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iPhone 17 Pro Max, 6-month usage review: Is it still the best choice?This is a detailed review after using the iPhone 17 Pro Max for 6 months. It honestly analyzes the overall user experience, including camera performance, A19 Pro chip performance, battery life, display, and iOS features, as well as features that were not used and the disadvantages compared to the iPhone Air.
1. 📸 In-depth Analysis of the iPhone 17 Pro Max Camera System
· The iPhone 17 Pro Max's camera system enables professional-level photo and video shooting, delivering excellent image quality.
· The combination of the main camera and sensor, in particular, produces outstanding results and performs exceptionally well even in close-up shots.
· While noise may occur in low-light conditions due to the limitations of the smaller sensor, the overall video quality is very good.
· It delivers great results in various lighting conditions and with special effects (LED lighting, smoke, etc.), and the ProRAW mode allows for more data utilization during post-processing.
· However, for video recording, using Apple Log or ProRes can yield even better results.
· The 18-megapixel Center Stage selfie camera offers a convenient feature that automatically crops the photo based on the number of people.
· The combination of the main camera and sensor, in particular, produces outstanding results and performs exceptionally well even in close-up shots.
· While noise may occur in low-light conditions due to the limitations of the smaller sensor, the overall video quality is very good.
· It delivers great results in various lighting conditions and with special effects (LED lighting, smoke, etc.), and the ProRAW mode allows for more data utilization during post-processing.
· However, for video recording, using Apple Log or ProRes can yield even better results.
· The 18-megapixel Center Stage selfie camera offers a convenient feature that automatically crops the photo based on the number of people.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Camera | Excellent image quality, improved low-light performance Supports ProRAW, Apple Log, ProRes |
| Selfie Camera | 18 megapixels, Center Stage feature |
| Disadvantages | Ultrawide and telephoto camera performance is somewhat lacking Potential for noise in low-light conditions |
00:00 - 04:26
1. 📸 In-depth Analysis of the iPhone 17 Pro Max Camera System
· The iPhone 17 Pro Max's camera system enables professional-level photo and video shooting, delivering excellent image quality.
· The combination of the main camera and sensor, in particular, produces outstanding results and performs exceptionally well even in close-up shots.
· While noise may occur in low-light conditions due to the limitations of the smaller sensor, the overall video quality is very good.
· It delivers great results in various lighting conditions and with special effects (LED lighting, smoke, etc.), and the ProRAW mode allows for more data utilization during post-processing.
· However, for video recording, using Apple Log or ProRes can yield even better results.
· The 18-megapixel Center Stage selfie camera offers a convenient feature that automatically crops the photo based on the number of people.
· The combination of the main camera and sensor, in particular, produces outstanding results and performs exceptionally well even in close-up shots.
· While noise may occur in low-light conditions due to the limitations of the smaller sensor, the overall video quality is very good.
· It delivers great results in various lighting conditions and with special effects (LED lighting, smoke, etc.), and the ProRAW mode allows for more data utilization during post-processing.
· However, for video recording, using Apple Log or ProRes can yield even better results.
· The 18-megapixel Center Stage selfie camera offers a convenient feature that automatically crops the photo based on the number of people.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Camera | Excellent image quality, improved low-light performance Supports ProRAW, Apple Log, ProRes |
| Selfie Camera | 18 megapixels, Center Stage feature |
| Disadvantages | Ultrawide and telephoto camera performance is somewhat lacking Potential for noise in low-light conditions |
04:27 - 06:04
2. 💡 MOFT Trackable Wallet with Stand: iPhone Accessory Innovation
· MOFT's Trackable Wallet with Stand is an innovative accessory that combines a MagSafe wallet, Apple Find My tracking, a Bluetooth camera button, and a built-in stand into one.
· It can hold up to 2 cards and offers tracking and sound alert functions via the Apple Find My app, with a battery life of up to 6 months.
· It can be charged with a wireless charger, and the Bluetooth button can also be used as a camera remote.
· The 3-mode stand adds convenience for various usage scenarios.
· It can hold up to 2 cards and offers tracking and sound alert functions via the Apple Find My app, with a battery life of up to 6 months.
· It can be charged with a wireless charger, and the Bluetooth button can also be used as a camera remote.
