iPhone 17 Review: Why This Phone Might Just Be The Smartest Buy Of The Year
Apple's iPhone 17 packs Pro-level features into a sleek, everyday device without the Pro price tag. Here's why it's the most sensible smartphone upgrade of 2025.
iPhone 17 Review: Features, Performance, And Value
Apple's iPhone 17 has arrived, and it's not just another annual refresh. This year, the base model has received a substantial upgrade, borrowing features from its Pro siblings and finally addressing long-standing user demands. With a 120Hz ProMotion display, improved cameras, and a smarter design, the iPhone 17 is no longer the compromise choice it's a contender. Whether you're upgrading from an older iPhone or switching from Android, this device offers a compelling mix of performance, style, and value that's hard to ignore.
Apple's Most Sensible Smartphone Yet?
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Gone are the days when the standard iPhone felt like a stripped-down version of its premium counterparts. The iPhone 17 brings a host of enhancements that make it feel more “Pro” than ever, without the hefty price tag. From its brighter, smoother display to its upgraded camera system and longer battery life, Apple has finally given everyday users a phone that ticks nearly every box. If you're wondering whether this is the iPhone to buy in 2025, read on we've tested it thoroughly to help you decide.
| Feature | iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone Air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.3 inches | 6.3 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Rear Cameras | Dual 48MP | Triple 48MP | Single 48MP |
| Front Camera | 18MP Centre Stage | 18MP Centre Stage | 18MP Centre Stage |
| Battery Life (Avg) | 24 hours | 25 hours | 22 hours |
| Charging Speed | 40W wired, 25W wireless | 40W wired, 25W wireless | 35W wired, 20W wireless |
| Chipset | A19 | A19 Pro | A19 Pro |
| Starting Price | ₹82,900 | ₹1,34,900 | ₹1,19,900 |
iPhone 17: Design That Balances Familiarity And Function
The iPhone 17 retains Apple's signature aluminium frame and Ceramic Shield 2 glass, offering a familiar yet refined aesthetic. While the design hasn't changed drastically from the iPhone 16, subtle tweaks like thinner bezels and a slightly taller body make it feel more modern. The matte rear glass adds grip and elegance, and the new colour options, including Sage and Mist Blue, offer understated charm. It's not revolutionary, but it's robust, comfortable, and built to last. The only gripe? It still wobbles slightly when laid flat due to the camera bump.
Also Read: iPhone 17 Price In India, Launched Models, Comparison, Pre-Order And More
iPhone 17: Display That Finally Feels Premium
Apple has finally brought its ProMotion technology to the standard iPhone, and it's a game-changer. The 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display supports a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, making scrolling, gaming, and animations buttery smooth. With peak brightness reaching 3,000 nits and an anti-reflective coating, the screen is easily readable even under harsh sunlight. The always-on display, previously exclusive to Pro models, is now available here, showing time, notifications, and widgets without waking the device. It's immersive, responsive, and a joy to use.
iPhone 17: Cameras That Punch Above Their Weight
The iPhone 17 features a dual 48MP rear camera setup, main and ultra-wide, alongside an 18MP front-facing Centre Stage camera. While it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, the main sensor offers 2x in-sensor zoom that's surprisingly effective. The new ultra-wide lens delivers sharper macro shots and better low-light performance. Portraits are crisp, colours are natural, and video recording supports Dolby Vision up to 4K60fps. The selfie camera's square sensor adapts to both portrait and landscape orientations, making it ideal for video calls and vlogging.
Smooth, Smart, And Surprisingly Affordable
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Performance That Keeps Up With The Pros
Powered by the A19 chip, the iPhone 17 delivers fast, efficient performance across the board. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is smooth, and gaming is lag-free. While it doesn't match the A19 Pro's raw power, most users won't notice the difference. The 8GB RAM and NVMe storage ensure snappy responsiveness, and the phone handles AI tasks like image recognition and smart note rewriting with ease. Siri still lags behind competitors, but Apple Intelligence is slowly evolving. Overall, it's a powerhouse for everyday use.
iPhone 17: Battery Life That Finally Delivers
Apple claims all-day battery life, and real-world tests back it up. The iPhone 17's 3,692mAh battery lasts over 24 hours with moderate use, outperforming many Android rivals. Fast charging via 40W wired and 25W MagSafe wireless means you can hit 50% in just 20 minutes. The adaptive refresh rate and efficient A19 chip help conserve power, and the always-on display doesn't drain the battery noticeably. Whether you're streaming, gaming, or working, the iPhone 17 keeps up without needing a midday top-up.
Software That's Slick But Not Perfect
iOS 26 introduces the Liquid Glass interface, with translucent elements that react to touch and light. It's visually appealing and adds a layer of interactivity. The redesigned Settings app and improved call screening tools are welcome additions. However, Apple's AI features still lag behind Google and Samsung. Siri's reliance on ChatGPT for complex queries feels clunky, and photo editing tools aren't as advanced. Still, the overall experience is smooth, intuitive, and well-integrated with Apple's ecosystem.
Pro Features Without The Pro Price: Meet The iPhone 17
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The iPhone 17 is Apple's most well-rounded base model in years. It brings Pro-level features to the masses without inflating the price, making it an ideal choice for most users. From its vibrant display and capable cameras to its dependable battery life and sleek design, it's a phone that feels premium without being pretentious. While it lacks a few bells and whistles, like a telephoto lens or cutting-edge AI, it more than makes up for it in value and usability. If you're looking for a smart, stylish, and future-proof upgrade, the iPhone 17 is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the iPhone 17 worth upgrading from the iPhone 16?
Yes, especially if you value a smoother display, better cameras, and longer battery life. The 120Hz screen and always-on display are major upgrades.
Q2. Does the iPhone 17 support fast charging?
Absolutely. It supports 40W wired charging and 25W wireless charging via MagSafe, allowing you to reach 50% battery in about 20 minutes.
Q3. How good is the iPhone 17 camera for everyday use?
The dual 48MP setup delivers excellent photos and videos. While it lacks a telephoto lens, the main and ultra-wide cameras are versatile and sharp.
Q4. What colours are available for the iPhone 17?
The iPhone 17 comes in five muted shades: Black, White, Mist Blue, Sage, and Lavender. They're elegant but less vibrant than previous generations.
Q5. Is the iPhone 17 good for gaming and multitasking?
Yes. The A19 chip and 8GB RAM ensure smooth performance for gaming, streaming, and multitasking. It's powerful enough for most users' needs.
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