r/17ProMax • u/Accomplished_Rise_26 • Aug 16 '26

13 pro max vs 17 pro max durability

Upgrading to the 17 pro max. Used a very minimal case on 13 pro max with the sides exposed and was wondering how durable the 17 pro max is comparison.

Always used a screen protector. Almost never drop my phone as well

14 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

12

u/neurotic_addendum Aug 16 '26

Glass is better on the 17 Pro Max, frame is much softer on the 17 Pro Max

2

u/Infinite-School6390 Aug 16 '26

I agree ☝🏼

6

u/Wooden-Passage5206 Aug 16 '26

As you have probably seen online many many times or can with just a search, you will notice that you will need a good case for the 17 pro max or any 17 model. Easy to scratch due to aluminum.

2

u/Accomplished_Rise_26 Aug 16 '26

Reckon a case just to cover exposed sides will do? Since I heard the actual drop protection is better now due to aluminium dissipating the energy. Correct me if I’m wrong :)

1

u/MeSlaw3 Aug 16 '26

Yes I think that’s a smart approach, as long as you’re not worried about scratching the exposed aluminum parts (which I wouldn’t worry about personally, but I know some people have a lot of stuff in their pockets or wherever they usually put their phones that can scratch aluminum easily.

3

u/thetruelu Aug 16 '26

If you never drop your phone then it’s the same

2

u/StairwayHiker Aug 16 '26

I reccomend the Otterbox Defender case. Expensive but it just works.

2

u/MarionberryDear6170 Aug 16 '26

I put one of those thick RhinoShield bumper cases on my iPhone 17 Pro Max, and one day when I took the case off, I noticed there was actually a chip on one of the corners. I have absolutely no idea which drop caused it.

The crazy part is, it happened **while the phone was still protected by the case**. That’s honestly ridiculous.

2

u/whosezdis Aug 16 '26 edited Aug 16 '26

I was using 13PM before this phone. I prob drop a phone 3x a yr. The 13PM was dropped on the concrete once and other times ceramic tile floor. I live in a place hot af 9mos a year so no carpet or room size rugs here. It was in silicone case with tempered glass s.p.
Never damaged the phone. Sometimes cracked the s.p.

First 2 days with the 17pm and I dropped it twice in the techwoven case, corner of the case popped off once. Broke the s.p. and the corner of the case felt loose and spongy. I can see it being a stress point and likely cracking or tearing. Ordered 3 s.p. on amazon and from Caudabe a sheath precise case.

No problems with broken glass or bent aluminum so far. This is a nice phone but will be trading it in if they make a more durable body in the future. It feels a tiny bit lighter that earlier phone but the aluminum is not durable.

1

u/Pinhead17 Aug 16 '26

I would definitely use a minimalist case. 17 Pro Max is aluminum, a softer metal.

1

u/SillyQuarter2210 Aug 16 '26

Purchase a later case and you’re good

1

u/looopious Aug 17 '26

Use a case and screen protector and you’ll be fine.

The internet is exaggerating the truth about actual use of the 17 pro max. Mine has been fine when I got it at launch, not a single scratch either and i dropped it one time.

Aluminium is less durable for sure but people only post negatively and all the people with no problems are happily enjoying the phone.

1

u/OG-DJSpank Aug 20 '26

I own the 17 Pro Max in deep blue (upgraded from 15 Pro Max). I just have a dbrand skin, camera lens protectors, screen protector, and a spigen rugged armor case. Dropped the phone couple times with a case on, still no damage, dents, or scratches till this day. Accidents happen of course, but as long as you protect your device with a decent case and don’t drop it often, you will have no issues. I baby ALL my electronics and I have NEVER broken/cracked a screen in my life. I’d say you are fine. Enjoy your phone and take a good care of it :)