📱 Should you go big?

It may be time to return to the phablet.

When Apple first went big with the iPhone 6 Plus, I jumped on it. I loved the massive big screen and, on later models, the better cameras. For several years, I always bought Apple’s biggest iPhone.

But the weight and size of these phablets eventually grew tiresome, not least because the iPhones were always pulling my pants down.

So for the last couple of years, I’ve been using the regular-size iPhone Pro, which has generally been great. It’s manageably sized and there’s no sacrifice on camera quality.

But now the new Pro Max is the only model with a 5x optical zoom lens.

And thanks to the new titanium frame, it weighs only about a half-ounce more than the current iPhone 14 Pro.

Which means it might be time to switch back. But I’m not sure. It’s so big! But the zoom lens! Decisions, decisions…

If you’re in the same boat, check out our handy buying guide that walks you through the differences between the two models. Hopefully it will help you make a decision. I can’t, but maybe you can!

The Pro versus Max debate also begs the question: What is the perfect size for an iPhone? Be sure to take the poll below.

Also in today’s newsletter:

• We also put together a guide to help you answer the question: Should you buy the iPhone 15, Apple Watch or AirPods?

• The “Wonderlust” event was rumored to death. Nonetheless, there were five cool surprises.

• Looking for Windows 11 Pro at a killer price? $30 can’t be beat.

• For some people, new iCloud+ storage tiers were the most exciting announcement at yesterday’s Apple event.

• Uh oh. The iPhone 12 emits more radiation than is allowed under French law, so the device has been ordered pulled from sale in the country until there’s a fix.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

One more thing ...

Today’s poll

Results from yesterday’s poll: What did you think of the Wonderlust event?

Best reader comments

Subscribe to The Weekender — Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.