When Apple calls the iPhone 17 Pro Max its most advanced Pro model ever, it is not exaggerating. After spending a week with it, including a day testing the camera at Rainforest Wild Asia, where humidity, shade, and fast-moving wildlife really test any phone, I can say this is a genuine leap forward in performance and photography.
A Design That Feels Effortlessly Refined
The iPhone 17 Pro Max feels premium the moment you pick it up. The new brushed aluminium finish is smooth and solid, and it stays comfortable to hold even after hours of use.
The body feels lighter but sturdier, and the refined edges make it easy to handle. The deep blue finish is stunning, subtly shifting under different light.
Apple’s new vapour chamber cooling system also lives up to its promise. Even after recording 4K video in the heat of the rainforest, the phone never became uncomfortably warm. It managed heat quietly and efficiently through intense videography sessions.
Ceramic Shield 2 now protects both the front and the back. Despite my occasional clumsiness, my phone came out of the trip spotless. The extra scratch resistance gives me real peace of mind.
Display and Durability
The 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display is bright enough to handle the glare of the afternoon sun. Colours look vivid but true, and the new anti-reflective coating really helps when shooting outdoors. Viewing photos under the shade of the trees, the contrast remained deep and accurate.
The new A19 Pro chip makes everything faster and smoother. I was switching between the camera, editing photos, and uploading short clips to social media, and not once did the phone hesitate. The processing feels instant, and even long exposure shots are rendered beautifully without delay.
Battery life was equally impressive. I started the day early, shooting continuously through the afternoon, editing on the spot, and taking more low-light shots at dusk. When I finally left the park, I still had around 30 per cent battery left. For a day that involved both filming and editing, that is outstanding.
A Camera That Redefines Possibility
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the most versatile camera Apple has ever made. During my visit to Rainforest Wild Asia, I shot everything from mist-covered treetops to close-ups of exotic animals, and the results were consistently beautiful.
The triple 48MP Fusion camera system feels like carrying eight lenses in your pocket. The main sensor captured fine details and rich colours even under uneven light.
The Ultra Wide lens was perfect for the sweeping views above the canopy, while the new Telephoto lens with its 8x optical zoom brought distant wildlife into crisp focus.
The new Bright Photographic Style stood out to me. It adds a natural glow that brightens and adds a gentle pop of colour. This new option in iOS 26 brings subtle vibrance to every shot, especially in scenes with lush greenery or softer lighting.
The first to catch my eye were the monkeys darting through the canopy. They moved so fast that any delay in focus would have missed the shot, but the iPhone locked on instantly. It captured mid-air leaps with sharp precision, each frame detailed enough to see tiny expressions as they swung from branch to branch.
A little deeper into the park, I came across a sun bear enjoying a hearty meal under the trees. The 8x optical zoom (200 mm equivalent) let me photograph it from afar without breaking its concentration. The shot captured crumbs on its snout so clearly. It was eating so well it barely noticed us, and that moment of quiet contentment turned into one of my favourite photos of the day.
Then came the real surprise! A crocodile resting by the water’s edge, half-submerged and motionless. The light was uneven, with bright reflections on the surface and shadows along the bank, but the iPhone handled the contrast beautifully. The zoom revealed the texture of its scales and the glint of its eye just above the waterline, all while maintaining natural tones and detail.
The new Centre Stage camera gives you flexible ways to frame your photos and videos. You can tap to expand the field of view or smoothly rotate from portrait to landscape without moving your iPhone. When friends (or in my case, a very excited dog) join the frame, it automatically widens to fit everyone in.
Later that evening at the Gardens by the Bay Lantern Festival, I tested its low-light capabilities. The scene was breathtaking.
Rows of glowing lanterns lined the pathways, the iconic Supertrees illuminated in the night sky like futuristic sentinels watching over the crowd.
There were Singapore-themed installations shaped like the Merlion and traditional snacks, each glowing softly in vibrant hues.
The improved Photonic Engine and the larger sensor in the Main camera captured the warm radiance of the lanterns with impressive depth and minimal noise. Even as the lighting shifted between cool and warm tones, the iPhone balanced the colours beautifully without losing shadow detail.
Photos remained sharp and naturally lit, and I could move from wide shots of the glowing Supertree Grove to close-ups of individual installations.
It felt almost effortless. The camera adapted to every lighting change, preserving both the atmosphere and the emotion of the moment.
Bringing Memories Back To Life Through Videos
This year’s video upgrades turn the iPhone into a serious creative tool. I shot several short clips, and the footage looked cinematic even before editing. The dynamic range is excellent, handling both bright sunlight and shaded areas without losing detail.
I also recorded a clip using the new Dual Capture mode that records from both the front and back cameras at the same time. Reviewing the footage later, I was amazed at how well-balanced it looked. The stabilisation worked beautifully, even as I walked along the uneven paths.
I also tried recording videos in selfie mode while walking my dog, and the footage turned out smooth and stable. The motion looked natural without any harsh jitter. Beyond casual use, the iPhone’s AI-powered framing really shines during FaceTime. It automatically tracks movement and keeps me centred, so I stay naturally in focus even if I shift around. Check these features out in a short video I made above!
Everyday Intelligence
Running iOS 26, the iPhone 17 Pro Max feels more intuitive than ever. The interface looks elegant, with the new Liquid Glass design giving everything a modern glow.
It is small experiences like that which show how much Apple has refined the everyday usability of the iPhone. It is not just about raw power anymore; it is about how seamlessly the device fits into your life.
Battery and Charging
The larger battery and smarter power management made a huge difference throughout the trip. Even with the camera, navigation, and editing apps running, the phone easily lasted two full days of moderate use. With Apple’s new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter, I reached half charge in under 20 minutes.
A New Level of Excellence
After a full day of exploring, shooting, and editing, I walked away deeply impressed. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple’s most complete and capable iPhone to date, built for creators and anyone who values both performance and artistry.
The camera system is nothing short of remarkable. The A19 Pro chip and the improved cooling system make it powerful enough for serious creative work. Most importantly, it delivers results that feel authentic.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max retails from S$1,899 and is available at the Apple Store.
