Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max — $1,299.00 Offer at Apple

Apple · via PCMag ReviewsPosted Sep 21

PCMag Reviews Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max: Hardware Upgrades, Design Changes, and $1,299 Starting Price

Item: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Author: Savlume

In a recent review, PCMag evaluated the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, highlighting its reported $1,299 starting price and internal upgrades such as the A20 Pro processor, improved battery life, and a smaller Dynamic Island. The reviewer noted that while the aluminum build and updated camera controls perform well, the phone is heavier at 8.78 ounces and keeps the previous generation's overall footprint. Shoppers should keep in mind that US units remain eSIM only, with final pricing, carrier incentives, and retail availability varying by merchant.

Read the original at PCMag Reviews

AI brief

From the source report

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is worth considering if you want a large-screen phone with long tested battery life and hands-on camera controls. PCMag reports a 34-hour, 31-minute result in its video-streaming battery test and describes manual aperture, shutter-speed, and ISO controls, but the phone is heavier than its predecessor and its starting price is $1,299.

Best suited for

Buyers seeking a large iPhone with long battery life, or visual creators who want manual camera and video controls, as described by PCMag.

Highlights

PCMag measured 34 hours and 31 minutes in its Wi-Fi video-streaming battery test, which may suit buyers who prioritize extended use between charges.
The reviewer reports manual control of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance, offering more adjustment for people who want to shape photos themselves.
PCMag says the 6.9-inch display supports 1Hz-to-120Hz ProMotion, a large-screen option for buyers who value screen size and adaptive refresh rates.

Before you buy

The reviewer says the phone weighs 8.78 ounces, up from 8.22 ounces for the previous model.
The reviewer reports that the phone became too hot to hold during AnTuTu testing; the article notes the app may have been pushing phones harder than before.
US models are eSIM only and cannot accept physical SIM cards.

Savlume Editorial Team. AI-assisted analysis of the source; not a hands-on test. Read source ↗

Media review

Review findings & buying advice

Based on PCMag Reviews · Eric Zeman ↗. AI-assisted summary of the source; not a Savlume hands-on test.

PCMag gives the iPhone 18 Pro Max an Editors' Choice award, citing its tested battery life, speed, and camera controls; the reviewer also notes its increased weight and heat during a demanding benchmark.

Who it may suit
Buyers who want a large iPhone with long battery life, or photographers and video creators interested in manual controls.

What the source liked

The review's Wi-Fi video-streaming test lasted 34 hours and 31 minutes.
The reviewer found the phone responsive in everyday use and reported strong benchmark results.
Manual aperture and video controls give creative users more settings to adjust.

Trade-offs & limitations

The phone is heavier than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The reviewer says it became too hot to hold during an AnTuTu benchmark run.

Source testing context
The article describes Geekbench 6, 3DMark, AnTuTu, battery streaming, charging, network, and camera testing. The reviewer also reports using the phone intensely over a week.