The iPhone 17 lineup does something unusual: it makes the thin iPhone Air for people who love ultra‑slim, and at the same time lets the Pro phones go thicker, cooler and more capable. That freedom has produced the most maximalist iPhone yet — especially the Pro Max.
Quick overview #
- Pro models are slightly thicker: more room for bigger batteries, a vapor chamber and improved cameras.
- Telephoto jumps to 48 MP at 4× (≈100 mm), bringing sharper portraits and cleaner zoom shots.
- Pro video: ProRes/ProRes RAW with deeper controls, plus Genlock support for multi‑device sync.
- A19 Pro + iOS 26 + 12 GB RAM keep performance snappy with far better sustained thermals.
- Charging steps up to 40 W; Pro Max finally passes the 5,000 mAh mark.
- Still no 8K video and night point‑light flares persist — but overall reliability is up.
Design & build #
This is the first Pro iPhone in a while that embraces thickness. The all‑metal unibody replaces the glass‑sandwich look; you only see glass cutouts for wireless charging and mmWave antennas. It feels sturdier, creates internal space and even adds a flat “plateau” ridge on the top that’s a surprisingly natural finger rest.
- Pros: tougher frame, more room for battery and cooling, cleaner design language.
- Cons: no true black color option; darker anodized finishes may show scratches on tight corners faster.
Display & usability #
- Peak brightness up to 3,000 nits with a slightly better anti‑reflective layer.
- New PWM dimming toggle (Accessibility) helps users sensitive to flicker.
- Always‑on and ProMotion behaviour holds up better under heat thanks to improved thermals.
Performance & thermals #
The A19 Pro benchmarks ~20% faster than last gen, but the bigger story is sustained performance. The added thickness allows a vapor chamber for the first time in an iPhone, keeping the phone only slightly warm under gaming or long 4K video shoots. That means steadier frame rates, fewer brightness drops and a phone that simply feels fast more often.
Cameras #
Apple still ships three cameras, but they now feel more evenly matched:
- Main (48 MP) and Ultra‑wide are similar to last year for look and reliability.
- Telephoto is new: 48 MP 4× (~100 mm). Portraits feel more natural; zoom shots carry far more detail and less noise.
- Apple’s “2× steps” still aren’t extra lenses, but the processed crops are cleaner than a plain digital zoom.
Pro shooters get real tools: ProRes RAW with editable ISO/white balance in Final Cut Pro, and Genlock for syncing multiple devices on set. The selfie camera also improves, especially for video. Two caveats remain: bright point‑light flares at night are still a thing, and there’s no 8K capture yet even on higher‑capacity models.
Battery & charging #
- Pro battery grows ~20% YoY; Pro Max crosses 5,000 mAh for the first time.
- Up to 40 W wired charging — roughly 0–50% in about 20 minutes in ideal conditions.
- iOS efficiency + larger cells = easy full‑day use; on the smaller Pro we routinely finished with 30%+ left.
Software & extras #
- iOS 26 refinements pair well with the extra RAM (12 GB) for smoother multitasking.
- Satellite features now cover messaging and location sharing in more regions.
- Small but welcome touches: better brightness stability, improved anti‑reflective coating.
Who should buy which iPhone 17? #
Most people
Base iPhone 17 is the best value: reliable cameras, excellent battery and a price that makes sense for most buyers.
Power users & creators
iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max: bigger batteries, steadier thermals, 48 MP 4× tele, ProRes/RAW and Genlock. The Pro Max remains the bestseller for a reason.
Pros & cons #
- Sturdier all‑metal build with much better cooling.
- Big battery gains + faster 40 W charging.
- Sharper 48 MP 4× telephoto; consistent camera set.
- Real pro video tools (ProRes RAW, Genlock).
- No true black color option; dark finishes may show edge wear.
- Point‑light flare at night still not fixed.
- No 8K video yet.
- Heavier than before — by design.
Verdict #
By letting the Air chase thinness, Apple let the Pro models fully embrace performance, battery and camera gains. The result is the most capable, most mainstream Pro iPhone yet. If you value battery life, camera flexibility and cooler sustained performance, the iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max is an easy recommendation. If you want the best value, the base 17 is more than enough for most people.
