iPhone 17 Pro Max review: orange you glad the battery is bigger

The iPhone 17 Pro Max marks a shift from Apple’s previous focus on thinner phones, opting instead for a thicker and bulkier design to accommodate a larger battery and improved performance. The new unibody aluminum build includes a redesigned camera bump with space for MagSafe accessories and enhanced durability, featuring Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and first-gen Ceramic Shield on the back. While the phone is heavier at 233 grams compared to its predecessor, the sturdiness and added protection are notable improvements. The review highlights the new color options, including a standout orange, though the silver model is considered less exciting. Battery life is a significant upgrade, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max housing a 4,823 mAh battery—larger than the 4,685 mAh in the iPhone 16 Pro Max—and even bigger (5,088 mAh) in eSIM-only versions. Vapor chamber cooling helps keep the device cooler during intensive tasks like gaming. Charging speeds have also improved,