iPhone 17 Pro Review: Sound, Scratches & Surprises
iPhone 17 Pro Review: Sound, Scratches & Surprises
By: Robert Warren
(Image retrieved from: Apple Official Website, n.d)
The iPhone 17 Pro is here, and boy, it’s got everyone talking — some are clapping, some are scratching (literally), and some are still crying over the missing black. Let’s dive into the highs, the lows, and the “Did Apple just do that?” moments in true “late-night meets gadget teardown” style.
What You’ll Find Below
-The wild audio, camera and video upgrades
-Build, display, and the scratch scare
-iOS 26, new features & “Liquid Glass” vibes
-The missing black (yep, really)
-Why your phone might look battle-worn already
-Is it worth it — with a case, at least
-And yes — a gadget that actually keeps up: the Azpen DockAll D115
1. Crank the Volume, Snap the Shot: Audio & Cameras That Wow
Audio: Let’s start with what surprised me most. The iPhone 17 Pro’s speakers? Jaw-dropping. Seriously, the spatial audio, the clarity, the staging — it feels borderline concert quality in a pocket device. Apple doubled down on this, making audio a standout, not just a “oh yeah it plays sound too” feature.
Camera Game: Apple’s camera game just flexed hard---Slay! The iPhone 17 Pro Max doesn't just upgrade — it triple upgrades. All three rear lenses now boast 48MP sensors, meaning you're packing pro-level hardware in your pocket whether you're shooting wide, ultra wide, or zoom.
(Image retrieved from: Apple Official Website, n.d)
Wide Lens: Let’s start with the main (wide) lens — your default go-to. It delivers tack-sharp shots in nearly all conditions and uses smart in-sensor cropping to offer in-between zoom levels (like 1.2× and 1.5×) without switching lenses. This makes transitions smoother and shots more versatile without ever feeling artificial. And for the pixel purists? You can still shoot full 48MP ProRAW if you're into that Lightroom life.
Ultra Wide Lens: The ultra wide lens now also rocks a 48MP sensor and doubles as a macro lens. Close-ups are clean, colorful, and less distorted than before, although the edges still have a touch of fisheye flair. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you’re a perfectionist shooting detailed textures or wide architectural scenes.
Telephoto Lens: Now, the star of the show: the telephoto lens. It's a 100mm (4×) tetra prism monster that brings insane reach to mobile photography. But it doesn’t stop there — thanks to sensor cropping on that high-res sensor, Apple pulls off what it calls “optical-quality” 8× zoom. So, whether you're grabbing sneaky street shots or crisp stage pics from the back row, you get real clarity without the mushy digital smear.
(Image retrieved from: Apple Official Website, n.d)
Video: And video lovers? You’re covered. The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports 4K, ProRes, and Dual Capture (front and rear simultaneously) — perfect for vloggers, creators, or anyone who likes yelling “rolling!” at their pets.
Bottom line: the camera on the iPhone 17 Pro Max isn't just better. It's smarter, more flexible, and surprisingly close to DSLR territory — just don’t forget your case if you plan on laying it down between shots.
2. The Build, the Display & the Scratch Saga
Images retrieved from: (Mickey, 2025) & (Vikhyat & Vikhyat, 2025)
Build & Display
Apple ditched titanium and went with a vapor-chamber, heat‑forged aluminum unibody that doubles as a giant thermal sink.
The display is still a 6.3" Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion up to 120 Hz, and peak brightness that can punch through daylight.
Image retrieved from: (Mendes, 2025)
Scratch/“Material Transfer” Drama
Enter “Scratch Gate.” Demo units in Apple Stores showed faint hairline marks that looked like scratches. Cue panic. But Apple says it’s not a structural scratch issue — it's instead “material transfer,” residue from contact with other surfaces, which can often be wiped off.
Still, many users (and reviewers) warn: use a case immediately, especially with that soft aluminum frame and raised camera plateau.
I’ve already seen social media on devices out there with scuffs after light daily use. Sad, but real.
Image: (MSN, n.d.)
Apple has since responded "Apple on Wednesday addressed ScratchGate, saying the scratches seen in its stores aren't actual scratches. Instead, it's material transfer from the MagSafe supports to the handset, or dirt. Those marks can be wiped away, as they're not permanent damage. Apple told Tom's Guide and 9to5Mac that it's working to fix these problems in its stores." (MSN, n.d.) Still, it is best to get a case to avoid this all together.
3. Meet iOS 26, the “Liquid Glass” World
iOS 26 is more than a skin refresh. This is Apple leaning into AEO / VSO vibes: smoother animations, more context-aware UI, and the new “Liquid Glass” design language. The OS feels fluid, alive, less rigid.
Features I’m digging:
-Smarter live widgets
-Enhanced spatial audio routing
-Deeper integrations with Apple Intelligence (the sort of magic Siri wants to be)
It’s not perfect, but it’s an evolution, not just a tweak.
