Tech geek used iPhone 18 Pro Max all day. There’s no rush upgrading
The iPhone 18 Pro Max promises longer battery life, but you’ll be carrying the trade-off all day: it weighs nearly a quarter of a kilogram without a case.
Russia-based reviewer Rozetked reached a 42% charge in 15 minutes using Apple’s 67W adapter and a 100W cable. That fell short of Apple’s advertised «up to 50%», although one charger test cannot determine how quickly the phone can charge with other equipment.
The 15-minute claim requires a 60W-capable adapter or higher with Adjustable Voltage Supply, not simply any charger with a large number on the box. The official specifications list the Pro Max at 249g, against 211g for the smaller Pro: a 38g difference worth testing in a shop.
If you’re in Asia, read this: iPhone Duo & iPhone 18 Pro: Prices & pre-order dates across Asia
Check the charger — and try holding the phone
Battery endurance is a reason to consider the larger model. Apple rates it for up to 45 hours of video playback, versus 36 hours for the Pro. These are manufacturer figures, not proof that either phone will last that long through navigation, photography and mobile data use.
Rozetked also discovered that the phone warmed up during demanding benchmark tests but remained comfortable to hold without dimming the display. That observation is more useful to a regular buyer than a higher score alone, though it is still a preliminary test.
Check out the flip side: iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Which is worth the price tag?
The camera upgrade you might actually use
The variable aperture on the primary camera changes how much light gets into the lens and how much of a scene is in focus.
It can be adjusted automatically, so everyday users do not have to learn manual photography to benefit. Apple is also adding subject-tracking focus for video, which could be useful when shooting kids or pets that won’t sit still.
The review’s less than glamorous finding was on handling: camera controls near the top of the screen were awkward to use one-handed. A bigger viewfinder doesn’t necessarily make shooting with a phone easier.
Read more: iPhone Duo hands-on: perks, flaws and $1,999 trade-offs
Rozetked found no reason for iPhone 17 Pro owners to upgrade and preferred the smaller 18 Pro for comfort. For anyone weighing up the practical test, it is simple: is the bigger screen and promised extra battery life worth the extra weight?
