iPhone 17 Pro Max Review: Features, Price in Pakistan And Comparison

The iPhone 17 Pro Max, unveiled in September 2025, has taken the smartphone world by storm, setting a new benchmark for what a premium device can achieve. As Apple’s latest flagship, it builds on the success of the iPhone 16 Pro Max while introducing groundbreaking features that have sparked excitement and debate among tech enthusiasts. In this comprehensive review, I’ll walk you through every facet of the iPhone 17 Pro Max its design, performance, camera, and more while sharing what people are saying, what they wanted, and how Apple has delivered (or not). Of course, we’ll also touch on the iPhone 17 Pro Max price in Pakistan, a key consideration for buyers in the region.

Design and Build: Refined Elegance with Subtle Upgrades

Let’s start with the design, which is where Apple always makes a statement. The iPhone 17 Pro Max sports a titanium frame, a hallmark of Apple’s Pro lineup, making it both lightweight (around 220 grams) and incredibly durable. It’s slightly thinner and lighter than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which many users appreciate for better ergonomics. The 6.9 inch Super Retina XDR OLED display is a visual treat, boasting a 2622 x 1206 resolution (460 ppi), 120Hz ProMotion, and Always-On Display functionality. Protected by an upgraded Ceramic Shield 2.0, the screen is tougher against drops and scratches.

The color options Cosmic Orange, Black Titanium, White Titanium, and Natural Titanium have been a hit, with Cosmic Orange stealing the show for its bold, vibrant look. A new capacitive Action Button replaces the mute switch, offering customizable, pressure-sensitive controls for tasks like launching apps or gaming. This button has sparked mixed reactions some love the versatility, while others miss the simplicity of the traditional switch.

What People Are Saying: On platforms like X, users are raving about the slimmer profile and premium feel, but some feel the design changes are too incremental. Many hoped for a radical redesign, perhaps a foldable display or a portless phone, but Apple has played it safe, sticking to its iconic aesthetic. Personally, I think the refined look is sleek, but I get why some fans wanted a bolder leap.

Compared to iPhone 16 Pro Max: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is 0.2mm thinner and 5 grams lighter, with a more durable Ceramic Shield. The Action Button is a significant upgrade over the iPhone 16’s mute switch, and the new color palette feels fresher. However, the overall silhouette remains familiar, which might disappoint those craving a drastic change.

Performance: A19 Pro Pushes the Boundaries

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by the A19 Pro chip, built on a 3nm process, paired with 12GB of RAM a bump from the 8GB in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This chipset delivers up to 20% better CPU performance and 15% improved power efficiency, making it a beast for gaming, video editing, and multitasking. Storage options range from 256GB to a whopping 2TB, catering to everyone from casual users to professional content creators.

The upgraded Neural Engine fuels Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of AI-driven features. From generative AI for creating images and text to real-time language translation and a smarter Siri, these tools make the iPhone 17 Pro Max feel like a personal assistant. iOS 19 enhances the experience with new home screen customizations, improved widgets, and robust privacy controls.

What People Wanted: Fans on X have been vocal about wanting more RAM for years, and Apple’s jump to 12GB has been widely praised. However, some expected a 4nm chip to keep costs down, while others hoped for even more AI features, like deeper integration with third-party apps. My take? The A19 Pro is overkill for most users, but it future-proofs the phone for years.

Compared to iPhone 16 Pro Max: The A19 Pro is a clear step up from the A18 Pro, with higher RAM and better efficiency. The iPhone 16 Pro Max was no slouch, but the 17 Pro Max handles intensive tasks like 8K video editing or AAA gaming with even greater ease. The AI features are also more polished, thanks to the enhanced Neural Engine.

Camera System: A Game Changer for Photography

The camera system is where the iPhone 17 Pro Max truly shines. It features a triple 48MP setup: a main Fusion sensor, an ultra wide lens, and a periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom (up to 25x digital). The main camera’s larger aperture improves low-light performance, while the ultra wide excels at macro shots. The 12MP TrueDepth front camera supports enhanced Face ID and stunning selfies.

Video capabilities are unmatched, with 4K Dolby Vision at 120fps, ProRes recording, and Cinematic Mode with AI-enhanced background blur. New features like real-time image enhancement and automated video editing make professional-grade content creation accessible to everyone. The Photonic Engine has been refined for better color accuracy and dynamic range.

