iPhone 17 Series: What’s New and How It Compares
Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup (launched Sept 2025) brings a suite of upgrades across four models – the base iPhone 17, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, and the high-end iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max. We now see features like a new Center Stage front camera, all-48MP rear cameras, 120 Hz ProMotion screens, and the latest A19/ A19 Pro chips. For example, Apple highlights that “iPhone 17 is a big upgrade with powerful features…”[1] (and indeed, Greg Joswiak calls the iPhone 17 Pro “by far the most powerful iPhone we’ve ever made”[2]). These phones go on sale Sept 19 (pre-orders Sept 12) in 63+ countries (US, UK, China, India, UAE, etc.)[3][4]. The pricing starts at $799 for the 256 GB iPhone 17 (about £799/€929 overseas)[5], and $999 for the 256 GB iPhone Air[6]. The Pro model starts at $1,099 and Pro Max at $1,199 (256 GB)[7]. Below we examine what’s new, compare all models, and offer buying advice.
What’s New in iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16
The base iPhone 17 gains many “firsts” for a non‑Pro iPhone. We see a larger, faster display (6.3″ vs 6.1″): a Super Retina XDR OLED with ProMotion 120 Hz (always-on, down to 1 Hz)[8]. That replaces the old 60 Hz panel on iPhone 16. Brightness is boosted (up to 3000 nits outdoors vs 2000 nits before[9]), and Apple has added a new Ceramic Shield 2 front glass with 3× better scratch resistance[10]. The design has slimmer bezels and contoured edges[8].
Under the hood, iPhone 17 uses Apple’s A19 chip (third‑gen 3nm)[11]. It delivers better sustained performance and efficiency than the A18 in iPhone 16, but still starts at 8 GB RAM like before. Crucially, Apple doubled the base storage: 256 GB is now the default (with a 512 GB option)[5], whereas iPhone 16 began at 128 GB. Despite all this, the starting price remains the same ($799)[5].
📸 Camera: Apple revamped the cameras. The new Center Stage front camera uses a square 18 MP sensor for ultra-wide selfies (no more rotating your phone to get everyone in frame)[12]. The rear cameras are all 48 MP Fusion sensors for the first time. The main camera is 48 MP (f/1.6) with a built‑in 2× optical-quality telephoto; the ultra-wide is also 48 MP (f/2.2), four times the resolution of iPhone 16’s 12 MP wide[13][14]. The result is far sharper ultra‑wide and macro shots, and a higher‑res video pipeline. Audio/video features like 4K Dolby Vision video, Cinematic mode, and Dual Capture (front+rear simultaneously) are upgraded too[13][12].
🔋 Battery & Charging: Apple claims up to 30 hours of video playback on iPhone 17 (vs 22h on iPhone 16) thanks to a larger battery and efficient A19[15][16]. Wired charging is faster: with Apple’s new 40W USB‑C adapter you can hit 50% in ~20 minutes[17][16] (previously 30 min for 50% on 20W). Qi2 wireless charging now supports up to 25 W. In everyday use iPhone 17 should last all day for most people.
🎨 Colors & Look: The color palette was refreshed. The iPhone 17 base comes in five finishes – Black, Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, and White[5][18] – versus the iPhone 16’s Pink, Teal, Ultramarine, Black, and White[19]. We find the new pastels (lavender, sage, mist blue) attractive. The phone has a tougher, more durable build (100% recycled materials, 3× scratch‑resistant glass)[10][20]. In summary, iPhone 17 is a significant upgrade in display, cameras, performance, and durability, even though it keeps the same entry price.
“iPhone 17 is a big upgrade with powerful features that make iPhone even more useful in your day-to-day life…”[1] ✨
Comparing All iPhone 17 Models
Apple now sells four iPhone 17 models. From smallest to largest: the standard iPhone 17, the new iPhone 17 Air (a thin 6.5″ flagship), and the Pro (6.3″) and Pro Max (6.9″). In brief:
· iPhone 17 (6.3″): Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion 120 Hz, Always-On. Powered by the A19 chip (8 CPU cores, 5‑core GPU) with 8 GB RAM. Dual rear cameras (48 MP main + 48 MP ultra-wide) and the 18 MP Center Stage selfie camera[13][12]. Base model starts at 256 GB (5 colours). Great all-around performance at $799[5].