4. The (Tragic) Absence of Black
Yes, I said it — no black option this year. For the first time in Pro iPhone history, you can’t get a gray or black Pro model. Apple now offers:
-Cosmic Orange
-Deep Blue
-Silver
(Image retrieved from: Apple Official Website, n.d)
If you liked stealthy matte black, tough luck. My condolences.
5. Why Your Phone Might Already Look Like It Lost a Fight
Between that soft aluminum unibody, the camera plateau, and no black to hide scuffs — your phone is already vulnerable. Use a case, a lip protector, or at least a PPF skin.
Also, that plateau means the phone doesn’t lie flat on surfaces — it’s essentially a tilted war zone for your table surface but is more steady than most other iPhone models. Also, what is nice about the plateau is it makes it easier to hold this large phone with some grip for the hand.
6. The Big Question: Is It Worth It?
Short answer: Yes — but only if you shield it.
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max is not just a phone — it’s a statement. From studio-grade spatial audio to a triple 48MP camera array that genuinely rivals mirrorless systems, it’s a multimedia powerhouse made for creators, tech lovers, and everyday users alike. The vapor-chamber aluminum build keeps performance cool even under stress, while iOS 26’s "Liquid Glass" interface makes every swipe and tap feel next-gen.
Yes, “ScratchGate” raised some eyebrows. But let’s keep it real: Apple’s clarification around material transfer, not actual scratching, coupled with easy fixes like cases or skins, means it’s hardly a dealbreaker. This is a performance-first device, not a glass museum piece. Wrap it up and move on — the tech inside speaks for itself.
And when paired with the Azpen DockAll D115, you’ve got a home base that matches the phone’s power and design ethos. So, if you're asking, “Is the iPhone 17 Pro Max worth it?” — the answer is a confident yes. Just don’t go naked without the case. Let`s dig into D115.
7. The Charging Station That Finally Keeps Up: Azpen DockAll D115
(Azpen, n.d)
For a phone that demands premium, you want a dock that isn’t gasping for power. The Azpen DockAll D115 is a wireless charging + speaker hub that gives up to 15W Qi fast charging while doubling as a Bluetooth speaker / dock.
Why it’s a smart match:
-Helps reduce scratching (you don’t lay your iPhone flat on rough surfaces)
-Loud enough for a bedside / desk hub
-Hands‑free call mic, so it becomes a mini smart dock
-One less cable clutter
In short, for your iPhone 17 Pro, DockAll isn’t just a convenience — it’s arguably a necessity. Plenty of docks will charge your iPhone 17, but DockAll turns charging into a full-on experience with multiple charging spots, dual speakers, ability to answer calls — the charging ability of horizontal, and vertical making it the best charging station for iPhone 17 that can do it all.
Get DockAll D115 Here:
DockAll D115 - 15W Super Fast Qi Wireless Charging Sound Hub – Richwoods Technology
Conclusion: Pretty, Powerful, but Bring a Case
Apple’s new Pro is a mix of brilliance and vulnerability. The audio, performance, and design innovations are real. But the scratch fears and the color choices — those are missteps. Grab a case, maybe a DockAll, and enjoy the ride.
References:
-Apple Inc. (2025, September). Apple unveils iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple Newsroom. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/apple-unveils-iphone-17-pro-and-iphone-17-pro-max/
-Apple Inc. (2025). iPhone 17 Pro - Technical Specifications. https://www.apple.com/iphone-17-pro/specs/
-MacRumors. (2025). iPhone 17 Pro: Everything You Need to Know. iPhone 17 Pro: Everything We Know | MacRumors
-Economic Times. (2025). iPhone 17 scratch-gate debunked: Apple explains the material transfer. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/the-iphone-17-scratch-gate-debunked-apple-explains-the-material-transfer/articleshow/124161637.cms
-Meristation/AS. (2025). Alarma en los iPhone 17 Pro: Este fallo de diseño puede arruinar tu móvil. https://as.com/meristation/betech/alarma-en-los-iphone-17-pro-este-fallo-de-diseno-puede-arruinar-tu-movil-si-no-pones-medidas-n/
-Azpen Innovation. (2025). DockAll D115 - 15W Super Fast Qi Wireless Charging Sound Hub. https://www.azpenpc.com/products/d115-15w-dockall-fast-qi-wireless-charging-sound-hub
-Vikhyat, & Vikhyat. (2025, September 11). IPhone 17 Pro Vapor Chamber: Everything you need to know. iGeeksBlog. https://www.igeeksblog.com/iphone-17-pro-vapor-chamber-cooling/
-Mickey. (2025, September 24). Vapor chamber? Understanding the new thermal envelope on iPhone Pro - AppleMagazine. Apple Magazine. https://applemagazine.com/vapor-chamber-new-thermal-on-iphone-pro/
-Mendes, M. (2025, September 17). Here’s how the iPhone 17 Pro vapor chamber actually works - 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac. https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/17/heres-how-the-iphone-17-pro-vapor-chamber-actually-works/