anti Scratch, Bubble Free

ivoler 2 Pack Tempered Glass for iPhone 17 Pro 6.3 Inch Screen Protector with [Easy Installation Frame] Full-Coverage, 9H Hardness Anti Scratch, Bubble Free

(21,832)
$9.49
Prime
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
ivoler 3-in-1 Case Designed for iPhone 17 6.3'' 2025 with 2 Pack Tempered Glass Screen Protector, [Military Grade Drop Protection] Hard Back Slim Shockproof Phone Cover, Anti-Scratch, Clear

ivoler 3-in-1 Case Designed for iPhone 17 6.3'' 2025 with 2 Pack Tempered Glass Screen Protector, [Military Grade Drop Protection] Hard Back Slim Shockproof Phone Cover, Anti-Scratch, Clear

(1,463)
$13.99
FREE delivery Sat, Sep 20 on your first order
200+ bought in past month
Loading...
ivoler 2 Pack Tempered Glass for iPhone 17 Pro Max 6.9 Inch Screen Protector with [Easy Installation Frame] Full-Coverage, 9H Hardness Anti Scratch, Bubble Free

ivoler 2 Pack Tempered Glass for iPhone 17 Pro Max 6.9 Inch Screen Protector with [Easy Installation Frame] Full-Coverage, 9H Hardness Anti Scratch, Bubble Free

(21,508)
$9.99
FREE delivery Thu, Sep 18 on your first order
300+ bought in past month
Loading...
Anker USB C Cable, [2-Pack, 6 ft] Type C Charger Premium Nylon USB Cable, USB A to Type C Charging Cable Fast Charge for Samsung Galaxy S10 S10+ / Note 8, LG V20 and Other USB C Charger (Black)

Anker USB C Cable, [2-Pack, 6 ft] Type C Charger Premium Nylon USB Cable, USB A to Type C Charging Cable Fast Charge for Samsung Galaxy S10 S10+ / Note 8, LG V20 and Other USB C Charger (Black)

(103,365)
$13.49
5K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Spigen Case for iPhone 17 Case, Ultra Hybrid MagFit [Anti-Yellowing, Magsafe Compatible] Designed for Apple iPhone 17 Case (2025) - Clear White ClimatePartner certified

Spigen Case for iPhone 17 Case, Ultra Hybrid MagFit [Anti-Yellowing, Magsafe Compatible] Designed for Apple iPhone 17 Case (2025) - Clear White ClimatePartner certified

(2,190)
$18.99
FREE delivery Sat, Sep 20 on your first order
Loading...
ESR for iPhone 17 Pro Case with Stash Stand, Camera Control, Compatible with MagSafe, Shockproof Military-Grade Protection, Magnetic Phone Case for iPhone 17 Pro, Classic Hybrid Case (HaloLock), Clear

ESR for iPhone 17 Pro Case with Stash Stand, Camera Control, Compatible with MagSafe, Shockproof Military-Grade Protection, Magnetic Phone Case for iPhone 17 Pro, Classic Hybrid Case (HaloLock), Clear

(2)
$24.99
FREE delivery Sat, Sep 20 on your first order
Loading...
TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Case 6.3" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard
Best Seller

TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Case 6.3" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

(61,696)
$10.76
Prime
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case 6.9" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case 6.9" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

(0)
$10.76
FREE delivery Thu, Oct 16 on your first order
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
USB C Cable 3Pack USB C to USB C Cable 10FT 60W Type C Charger Nylon Braided Compatible with iPhone 17 16 Pro/15 Pro/Plus/Max/iPad/MacBook and More

USB C Cable 3Pack USB C to USB C Cable 10FT 60W Type C Charger Nylon Braided Compatible with iPhone 17 16 Pro/15 Pro/Plus/Max/iPad/MacBook and More

(16)
$13.99
Prime
800+ bought in past month
Loading...
INIU USB C Charger Block, 100W 3-Port PD Fast Charging, Advanced GaN Power Adapter, Foldable Charger with USB C Cable for MacBook Air 13 Pro, iPad, iPhone 17 16 Pro Max, Samsung S25 S24, Switch 2 etc ClimatePartner certified

INIU USB C Charger Block, 100W 3-Port PD Fast Charging, Advanced GaN Power Adapter, Foldable Charger with USB C Cable for MacBook Air 13 Pro, iPad, iPhone 17 16 Pro Max, Samsung S25 S24, Switch 2 etc ClimatePartner certified

(804)
$36.99
FREE delivery Fri, Feb 13
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
USB C Charger Block,65W 6-Port USBC Charging Block,Wall Charger iPhone Charger Fast Charging,Multiport Type C PD+QC Power Plug for All iPhone 17 16 15 iPad Samsung S24 S23 iWatch Pixel Series

USB C Charger Block,65W 6-Port USBC Charging Block,Wall Charger iPhone Charger Fast Charging,Multiport Type C PD+QC Power Plug for All iPhone 17 16 15 iPad Samsung S24 S23 iWatch Pixel Series

(324)
$16.71
FREE delivery Tue, Oct 28 on your first order
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case 6.9" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case 6.9" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

(0)
$10.76
FREE delivery Thu, Oct 16 on your first order
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
ORNARTO Compatible with iPhone 17 Case,Slim Liquid Silicone 3 Layers Soft Gel Rubber Shockproof Protective Phone Case for iPhone 17 6.3" with Anti-Scratch Microfiber Lining-Chalk Pink

ORNARTO Compatible with iPhone 17 Case,Slim Liquid Silicone 3 Layers Soft Gel Rubber Shockproof Protective Phone Case for iPhone 17 6.3" with Anti-Scratch Microfiber Lining-Chalk Pink

(0)
$12.99
FREE delivery Sat, Sep 20 on your first order