Description
Discover the iPhone 17 lineup with major upgrades, including a brighter 6.3-inch display, 48MP ultrawide camera, A19 chip, longer battery life, and the new ultra-thin iPhone Air. Explore Pro and Pro Max models with better performance, cooling, and advanced cameras.
Table of Contents
iPhone 17: A Significant Upgrade
The base iPhone 17, initially appearing similar to the iPhone 16, introduces substantial upgrades.
It now features a 6.3-inch display with the thinnest bezels ever on an iPhone and a tougher ceramic shield coating, claimed to be three times more scratch-resistant.
The display boasts 3000 nits of brightness, an anti-reflective coating, and ProMotion technology for a 120Hz refresh rate, a feature previously exclusive to Pro models.
Enhanced Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 17’s camera system has been significantly improved, with the ultrawide lens upgraded to 48 megapixels, matching the Pro models and enhancing macro photography.
A new feature allows simultaneous recording from front and rear cameras, with the front camera now featuring an 18-megapixel square sensor enabling vertical and horizontal selfies.
The front camera also includes Center Stage for automatic subject tracking during video calls.
Improved Performance and Value
Apple has further enhanced the iPhone 17 by increasing its battery life by 8 hours for video playback, according to Apple.
It is equipped with the new A19 chip, offering a 20% performance increase, and its base storage has been doubled to 256GB from 128GB, all while maintaining the previous year’s starting price of $799.
The device also charges faster than the iPhone 16.
The New iPhone Air: Thinness Redefined
The iPhone Air, priced at $999, introduces a strikingly thin design at 5.6 mm, making it thinner than any previous iPhone.
Despite its slim profile, it features a glossy titanium rail and a ceramic shield back, offering a premium feel.
It is positioned for users who prioritize aesthetics and a premium feel without needing the absolute top-tier specifications of the Pro models.
iPhone Air Compromises: Battery and Features
The iPhone Air’s thinness comes with compromises, primarily in battery size and features.
While Apple claims all-day battery life, it utilizes a smaller battery and is designed to work with an optional MagSafe power bank.
The phone also has:
- Slower charging speeds
- A single speaker
- No ultrawide camera (unlike the standard iPhone 17)
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Function Over Form
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models are thicker, with an increase of almost 8% compared to their predecessors, a design choice aimed at accommodating larger batteries.
- The Pro model offers up to 33 hours of battery life
- The Pro Max offers up to 39 hours of battery life
This design also aids in heat dissipation, a significant improvement over previous models.
Advanced Thermal Management in Pro Models
In a functional shift, the iPhone 17 Pro models feature a metal construction across most of the device, replacing titanium with aluminum for better heat dissipation.
This is paired with a vapor chamber for the first time on an iPhone.
The aluminum construction also allows for new color options, including a bronzy orange.
Pro Model Camera and Performance Enhancements
The Pro models retain the square front camera sensor for versatile selfie and video capture.
The telephoto camera has been upgraded to a 48-megapixel sensor with 4x optical zoom, offering improved quality throughout the zoom range compared to the previous 12-megapixel, 5x optical zoom.
These phones are expected to run cooler, leading to better sustained performance with the A19 Pro chip, particularly evident in graphically demanding gaming experiences.