· iPhone 17 Air (6.5″): Brand new ultra-thin model (just 5.6 mm thick) with a titanium frame. Also has a 6.5″ Super Retina XDR display at 120 Hz[21]. Uniquely, it combines the A19 Pro chip (6‑core GPU) plus Apple’s new N1 (Wi‑Fi 7) and C1X chips[21][22]. It’s probably got 12 GB RAM (like Pro) and an enormous battery for all-day life. The camera is a single 48 MP Fusion main (no ultra-wide) behind a breakthrough design, plus the 18 MP Center Stage front[21][23]. Colours: Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, Sky Blue[23]. Starting at $999 for 256 GB[23]. We recommend the Air if you want top-tier specs in the thinnest/lightest iPhone (Apple: “so powerful, yet impossibly thin and light…”[24]).
· iPhone 17 Pro (6.3″): Shares the Air’s 6.3″ 120 Hz display (Ceramic Shield 2 front, peak 3000 nits) and titanium frame. Uses the top‑bin A19 Pro chip (6‑core GPU with Neural cores) and 12 GB RAM[22]. Triple rear cameras (all 48 MP): main, ultra-wide, new 48 MP telephoto with 4×–8× optical zoom. Also 18 MP Center Stage front[2][25]. Unique “plateau” design on back houses a vapor chamber for heat dissipation[26]. Colors: Deep Blue, Cosmic Orange, Silver[27][28]. Starts at $1,099 (256 GB)[27]. This model is ideal for pro users: Apple says it’s “the most powerful iPhone we’ve ever made”[2].
· iPhone 17 Pro Max (6.9″): Basically, a larger iPhone 17 Pro. It has a 6.9″ Super Retina XDR 120 Hz display (Ceramic Shield 2 front + back), the same A19 Pro chip, and all three 48 MP cameras (with longest 8× optical zoom)[2][29]. The larger body allows a bigger battery (up to ~5000 mAh or more in eSIM model)[30] for record-breaking life (Apple claims “best battery life ever in an iPhone” on the Pro Max[31]). Color options and storage (up to 2 TB!) match the Pro[7]. Starts at $1,199 (256 GB)[7].
Apple’s four iPhone 17 models include the new 6.5″ iPhone Air (titanium frame) and 6.9″ iPhone 17 Pro Max. The Pro models (shown) add a triple 48 MP camera bar and new colors[2][27].
Each model overlaps in capability, but the distinctions are clear. The standard iPhone 17 and Air share a dual-camera system and base iPhone features, but the Air adds an ultra-slim titanium design, slightly larger screen (6.5″), A19 Pro chip, and bigger battery[21]. The Pro and Pro Max add a telephoto lens, higher-end silicon (vapor cooling, up to 16-core Neural Engine), and the highest camera specs. For example, only the Pro models get the 8× optical zoom (longest on any iPhone)[2][29]. In any case, all four run iOS 26 with new features (Lock Screen redesign, Apple Intelligence, call screening, etc.)[32].
Which iPhone 17 Is Best for Me?
Choosing among the four depends on your priorities. Here are our recommendations for different user types:
· 📷 Photographers & Filmmakers: The iPhone 17 Pro Max. It has the most versatile camera (triple 48 MP sensors, new 8× telephoto) and longest battery life, so it’s perfect for shooting in any lighting. Apple even touts it as “the best-ever camera system and battery life in an iPhone”[2][31]. If you love high zoom and video, this is the one.
· 📸 Creative Pros & Power Users: The iPhone 17 Pro. You get almost the same performance and imaging as the Max (same chip, same triple‑camera bar, plus pro video features like ProRes RAW), but in a slightly smaller, lighter phone. It’s ideal for mobile gamers, video editors, or designers who want top speed (A19 Pro with new Neural Engine) and top display (120 Hz, 3000 nits)[2][11].
· 💼 Students & Everyday Users: The iPhone 17 (base). It now has flagship‑level specs (120 Hz display, 48 MP main and ultra‑wide camera, Center Stage selfie) at a lower cost. It’s great for social media, browsing, and casual gaming. We think iPhone 17 offers the best value: it has the essentials and Apple’s new features at the same $799 start as last year[5]. For example, taking group selfies with Center Stage, or enjoying smoother scrolling on the 120 Hz screen, covers most needs without the Pro price.
· 🌟 Style and Portability Seekers: The iPhone 17 Air. If you want the thinnest, lightest iPhone with pro performance, Air nails it. It’s “so powerful, yet impossibly thin and light”[24] – great for on-the-go use (its battery life is excellent thanks to internal optimizations) and stands out with its matte titanium finish. The Air still has the 48 MP camera (though only one lens) and huge battery, so it’s perfect for those who prize form factor as much as function.
· 🎮 Mobile Gamers: Any Pro model (especially Pro Max). The A19 Pro chip plus new vapor chamber means sustained high-frame gaming. If you play graphically intensive games, the Pro Max’s big screen and battery are an advantage.
