I’ve had my new iPhone 17 Pro Max for nearly six months now and I thought I would reflect on how I am using the phone and if I made the right choice.
I went with the 17 Pro Max model for two core reasons, one was the bigger screen, I like a phone with a big screen, two was the photographic capabilities of the Pro Max compared to the other phones in the 17 range. I had looked at other phones in the Apple range, but in the end chose the 17 Pro Max.
I am pleased with the big screen, it’s not stupidly large to be impractical. It’s a lovely screen and perfect for looking at images and video. When I use my work iPhone 13 it feels very small in comparison.
The camera has certainly exceeded my expectations. When I upgraded my phone to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, I went with this model for two core reasons, one was the bigger screen, I like a phone with a big screen, second was the photographic capabilities of the Pro Max compared to the other phones in the 17 range.
Over the years I have made extensive use of the ultra wide capability on my old iPhone, but one thing I missed was an optical telephoto lens. I knew I could zoom in digitally, but that wasn’t the same as using a telephoto lens. Since getting the phone I have used the optical telephoto lens extensively.
I am really pleased with the quality of the images that I take with the phone. I also know that I still have more to discover with the camera functionality.
One of the challenges I had with the iPhone 13 was a degrading battery and subsequent impact on battery life. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has both a bigger, but also newer battery. The battery in the 17 Pro Max can hold 50% more charge than the 13.
With the 13 I would often find that the phone battery would run out before the end of the day. With the 17 Pro Max I have never run out of charge. Some days I have used my phone a lot and never worried about running down the battery. So, much so, on a recent overseas trip I didn’t worry about taking my power bank.
I have been impressed with the A19 Pro chip. Various activities on the new phone are much faster than the older 13 model.
Overall I am very satisfied with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the better camera, longer battery life, faster processor, and there is more to discover as well.