2025
Next to the ultra-thin iPhone Air and the packed-to-gills iPhone 17 Pro/17 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 looks unremarkable—boring, even. The three new colors other than black and white are less vibrant than the shades the iPhone 16 came in. But peel back a few layers and things become clear: the iPhone 17, starting at $799, is in fact a remarkable value, providing a ton of bang for your buck.
Besides the slight growth of the screen from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches, the iPhone 17 is cosmetically similar to the iPhone 16. If the iPhone Air is the new premium model and the iPhone 17 Pros are the most powerful, then the iPhone 17 is the everyman’s iPhone. It has more than enough solid upgrades over last year’s model, but not as many as the iPhone 17 Pros.
The iPhone 17 is not going to wow anyone with its industrial design, but underneath it all, it’s a trooper that goes the distance. It’s the iPhone you get if you want the Goldilocks experience.
iPhone 17 The iPhone 17 offers the best bang for buck in an iPhone. It's a value proposition that'll last for at least five years. Pros Finally 120Hz, always-on display
Finally 120Hz, always-on display Nearly A19 Pro-level performance
Nearly A19 Pro-level performance Great Center Stage camera for selfies
Great Center Stage camera for selfies 48-megapixel ultrawide camera
48-megapixel ultrawide camera Excellent battery life Cons Dull colors
Dull colors Only USB-C 2 speeds
... continue reading