We’re almost halfway through 2026 and, even after testing a wide array of new phones like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Normal Phone 4(a) Pro, and the budget-friendly iPhone 17e, Popular Mechanics‘ Stefan Vazharov still consider’s Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max to be the absolute best smartphone you can buy right now.
Stefan Vazharov for Popular Mechanics:
And I’m not alone: Despite its $1,199 starting price tag, the big-screen iPhone 17 Pro Max was the most popular model in the iPhone 17 line in 2025, according to sales analysis from Counterpoint Market Research. The standard 17 has overtaken it this year, but the iPhone 17, 17 Pro Max, and 17 Pro have locked down the top three spots.
After seeing the iPhone’s evolution year after year, the numbers are no surprise. The 17 Pro and Pro Max are Apple’s best phones to date, and a more substantial upgrade than we’ve seen in the past few years. After nine months in my pocket, though, I’ve had plenty of time to see its strong specs translate into real-world performance…
Choosing between these two top-tier phones [iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone 17 Pro] largely comes down to personal preference for phone size, but I’d recommend the Pro Max if you watch a lot of video on your phone, or if battery life is a major concern. The Pro, on the other hand, is smaller and physically fits better in more hands, so it’s the better choice if you prefer to scroll and take photos one-handed.
MacDailyNews Take: Popular Mechanics spitting facts.
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