· The 3-mode stand adds convenience for various usage scenarios.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Wallet Function | MagSafe compatible, holds 2 cards |
| Tracking Function | Supports Apple Find My, 6-month battery life |
| Convenience Features | Bluetooth camera button, built-in stand (3 modes) |
| Charging | Supports wireless charging |
06:05 - 07:16
3. 🚀 A19 Pro Chip and Enhanced Cooling System: The Secret to Powerful Performance
· The iPhone 17 Pro Max's A19 Pro chip boasts top-tier performance among current smartphone chips, with particularly excellent single-core performance.
· The new cooling system combines a vapor chamber with an aluminum unibody chassis, providing significantly better heat dissipation than previous models.
· This contributes to maintaining stable performance during demanding tasks like long video recordings.
· While it uses the same A19 Pro chip as the iPhone Air, there are differences in the number of GPU cores and RAM speed, giving the Pro Max an edge in graphics and gaming performance.
· Although its performance may be overkill for most users, it is optimized for high-quality video shooting and demanding tasks.
· The new cooling system combines a vapor chamber with an aluminum unibody chassis, providing significantly better heat dissipation than previous models.
· This contributes to maintaining stable performance during demanding tasks like long video recordings.
· While it uses the same A19 Pro chip as the iPhone Air, there are differences in the number of GPU cores and RAM speed, giving the Pro Max an edge in graphics and gaming performance.
· Although its performance may be overkill for most users, it is optimized for high-quality video shooting and demanding tasks.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Chipset | A19 Pro (Top Performance) |
| Cooling System | Vapor chamber + Aluminum unibody chassis |
| Performance Comparison (Pro Max vs Air) | Pro Max superior in graphics and gaming performance |
| Key Advantage | Maintains stable performance during prolonged demanding tasks |
07:17 - 08:56
4. 🔋 Amazing Battery Life and Robust Ceramic Shield 2 Display
· The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers excellent battery performance, lasting over a day with typical use, and sometimes even two days.
· For light users, it boasts sufficient battery capacity even with 1-2.5 hours of screen time and 1-2 hours of background playback per day.
· It can last all day even on heavy usage days involving demanding tasks like high-end graphics work or video editing.
· The Ceramic Shield 2 display is not only resistant to drop impacts but also shows minimal micro-scratches or wear after 6 months of use, making it suitable for use without a screen protector.
· Additionally, the new anti-reflective coating reduces glare, significantly improving outdoor visibility.
· For light users, it boasts sufficient battery capacity even with 1-2.5 hours of screen time and 1-2 hours of background playback per day.
· It can last all day even on heavy usage days involving demanding tasks like high-end graphics work or video editing.
· The Ceramic Shield 2 display is not only resistant to drop impacts but also shows minimal micro-scratches or wear after 6 months of use, making it suitable for use without a screen protector.
· Additionally, the new anti-reflective coating reduces glare, significantly improving outdoor visibility.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Lasts 1-2 days with typical use Can last all day even with demanding tasks |
| Display | Ceramic Shield 2 (Improved durability and scratch resistance) Enhanced anti-reflective coating (Improved outdoor visibility) |
08:57 - 10:13
5. 📱 The Convenience of iOS and the Strength of its App Ecosystem
· iOS is generally user-friendly, with recent versions offering useful improvements to phone-related features (like automatic caller response and call waiting).
· It boasts excellent interoperability with other Apple devices through features like AirDrop, AirPlay, and Continuity, along with many small but convenient functions like automatic password entry and authentication code auto-fill.
· The UI design, which places the search bar near the thumb, is also a plus for user convenience.
· Furthermore, iOS apps generally launch faster than on Android, and the app ecosystem is a strong point, with apps like Acme Weather and Google's Eloquent often releasing first on iOS.
· It boasts excellent interoperability with other Apple devices through features like AirDrop, AirPlay, and Continuity, along with many small but convenient functions like automatic password entry and authentication code auto-fill.
· The UI design, which places the search bar near the thumb, is also a plus for user convenience.
· Furthermore, iOS apps generally launch faster than on Android, and the app ecosystem is a strong point, with apps like Acme Weather and Google's Eloquent often releasing first on iOS.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone Features | Automatic response for unknown callers, call waiting |
| Apple Device Interoperability | AirDrop, AirPlay, Continuity features |
| UI/UX | Search bar at the bottom, automatic password/authentication code entry |
| App Ecosystem | Excellent app launch speed, many apps released first on iOS |
10:14 - 11:01
6. 🤔 Features That Go Unused and Disappointing Speaker Performance
· Most of the Apple Intelligence features on the iPhone 17 Pro Max still feel impractical. While the notification summary and priority notification features are useful, the visual intelligence features were disappointing due to inaccurate information.
