While it may not seem as distinct as this year’s refreshed Pro models, or as sleek as the new iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 signifies a significant milestone for standard Apple smartphones.
This is especially noteworthy since Apple has finally introduced a high-refresh-rate 120Hz display, a top feature of modern smartphones, into its base model flagship.
Moreover, the starting storage has been doubled without a price increase. The iPhone 17 is priced the same as its predecessor at £799 (€949/$799/AU$1,399), which is less than the £999 Air and £1,099 Pro, yet it offers substantial value for the price.
Externally, it appears similar to the iPhone 16, but the 17 is slightly taller, allowing for a bigger screen fitting into slimmer bezels without greatly increasing the phone’s overall dimensions. The 6.3-inch display now rivals the ultra-bright screen of the 17 Pro, protected by enhanced toughened glass for better scratch resistance.
The new anti-glare coating on the screen enhances visibility and usability, even in bright sunlight. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The 120Hz “promotion” technology significantly increases the screen refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. This feature has been a staple in competitor smartphones for years, while Apple reserved it for Pro versions of its devices until now.
Additionally, the 17 now includes features previously exclusive to Pro models, such as the Always-On Display, which shows widgets and notifications while the phone is idle. It operates on the same iOS 26 as the entire iPhone range and offers Apple’s revamped glass-like interface design, which appears somewhat simplified to reduce on-screen distractions while maintaining functionality.
Specifications
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Screen: 6.3 inch Super Retina XDR (120Hz OLED) (460ppi)
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Processor: Apple A19
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RAM: 8GB
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Storage: 256 or 512GB
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Operating System: iOS 26
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Camera: 48MP Main + 48MP UW; 18MP Front
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Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 6, Thread, USB-C, Satellite, UWB, GNSS
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Water Resistance: IP68 (30 minutes at 6 meters)
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Size: 149.6×71.5×7.95mm
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Weight: 177g
Fast A19 Chip and Solid Battery Life
Using a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter (sold separately), your phone can fully charge in 82 minutes, reaching 50% in just 21 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Powered by Apple’s new A19 chip, the iPhone 17 is among the fastest in the smartphone market, being only slightly less powerful than the A19 Pro. Apple maintains a technological edge over Android rivals, even in its more budget-friendly offerings.
As a result, the 17 manages multitasking and various applications with ease. Its battery performance is commendable for its size, lasting around 44 hours between charges using Wi-Fi and 5G, and about 6 hours of active screen use with the always-on feature. Though slightly reduced from its predecessor, it offers longer life than the comparably sized 17 Pro and notably outlasts the iPhone Air. Most users will require charging the 17 every other day.
Sustainability
The sleek recycled aluminum body and matte glass back provide a solid and premium feel, even without a protective case. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The battery lasts over 1,000 full charge cycles while maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity; replacement costs £95. Note that screen repair is £349 and is not covered by warranty.
This device consists of over 30% recycled materials encompassing aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, steel, tin, and tungsten. Apple evaluates its environmental impact through various reports and offers trade-in and free recycling programs, even for non-Apple devices.
Camera
The camera app has been streamlined by concealing many features behind a sliding selector and pop-out menus to maximize the viewfinder space. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The iPhone 17 features two 48-megapixel rear cameras (main and ultrawide), alongside Apple’s new 18MP front-facing camera found on the iPhone 17 Pro and Air.
While the main camera remains unchanged from the iPhone 16, it captures excellent photographs in various lighting scenarios. It may occasionally overexpose in bright light or appear slightly blurry in low-light conditions, yet it remains a dependable compact digital option. It supports a 2x crop zoom, effective in bright areas and acceptable in dim indoor settings. The ultrawide camera is notably enhanced from the previous model, enabling more detail and a broader range, particularly effective for macro photography.
Despite the camera’s ability to achieve a digital zoom of up to 10x, resulting images may lack detail and clarity. True telephoto capabilities remain exclusive to Pro models.
The front camera delivers slightly improved selfies compared to previous iterations, with a standout feature allowing it to digitally pan and zoom to encompass all subjects in a group shot, regardless of phone orientation—ideal for capturing landscape shots while holding the phone vertically.
The iPhone 17 offers various shooting modes for video capture, including a dual capture mode that records from both front and rear cameras simultaneously, placing the user in a small inset frame.
Price
Pricing for the iPhone 17 starts at £799 (€949/$799/AU$1,399) for the 256GB version.
By comparison, the iPhone 16e retails for £599, the iPhone Air is priced at £999, the iPhone 17 Pro costs £1,099, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is £1,199, and the Google Pixel 10 is also £1,199. The Samsung Galaxy S25 is priced at £699, while the Fairphone 6 retails at £499.
Verdict
While the iPhone 17 may not visually distinguish itself from its predecessor, it represents a notable advancement over previous standard iPhones.
The incorporation of key features from Apple’s more premium Pro models—including a superior, brighter, and smoother 120Hz display—is particularly significant. An always-on display enhances functionality, and the doubling of base storage to 256 GB, along with improved battery life extending roughly two days, are both highly appreciated changes. After years, the iPhone 17 no longer feels like a substantial downgrade from the Pro model.
The dual rear cameras are impressive, though the absence of a telephoto option limits their capabilities somewhat. The iPhone 17 retains a compact feel for a modern smartphone, akin to the iPhone Air but without being onerously heavy.
For users not requiring a telephoto lens, the standard iPhone 17 is an excellent choice.
Pros: Rapid performance, impressive 120Hz display, quality dual cameras with macro functionality, minimum of 256GB storage, comfortable size, tactile action and camera control buttons, USB-C, robust battery life, extended software support, Face ID.
Cons: No telephoto lens, identical design to its predecessor, not the thinnest, lightest, or most powerful option.
The iPhone 17 remains the last model with a straightforward two-camera configuration, arranged vertically on the back, making it less obtrusive compared to other models. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Source: www.theguardian.com
