Podcast Summary: Hands-On Tech 234 – iPhone 17 Pro Max First Impressions
Host: Micah Sargent
Date: September 21, 2025
Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio): Hands-On Tech
Episode Focus: First hands-on impressions and detailed comparisons of the newly released iPhone 17 Pro Max, including design changes, camera upgrades, accessories, battery life, and direct listener Q&A.
Episode Overview
In this episode, Micah Sargent shares his initial, in-depth impressions of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, exploring everything from design and materials to camera performance, cases, accessories, iOS 26, and the new features that differentiate it from previous models. Micah directly compares it to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, discusses accessories like Apple’s new crossbody strap and Tech Woven case, and responds to live listener questions in a relaxed yet informative tone.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Unboxing & Initial Impressions
Timestamps: 00:19–03:40
- Micah describes the anticipation leading up to the phone’s delivery, highlighting the new deep blue color and his decision to avoid the orange variant.
- Comparison with iPhone 16 Pro Max: Side-by-side comparisons using his dogs as lock screens for each model.
- Notes nearly identical feel and weight between the 17 Pro Max and 16 Pro Max, citing very minor differences in hand.
“They are very similar in feel, in look...The weight is very similar in hand and you're not going to sense much of a difference if you're coming from the last model.” — Micah Sargent [02:55]
2. Design & Build Changes
Timestamps: 03:40–08:00
- Material Shift: From titanium (16 Pro Max) to heat-forged aluminum unibody (17 Pro Max), with a partial glass back designed for easier battery replacement.
- Aluminum sides feel more premium and smoother; less sharp than previous titanium models.
- Micah was surprised to prefer the new feel.
- Antenna Adjustments: Introduction of a small spot on the top to facilitate signal transmission due to reduced glass area.
- Heat Management: Introduction of a liquid-cooled (vapor cooled) interior. Notably cooler during intensive setup and gaming vs. 16 Pro Max’s usual warmth.
“It is really, it feels premium. Even though some would argue this is like a stepped back, a step back. ...But it is this premium feel that's actually on the edges a little bit smoother and rounded...” — Micah Sargent [06:00]
3. Cases & Accessories
Timestamps: 08:00–13:44
- Tried the new Apple Tech Woven case (in green) and the Apple crossbody strap for a practical test.
- Installation was more difficult than advertised; Micah needed a SIM removal tool.
- Crossbody Strap: Features embedded magnets for smoother adjustment; Micah finds it practical for photography and everyday use, despite initial skepticism from the tech community.
“...Apple put magnets all throughout this strap so that when you adjust, [it] doesn't separate. It very easily snaps together... I've been very impressed with this crossbody strap.” — [10:48]
4. Camera System & Features
Timestamps: 13:44–17:12; 25:03–28:33
- Specs: 48MP main Fusion camera, ultra-wide and telephoto, more optical zoom options (0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x), especially notable is the 8x zoom.
- Performance: Upgrades are less substantial when coming directly from the 16 Pro Max but still impressive for telephoto and depth effects.
- Front Camera: Now leverages a square sensor for landscape/portrait selfies without phone rotation.
- On-screen camera button is “really delightful.”
- Video: Action mode at 8x zoom demonstrated by reviewer Tyler Stalman is cited as extraordinary (link in show notes).
- Image Quality: Not DSLR-level, but “the camera you have with you is the one that matters.”
5. Performance and iOS 26 Experience
Timestamps: 17:12–18:45, 28:33–32:49
- A19 Pro Chip: Smoother performance, faster animations, noticeable for users coming from older hardware.
- iOS 26: Feels and looks the same on older models; only minor experiential upgrades and smoother transitions on the 17 Pro Max.
- Apple Intelligence: No standout improvements versus prior version.
“Most of the time what that means for me is, is better performance in kind of moving around just on the screen. ...the transitions and everything seem a lot smoother...” — Micah Sargent [15:10]
6. Battery Life & Charging
Timestamps: 16:21–18:45
- Battery Quote: 39 hours of video playback (“more than a day on one charge”).
- Charging: New Apple 40W dynamic charger: USB-C, up to 60W if supported, enables 50% charge in 20 minutes.
- “That is magical because I can set it down and ... if my phone was at 50% now, suddenly I'm back up to where I need to be.” — [16:58]
7. Screen Quality & Durability
Timestamps: 18:45–21:56
- Display: Improved ceramic shield for scratch resistance; anti-reflective coating reduces glare.
- Real-World Testing: Micah experienced considerable scratches on his 16 Pro Max—hopes for durability with the new model.
8. Connectivity
Timestamps: 29:28–30:22
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6: Future-proofed hardware, but Micah cannot fully test Wi-Fi 7 yet.
- 5G: Speeds near home router quality; no issues so far.
Listener Q&A Highlights
(Scattered throughout, but especially from [32:49] onward)
-
Strength of Strap Materials:
“This material seems to be like a nylon material...it feels quite resilient. ... Wouldn't it be great if there was Kevlar?” — [36:07] -
Case Material Preference:
Tech Woven “feels far more tightly woven” and less prone to damage than old Fine Woven (“pile was taller” and more squishy).
“We're kind of going from shag carpeting to...Ikea showroom, but in a good way...” — [33:20] -
Upgrading from iPhone 13 Pro:
Jump to 17 Pro Max is “night and day,” thanks to camera, battery, display, and design improvements. “To go from a 12 megapixel to a 48 megapixel lineup is quite the improvement.” — [36:43] -
Is Camera Bump Larger?
Visual inspection reveals almost no height difference between the old and new models, though the plateau is wider on the 17 Pro Max. -
Button Feel Differences:
Machined buttons on the new case stick out less than last year; Micah prefers the older, more pronounced buttons for tactile feedback.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On the “premium” feel of the new materials:
“It is really, it feels premium. Even though some would argue this is like a stepped back, a step back. ...It is this premium feel that's actually on the edges a little bit smoother and rounded...” — Micah Sargent [06:00] -
On crossbody strap practicality:
“I have kind of changed my opinion about it over time...if my phone is just there at my side and kind of swinging around, ... this just makes sense.” — [10:48] -
On photographic improvements:
“Action mode is ... able to pull off this really cool sweeping effect that you wouldn't expect from a phone.” — [15:00] -
On Tech Woven vs Fine Woven cases:
“It feels far more tightly woven...not the same give that we had from the fine woven of before.” — Micah Sargent [33:20]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Unboxing & First Impressions: 00:19–03:40
- Design & Materials: 03:40–08:00
- Accessories & Crossbody Strap: 08:00–13:44
- Camera Upgrades: 13:44–17:12, 25:03–28:33
- Performance & iOS 26: 17:12–18:45, 28:33–32:49
- Battery & Charging: 16:21–18:45
- Screen & Durability: 18:45–21:56
- Connectivity: 29:28–30:22
- Listener Q&A: 32:49–End
Conclusion & Future Plans
Micah wraps up by promising more real-world tests (especially on heat dissipation and case durability), encourages listeners to share feedback, and mentions upcoming content on further iPhone 17 Pro Max use. He praises the lack of manufacturing defects and notes that over time, more reliability data will emerge.