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During the holiday break, I finally decided to upgrade my smartphone, after using my iPhone 13 Pro Max for four years. Here are the key differences I’ve observed so far.
Living in a country with some of the highest iPhone prices and being cautious with expenses, I held onto my previous device longer than most. But a recent trip to New York, coupled with idle waiting time during a demo for the Apple Vision Pro, prompted me to make the switch.
One of the most noticeable improvements is the battery life. I typically avoid stressing over battery percentages, but I noticed a significant difference. Working from home, I didn’t worry much about battery health during weekdays. However, weekends often required recharges. Now, with the new iPhone 17 Pro Max, I found it to last almost indefinitely. Even after a busy day of photography and navigating the city, it stayed above 85% after a full day out.
In terms of appearance and feel, the new device is less comfortable. Its finish is especially slippery, the rounded edges seem overly bulky, and although it’s only about a millimeter thicker than my old model, it feels noticeably heavier and more unwieldy. The lighter weight of about 10 grams, compared to my previous phone, feels somewhat awkward, like it’s trying to appear more durable than it actually is. After years with the older device, switching back makes the new feel somewhat unsatisfactory.
Regarding the camera, it’s no surprise that a four-year gap results in noticeable improvements. While incremental annual upgrades are often subtle, over time they accumulate. However, the upgrade was particularly striking when I first saw the low-light photos from my first day out in New York, highlighting the difference over my older device. Scrolling through my photo library, the upgrade instantly becomes apparent.
I also appreciate the new camera button. While I’m still getting used to using it, I find it more intuitive than swiping or activating it through the control center. The quick press to open the Camera app or hold to access Visual Intelligence feels natural and more efficient — a feature I’m beginning to see its benefits.
I turned off the always-on display immediately after setup because I find it unnecessary and distracting. Although I might try it again later, for now it’s just an added cognitive load I prefer to avoid. Despite trying to rely more on built-in visual features and ChatGPT rather than Siri, I still find many tasks faster on my Mac, which might just reflect my preference or age.
The increased screen size and reduced bezels are noticeable when comparing side by side, but in daily life, the extra space doesn’t feel as impactful as expected. As for the Dynamic Island, I agree it’s a worthwhile improvement over the notch, especially for quick controls or notifications, though I look forward to it being replaced by a more seamless design.
Overall, I’m very satisfied with my new device and expect to use it extensively until at least the iPhone 21, appreciating its long-lasting battery and improved features.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
