iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max buyer's guide: performance, battery, cameras

Every fall, Apple rolls out a new iPhone generation, and the same question resurfaces: is it time to upgrade? In 2025, the company unveiled four models—the standard iPhone 17, the ultra-thin iPhone Air, and the flagship duo iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Whether the Pro versions are the right choice hinges on what you expect from your phone.

Maximum performance without overheating

Apple ditched titanium and returned to aluminum—a lighter material that disperses heat more effectively and opens the door to bolder finishes. On top of that, iPhone 17 Pro introduces a new vapor-chamber cooling system. In practice, the phone should run cooler during gaming or video recording, addressing a pain point that irked owners of previous generations. A sensible pivot, given how much power users now squeeze out of their devices.

Battery life

The batteries have grown noticeably. iPhone 17 Pro now reaches up to 4,252 mAh in the eSIM variant, while the Pro Max gets 5,088 mAh. According to Apple, that’s enough for the Pro Max to play video for up to 39 hours on a charge—two hours longer than last year’s 16 Pro Max. On paper, that’s a tangible boost.

Photo and video

The headline camera upgrade is a 48‑megapixel telephoto with 4x optical zoom. All three sensors—wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto—now share the same resolution, which should translate into consistently high image and video quality. Add ProRes RAW recording up to 120 frames per second, support for Apple Log 2, and a new 18‑MP front camera with multi‑format capture, and you’re looking at one of the most capable mobile toolkits for photo and video creators. Consistency across the system is the quiet win here.

For those who want flair

The Pro line finally leans into bold colors. Alongside the classics, Apple introduced Cosmic Orange—a bright, audacious shade for those who prefer a phone that doesn’t blend into the crowd.

For those who choose the best

If you simply want the “best iPhone,” the decision comes down to two models. The iPhone 17 Pro with its 6.3‑inch display suits anyone seeking a balance between screen size and one‑handed comfort. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is for those who prioritize the biggest display and the longest possible time away from the charger.

Who should skip the Pro

Not everyone needs a flagship. For calls, social media, and streaming, the regular iPhone 17 is more than sufficient—it inherits many of the Pro line’s key traits, including the chip and an improved display. And if compactness is your top priority, the iPhone Air, just 5.64 mm thick, is the sweet spot.

In short, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are tailored for buyers who value top-tier performance, strong endurance, and a versatile camera system. If your needs are simpler, Apple’s lineup offers alternatives that make just as much sense.