· ✈️ Frequent Travelers: The iPhone 17 or Air in eSIM form (available in many regions) offers flexibility. All models have eSIM support, but the Air/base are lighter to carry. The long battery and global cellular capabilities make any iPhone 17 model travel-friendly.
In short, we match the model to your use: the base iPhone 17 for general use/budget, Air for style/mobility, Pro for performance, and Pro Max for ultimate camera/battery. Apple put a “center-stage” focus on photos and displays, so even the base is very capable. 😎
iPhone 16 After iPhone 17’s Release: Still a Good Idea?
After iPhone 17’s debut, the iPhone 16 is now cheaper (and iPhone 16 Plus likely discontinued in favor of Air). The iPhone 16 is still a solid phone – it has the A18 chip, 48 MP main camera, and some of last year’s features – so if you find it on sale, it can be a decent deal. However, reviewers point out that compared to iPhone 17 the iPhone 16’s lack of 120 Hz display and older ultra-wide camera make it feel outdated[33]. In everyday terms, upgrading from iPhone 16 to 17 brings smoother scrolling, better cameras (especially ultra-wide), and longer battery.
If you already have an iPhone 16, you may not need to rush. But if you don’t own a recent iPhone, trading in for an iPhone 16 now versus waiting could save money (carrier deals are likely to favor the latest models though). In fact, Apple is offering up to $650–$1,100 in trade-in credit on newer iPhones toward iPhone 17[34][35]. Ultimately, it depends on budget and how badly you want the new features. PhoneArena bluntly notes that with 17 out, the iPhone 16 “looks more outdated than ever,” thanks to its 60 Hz screen and 12 MP ultra-wide[33]. In our opinion, if you can afford it, the iPhone 17 is a more future-proof choice; if price is the main concern, the discounted 16 is still serviceable.
Bottom line: the iPhone 16 will be cheaper post-launch, but it lacks many of 17’s headline upgrades. It’s a reasonable budget pick if you don’t need top specs; otherwise, we’d lean toward the new model. 👍
Is iPhone 17 Worth It and Which Model to Get?
Given the improvements, we think the iPhone 17 series is generally worth buying for those with older devices or specific needs. It brings flagship features (A19, 120 Hz OLED, advanced cameras, all-day battery) at the same starting price as iPhone 16[5][36]. For everyday buyers, iPhone 17 delivers a true flagship experience “in its own right,” as PhoneArena puts it[33]. As Kaiann Drance (Apple exec) said: “iPhone 17 is a fantastic choice for customers looking for the latest features…”[1].
Which model is “most worth it” depends on your needs. If you want the best all-around value, the standard iPhone 17 fits most people: it has all the new tech in a relatively affordable package. If you prioritize battery life, display, and multitasking power, the iPhone 17 Air is compelling (for a modest premium). If ultimate camera performance is key, the Pro Max stands out. In every case, the new models come well-equipped: even the base iPhone 17 has twice the storage and better screens/cameras than the previous model.
In short, upgrading to iPhone 17 makes sense if you own an iPhone 14 or earlier – you’ll notice big gains. If you have an iPhone 15 or 16, the jump is smaller (unless you really want the telephoto or thin-design of Air/Pro). Weigh the new features against the price: for many customers, especially photographers or power users, the upgrade is worth it. But for someone happy with basic messaging and social media, even the iPhone 17 base will more than suffice, and it’s available at last year’s entry price[5]. As Apple’s Greg Joswiak remarked of the Pro model: “a massive upgrade for our most demanding users.”[2] Use our guide above to match the model to your demands, and you’ll likely find the iPhone 17 series offers something for everyone. 🔍🚀
Sources:
[1] [3] [5] [8] [10] [11] [12] [13] [16] [20] [25] [32] [34] Apple debuts iPhone 17 - Apple
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/apple-debuts-iphone-17/
[2] [7] [26] [27] [28] [29] [31] [35] Apple unveils iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max - Apple
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/apple-unveils-iphone-17-pro-and-iphone-17-pro-max/
[4] [6] [21] [23] [24] Introducing iPhone Air, a powerful new iPhone with a breakthrough design - Apple
[9] [14] [15] [17] [18] [19] [33] [36] iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: The upgrade the base iPhone needed, and why you probably don't need the Pro - PhoneArena
https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/iphone-17-vs-iphone-16_id7237
[22] The iPhone 17 Air might be much more powerful than expected - PhoneArena
https://www.phonearena.com/news/iphone-17-air-chipset-performance_id172125
[30] iPhone 17 Pro Max is official with camera and battery improvements: is that all we care for? - PhoneArena
https://www.phonearena.com/news/iphone-17-pro-max-is-official_id173885