The annual iPhone launch is always a big deal, but this year feels different. For the past few generations, the gap between the standard iPhone and the Pro models has been wide. The iPhone 16, for example, felt like a minor refresh, leaving many to question if a Pro was the only real option for a meaningful upgrade. But with the iPhone 17, Apple seems to have listened. They’ve introduced a series of significant, long-awaited features to the base model, shaking up the entire lineup.

I’ve been using the iPhone 17 for the past week, and I can tell you firsthand that it feels like the most significant “non-Pro” iPhone in years. It’s not just about a faster chip; it’s about core features that make a real, day-to-day difference. This review breaks down exactly what’s new, how it performs in the real world, and whether this is finally the iPhone for the majority of people looking for great value.

A Long-Awaited Display Upgrade

Let’s start with what is arguably the biggest and most impactful change: the display. For years, the standard iPhone has been stuck at a 60Hz refresh rate. While the iPhone 16 Pro models were showcasing their buttery-smooth 120Hz ProMotion displays, the base models felt sluggish in comparison. The iPhone 17 changes this completely.

The new iPhone 17 now features a 120Hz ProMotion OLED display. For anyone upgrading from an iPhone 16 or an even older model, this is an immediate and noticeable improvement. Scrolling through social media feeds, swiping between apps, and navigating the interface all feel incredibly fluid. It’s the kind of feature you don’t realize you need until you have it, and once you do, you can’t go back.

This upgraded display also enables the Always-On feature, a staple of the Pro models. Your lock screen can now display the time, widgets, and notifications without you needing to tap the screen. It’s a small but powerful convenience that makes the phone feel more responsive and keeps you connected at a glance. On top of that, the display is now slightly larger at 6.3 inches and boasts a brighter peak outdoor brightness of 3000 nits, making it much easier to read in direct sunlight. This is a huge win for anyone who spends time outdoors.

A New Standard for Performance and Storage

The iPhone 17 is powered by the new A19 Bionic chip. While the Pro models get the A19 Pro, the standard A19 is more than capable. In my testing, the phone handled everything I threw at it with ease. Apps launched instantly, demanding games ran smoothly, and multitasking was a breeze. For the vast majority of users, this chip provides more than enough power for all your daily needs and will comfortably handle future software updates for years to come.

What’s even more impressive is that Apple has doubled the starting storage to 256GB while keeping the price at $799. This is a game-changer. The 128GB base storage of the past few models often felt limiting, especially for users who take lots of photos and videos or download large games. With 256GB, you get a solid amount of space right out of the box, making the phone a better long-term investment.

The combination of the A19 chip and the doubled storage makes the iPhone 17 a compelling performance and value proposition. You’re getting the latest processor and a very generous amount of storage for the same price as previous generations that offered half the space.

Significant Camera Improvements

For many people, the camera is the most important feature of their smartphone. The iPhone 17 brings notable upgrades here, particularly to the front and ultra-wide cameras.

First, let’s talk about the new 18MP Center Stage front camera. This is a major step up from the previous 12MP TrueDepth camera. It has a larger sensor that allows the camera to automatically reframe and center you in video calls, and it can even zoom out to include more people as they enter the frame. This is incredibly useful for family video calls or group selfies. The new front camera also supports a new Dual Capture mode, allowing you to record with both the front and rear cameras at the same time, which is a fun and practical feature for content creators and parents capturing their kids’ reactions.

On the back, the iPhone 17 retains the powerful 48MP main camera but upgrades the ultra-wide lens from 12MP to 48MP. This higher-resolution sensor makes a noticeable difference, especially in low-light conditions and when shooting macro photos. While it lacks the telephoto lens of the Pro models, the new 48MP ultra-wide lens gives you a lot more flexibility and detail, making it a powerful tool for landscape shots and creative compositions.

While it won’t replace a professional camera setup, the iPhone 17’s camera system is a significant step up and a major selling point.

Battery Life and Other Upgrades

Battery life on the iPhone 17 is a solid improvement. Apple claims up to 30 hours of video playback, and in my experience with moderate to heavy usage, the phone easily lasted a full day with plenty of charge to spare. This is a notable leap over the iPhone 16’s battery performance. Even with the always-on display enabled, the phone sips power efficiently thanks to the A19 chip and the new ProMotion display which can drop its refresh rate to 1Hz.

The iPhone 17 also features the new Camera Control button, first seen on the iPhone 16. It’s a customizable button that can be configured for a variety of tasks, from launching the camera to starting a voice memo. It’s a small change, but it’s one of those quality-of-life additions that you’ll use more than you think.

Finally, the design is still a classic iPhone, but it’s slightly larger and more durable. It uses Ceramic Shield 2 on the front, which Apple claims is three times more resistant to scratches. While I haven’t tried scratching my review unit, it feels sturdy and well-built, as you’d expect from a premium phone. The new colors, like Sage and Lavender, are a welcome change.

Conclusion: The Best Value iPhone Yet?

So, is the iPhone 17 the best value iPhone yet? After using it, the answer is a resounding yes. For the same starting price as its predecessor, you are getting a host of features that were previously reserved for the much more expensive Pro models. The inclusion of a 120Hz ProMotion display, the new and improved 48MP ultra-wide camera, and the doubled 256GB base storage makes this a compelling package.

The iPhone 17 isn’t just a minor iteration; it’s a statement. Apple has finally brought its “standard” iPhone up to a modern standard, making it a truly viable option for anyone who wants a fantastic smartphone without having to pay a premium for features they might not use.

If you are upgrading from an iPhone 15 or older, the iPhone 17 is a no-brainer. The display and camera upgrades alone are worth the jump. Even if you have an iPhone 16, the added value and improved functionality make it a strong contender for an upgrade. For the first time in a while, the standard iPhone feels like the smartest choice for most people.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does the iPhone 17 compare to the iPhone 17 Pro?

The iPhone 17 Pro has a few key advantages, including a titanium frame, a more advanced A19 Pro chip, a triple-lens camera system with a 48MP telephoto lens, and advanced video features like ProRes. For most people, the iPhone 17’s features are more than enough. The main differences come down to the third camera lens and raw performance for demanding creative tasks.

Is the iPhone 17’s battery life a big improvement over the iPhone 16?

Yes. In both official numbers and real-world testing, the iPhone 17 shows a significant improvement in battery longevity, thanks to a larger battery capacity and a more efficient A19 chip.

Does the iPhone 17 have a USB-C port?

Yes, continuing the trend from the previous generation, the iPhone 17 uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.

Meta Title: iPhone 17 Review: Is It the Best Value iPhone Yet?

Meta Description: Our in-depth iPhone 17 review covers its new 120Hz display, upgraded cameras, and double storage. Find out if it’s worth the upgrade and if it’s the best value iPhone to buy.