The headline feature is the 48MP Telephoto Fusion lens, replacing the previous 12MP version found on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This lens supports 4x optical zoom with a 100mm focal length, enabling crystal-clear 48MP shots. It also supports up to 8x zoom (equivalent to 200mm), though images at this level are limited to 12MP resolution.

According to Apple, the new telephoto sensor is 56% larger than the one used in the previous generation, greatly improving low-light performance.

This lens incorporates Hybrid Focus Pixels, 3D sensor-shift optical image stabilization, autofocus, and a tetraprism design first introduced last year. Optical zoom can reach 8x, with digital zoom extending up to 40x - a meaningful upgrade, even if it still falls short of Samsung’s 100x Space Zoom.

Wide and ultra-wide lenses

The 48MP Fusion Main wide-angle lens remains largely unchanged from the iPhone 16 Pro Max. It allows users to capture 24MP or 48MP images at 24mm, or 12MP telephoto images at 48mm. Key features include second-generation sensor-shift stabilization, full sensor coverage for autofocus, and a wide f/1.78 aperture for excellent performance in varied lighting.

Apple’s 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide lens has a 13mm focal length, f/2.2 aperture, and 120-degree field of view. It also supports detailed 48MP macro photography and incorporates Hybrid Focus Pixels for sharper images - making it ideal for landscapes and group shots.

To the right of the camera plateau are the Adaptive True Tone flash and LiDAR scanner. The LiDAR continues to support faster autofocus in low-light environments and enables advanced AR features.

Signature Apple camera features

Apple continues to build on its trademark imaging technologies, including:

·        Photonic Engine: Combines high-res images with optimized lighting to produce detailed 24MP shots - especially beneficial for night photography.

·        Deep Fusion: Enhances texture and detail in medium-to-low light.

·        Smart HDR 5: Recognizes faces and optimizes light, contrast, and skin tones.

·        Portrait mode with Focus and Depth Control: Automatically collects depth data and applies portrait effects even after the shot is taken, including in Night Mode.

·        Portrait Lighting: Includes presets like Natural, Studio, Stage, and High-Key Mono.

·        Night Mode: Combines multiple frames over several seconds for bright, clear results in very dark settings.

·        Panorama mode: Supports images up to 63MP.

·        Photographic Styles: Real-time filters, now with a new “Bright” option.

·        Spatial photos and videos: Viewable in 3D on Apple Vision Pro.

·        ProRAW and ProRes: Offers RAW image capture and professional video recording.

·        Other features: Lens distortion correction, burst mode, automatic stabilization, and noise reduction.

Industry-leading video performance

The iPhone 17 Pro Max remains a leader in mobile videography:

·        4K Dolby Vision video at 120fps.

·        ProRes 4K 120fps when using external storage, with new support for ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and Genlock - features aimed at professional filmmakers.

·        Dual Capture: Simultaneous recording with front and rear cameras, including 4K Dolby Vision at 30fps.

·        Cinematic Mode: 4K Dolby Vision video with background blur effects at 30fps.

·        Action Mode: Advanced stabilization in 2.8K Dolby Vision at 60fps.

·        Spatial Video: 1080p at 30fps with spatial audio for immersive experiences.

·        Also supports macro video, 1080p slow motion at 240fps, 4K Dolby Vision at 120fps, time-lapse, QuickTake, and digital zoom up to 15x.

Enhanced front camera

A standout upgrade is the 18MP front-facing camera, now featuring Center Stage for better video calls. With an f/1.8 aperture, larger sensor, and square design, it delivers wider frames while keeping subjects centered.

Users can take selfies in both landscape and portrait orientations without rotating the device. Dual Capture is also supported, enabling creators to record reactions and scenes simultaneously.

Camera comparison across models

While the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max sport the premium triple-camera setup, the standard iPhone 17 is equipped with just two lenses (wide and ultra-wide). Meanwhile, the newly launched iPhone Air includes a single lens, equivalent to the main camera on the iPhone 17 Pro.

Final verdict

The “camera plateau” not only redefines the back design of the iPhone 17 Pro Max but also houses one of Apple’s most ambitious camera upgrades yet - especially the all-new Telephoto system.

Although it doesn’t yet match Samsung’s 100x zoom, Apple has significantly narrowed the gap while adding professional features like ProRes RAW, Genlock, and Dual Capture.

Still, questions remain: Will these higher specs and added features meaningfully impact the average user’s daily experience? Or is this merely Apple’s latest effort to stay ahead in a competitive market?

Either way, the iPhone 17 Pro Max clearly reasserts its position as the “gold standard” in mobile imaging and videography. For both professionals and content creators, it’s a powerful option worth considering.

Hai Phong