From Digital Camera World · · 1m 50s
iPhone 18 Pro Max review highlights
iPhone 18 Pro Max offers superb video but its variable aperture feature is overrated.
In brief
iPhone 18 Pro Max offers superb video but its variable aperture feature is overrated. The iPhone 18 Pro Max provides excellent video performance and reliable photography but its variable aperture camera system adds little value for most users. Originally reported by Digital Camera World.
iPhone 18 Pro Max review
Digital Camera World rates the iPhone 18 Pro Max as an exceptionally capable phone with outstanding video quality and consistent photography.
Key improvements
The iPhone 18 Pro Max features a new A20 Pro processor, improved battery life, a smaller Dynamic Island, and Photographic Styles alongside a variable-aperture 48MP main camera.
Price and availability
The iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 / £1,299 / €1,599 / AU$2,299 for 256GB storage, with higher capacities available at increased prices.
Design changes
Apple introduced burgundy as the headline color option alongside glacier, silver, and black, with minimal physical changes to the design.
Camera performance
The main camera now has a variable aperture from f/1.48 to f/4, but the reviewer finds it adds little practical value for most photography.
Video capabilities
The iPhone 18 Pro Max delivers class-leading video performance with 4K Dolby Vision 120fps, ProRes up to 4K 120fps, and excellent stabilization.
Photographic styles
Apple added Photographic Styles to mimic film simulations, with tone, saturation, texture, and grain controls for creative adjustments.
Performance
The A20 Pro processor provides strong performance with up to 40% more GPU performance than the A19 Pro, and battery life is excellent.
Value proposition
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is not worth upgrading from the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but offers significant value for users coming from older models.
Final verdict
The iPhone 18 Pro Max remains a top camera phone with excellent video capabilities but its variable aperture feature is overrated for most users.
What it means
The iPhone 18 Pro Max provides excellent video performance and reliable photography but its variable aperture camera system adds little value for most users.
