I've been testing the 17 Pro Max vs 17 Pro vs my old 12 Pro Max for speaker quality.
Volume: 17 Pro Max > 17 Pro > 12 Pro Max
Quality: 17 Pro Max* > 17 Pro > 12 Pro Max
*I noticed that when playing Golden for example, there is a bit more augmentation in the treble for the 17 Pro Max. If I am holding the 17 Pro Max it seems relatively well balanced with good treble quality, but if I prop it up on the table, the treble can seem a bit harsh so I guess the table amplifies the treble. The treble in the 17 Pro is a bit muted in comparison and never becomes harsh, even when propped up on the table. However, the 17 Pro Max is considerably louder at maximum volume. If I decrease the 17 Pro Max's volume to get close to that of the 17 Pro's, the treble no longer seems harsh when propped up on the table.
The 17 Pro Max also had fuller bass, when I listened to Run it.
The 12 Pro Max seems a bit weaker overall in comparison to both the 17 Pro Max and 17 Pro, but that's partially due to the fact it isn't as loud as either of them.
That said, all three of them are sufficient for my needs as I would use this functionality for music infrequently. OTOH, judging by reports online, I don't think I'd be happy with the volume of the iPhone Air's speaker. I was not able to test the iPhone Air's speaker side-by-side against these other iPhones, but Dave2D said it wasn't loud enough even for speakerphone calls outside when there was some background noise.
Volume: 17 Pro Max > 17 Pro > 12 Pro Max
Quality: 17 Pro Max* > 17 Pro > 12 Pro Max
*I noticed that when playing Golden for example, there is a bit more augmentation in the treble for the 17 Pro Max. If I am holding the 17 Pro Max it seems relatively well balanced with good treble quality, but if I prop it up on the table, the treble can seem a bit harsh so I guess the table amplifies the treble. The treble in the 17 Pro is a bit muted in comparison and never becomes harsh, even when propped up on the table. However, the 17 Pro Max is considerably louder at maximum volume. If I decrease the 17 Pro Max's volume to get close to that of the 17 Pro's, the treble no longer seems harsh when propped up on the table.
The 17 Pro Max also had fuller bass, when I listened to Run it.
The 12 Pro Max seems a bit weaker overall in comparison to both the 17 Pro Max and 17 Pro, but that's partially due to the fact it isn't as loud as either of them.
That said, all three of them are sufficient for my needs as I would use this functionality for music infrequently. OTOH, judging by reports online, I don't think I'd be happy with the volume of the iPhone Air's speaker. I was not able to test the iPhone Air's speaker side-by-side against these other iPhones, but Dave2D said it wasn't loud enough even for speakerphone calls outside when there was some background noise.