The arrival of the iPhone 17 might have you wondering if it's time to swap your older Apple device for the latest model. Depending on your current iPhone, getting the iPhone 17 could be a notable step up.
The iPhone 17 starts at $829, or $799 if you activate through a carrier. But unlike previous generations, the lowest storage option is 256GB, which is a nice upgrade from the previous 128GB starting point.
Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.
Several noteworthy updates to the iPhone 17 make it feel like a tempting choice, even over the pricier iPhone 17 Pro models. At long last, Apple has extended a 1-120Hz display across its entire lineup, so you can have smoother scrolling and an always-on display without spending upwards of $1,100 on a Pro model. An anti-reflective coating and higher 3,000-nit peak brightness make the screen slightly easier to see outdoors. And camera upgrades help to level up photos and selfies.
Here's how the iPhone 17 compares to older iPhones, ranging from last year's iPhone 16 to 2020's iPhone 12.
The iPhone 16 James Martin/CNET
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16
Appearance-wise, the iPhone 17 has a lot in common with the iPhone 16. But beneath the surface, there are some key differences.
The display goes from a meager 60Hz on the iPhone 16 to 120Hz on the iPhone 17 (at long last). That means the iPhone 17 finally supports an always-on display, so you can glance at the time and your notifications without waking the screen and enjoy smoother scrolling. A new anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare, especially in the bright outdoor conditions.
The iPhone 17 has a larger 6.3-inch display, versus the iPhone 16's 6.1-inch screen, thanks to slimmer bezels. That can make viewing content slightly more immersive, though it won't be a hugely noticeable difference. And a new Ceramic Shield 2 cover on the iPhone 17 offers three times better scratch resistance, according to Apple, so you can worry a little less about etching into your phone's screen (but maybe still get a screen protector to be safe).
... continue reading