For years, the standard iPhone has felt like a compromise. It was a great phone, but there were always a few “Pro” features that were held back, making you question if you should spend a few hundred dollars more. With the iPhone 17, that feeling is gone. This year, Apple has brought some of the most requested features to the baseline model, creating a phone that is, for most people, the perfect choice. There are no asterisks, no “buts,” just a genuinely fantastic phone.
A Display That Finally Feels “Pro”
The most significant upgrade to the iPhone 17 is the display. For the first time, the standard model gets a top-tier screen that rivals the Pro models, and it makes a world of difference in everyday use.
Smooth Scrolling with 120Hz ProMotion
The iPhone 17 finally has a variable refresh rate display, going all the way up to 120Hz. This technology, which Apple calls ProMotion, makes everything from scrolling through social media to playing games feel incredibly smooth and responsive. The display can also drop down to 1Hz when you’re looking at a static image, which helps to save battery life. It’s a feature that was once exclusive to the Pro models, and its inclusion in the standard iPhone 17 is a game-changer.
The Convenience of an Always-On Display
Thanks to the new power-efficient display, the iPhone 17 now has an always-on display. This allows you to see the time, date, and notifications at a glance without having to wake up your phone. It’s a small convenience that has a big impact on how you interact with your device throughout the day.
Enhanced Visual Comfort with PWM Dimming
For those who are sensitive to screen flicker, the addition of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming is a welcome feature. Tucked away in the accessibility settings, this technology adjusts the screen’s brightness in a way that is easier on the eyes, especially in low-light conditions. It’s a thoughtful addition that demonstrates Apple’s commitment to user comfort.
A Revolutionary Selfie Camera
The front-facing camera on the iPhone 17 has received a complete overhaul. Apple is calling it “Center Stage,” and it’s a feature that other smartphone manufacturers are sure to copy.
At the heart of this new system is a 24-megapixel square sensor. This unique design allows you to take both vertical and horizontal 18-megapixel selfies without rotating your phone. If you’re taking a solo shot, it will crop to a standard vertical selfie. But if your friends jump into the frame, it will automatically switch to a wider, horizontal shot to fit everyone in.
The quality of the selfies is also a noticeable improvement over previous models. The larger sensor and new processing create sharper, more detailed images. Furthermore, the extra sensor data allows for much-improved electronic image stabilization (EIS) for selfie videos, making your “walk and talk” shots look incredibly smooth.
Performance and Battery Life That Lasts
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 is a powerhouse, with a larger battery and a new, more efficient chip.
The Power of the A19 Chip
The iPhone 17 is powered by the new A19 chip. While it’s not the “Pro” version of the chip, it’s still one of the fastest processors on the market, providing more than enough power for even the most demanding apps and games. This chip also has a lot of headroom for future software updates, so your phone will feel fast and responsive for years to come.
All-Day Battery and Faster Charging
Every model in the iPhone 17 lineup has a physically larger battery than its predecessor. Combined with the more efficient display and chip, this results in a meaningful improvement in battery life. You can comfortably get through a full day of heavy use with power to spare. The iPhone 17 also supports faster charging, so you can quickly top up your battery when you’re in a hurry.
More Storage for Everyone
In a move that will be celebrated by users everywhere, Apple has doubled the base storage on the iPhone 17 from 128GB to 256GB. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement, as it gives you plenty of space for your photos, videos, and apps without having to worry about running out of storage. This also makes the iPhone 17 an even better value, as you’re getting more for your money.
The Pro Features That Set the iPhone 17 Pro Apart
With the standard iPhone 17 being so good, you might be wondering why anyone would buy the Pro model. The Pro phones are now, more than ever, for actual professionals. The extra money gets you features that the average user may not need, such as:
- A dedicated telephoto camera for better optical zoom.
- A more powerful A19 Pro chip with a better GPU for gaming and video editing.
- A vapor chamber for improved sustained thermal performance during intensive tasks.
- Pro-level camera features like ProRes RAW video.
For most people, these features aren’t worth the extra cost, making the standard iPhone 17 the more sensible choice.
Minor Drawbacks in an Otherwise Excellent Phone
No phone is perfect, and the iPhone 17 does have a few minor flaws. The USB-C port is still limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds, which can be slow if you’re moving large files off the phone. Also, while Apple Intelligence continues to improve, it’s still a work in progress. However, these are minor complaints in what is otherwise a fantastic package.
The Verdict
The iPhone 17 is a huge leap forward for the standard iPhone. By bringing “Pro” features like a 120Hz display and a revolutionary new selfie camera to the baseline model, Apple has created a phone that is a joy to use and an incredible value. If you’re looking for a new phone and don’t need the specialized features of the Pro models, the iPhone 17 is the one to get. It’s the best iPhone for most people, with no asterisks attached.