This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
The Akaraviku heat-dissipation case for the iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a metal back plate and a thermal-conductive inner layer to pull heat away from the phone. In my 10-minute gaming test it ran about 1°C cooler than Apple's own TechWoven case. That is a small gain, and it comes with real costs: the case weighs 66.6 g, clashes with lens protectors, and my unit arrived slightly warped.
What I tested
- Akaraviku heat-dissipation metal back case for iPhone 17 Pro Max (about ¥2,600 at the time of recording)
- Compared with the Apple TechWoven case with MagSafe for iPhone 17 Pro Max
- The same game for about 10 minutes at maximum brightness and volume, then surface temperatures with a thermal camera. I let the phone cool down between the two runs.
What I found
- Temperature: with the Akaraviku case, the hottest spot on the screen side was about 39°C, and most of the phone sat around 37–38°C. With the Apple case the screen side passed 40°C (40.3°C) and the back was about 39°C.
- Only one run each: a game never repeats exactly the same scenes, so a 1°C difference could be within the margin of error.
- Weight: 66.6 g on my scale, almost double the Apple case (just under 35 g).
- Build quality: the case was slightly bent out of the box, the metal plate sits a little crooked, and there are no instructions. The inner sticker is meant to stay on.
- Lens protector clash: with my camera lens protector attached, the case would not sit flat. I had to remove (and throw away) the protector.
- MagSafe: it has magnets and stuck to my car mount, but it did not charge on my wireless charger.
- Buttons: easy to press; there is a strap hole and an open cutout for Camera Control.
| Item | Akaraviku heat-dissipation case | Apple TechWoven case |
|---|---|---|
| Product |  |  |
| Weight (my measurement) | 66.6 g | Just under 35 g |
| Screen side after 10 min of gaming | About 39°C (hottest spot) | 40.3°C |
| Back after 10 min of gaming | About 37–38°C | About 39°C |
Who it's for
- People who play demanding games on an iPhone 17 Pro Max and want every bit of cooling they can get
- Not for you if you want a light, slim case, use a camera lens protector, or care about fit and finish
If you like this brand, I found its bumper case much better made. You lose back protection, but it is far cleaner.
Watch the review
The video is in Japanese. The temperature test starts around 7:30.
Limitations
I ran the temperature test once with each case, in a room, with one game. Results will vary with the game, room temperature and your phone. I only tried one wireless charger. Price is in yen at the time of recording.
Products
Akaraviku heat-dissipation metal back case for iPhone 17 Pro Max: on Amazon Japan
Apple TechWoven case with MagSafe for iPhone 17 Pro Max: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
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This review is also available in Japanese.