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Phone 17 Series Review: What's New and Is It Worth the Upgrade?

The iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone 17, the ultra-slim iPhone Air, and the high-end iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, was officially announced on September 9, 2025, and launched on September 19. The new lineup introduces major camera upgrades, more powerful chips, and a wider range of features previously reserved for the premium models.

Here is an overview of the most significant changes and improvements for each new iPhone model.

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air

iPhone 17
The standard iPhone 17 receives some of the most substantial upgrades this year, closing the gap with its Pro counterparts.

• Display: For the first time on a standard model, the iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, Always-On technology, and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits for outdoor use.
• Cameras: The rear system gets a significant boost to a 48MP dual "Fusion" camera system, incorporating an optical-quality 2x telephoto lens and a 48MP Ultra Wide sensor. The front camera is upgraded to an 18MP Center Stage lens, which can adjust its field of view with AI for group selfies.
• Performance and battery: It runs on the new A19 chip, which, along with an Apple-designed N1 networking chip, offers improved battery life and efficiency. It supports fast wired charging up to 40W.
• Storage: The base storage starts at 256GB, double that of the previous generation.

iPhone Air
The all-new iPhone Air is marketed as the thinnest iPhone to date and replaces the Plus model in the lineup.

• Design: At just 5.6mm thick, it features a titanium frame for enhanced durability.
• Display: It includes a 6.5-inch 120Hz ProMotion display.
• Camera: The Air has a more limited camera setup, with a single 48MP Fusion rear camera.
• Price: Pricing for the iPhone Air starts at $999.

iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max

The Pro models retain their focus on premium features and professional-level performance.

• Design: Apple has moved from a titanium frame back to an aluminum unibody construction, citing better thermal performance. The rear camera bump has been redesigned into a wider "plateau".
• Cameras: The triple-camera array now consists of three 48MP lenses, including a new telephoto lens that offers up to 8x optical zoom. The Pro models also gain advanced video features, such as ProRes RAW and genlock support.
• Performance: Powered by the more potent A19 Pro chip, the Pro models incorporate a vapor chamber cooling system to prevent overheating during demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
• Storage and battery: Starting storage for the Pro is 256GB, while the Pro Max now offers a 2TB option for the first time. The battery has been expanded, particularly in eSIM-only models, with the Pro Max delivering up to 39 hours of video playback.
• Pricing: The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099, and the Pro Max begins at $1,199.

Key takeaways

• A more intelligent iPhone: All iPhone 17 models come with iOS 26 and feature the new Apple Intelligence, which offers advanced on-device AI features like smart text suggestions and natural language photo search.
• Major upgrade for standard models: The standard iPhone 17 receives a considerable leap in features, including a 120Hz display and a 48MP rear camera, making it a compelling option for most users.
• Camera focus on the Pro: The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max solidify their position as the go-to devices for professional content creators with the enhanced 8x optical zoom and new video recording options.
• New 'Air' option: The introduction of the ultra-thin iPhone Air provides a stylish, mid-range alternative for users who prioritize a sleek design over the Pro's more advanced camera system.

Is it worth upgrading?

• For users with an iPhone 14 or older: The iPhone 17 offers a compelling upgrade, with a faster chip, superior display, and better camera system. It represents a significant jump in performance and features.
• For iPhone 15 or 16 users: The upgrades on the base model may not be enough to justify the cost. However, the advanced camera system on the 17 Pro series or the sleek design of the iPhone Air could be a worthwhile move for certain users.