This year's iPhone 17 lineup presents a surprising twist: the base model emerges as a compelling contender, challenging the traditional upgrade path. After extensive hands-on time with all four models – the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the innovative iPhone Air – my recommendation deviates significantly from previous years.
The iPhone 17's unexpected leap in value is remarkable. Apple has significantly upgraded its display to a stunning 6.3-inch screen with 120Hz ProMotion, 3000 nits of peak brightness, an anti-reflective coating, and an always-on display. This substantial upgrade, combined with a boosted 48MP dual fusion camera system mirroring the Pro models' selfie camera technology, elevates it beyond previous base models. The inclusion of a 24MP square sensor capable of automatically switching between portrait and landscape modes, powered by intelligent machine learning, is a game-changer.
Furthermore, Apple increased the base storage to 256GB while maintaining the $799 price point, effectively offering a $100 discount compared to last year's iPhone 16's equivalent configuration. This makes the iPhone 17 a serious competitor to leading Android flagships, many of which still start at 128GB. Its performance rivals last year's iPhone 16 Pro, lacking only the telephoto lens but gaining the advanced selfie and dual-capture camera features. Therefore, users who don't frequently use the telephoto zoom and are upgrading from an iPhone 13 Pro or older can confidently choose the iPhone 17 and save considerably.
The iPhone Air, reminiscent of Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge, occupies a unique position. It showcases Apple's engineering prowess with its impressively thin and light design. While a technological marvel, its appeal is niche. The superior camera capabilities and lower price of the iPhone 17, combined with the Air's potentially limited battery life, makes it less attractive for most upgraders unless they prioritize cutting-edge technology and are early adopters poised for the expected foldable iPhone launch in 2026.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pro address the persistent issues of the iPhone 15 and 16 Pro Max models: overheating and subpar telephoto zoom. Apple's return to an aluminum casing and the addition of a vapor chamber cooling system aim to tackle the overheating problem effectively. The upgraded 48MP tetraprism zoom, now a 4x lens instead of 5x, allows for an impressive 8x optical zoom, producing higher-quality zoomed images than previous generations. While further testing is needed for a conclusive assessment, initial results are highly encouraging.
In conclusion, my upgrade advice for 2025 is unconventional. The iPhone 17 delivers exceptional value and surpasses expectations. The iPhone Air remains a compelling technological statement, but for the majority, the significant improvements and cost savings of the iPhone 17 make it the standout choice. The iPhone 17 Pro Max emerges as a potential upgrade for users who experienced overheating or zoom limitations with previous Pro Max models, however further testing will confirm this recommendation definitively.
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Originally published at: https://www.zdnet.com/article/ive-reviewed-every-iphone-17-model-and-my-advice-is-something-different-this-year/
