{"id":934527,"date":"2026-10-20T04:32:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T04:32:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/934527\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T04:32:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T04:32:14","slug":"powerful-tech-experts-first-impressions-of-iphone-18-pro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/934527\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Powerful\u2019: Tech Expert\u2019s First Impressions of iPhone 18 Pro"},"content":{"rendered":"

The breakthrough foldable iPhone Duo<\/a> might have hogged the spotlight at this year\u2019s major product launch, but the iPhone 18 series<\/a> is still the line-up most users are returning to. <\/p>\n

Honestly, it\u2019s been a hot minute since I bought an Apple flagship but this year the upgrades to the battery, camera \u2013 and let\u2019s be honest, burgundy colourway \u2013 have reeled me back in. <\/p>\n

Naturally, as a Libra, I can\u2019t decide whether the iPhone 18 Pro<\/a>* or iPhone 18 Pro Max<\/a>* is worth getting. <\/p>\n

Thankfully, I\u2019ve been lucky enough to test both so check out my early two-week first impressions below.<\/p>\n

RELATED: Do we still love Apple\u2019s \u2018best affordable item\u2019 after six months?<\/a><\/p>\n

P.S. If you\u2019re looking for a more wallet-friendly alternative<\/a> with a good camera, all the review photos were taken with the iPhone 17e<\/a> (unless stated otherwise). <\/p>\n

SHOP APPLE IPHONE<\/a><\/p>\n

Quick linksKey specs: iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max<\/p>\n

Both powered by the new A20 Pro chip, here\u2019s a quick rundown of a few main specs on the iPhone 18 Pro<\/a> and iPhone 18 Pro Max<\/a>. <\/p>\n

DisplaySizeBattery<\/p>\n

The two devices support MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with a 30W adaptor or higher. <\/p>\n

For fast charging, a 60W-capable adaptor (or higher) can boost both smartphones up to 50 per cent within just 15 minutes (or 30 minutes if you\u2019re using a 35W adaptor and MagSafe Charger). <\/p>\n

Camera<\/p>\n

Both the iPhone 18 Pro<\/a> and iPhone 18 Pro Max<\/a> have:<\/p>\n

18MP Center Stage front camera48MP Pro Fusion camera 48MP Fusion Main with variable aperture 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide48MP Fusion Telephoto Up to 8x optical zoomSetting up<\/p>\n

While I\u2019ve stuck to buying Samsung phones for years, I\u2019ve been using MacBooks and iPads for even longer so there wasn\u2019t a massive learning curve. Much like the phones\u2019 designs, the box keeps things minimal with just the handset, ejector pin and USB-C charging cable.<\/p>\n

Design<\/p>\n

I\u2019m a sucker for the clean and minimalist \u2018Apple aesthetic\u2018, and one of the few who still likes the divisive \u201cugly\u201d Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro<\/a>. But I\u2019m glad Apple has toned things back to more \u2018classy\u2019 options, including glaicer<\/a>, black<\/a>, silver<\/a> and what fans are calling \u201csexy<\/a>\u201d burgundy.<\/p>\n

But I can confirm fellow users\u2019 crash out over the iPhone 18 Pro Max<\/a> being a total fingerprint magnet. I started filming an unboxing and spent the majority of the time wiping smudges and airborne dust particles off the beautiful burgundy<\/a> back. That said, it\u2019s easy to remove with a microfibre cloth but it can get annoying after a while. I definitely recommend getting a clear case from Apple<\/a> or other brands like Belkin and popping it on once you take the Pro Max<\/a> out of the box.<\/p>\n

While the two handsets technically both 8.75mm thick, the iPhone 18 Pro feels slightly chunkier and even heavier despite it being technically lighter. I personally love bigger screens so it\u2019s no surprise I prefer the iPhone 18 Pro Max<\/a>, especially when the screen is bright and beautiful<\/a>. <\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t like using two hands, the iPhone 18 Pro<\/a> might be the way to go.<\/p>\n

Battery life<\/p>\n

The iPhone 18<\/a> range has been given a hefty battery upgrade, bulking up the battery life from 27 hours to 34 hours on the iPhone 18 Pro<\/a> and from 33 hours to a whopping 43 hours on the iPhone 18 Pro Max<\/a>. Both can comfortably last me two days<\/a>, provided I\u2019m not doing anything particularly demanding like hotspotting Google Maps for hours or filming videos for an extended period. <\/p>\n

Charging doesn\u2019t take much time either and can move the needle a fair bit within 30 minutes. If you\u2019re in a pinch and don\u2019t have an adaptor or wireless charger, here\u2019s how much the battery improved after just plugging the USB-C cable from the box into my work laptop.<\/p>\n

Camera<\/p>\n

The most exciting upgrade in the iPhone 18 line-up<\/a> is the camera, with users now able to gain more control over the shot with variable aperture, improved Photographic Styles, and Cinematic effects for videos. <\/p>\n

For any budding content creators travel vloggers, you can also now record time-lapse videos in 4K and Dolby Vision HDR as well as isolate music with the Audio Mix function. <\/p>\n

While I\u2019ve only had the two iPhone 18 Pros<\/a> for a short time, I\u2019m already having so much fun playing around with the settings and can\u2019t wait to dive into more depth with our longer-term review. <\/p>\n

Even if you\u2019re not someone who knows much about photography, there are still plenty of presets to easily change up the tone, texture and depth of field. (I personally love the \u2018bright + soft skin Photography Style\u2019 for selfies.)<\/p>\n

Is the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max worth buying?<\/p>\n

I feel like I\u2019m cheating on my current Android companion by saying this but, the iPhone 18 Pro Max<\/a> feels like the one. It has a gorgeous large display housed in a sleek aluminium body, plus it\u2019s powerful, long lasting, and packs a fantastic camera.<\/p>\n

The iPhone 18 Pro<\/a> is also smooth to use and has many similar specs to the Pro Max<\/a>, but without as much extra weight.<\/p>\n

However, both handsets obviously carry the typical Apple premium price tag. A $2099-$2299 starting price is on the high end, but could be worth the investment if you haven\u2019t upgraded in a while or need to replace a broken phone and want to invest in the latest iPhone<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How much does the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max cost?<\/p>\n

Both Apple smartphones are available to purchase from the Apple store<\/a> as well as the usual retailers, including Amazon Australia<\/a>, The Good Guys<\/a> and JB Hi-Fi<\/a>. They\u2019re available in the same colours, including glacier, silver, black and white.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how much the iPhone 18 series<\/a> will cost you:<\/p>\n

256GB512GB1TB2TB<\/p>\n

*Products were loaned by Apple for 100 per cent honest, independent review.<\/p>\n

To stay up to date on all the latest shopping news and sales, sign up to our newsletter here<\/a> and add us as a Preferred Source in Google here<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\"Tahnee-Jae<\/a>Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito<\/a>Senior Shopping Writer<\/p>\n

Tahnee-Jae has years of reviewing experience, specialising in all the appliances and products that can help improve your home and life. From finding the best budget sheets to the mattresses that can help you get a better night\u2019s sleep, she does all of the research to save you time and money.
\nShe previously worked as a content producer for one of Australia\u2019s top comparison sites Canstar Blue, where she spent her days learning what Australian shoppers really think by translating detailed national survey data into hundreds of highly respected consumer ratings \u2013 helping shed light on how well brands offer value for money and more.
\nArmed with a Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology, she knows that detail matters and is dedicated to creating in-depth shopping guides to help you find the right product.<\/p>\n

Read related topics:Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The breakthrough foldable iPhone Duo might have hogged the spotlight at this year\u2019s major product launch, but 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