Apple’s iPhone 17 finally brings Pro-level upgrades like 120Hz and AOD to the base model. Here’s our in-depth iPhone 17 review with pros, cons, and verdict.
For years, Apple’s base iPhone lineup felt like a compromise — great hardware, but missing core features that Android rivals offered for less. But with the iPhone 17, Apple seems to have finally listened. It’s the first non-Pro iPhone that feels genuinely complete, offering most of what users have been asking for — a buttery-smooth 120Hz display, bigger battery, better cameras, and even a smarter selfie setup.
As someone who’s tested nearly every iPhone since the 6s era, I can confidently say — this is the most balanced iPhone Apple has made in years. It’s not perfect, but it finally feels right.
Design & Build – Familiar Yet Refined
Apple didn’t reinvent the wheel here, and that’s not a bad thing. The iPhone 17 keeps the familiar aluminum frame and matte glass back, but introduces a new Lavender finish that looks subtly premium — especially under bright light. It feels solid, slightly heavier at 177g, and maintains the reliable IP68 water resistance rating.
You also get both the Action Button and the new Camera Shutter button, which now feels more responsive. While the design remains similar to the iPhone 16, the overall refinement in materials and ergonomics make it a joy to use one-handed.
Display – The Upgrade Everyone Wanted
Finally — a 120Hz ProMotion Display on a base iPhone! This alone changes the entire experience. Scrolling, gaming, and animations feel effortlessly smooth. The 6.3-inch LTPO OLED panel is brighter too, peaking at 3000 nits, with Always-On Display support thanks to variable refresh rate (VRR) technology.
Whether you’re browsing social media or editing photos, the display feels lively and crisp. And with the Ceramic Shield 2 protection and anti-reflective coating, it handles outdoor visibility like a champ.
Minor gripe: Occasionally, during super-fast swipes, the refresh rate dips slightly — but it’s hardly noticeable for most users.
Performance – Powered by A19, Tuned for Real Life
Under the hood, the Apple A19 chip powers the iPhone 17, paired with 8GB of RAM and a base storage bump to 256GB — finally!
Performance is top-tier. Apps open instantly, multitasking is fluid, and games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile run flawlessly. Benchmarks even show the A19 outperforming last year’s A18 Pro in sustained GPU performance.
During extended gaming sessions, temperatures do rise — around 47–48°C — but thermal throttling is minimal. This chip is built for smooth, efficient everyday performance rather than chasing benchmark glory.
Battery & Charging – A Small Cell That Goes the Distance
The battery sees a bump to 3,692 mAh, and thanks to the power-efficient display, battery life is genuinely impressive. I managed around 8–9 hours of screen-on time, which comfortably translates to a full day of heavy usage.
Charging has improved too — now 40W wired and 25W wireless. Real-world tests show 0–50% in 30 minutes, though Apple’s claim of 20 minutes is a touch optimistic. A full charge takes around 90 minutes.
Still, this is a much-needed step forward, especially with Android competitors already embracing 45–65W charging speeds.
Cameras – Excellent Everyday Shots, But No True Telephoto
Here’s where things get interesting. The 48MP main sensor and 48MP ultra-wide camera deliver stunning shots with natural tones and solid dynamic range. Colors are balanced — never overly saturated.
The highlight, though, is the new 18MP “Center Stage” selfie camera. It uses a square 24MP sensor that automatically adjusts framing for both horizontal and vertical shots — a godsend for vloggers and casual photographers alike. Selfie stabilization is superb, and video clarity is easily among the best in the segment.
Where it falls short: The lack of a dedicated telephoto lens. The 2x “optical” zoom is software-assisted and can’t match the crispness of the Pro models. Night mode also struggles slightly with ghosting and noise under certain lighting conditions.
Software & AI – Apple Still Finding Its Footing
The iPhone 17 ships with iOS 26, which is both promising and frustrating. While Apple Intelligence (AI) adds features like content summarization and on-device assistance, it still lags behind Google’s Gemini or Samsung’s Galaxy AI.
Users have reported occasional bugs and lag spikes — something quite un-Apple-like. Hopefully, upcoming patches will smoothen the experience because the hardware deserves better software refinement.
USB 2.0 – The One Big Miss
In 2025, having USB 2.0 transfer speeds on a premium flagship is… disappointing. Transferring large files takes nearly four minutes compared to less than a minute on the iPhone 17 Pro. For creators or professionals moving high-res videos, this is a serious drawback.
Pricing & Value – Apple Finally Gets It Right
Starting at ₹83,000 for 256GB, the iPhone 17 feels priced fairly — especially considering its ProMotion display and improved battery life. It’s rare to call an iPhone “value-for-money,” but this one genuinely earns it.
If you don’t care about ProRes video recording, USB 3.2 speeds, or a telephoto lens, there’s almost no reason to spend more for the Pro model.
Verdict – The iPhone That Makes Sense for Everyone
The iPhone 17 represents a turning point for Apple’s base model lineup. It’s not a stripped-down version anymore — it’s a full-fledged flagship for everyday users.
You get:
✅ A buttery 120Hz OLED display
✅ Top-tier A19 chip performance
✅ Long-lasting battery life
✅ Excellent selfie camera
✅ 7 years of software support
Yes, it has flaws — USB 2.0 speeds, no telephoto lens, and a few iOS 26 bugs — but these don’t overshadow its achievements. This is the iPhone that finally delivers what users have been asking for, without forcing them into the Pro bracket.
iPhone 17 – Key Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.3″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 3000 nits |
| Processor | A19 Bionic |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB (base) |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP (main), 48MP (ultra-wide) |
| Front Camera | 18MP “Center Stage” sensor |
| Battery | 3692 mAh, 40W wired, 25W wireless |
| OS | iOS 26 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 |
| Price (India) | ₹83,000 (base variant) |
FAQs About iPhone 17
Q1. Is the iPhone 17 worth upgrading from iPhone 16?
Yes, especially for the new 120Hz display, Always-On feature, and improved selfie camera.
Q2. Does the iPhone 17 support USB 3 speeds?
No, it’s limited to USB 2.0 transfer speeds, which is slower than the Pro variants.
Q3. How’s the gaming performance on iPhone 17?
Excellent — smooth gameplay even on high-end titles, with minimal throttling.
Q4. What’s the battery life like?
You can expect 8–9 hours of screen time on heavy usage — easily lasting a full day.
Q5. Is it better than Android flagships around ₹80K?
For performance, updates, and display quality — yes. But Android rivals still win in fast charging and camera versatility.
