iPhone 17 Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
▼ Summary
– The iPhone 17 maintains the same design as its predecessor but introduces significant upgrades like a variable 120Hz refresh rate screen and faster charging, making it feel more premium at the same $799 price.
– Its display is larger with slimmer bezels, includes an always-on lockscreen feature, and has improved brightness and scratch resistance for better outdoor visibility and durability.
– The device runs on iOS 26 with a new Liquid Glass design and practical features like call screening tools, though its AI capabilities lag behind competitors like Google and Samsung.
– Performance is enhanced with the A19 chip, better connectivity via the N1 wireless chip, and longer battery life, though it can overheat during intensive tasks and lacks a dedicated telephoto lens.
– Camera improvements include a higher-resolution ultrawide sensor and a smarter selfie camera with AI features, but it still struggles with low-light motion and lens flares, and offers simultaneous front/rear video recording.
For those considering an upgrade, the iPhone 17 represents a significant leap forward for Apple’s standard model, delivering premium features like a 120Hz ProMotion display and an enhanced camera system while maintaining its accessible starting price. This year’s base iPhone successfully bridges the gap with its Pro siblings, incorporating long-awaited improvements that elevate the overall user experience without a corresponding price hike.
While the exterior design remains largely unchanged from the iPhone 16, subtle refinements make a noticeable difference in daily use. The device features slightly larger dimensions to accommodate its expanded screen, yet manages to feel just as comfortable in hand thanks to significantly thinner bezels. The most substantial upgrade comes from the new display technology, featuring a variable 120Hz refresh rate that makes every interaction noticeably smoother. This adaptive screen can drop as low as 1Hz to conserve battery while enabling the always-on lock screen functionality previously reserved for Pro models. Combined with improved scratch resistance and a remarkable 3000 nits peak brightness, the visual experience competes directly with higher-end alternatives.
Performance receives a meaningful boost from the new A19 chip, which enhances AI processing capabilities through dedicated Neural Accelerators. The combination of doubled base storage to 256GB and the new N1 wireless chip addresses previous limitations with AirDrop and Personal Hotspot reliability. During testing, the iPhone 17 handled demanding applications and multitasking with effortless ease, though extended gaming sessions revealed some thermal management limitations compared to Pro models with advanced cooling systems.
Photography capabilities see important enhancements, particularly with the upgraded 48-megapixel ultrawide camera that matches the main sensor’s resolution. The redesigned 18-megapixel front-facing camera introduces intelligent framing that automatically adjusts for group selfies, making it substantially more versatile for social photography. While low-light performance and moving subject capture still present challenges, the overall imaging system produces consistently vibrant and detailed results in most conditions. The continued absence of a dedicated telephoto lens remains noticeable, with the digital zoom option failing to match the quality of physical alternatives.
Battery life demonstrates clear improvement over previous generations, comfortably lasting through a full day of moderate to heavy usage. The introduction of 40W wired charging cuts recharge time significantly, reaching 50% capacity in just twenty minutes, a welcome quality-of-life enhancement for users constantly on the move. Wireless charging maintains similar performance to earlier models, providing reliable convenience for those invested in the MagSafe ecosystem.
Running iOS 26 with its Liquid Glass visual design, the software experience feels refreshed and more engaging. Practical additions like Hold Assist and Call Screening provide genuine utility for managing communications, though the AI capabilities still trail behind competing platforms in terms of sophistication and integration. These functional improvements complement the hardware upgrades to create a cohesive package that justifies consideration for both upgraders and new iPhone users alike.
The iPhone 17 manages to deliver meaningful advancements where they matter most, transforming what was once considered an entry-level option into a genuinely competitive flagship alternative. While certain professional features remain exclusive to the Pro lineup, this model eliminates many of the previous compromises, offering a balanced combination of performance, features, and value that makes it an compelling choice in the current smartphone landscape.
(Source: IGN)
