Full iPhone 17 review with specs, display, cameras, battery life & price. Discover if Apple’s new iPhone is worth the upgrade.
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iPhone 17 Review: Is Apple Redefining the “Base” Model?
For years, the “standard” iPhone has been Apple’s most popular model—not because it had every feature, but because it was the most affordable among the flagship lineup (excluding the SE). That popularity came with trade-offs: fewer features, slightly dated screens, and performance gaps compared to the Pro models.
This year, Apple has shaken things up. With the iPhone 17, many of those long-standing compromises have disappeared, leaving behind a device that feels much closer to its premium siblings. So, is this finally the iPhone that makes “entry-level flagship” mean something more? Let’s find out.
Packaging: Familiar Minimalism
Apple’s eco-friendly cardboard box hasn’t changed. Inside, you’ll find the phone and a USB-C charging cable—nothing more. No charger, no extras. By now, Apple’s philosophy is clear: keep it simple, reduce waste, and let users buy accessories if they want them.
Design & Ergonomics: Comfort in Compact Form
At first glance, the iPhone 17 looks nearly identical to its predecessor. It’s the only iPhone this year not to receive a full design refresh. Yet, what it lacks in novelty, it makes up for in comfort.
Weighing just 177 grams and measuring about 8 mm thick, it feels light and balanced in hand—rare for modern smartphones that keep getting bulkier. While not “tiny,” its proportions are ideal for one-handed use. Add to that IP68 water and dust resistance, and you get a durable phone that’s ready for everyday mishaps.
Hardware: A19 Powerhouse
The real magic lies inside. Apple’s A19 Bionic chip, built on a 3 nm process, delivers speeds up to 4.26 GHz with a 5-core GPU. Benchmarks aside, the experience is seamless: apps open instantly, multitasking feels effortless, and gaming performance rivals the best Android flagships.
Apple also made a bold move—ditching the 128 GB option entirely. Now, storage starts at 256 GB, with a 512 GB option available. RAM stays at 8 GB, which might look modest on paper but is fine-tuned for iOS efficiency.
Connectivity is equally impressive: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, eSIM + nanoSIM support, NFC, and even satellite emergency features. Stereo speakers remain strong, and Face ID continues to lead in secure biometric unlocking.
Two extra physical buttons—an Action Button for custom shortcuts and a Camera Control sensor—add flair, though they don’t drastically change the user experience.
Cameras: Sharper, Smarter, but Missing Zoom
The iPhone 17 boasts a 48 MP main camera with an ƒ/1.6 aperture, paired with a wide-angle lens that now also hits 48 MP. Shots are crisp, colors are natural, and focus is lightning-fast. Low-light performance remains solid, though some Android competitors still push ahead with brighter night shots.
Videos? Still unmatched. Shooting in 4K at 60 fps, the iPhone 17 delivers buttery-smooth footage with outstanding color balance. Apple also introduced a Dual Camera mode that records with both front and back cameras simultaneously—a fun tool, though not groundbreaking.
The real standout is the front-facing 24 MP square sensor. It adapts seamlessly to portrait or landscape orientation and uses Center Stage to auto-adjust framing during video calls. Thanks to its unique shape, it also enables more advanced electronic stabilization, reducing shaky footage dramatically.
Display: Small Upgrade, Big Impact
One of the most noticeable improvements is the screen. Apple expanded the panel from 6.1″ to 6.3″, shrinking the bezels without enlarging the phone. Resolution now hits 1,206 × 2,622, powered by LTPO OLED technology.
This means the refresh rate can shift dynamically between 1 Hz and 120 Hz—saving battery when displaying static content and providing silky animations when gaming or scrolling. Add in a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, Ceramic Shield 2 protection, and a new anti-reflective coating, and this is easily the best display Apple has ever put in a “non-Pro” iPhone.
Oh, and yes—the always-on display is finally here for the base model.
Software: iOS 26 and Beyond
Pre-installed with iOS 26, the iPhone 17 continues Apple’s gradual redesign. The interface now features more consistent visuals, smoother animations, and reorganized settings. While some users may find the heavy transparency effects distracting, they can be toggled off with one tap.
Apple Intelligence, the company’s much-hyped AI assistant, is still limited to the U.S., but the groundwork is here. Meanwhile, integration across the Apple ecosystem—iCloud, AirDrop, and seamless handoff between devices—remains unrivaled.
Battery Life: A Full Day, Just Enough
With a 3,682 mAh battery, the iPhone 17 comfortably lasts through a typical workday. Heavy users may need an evening top-up, but for most people, it strikes a good balance between size and stamina.
Charging is capped at 25W with Power Delivery 3.2. It’s not blazing fast compared to Android rivals, but Apple has optimized charging curves to sustain peak speeds longer, shaving minutes off the process. Wireless MagSafe Qi2 charging is also supported at 25W.
Price: Premium, but Competitive
Starting at €979 for the 256 GB model, the iPhone 17 is undeniably expensive. Yet, when you consider the rising costs of competing Android flagships, Apple’s pricing no longer feels as extreme. You’re still paying a premium—but this time, you’re getting much closer to Pro-level performance and features.
Verdict: The Best “Base” iPhone Yet
So, is the iPhone 17 worth it? Absolutely—if you’re looking for a balanced flagship that blends performance, design, and ecosystem perks without leaping into Pro pricing.
Sure, it lacks a telephoto zoom lens and super-fast charging, but in almost every other respect, the iPhone 17 feels like a major leap forward. For many users, this might be the first “regular” iPhone that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
FAQs About the iPhone 17
- Is the iPhone 17 worth upgrading from iPhone 16?
Yes. The iPhone 17 adds a better display, stronger cameras, and longer battery life, making it a worthwhile upgrade. - Does the iPhone 17 have Always-On Display?
Yes, for the first time, the base iPhone supports Always-On Display thanks to its LTPO OLED panel. - How long does the iPhone 17 battery last?
With normal use, it lasts a full workday (10–12 hours of screen time). - What’s the iPhone 17 price in Europe?
The iPhone 17 starts at €979 for 256 GB storage.
