The new iPhone 17 Pro Max was supposed to be a showcase of premium technology from Apple, but the reality is completely different according to many users and reviewers. Czech YouTuber Vítek Havliš in a video titled „I RETURNED THE iPHONE 17 PRO || Is Apple making junk?“ openly showed that the quality of this device is far from top-tier. Just 48 hours after unboxing, he noticed damage to the frame – a chipped piece of aluminum at the joint with the glass. At a price of around 1500 €, that is more than an unpleasant surprise.
Aluminum instead of titanium and weak quality control
Apple’s biggest blunder, according to the reviewer, is returning to an aluminum frame. Last year’s titanium models were noticeably more durable, while aluminum gets damaged quickly in falls or everyday use. Havliš points out that he is not the only one who has had problems with the new iPhone. It seems that Apple underestimated final quality control this time, which is truly inexcusable for such a premium device.
A fan of Apple turning their back
The video author is a long-time Apple fan and buys the latest model every year. This time, though, he said he doesn’t recommend the iPhone 17 Pro to anyone, and he’s already sending his unit back. If Apple doesn’t learn, he’ll consider switching to the competition—he mentioned Samsung and Google, but we see strong alternatives right in Chinese brands that, in recent years, have been delivering packed devices with a better price-to-performance ratio.
OnePlus 13 as an example of a Chinese flagship
If you’re looking for a quality alternative, among Chinese manufacturers one thing is clear: OnePlus 13 is definitely worth mentioning. This smartphone brings top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite, a huge 6000 mAh battery, 100 W charging, and up to 24 GB of RAM with storage up to 1 TB. It’s water-resistant thanks to IP68/IP69, has a gorgeous AMOLED display with brightness up to 4500 nits, and a triple 50 MPx camera setup. All of that at a price that’s far lower than the iPhone 17 Pro.
https://chinaplanet.sk/oneplus-13-5g-eu-verzia-4/
More alternatives: Honor, Realme, or Nubia
Besides OnePlus, Honor Magic also deserves attention with great displays and cameras, the Realme GT series known for its excellent value for money, or the photography-focused Nubia Z70 Ultra, which still delivers top-tier performance. All these brands offer quality materials, fast charging, and innovative features that Apple still keeps ignoring.
Here are a few tips for Android alternatives from us:
- Honor Magic7 Pro 5G with our trick for just €752: bigger 5850 mAh battery, a 200 MPx telephoto lens with 100x zoom, and 80 W wireless charging
- A Chinese beast realme GT 7 Pro 5G delivers Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6500 mAh, a beautiful 6.78″ 120 Hz OLED, plus 120 W charging
- A powerful Chinese machine Nubia Z70 Ultra with ultra-thin bezels, Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6150 mAh, and IP68+IP69 durability
Chinese smartphone makers are no longer synonymous with cheap low quality. On the contrary, they bring innovation—technologies like ultra-fast charging, top-notch displays, and durable builds—while still costing significantly less than Apple. If you’re deciding between an overpriced iPhone 17 Pro with questionable quality and modern Chinese flagships, the choice is clear.
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