For years, Apple’s standard iPhone models felt like the “hand-me-down” versions of their Pro counterparts. While last year’s iPhone 16 lineup began to narrow that gap, the iPhone 17 pushes it further, delivering some of the most significant upgrades we have seen in a non-Pro iPhone in recent years.
At a starting price of $799, the iPhone 17 now comes with a 120Hz ProMotion display and an exciting new Center Stage front camera. These upgrades, combined with dependable performance, improved durability, and all-day battery life, make the iPhone 17 Apple’s most balanced and consumer-friendly phone yet.
Design and Display
A Larger 6.3-inch Screen
The iPhone 17 introduces a 6.3-inch display, a slight bump from the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch panel. This size aligns it with the iPhone 17 Pro while creating a new balance within Apple’s lineup, as the newly introduced iPhone Air sits at 6.5 inches.
120Hz ProMotion Display
One of the most anticipated upgrades is the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, previously reserved for Pro models. This feature makes scrolling, animations, and overall interactions feel significantly smoother. Apps like Instagram, Safari, and gaming titles benefit immensely from this upgrade.
iPhone 17 Quick Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, 3,000-nit peak brightness, Always-On |
| Processor | A19 chip with Neural Accelerators |
| Front Camera | 18MP Center Stage with auto-framing, Dual Capture mode |
| Rear Cameras | Dual 48MP Fusion sensors (main + ultra-wide) |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 hours video playback, 25W MagSafe charging |
| Software | iOS 26 with Liquid Glass design, Priority Notifications |
| Starting Price | $799 |
| Official Site | Apple iPhone 17 |
Brightness and Always-On Display
The iPhone 17 also gets a major boost in brightness with a 3,000-nit peak (up from 2,000 nits on the iPhone 16). Outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight, is now effortless. An always-on display has also been introduced, allowing quick glances at notifications and widgets.
Durability and Colors
Apple debuts Ceramic Shield 2, offering three times better scratch resistance than the iPhone 16. The refreshed color lineup includes Lavender, Sage, and Mist Blue, alongside classic Black and White.
Camera Upgrades
Center Stage Front Camera
The headline feature is the new 18MP Center Stage camera that automatically adjusts framing by switching between portrait and landscape when more people enter the shot. It works not only for selfies but also during video calls, ensuring you remain centered even while moving.
Dual Capture Mode
A new Dual Capture mode allows simultaneous recording with the front and rear cameras, perfect for reaction videos or sports events. While innovative, it may take some practice to balance both frames effectively.
Rear Cameras
On the back, Apple equips the iPhone 17 with dual 48MP Fusion cameras for both the main and ultra-wide sensors. This is an upgrade from the iPhone 16, which had only a single Fusion main camera. Features like macro mode, True Tone flash, and Photographic Styles remain, with the addition of a new Bright style that enhances skin tones and vibrancy.
Photos now default to 24MP, offering sharpness and balanced brightness, though you can switch to 48MP for maximum detail. Low-light performance remains solid, producing accurate colors and detail.
Performance
A19 Chip
The iPhone 17 runs on Apple’s A19 chip with a six-core CPU and five-core GPU, now featuring Neural Accelerators on each core for faster AI tasks. While the Pro models boast the A19 Pro, the iPhone 17 still handles multitasking, gaming, and productivity seamlessly.
Gaming and AI
Games like Destiny: Rising benefit from smooth 120Hz gameplay without overheating, even though the device lacks the vapor chamber cooling system found in Pro models. AI features, including Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT integration, run quickly and efficiently.
Software: iOS 26
The iPhone 17 launches with iOS 26, featuring a refreshed design called Liquid Glass. While reactions are mixed, improvements to CarPlay, Messages, and the Camera app stand out. The pairing of always-on display with Priority Notifications further enhances usability.
Battery and Charging
Apple promises “all-day battery life,” with up to 30 hours of video playback or 27 hours of streaming. In real-world use, the iPhone 17 comfortably lasts from early morning to midnight with 15–20% battery remaining.
Charging improvements include:
- 25W MagSafe wireless charging
- 50% charge in 20 minutes with a 40W adapter
Competition
- Google Pixel 10: Matches the $799 price, offers a 5x telephoto zoom, Pixelsnap wireless charging, and strong AI features.
- Samsung Galaxy S25: Powerful processor and great battery life, though with fewer camera upgrades than the iPhone 17.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 17 represents the most meaningful upgrade to Apple’s regular iPhone in years. With its ProMotion display, upgraded cameras, and dependable performance, it feels like a leap forward rather than a subtle iteration.
If you’re using an iPhone 13 or older, the difference will feel transformative. Even iPhone 16 users may find the upgrades compelling enough to justify an upgrade. For most people, the iPhone 17 is the best balance of price, features, and performance in Apple’s 2025 lineup.
FAQs
Q1: Is the iPhone 17 worth upgrading from iPhone 16?
Yes. The 120Hz display and Center Stage camera make this a meaningful upgrade even from last year’s model.
Q2: Does the iPhone 17 support ProRAW photos?
No. ProRAW and ProRes are still exclusive to Pro models.
Q3: How is the iPhone 17 different from the iPhone Air?
The iPhone Air sits between the regular iPhone and the Pro in size and features, but the iPhone 17 delivers better value for most users.
Q4: Can the iPhone 17 handle gaming?
Absolutely. The A19 chip and 120Hz display deliver smooth, lag-free gaming.
Q5: What charging speeds does the iPhone 17 support?
Up to 25W MagSafe wireless and 40W wired charging, reaching 50% in 20 minutes with a compatible adapter.
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