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Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max is the company's biggest redesign in years, and for once, it actually looks new
Gone are the titanium edges and all-glass back. In their place, Apple's gone bold with a sleek new aluminium unibody frame that gives the device a solid, modern feel.
Paired with striking colours like Deep Blue (which we reviewed), Silver, and Cosmic Orange, this year's Pro Max feels premium and commands attention.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes with a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display that's just stunning to look at
It's bright, buttery smooth, and easier to use outdoors thanks to its new anti-glare coating.
Apple's also introduced subtle curves along the aluminium edges, making the hefty device surprisingly comfortable to hold.
At 233g, it's not exactly light, but the solid build makes it feel reassuring rather than bulky.
Inside, the new A19 Pro chip and vapour chamber cooling system work beautifully together
Whether you're gaming, editing videos, or simply scrolling through social media, the phone runs cooler and faster than ever.
The performance boost is noticeable. Long gaming sessions don't overheat the device, and apps open with near-instant responsiveness.
Battery life is another quiet win. The 17 Pro Max can comfortably last up between 39 to 42 hours on a single charge, which translates to about two days of moderate use.
Even on busier days filled with watching videos, writing, replying emails, social media, and calls, it usually ends the day with a healthy amount of battery left.
Charging is now faster via USB-C because you'll get around 70% in just half an hour using a 40W charger (not included).
The cameras, of course, remain one of Apple's biggest selling points. You get three powerful 48MP lenses (main, ultra-wide, and 4x telephoto), plus an upgraded 18MP front camera.
The results are crisp photos, natural colours, and excellent consistency across all lenses.
The new telephoto camera captures detailed shots even when zoomed in 8x, and Apple's video quality continues to lead the pack.
The selfie camera now includes Centre Stage, which keeps you in frame during video calls, and can even automatically fit more people into group selfies, which I appreciated very much.
All that polish doesn't come cheap. The iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at RM5,999 for the 256GB model and goes all the way up to RM9,999 for the 2TB version.
The Deep Blue 1TB unit we tested sits in the middle at RM7,999 — a steep price even by Apple's standards.
Despite its premium feel, the new aluminium frame is more prone to scratches compared to last year's titanium.
It won't crack like glass if dropped, but small scuffs can appear easily, especially around the large camera bar.
You'll definitely want to use a case, which, unfortunately, adds bulk to an already heavy phone.
Lastly, while Apple has nailed performance and design, its AI features still lag behind many of its competitors
If you're hoping for the kind of smart photo editing or live translation tricks Android users brag about, you won't find them here. At least not yet.
That said, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a gorgeous piece of engineering. It's elegant, powerful, and built to last.
The new design makes it feel fresh again, the cameras are exceptional, and the battery life is genuinely impressive.
It's also reassuring to know Apple continues its focus on sustainability and long-term software support, so you're getting a phone that's designed to last years, not months.
But it's not perfect. It's heavier, pricier, and missing the AI magic that defines the latest wave of Android flagships.
For most people, the regular iPhone 17 will do just fine, offering the same display and similar performance at a lower price.
However, if you're someone who values top-tier photography, premium design, and all-day endurance — and don't mind paying a premium for it — the iPhone 17 Pro Max is still one of the best flagship phones you can buy in 2025.
