if you hypothetically had the iPhone 13 pro max since 2021 and it worked perfectly until the last couple of days when the screen started to glitch after dropping it

and you needed to upgrade (replacing the screen will cost like £300)

and you prioritise durability (🌱) & battery life & absolutely no lag

but also you've started using your phone less (1-3 hours per day on average)

which would you buy?

I just got the 17 Pro Max yesterday and it's stunning! Coming from the 13 Pro. Definitely get the Max.

I don't really like larger phones anymore, so I no longer get the Max models. I'd personally get the iPhone 17 Pro.

Get the Pro Max… the camera on it is absolutely insane quality, even in low light… def their best camera system in a while

Oh and the battery is immaculate. My phone never dies now. It lasts all day and I still have like 20-30 percent by the time it's time to go to bed

Edited December 30, 2025Dec 30 by Genie in a Bottle

I upgraded from 13 Pro to 17 Pro. The new camera is much better in low light and just in general. Beyond that, the phone feels the same.

I have had an iPhone 13 Pro Max since 2021! I'd get the Air. It's the only one worth buying as it's titanium.

3 minutes ago, Morbidicity said:

I have had an iPhone 13 Pro Max since 2021! I'd get the Air. It's the only one worth buying as it's titanium.

I wanted the Air, but since they already announced the Air will have a second version around like 2027, I want to wait to see the upgrades.

I got the 17 Pro (not Max) its the first time I don't get the max version since two phones ago, but I love it.

8 minutes ago, Morbidicity said:

I have had an iPhone 13 Pro Max since 2021! I'd get the Air. It's the only one worth buying as it's titanium.

3 minutes ago, Trash said:

I wanted the Air, but since they already announced the Air will have a second version around like 2027, I want to wait to see the upgrades.

I got the 17 Pro (not Max) its the first time I don't get the max version since two phones ago, but I love it.

I actually ended up getting the air. I like it, but taking photos is a pain in the ass. With only one lense, it has a hard time identifying what I'm trying to focus on, and even after trying to adjust by tapping on the focus, it takes forever to adjust. Especially so if I am focusing on something rather small. I was actually considering swapping it for a pro recently, but with no option to trade in current models online linked to my account to get a price estimate, I'm not about to go to the apple store to find out since it's a small thing since I don't take super frequent photos - just something that I have found to be really annoying.

All reviews point at the iPhone 17 as the best in the lineup this year. My iPhone 12 will collapse soon and that's the one i'll be getting

Edited December 31, 2025Dec 31 by getBusy

This exact situation kinda happened to me except I had a 13 Pro. I'm pretty happy with my 17, I dont need an extra camera or better battery. Its doing everything it should perfectly fine

Edited December 31, 2025Dec 31 by Nico Robin

I got the 17 Pro Max on release day (came from a 14 PM) and I've still had no issues with it. I think it's been worth every penny.

But honestly, it all comes down to your personal use. If you use your phone just for casual use then I'd say save yourself a little bit of money and go with the 17. However, if you're like me and are heavily reliant on your phone for literally EVERYTHING (work, photography/videography, travel a lot, etc) then definitely go for the 17 Pro/Pro Max.

That battery life is honestly a game changer, especially if you're someone who travels a lot.

I'd look for another 13 pro. ios18+ is a mess and the newer phones have excessive photo processing

the 17 pro max beats the 17 all the way but the 17 is no slouch. the 17 is basically a 16 pro with a few upgrades and a few things taken off (the zoom lens and pro features ) and they called it the 17. it even has the ProMotion for the first time, bridging the gap between the pros. They both have some of the best chips in the market, so basic performance/usage won't be an issue. but again, the 17 pro max beats it bc its a pro max. specifically the 17pm beats the 17 if you happen to do video editing or gaming.

I'd probably go w/ pro max if you plan on keeping it for 4 years again just for the futureproofing alone if you can afford it. It does have some durability issues for some ppl though so perhaps you can also consider a 16 pro max instead.

Edited December 31, 2025Dec 31 by BBathHausOfGaga

17 series is like the perfect phone ever for most people

120hz, same camera quality, 256GB base storage, same AI features, Camera Control for $300 less! plus it looks better than the pro version.

It's an even better value than the last three iPhone Pro models (15 Pro, 16 Pro, 17 Pro) since it starts with 256GB of storage and comes in at a lower price than all of them. The only thing you'd miss is the telephoto lens (optical), which isn't a big deal because the 17 uses the same sensor as the 17 Pro, giving you 2x zoom quality instead of 4x.

Edited December 31, 2025Dec 31 by babyforlife
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just get the pro max, so you can hold on to it for 4 years again. it would last longer than the regular 17 performance wise given that it has a better processor and larger battery

1 hour ago, Lloyd Minaj said:

I got the 17 Pro Max on release day (came from a 14 PM) and I've still had no issues with it. I think it's been worth every penny.

But honestly, it all comes down to your personal use. If you use your phone just for casual use then I'd say save yourself a little bit of money and go with the 17. However, if you're like me and are heavily reliant on your phone for literally EVERYTHING (work, photography/videography, travel a lot, etc) then definitely go for the 17 Pro/Pro Max.

That battery life is honestly a game changer, especially if you're someone who travels a lot.

For a heavy user how is your battery on a single full charge?

The 17 is the best option for your needs. Only opt for the Pro and Pro Max if you need the telephoto (zoom) lens and longer battery life. However, the base 17 already has great battery life. If money isn't a problem, and you don't mind the size, I think the 17 Pro Max is the best iPhone ever made. The battery life is insane and it's very fast and reliable.

The base model is for poor people stop listening to them.

I'm personally going to opt for the pro from now on after my 14 pro max. This was my first iPhone, and I thought a bigger screen meant bigger videos, but most videos don't fill up the entire screen anyways. The battery life was unbelievable at the beginning, but with all batteries, it starts to become average and then mediocre. With fast charging nowadays, I don't see a reason to buy a larger phone just for a larger battery. Unless there's no way you have access to a charger then it's not something you should worry about. The max is too heavy. A phone shouldn't cramp your hand.

17 is fine, but me personally would get 17 pro, not the max cause it's too big for me, unless if you prefer bigger

17 minutes ago, Cole said:

For a heavy user how is your battery on a single full charge?

A full day, morning until night, easily. I'd say about 12-15 hours on average. If my usage is lower than usual, it can last even longer

17 pro max definitely. It's so stunning. I hated the back at first but now I think it's cute lol

why is the normal 17 pro not an option?

Screw iPhone, go for Fairphone

Fairphone

Wij zijn Fairphone

Onze apparaten zijn doelgericht ontwikkeld: ze zijn ontworpen om langer mee te gaan, beter te presteren en écht het verschil te maken. En dat al meer dan tien jaar

32 minutes ago, fab said:

why is the normal 17 pro not an option?

idk it's only £100 more to get the pro max instead of the pro so i didn't really consider the pro

33 minutes ago, MonsterFandom said:

Screw iPhone, go for Fairphone

Fairphone

Wij zijn Fairphone

Onze apparaten zijn doelgericht ontwikkeld: ze zijn ontworpen om langer mee te gaan, beter te presteren en écht het verschil te maken. En dat al meer dan tien jaar

ohh this is very interesting, i'll have a look thanks!