· The speaker performance is underwhelming, with distortion occurring at high volumes. This is an issue also found on the iPhone Air, suggesting a need for overall sound quality improvement.
· The speaker performance is underwhelming, with distortion occurring at high volumes. This is an issue also found on the iPhone Air, suggesting a need for overall sound quality improvement.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Apple Intelligence | Limited practicality beyond notification summary and priority notifications Inaccurate visual intelligence features |
| Speakers | Distortion at high volumes Sound quality needs improvement |
11:02 - 14:18
7. ⚖️ Major Downsides of the iPhone 17 Pro Max: Weight, Price, and Limited App Store
· The biggest drawback is its weight. At 233g, it can be burdensome for extended carrying, which contradicts the preference of users who favor a premium feel.
· Compared to the iPhone Air, the Pro Max highlights the need for a Pro version that is lighter and thinner. This is crucial for balancing portability and performance.
· The anodized aluminum finish can be susceptible to scratches, especially on the edges. While less of an issue with a case, caution is advised.
· Siri remains useful for music playback and setting timers, but it feels limited and slow compared to competing AIs like Gemini.
· Furthermore, the inability to download apps from sources other than the App Store limits the iPhone's versatility.
· Lastly, the $1200 price point is considered somewhat high compared to iPhones with triple camera systems.
· Compared to the iPhone Air, the Pro Max highlights the need for a Pro version that is lighter and thinner. This is crucial for balancing portability and performance.
· The anodized aluminum finish can be susceptible to scratches, especially on the edges. While less of an issue with a case, caution is advised.
· Siri remains useful for music playback and setting timers, but it feels limited and slow compared to competing AIs like Gemini.
· Furthermore, the inability to download apps from sources other than the App Store limits the iPhone's versatility.
· Lastly, the $1200 price point is considered somewhat high compared to iPhones with triple camera systems.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 233g, burdensome for extended use |
| Design | Heavier and thicker than iPhone Air Suggests need for a lighter, thinner Pro version |
| Finish | Aluminum finish prone to scratches (case recommended) |
| Siri | Limited functionality beyond basic tasks compared to competing AIs |
| App Store | Limited versatility due to single app download source |
| Price | $1200, considered high for a triple camera setup |
14:19 - 16:41
8. 🤔 Final Recommendation: iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone Air
· The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers the highest specifications among current iPhones, but it may not be the optimal choice for everyone.
· If considering a purchase, it's advisable to wait for the September new product launch or keep the possibility of a foldable iPhone release in mind.
· Recommended for iPhone 17 Pro Max:
· Users who want the largest display and triple camera system
· Users who need improved performance and sustained performance over the iPhone Air
· Users who utilize 3D scanning and AR features with the LiDAR sensor
· Users who want the best battery life and capacity and can accept the weight
· Recommended for iPhone Air:
· Users for whom Pro camera features are not essential, and who already own a separate camera
· Users who prefer a lighter and more portable iPhone
· Users looking for an iPhone that provides an excellent user experience and satisfaction
· The iPhone Air has been the most satisfying iPhone used over the past 6 months, receiving high marks for portability and ease of use.
· Ultimately, choosing the more suitable model between the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air depends on the user's needs and priorities.
· If considering a purchase, it's advisable to wait for the September new product launch or keep the possibility of a foldable iPhone release in mind.
· Recommended for iPhone 17 Pro Max:
· Users who want the largest display and triple camera system
· Users who need improved performance and sustained performance over the iPhone Air
· Users who utilize 3D scanning and AR features with the LiDAR sensor
· Users who want the best battery life and capacity and can accept the weight
· Recommended for iPhone Air:
· Users for whom Pro camera features are not essential, and who already own a separate camera
· Users who prefer a lighter and more portable iPhone
· Users looking for an iPhone that provides an excellent user experience and satisfaction
· The iPhone Air has been the most satisfying iPhone used over the past 6 months, receiving high marks for portability and ease of use.
· Ultimately, choosing the more suitable model between the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air depends on the user's needs and priorities.