CNET92
A major redesign with new telephoto and selfie cameras and top battery life, earning an Editors' Choice nod as one of the best phones available.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
8 expert reviews#11 of 80 smartphones
Photo coming
8/8critics
recommend
recommend
Best for battery and cameras
Critics’ consensus
8 professional reviewers tested the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, and 8 recommend it. Most praised: performance and battery life. Most common complaint: price.
Reviewed by CNET, Tom's Guide, WIRED and 5 more
The catch: It is heavy and expensive, with a large camera bump and a divisive design.
Critics agree
Scores run from 80 to 927 printed scores, 1 estimated · printed scores only: 87
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What do critics say about the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Tom's Guide90
The pick for iOS fans wanting a big screen and the longest battery, though upgrading from a 15 or 16 Pro Max is not compelling.
WIRED90
A better iPhone in every way, with great battery, cooling, screens and standout cameras.
TechRadar90
The best iPhone yet, with fresh design, fast chip, top-notch cameras and strong battery.
Tech Advisor90
A brilliant phone with excellent display, performance, cameras and battery, held back only by divisive design, heft and high price.
Expert Reviews80
Fast with superb battery life and capable cameras, but the reviewer prefers the smaller 17 Pro for value and pocketability.
The Verge80
A bold redesign with best battery and cameras but modest changes overall.
ZDNET89est.
A substantial yearly upgrade with new cooling, a better telephoto and selfie camera, and a fix for past overheating.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates
What critics praise most
Performance7 of 8
Battery life6 of 8
Picture quality2 of 8
What critics dislike most
Price3 of 8
Size and weight3 of 8
Alternatives
Not sure about the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Also reviewed, not yet scored
- Motorola Moto G Power (2026) · 3 reviews so far
- Nothing Phone (3a) · 3 reviews so far
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 · 3 reviews so far
Common questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max worth it?
Most critics think so: 8 of 8 recommend it. It is heavy and expensive, with a large camera bump and a divisive design.
Do critics agree about the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Critics agree: scores range from 80 (Expert Reviews) to 92 (CNET), a spread of 12 points across 8 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.
What do critics dislike about the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Price (3 of 8 reviews), Size and weight (3 of 8 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Oppo Find X9 Ultra (critic score 94), best overall.