- Bigger 6.3-inch OLED display with always-on functionality and ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate
- Camera upgrades: 18MP selfie shooter and dual 48MP sensors on the back, plus new Dual Capture mode
- Powered by Apple’s A19 chip, with double the base storage now starting at 256GB
- Pricing remains the same as the iPhone 16, starting at $799 / £799 / AU$1,399
Apple just pulled the curtain back on the iPhone 17 at its “Awe Dropping” event, and while the design may look familiar at first glance, the story here is all about what’s inside. Instead of wild redesigns or gimmicks, Apple delivered practical, long-requested upgrades that make the base iPhone 17 feel more like a Pro device than ever.
If you’ve been waiting for Apple to give you reasons to skip the higher-priced Pro models, this could be the year. The iPhone 17 adds a bigger and always-on display, buttery-smooth ProMotion, upgraded cameras across the board, more storage by default, and Apple’s new A19 chip. All of that comes without a price hike.
So, what’s new, and is this the “Goldilocks” iPhone that balances price and performance? Let’s break it down.
Bigger Screen, Smaller Excuses
On paper, a jump from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches might not sound like much. In hand, though, the difference is noticeable. Apple slimmed down the bezels to make space for a larger Super Retina XDR OLED display. The result? A screen that feels more immersive without bulking up the phone itself.
But the real star of the show is the always-on display. That’s right — the feature Apple once held back for Pro users has finally trickled down. Now you can glance at the time, widgets, or media playback without tapping or lifting your phone. It’s simple, it’s convenient, and honestly, it’s overdue.
And if you’ve been side-eyeing Android users bragging about 120Hz screens, you can finally stop. Apple has officially added ProMotion to the standard iPhone. The refresh rate dynamically adjusts up to 120Hz, making scrolling, gaming, and even doomscrolling on social media look smooth as silk.
During hands-on demos, the difference was immediate. Games felt more responsive, scrolling looked seamless, and even basic apps felt polished. It’s a subtle change that becomes impossible to ignore once you’ve used it.
Smile, You’re on Center Stage
Cameras are often the make-or-break feature for phone buyers, and Apple clearly knew it had to give the iPhone 17 some attention here.
The front-facing camera gets a major glow-up, now boasting an 18-megapixel sensor with a wider field of view. Apple calls it Center Stage, and the idea is to make selfies and group shots less of a juggling act. Whether you’re trying to cram friends into a frame or shooting solo, it adjusts smoothly. Even better, the Camera app now lets you toggle through different selfie sizes and orientations with ease.
On the back, the iPhone 17 continues with a dual-camera setup but with a major twist: both sensors are now 48 megapixels. The wide lens is paired with a new ultra-wide sensor, upgraded from the 12-megapixel unit on the iPhone 16. That means sharper shots, more detail, and improved low-light performance.
And let’s not overlook iOS 26’s new Dual Capture mode. It allows you to record from the front and rear cameras simultaneously in a single video. Family videos, concerts, sports games, suddenly, you’re both in front of and behind the camera without any editing tricks.
A19 Chip: Fast, but Not a Show-Off
Performance is often the hidden factor that keeps an iPhone feeling “new” for years, and the iPhone 17 looks set to deliver.
It runs on Apple’s brand-new A19 chip, featuring a 6-core CPU, a 5-core GPU, and a Neural Engine designed to handle AI tasks and upcoming Apple Intelligence features. No, it’s not the beefed-up A19 Pro found in the higher-end models, but during early tests, it handled everything thrown at it smoothly. From casual browsing to demanding games, the iPhone 17 feels fast and responsive.
Battery life wasn’t tested extensively at the launch event, but with Apple’s typical optimizations, expect the iPhone 17 to last through a full day comfortably, even with its brighter and always-on screen.
Storage Wars: Apple Strikes Back
One of the most crowd-pleasing changes this year isn’t flashy at all: storage. Apple has finally doubled the starting capacity of the iPhone 17 to 256GB, up from the old 128GB baseline.
Even better? Prices haven’t budged. The iPhone 17 starts at $799 / £799 / AU$1,399 for the 256GB version. If you need more room for photos, videos, or apps, a 512GB model is available for $999 / £999 / AU$1,799.
For comparison, that’s the same price point as last year’s iPhone 16 with half the storage. In today’s world of massive app sizes and 4K video, this feels like one of the smartest moves Apple could have made.
Same Shape, Fresh Paint
Design-wise, Apple isn’t rocking the boat. The iPhone 17 looks almost identical to its predecessor, with the same flat edges and familiar dimensions. That said, durability has been improved, and the new color lineup gives it a bit of personality.
Choices include black, white, mist blue, sage green, and lavender purple. They’re softer shades compared to last year’s bolder palette, but the green and purple options add just enough character without screaming for attention.
So, Should You Buy It?
The iPhone 17 is shaping up to be the sweet spot for most buyers. It delivers meaningful upgrades without the eye-watering price of the Pro models. You’re getting a better display, better cameras, better storage, and better performance, all at the same entry price Apple has offered for years.
Of course, if you absolutely need a telephoto lens, larger screen, or the extra power of the A19 Pro chip, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are still there. But for the majority of users, the standard iPhone 17 looks like the best balance of features and value.
Pre-orders begin on September 12, and the iPhone 17 ships on September 19.
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