What People Are Saying: Photographers and videographers on X are calling this Apple’s best camera system yet, especially for low-light and zoom capabilities. However, some users wanted a 10x optical zoom to compete with rivals like Samsung. I’m impressed by the AI editing tools they’re intuitive and save time but I agree that a higher optical zoom could’ve set it apart further.

Compared to iPhone 16 Pro Max: The iPhone 16 Pro Max had a 48MP main camera and 5x telephoto, but the 17 Pro Max upgrades the ultra-wide to 48MP (from 12MP) and improves low light performance across the board. The AI-driven features, like auto-editing, are exclusive to the 17 series, making it a significant leap for content creators.

Battery Life and Charging: All Day Power

The iPhone 17 Pro Max houses a 4832mAh battery, slightly larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 4680mAh. Combined with the A19 Pro’s efficiency, it offers up to 30 hours of talk time, 27 hours of video playback, or 100 hours of audio playback. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working, this phone lasts a full day and then some.

Charging has been upgraded to 45W wired (via USB C 3.2) and 25W MagSafe wireless, with a full charge taking about 60 minutes. Reverse wireless charging is included for powering accessories like AirPods. Apple’s focus on sustainability continues, with the battery made from 100% recycled materials.

What People Wanted: Many users hoped for 50W+ charging speeds to match Android competitors, and some were disappointed that the charger isn’t included. On X, battery life is a major talking point, with users praising the all day performance but wanting faster wireless charging. I think 45W is plenty fast, but including a charger would’ve been a nice touch.

Compared to iPhone 16 Pro Max: The battery capacity increase and better chip efficiency give the 17 Pro Max a slight edge in endurance. The jump to 45W charging (from 30W) is noticeable, cutting charging time by about 10 minutes.

Connectivity and Features: Future-Ready

The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports 5G (mmWave and sub 6GHz), Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4 for blazing fast connections. The USB-C 3.2 port offers 10Gbps data transfer, ideal for moving large files. Additional features include Spatial Audio, enhanced Face ID, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem (Apple Watch, AirPods, etc.).

Apple Intelligence is a standout, with features like generative AI, smart scheduling, and real time translation. The phone’s eco friendly design, using recycled aluminum and titanium, aligns with Apple’s 2030 carbon neutral goal.

What People Are Saying: X users love the Wi Fi 7 and USB C speeds, but some wanted eSIM only options or satellite connectivity for emergencies. I think Apple’s ecosystem integration is unmatched, but satellite features could’ve been a game changer for remote areas.

Compared to iPhone 16 Pro Max: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 are upgrades from Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering faster and more stable connections. The USB-C 3.2 port is a significant improvement over the 16’s USB C 2.0, making data transfer much quicker.

iPhone 17 Pro Max Price in Pakistan

The iPhone 17 Pro Max price in Pakistan is expected to start at around PKR 549,999 for the 256GB variant, including PTA taxes. Higher storage options (512GB, 1TB, 2TB) could push the price to PKR 700,000 or more, depending on market conditions and import duties. Globally, the base model starts at $1199, but local pricing in Pakistan varies due to taxes and currency fluctuations. For accurate pricing, check with authorized retailers like iShop, Telemart, or Apple’s official partners.

What People Are Saying: On X, Pakistani users are frustrated with the high price, especially with PTA taxes inflating costs. Many hoped for a price cut or tax relief, but that hasn’t materialized. My opinion? The price is steep, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s features justify it for those who need a premium device.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Stunning 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion.

• A19 Pro chip with 12GB RAM for unmatched performance.

• 48MP triple-camera system with advanced AI editing.

• Long-lasting 4832mAh battery with 45W fast charging.

• Premium titanium build and Ceramic Shield 2.0.

• iOS 19 with Apple Intelligence for a smarter experience.

Cons:

• High price, especially in Pakistan with PTA taxes.

• Incremental design changes may disappoint some.

• No charger included in the box.

• Lacks 10x optical zoom or satellite connectivity.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a powerhouse that delivers on nearly every front performance, camera, battery, and software. Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it offers meaningful upgrades like a more powerful chip, enhanced cameras, faster charging, and AI-driven features. While some fans wanted a bolder design or more experimental features, Apple’s focus on refinement makes this phone a reliable choice for years to come.

In Pakistan, the iPhone 17 Pro Max price in Pakistan is a hurdle, but for those who can afford it, the device offers unmatched value for professionals, creators, and Apple loyalists. If you’re debating an upgrade, weigh the cost against the cutting-edge features. What do you think of the iPhone 17 Pro Max? Drop your thoughts in the comments!