Smartphones · Ranked #9 of 82 · Best for battery and cameras

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

88
Highly rated
Average of 9 professional reviews
9 of 9 recommend it · critics agree
Where the 9 reviews landedRange 80–92
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 87.9 · 8 printed, 1 estimated · printed scores only: 88

Apple iPhone 17 Pro MaxImage: Apple

9 professional reviewers tested the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, and 9 recommend it. Most praised: performance and battery life. Most common complaint: price.

Reviewed by CNET, WIRED, Tech Advisor and 6 more

The catch: It is heavy and expensive, with a large camera bump and a divisive design.

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What 9 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 92
    CNETHands-on review · 2026

    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.

    Read CNET review
  2. 90
    WIREDHands-on review

    A better iPhone in every way, with great battery, cooling, screens and standout cameras.

    Read WIRED review
  3. 90
    Tech AdvisorHands-on review · 2025

    A brilliant phone with excellent display, performance, cameras and battery, held back only by divisive design, heft and high price.

    Read Tech Advisor review
  4. 90
    Pocket TacticsHands-on review · 2025

    Called the reviewer's favorite iPhone ever, with outstanding speed, a great camera system and a vapor chamber that fixes heat, at a somewhat high price.

    Read Pocket Tactics review
  5. 90
    Tom's GuideHands-on review · 2025

    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.

    Read Tom's Guide review
  6. 90
    TechRadarHands-on review · 2025

    The best iPhone yet, with fresh design, fast chip, top-notch cameras and strong battery.

    Read TechRadar review
  7. 80
    Expert ReviewsHands-on review · 2025

    Fast with superb battery life and capable cameras, but the reviewer prefers the smaller 17 Pro for value and pocketability.

    Read Expert Reviews review
  8. 80
    The VergeHands-on review · 2025

    A bold redesign with best battery and cameras but modest changes overall.

    Read The Verge review
  9. 89est.
    ZDNETNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2025

    A substantial yearly upgrade with new cooling, a better telephoto and selfie camera, and a fix for past overheating.

    Read ZDNET review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Performance8 of 9
Battery life6 of 9
Picture quality2 of 9

What critics dislike most

Price4 of 9
Size and weight3 of 9

Other smartphones critics rate highly

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Common questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max worth it?

Most critics think so: 9 of 9 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 9 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.

What do critics dislike about the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?

Price (4 of 9 reviews), Size and weight (3 of 9 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra (critic score 94), best overall.