Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max has demonstrated strong commercial success after four months on the global market, driven by a bold design and noticeable improvements in camera performance and enhanced battery life. However, practical observations are emerging regarding Apple’s decision to utilize aluminum in the device’s external structure.
Structural Design Shifts and Scratch Resistance
With this iteration, Apple has adopted an innovative design dubbed “Camera Plateau,” replacing more robust materials with an aluminum frame. This approach gives the phone a unique visual identity, allowing users to easily recognize it, particularly with the availability of dual-tone color options like orange, and blue.
Field testing without protective covers reveals that the aluminum frame appears more susceptible to scratches and minor indentations around the camera protrusions. These marks are particularly visible on devices with darker colors, while the silver option retains its aesthetic appeal for a longer period.
According to reports, abandoning more durable materials has resulted in the device’s edges being quickly affected by friction from handling, leaving users with the challenge of maintaining the device’s appearance. While visually appealing, the phone lacks the robustness found in previous models.
Screen Innovations and the New Interface Control System
The device features a large 6.9-inch screen with extremely thin bezels, providing an immersive viewing experience for multimedia enthusiasts. Apple has also equipped the screen with an advanced anti-reflective coating, ensuring clear visibility under direct sunlight while maintaining color contrast accuracy.
The new design incorporates an “Action” button on the upper side, alongside a “Camera Control” button located at the bottom of the power key. This aims to facilitate quick interaction with system functions and improve the photo-taking experience through dedicated presses.
The battery supports wired charging speeds up to 40W, enabling a full charge in approximately 70 minutes. Apple has also increased the base storage capacity to 256GB, with options up to 512GB available at a premium price.
Imaging Efficiency and Competition in Artificial Intelligence Technologies
The camera system comprises three rear cameras, with a significant evolution in the 4X telephoto lens, now equipped with a larger sensor to support detailed distant shots. Apple has also redesigned the camera’s software interface to provide quick access to the technical settings needed by photographers in their daily work.
The phone’s visual superiority is evident when compared directly with competitors like the “Pixel 10 Pro XL” and the new Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, the iPhone 17 Pro Max faces real challenges in software processing. AI tools like “Clean Up” remain less accurate and effective.
Tests show that Samsung phones clearly outperform in intelligent editing and image quality enhancement by employing more advanced and technically intelligent algorithms. This superiority places competitors in a higher position in terms of software, as the launch of the Galaxy S26 Ultra approaches, which may redefine competitive standards.
The decision to purchase the iPhone 17 Pro Max hinges on the user’s willingness to protect the device from scratches through the use of external protective covers. The new design is a winning proposition from a purely aesthetic standpoint, but requires meticulous care to ensure the integrity of its structure.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max, while offering a compelling visual redesign and improvements in key areas like battery life and screen technology, presents a trade-off in durability. The shift to an aluminum unibody, while contributing to a striking aesthetic, introduces a susceptibility to scratches and dents not previously seen in Apple’s Pro line. This necessitates a more cautious approach to handling and potentially the use of protective accessories to maintain the device’s pristine appearance.
The camera system, while capable, faces increasing competition from rivals like Samsung, particularly in the realm of AI-powered image processing. While the iPhone 17 Pro Max excels in raw image capture, Samsung’s algorithms demonstrate a greater ability to intelligently enhance and refine photos, potentially giving them an edge in overall image quality. This competitive pressure suggests that Apple will need to continue innovating in software to maintain its position in the high-end smartphone market.
