iPhone 17 Pro: Bold Redesign, Subtle Upgrades
▼ Summary
– The iPhone 17 Pro is now targeted at creators, offering the best cameras and longest battery life, while the regular iPhone 17 and Air provide similar premium features at lower prices.
– The iPhone 17 Pro features a new design with rounded edges, an aluminum body, and a bold orange color option, along with a larger camera bar housing three 48-megapixel sensors.
– Battery life is significantly improved, with the Pro Max offering up to 39 hours of video playback and better real-world endurance, supported by faster 40-watt wired and MagSafe charging.
– Camera upgrades include a higher-resolution telephoto lens (now 4x optical zoom), enhanced digital zoom capabilities, and new features like Genlock support and ProRes RAW recording for professionals.
– Apple lags behind competitors in generative AI integration, with Siri not yet matching the system-level intelligence and features offered by Google, Meta, and others on their devices.
The iPhone 17 Pro occupies a unique position in Apple’s 2025 lineup, offering a blend of refined design and meaningful upgrades aimed at power users and creators. While the standard iPhone 17 now shares the same high-quality display, and the iPhone Air turns heads with its ultra-thin form, the Pro models carve out their niche with superior battery performance, advanced camera systems, and a striking new orange finish.
This year marks a shift in the Pro’s identity. It’s no longer the only iPhone with a premium screen, but it remains the top choice for those who demand the very best in photography and all-day endurance. The starting price of $1,099 positions it as a premium device, yet it delivers tangible benefits for the right user.
One of the most noticeable changes is the return to rounded edges, a design cue last seen with the iPhone 11 Pro. This makes the device more comfortable to hold compared to recent models with sharper sides. The bold orange color option is a real standout, vibrant and confident, with a two-tone effect between the ceramic-glass camera bar and the aluminum frame. It’s not just for show; the color contrast subtly indicates where MagSafe accessories align perfectly. For those who prefer something more understated, navy and white versions are also available.
Durability sees a boost thanks to the new Ceramic Shield back, which offers better crack resistance. Anecdotal evidence suggests it holds up well to accidental drops, and the bright orange finish certainly makes it easier to spot if you do misplace it.
Battery life is a major highlight. Apple has managed to fit a larger cell into the Pro Max, promising up to 39 hours of video playback. In real-world use, it comfortably lasts a full day with heavy usage, often ending with plenty of charge to spare. Wired charging now supports 40 watts, getting you to 50% in just 20 minutes, while MagSafe charging is also faster than before.
Thermal management improves with the switch to an aluminum body paired with a vapor chamber, keeping the phone cooler during intensive tasks like gaming or video editing. It still gets warm under load, but not uncomfortably so.
Photography is where the iPhone 17 Pro truly shines. All three rear cameras, wide, ultrawide, and telephoto, now feature 48-megapixel sensors. The telephoto lens, in particular, sees a meaningful upgrade. It now offers a 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 100mm), which feels more versatile for portraits than last year’s 5x. A new 2x crop mode on the telephoto lens allows for an 8x hybrid zoom, delivering impressive detail even at a distance.
Center Stage, now available on the front camera, intelligently adjusts the frame to include more people, making group selfies and video calls more intuitive. You can even shoot simultaneously with the front and rear cameras, a handy feature for vloggers and tutorial creators.
Where the iPhone 17 Pro falls short is in AI integration. While competitors like Google and Samsung are pushing on-device AI features that feel deeply embedded in the user experience, Apple’s offerings still feel secondary. Siri hasn’t evolved at the same pace as assistants like Gemini, and system-level AI tools remain limited. It’s an area where Apple will need to catch up quickly.
So, who should consider the iPhone 17 Pro? If you’re a photographer, videographer, or someone who simply wants the longest battery life and fastest charging, it’s an easy recommendation. The camera flexibility and endurance are genuinely impressive. But for most users, the standard iPhone 17 offers the same great screen and core experience at a much lower price. And if you’re drawn to innovation and design, the iPhone Air is worth a look.
Ultimately, the iPhone 17 Pro is a refinement rather than a revolution. It’s better in all the right places, but it’s also more specialized than ever.
(Source: The Verge)
