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The iPhone 17 brings many long-awaited features, like an always-on display. Abrar Al-Heeti/ Zooey Liao/CNET
It's easy to overlook the iPhone 17, especially in a year when the ultraslim iPhone Air has stolen the spotlight -- and the bright orange iPhone 17 Pro is hulking next to it. But subtle upgrades to Apple's baseline model add up to notable improvements that make the iPhone 17 worth your attention.
The iPhone 17 may not be the flashiest device in Apple's latest lineup (yes, it looks strikingly similar to the iPhone 16). But in the week I've used the phone, updates to the display, cameras and battery have helped this entry-level device feel like it's narrowing the chasm separating it from its pricey Pro counterparts.
Watch this: iPhone Air Review: A Joy to Hold, at a Cost 10:06
The iPhone 17 starts at $829 (or $799 if you activate with a carrier), which means there thankfully hasn't been a price increase over last year's model. In fact, you're technically getting more bang for your buck with the iPhone 17, since it starts with a higher 256GB storage option, doing away with the 128GB starting point on the iPhone 16.
Here are my early impressions of the iPhone 17, which is available for order now and goes on sale Friday. You can also check out my in-depth review of the $999 iPhone Air.
At last: 120Hz displays on the baseline iPhones. CNET
iPhone 17 gets big display upgrades
At long last, Apple has extended a 120Hz display across all of its phones, not just the Pro models. As a result, the iPhone 17 gets smoother scrolling and, perhaps most thrillingly for me, an always-on display that lets you glance at the time and notifications without waking the screen. On the one hand, it feels odd in 2025 to be applauding something as basic as a 120Hz display, but on the other, I'm just glad it's finally there.
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