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
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📦 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
