Apple’s flashy tech/cell/pumpkin-fanta-or-cheeto-what-flavor-of-orange-is-the-cosmic-orange-iphone-17-pro/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>orange tech/cell/apple-iphone-17-pro-iphone-17-pro-max-review/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>iPhone 17 Professional could be getting lots of consideration, however the baseline tech/cell/apple-iphone-17-review/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>iPhone 17 is quietly crushing it, with tech/cell/iphone-17-preorders-spike-and-overall-phone-sales-arent-slowing-down-despite-tariffs/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>preorders blowing previous final yr’s cellphone. So in case your present iPhone is beginning to really feel somewhat outdated, this might be the time to improve.
However is the iPhone 17 price it? For starters, this is one enormous perk: Apple lastly killed the laughably small 128GB base storage you will get on older fashions just like the iPhone16. As a substitute, the entry-level iPhone 17 begins at 256GB, all whereas sustaining that $829 beginning worth — a long-overdue improve that makes this yr’s cellphone a severely compelling deal.
Watch this: The Skinny Cellphone Debate: iPhone Air Battles iPhone 17 Professional
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A number of different noteworthy updates to the iPhone 17 make it really feel like a tempting alternative, even over the pricier iPhone 17 Professional fashions. In the end, Apple has prolonged a 1-120Hz show throughout its complete lineup, so you’ll be able to have smoother scrolling and an tech/cell/iphone-always-on-display-how-to-tone-it-down-or-turn-it-off/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>always-on show with out spending upward of $1,100 on a Professional mannequin. An anti-reflective coating and better 3,000-nit peak brightness make the display screen barely simpler to see outdoor. And digicam upgrades assist to stage up photographs and selfies.
This is how the iPhone 17 compares to older iPhones, starting from final yr’s tech/cell/apple-iphone-16-and-16-plus-review-little-improvements-add-up/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>iPhone 16 to 2020’s tech/cell/review-iphone-12-pro-max-deserves-a-spot-in-your-pocket-if-you-can-get-it-to-fit/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>iPhone 12.
The iPhone 16
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16
Look-wise, the iPhone 17 has so much in widespread with the iPhone 16. However beneath the floor, there are some key variations.
The show goes from a meager 60Hz on the iPhone 16 to 120Hz on the iPhone 17 (in the end). Meaning the iPhone 17 lastly helps an always-on show, so you’ll be able to look on the time and your notifications with out waking the display screen and luxuriate in smoother scrolling. A brand new anti-reflective coating helps scale back glare, particularly within the vibrant outside situations.
The iPhone 17 has a bigger 6.3-inch show, versus the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch display screen, due to slimmer bezels. That may make viewing content material barely extra immersive, although it will not be a vastly noticeable distinction. And a brand new Ceramic Protect 2 cowl on the iPhone 17 gives three-times higher scratch resistance, based on Apple, so you’ll be able to fear rather less about etching into your cellphone’s display screen (however possibly nonetheless get a display screen protector to be secure).
The iPhone 16 and 17 have a 48-megapixel wide-angle digicam, however the iPhone 17 bumps the ultrawide digicam from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels. The front-facing digicam additionally will get upgraded from 12 megapixels (on the iPhone 16) to 18 megapixels on the iPhone 17. Each telephones have a tech/cell/beyond-the-camera-everything-you-can-do-with-the-iphone-16-camera-control-button/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>Digital camera Management button for shortly launching the digicam and snapping photographs.
A brand new tech/cell/selfie-fans-the-new-iphone-17-camera-is-optimized-for-you/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>Middle Stage characteristic can robotically modify selfie photographs from portrait orientation to panorama to make sure everyone seems to be within the shot, so you do not have to manually rotate your cellphone to its aspect anymore. Dual Capture enables you to concurrently report in your back and front cameras. These upgrades are particularly catered to the most recent iPhone lineup, in order that they will not be coming to older fashions just like the iPhone 16, even with an tech/services-and-software/ios-26-vs-ios-18-think-liquid-glass-is-a-dramatic-update-think-again/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>iOS 26 replace.
Battery life is somewhat longer on the iPhone 17. Apple says the iPhone 17 helps as much as 8 hours extra of video playback than the iPhone 16. This modification aligns with enhancements CNET seen in our battery exams. In a 3-hour streaming check, for instance, the iPhone 17’s battery dropped from 100% to 89%, whereas the iPhone 16 hit 86%. It is an incremental replace, however even somewhat extra battery life is a welcome change. The iPhone 17 additionally helps as much as 40-watt charging, which is a lift over the 25 watts you get with the iPhone 16, serving to you high off your battery somewhat sooner.
The underside line: Whereas the updates to the iPhone 17 assist it stand out as an all-around stable system, the adjustments over final yr’s iPhone 16 are incremental sufficient that there is not a lot purpose to improve — until you are actually enthusiastic about that smoother show and sooner charging. However for most individuals, delicate variations imply you need to in all probability simply maintain onto your iPhone 16.
The iPhone 15
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 15
The tech/cell/apple-iphone-15-and-15-plus-review-a-big-leap-from-older-iphones/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>iPhone 15 has so much in widespread with the iPhone 16, together with a 48-megapixel wide-angle digicam, a 12-megapixel ultrawide digicam and a 6.1-inch show. The 6.3-inch show on the iPhone 17 has slimmer bezels to develop that actual property a bit, and the 48-megapixel ultrawide digicam can result in barely sharper pictures.
The baseline iPhone 15 does not have an tech/cell/how-to-use-the-action-button-on-the-iphone-16-and-iphone-15-pro-and-15-pro-max/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>Motion button that you may customise to launch numerous apps and features, and as a substitute has the extra conventional ring/silent change. The iPhone 17 has an Motion button and a Digital camera Management button.
Each telephones have a tech/cell/dynamic-island-is-one-of-the-most-helpful-parts-of-your-iphone-and-its-right-under-your-nose/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>Dynamic Island cutout on the high of the show for displaying alerts and Dwell Actions, such because the time your DoorDash order is arriving, flight updates and what music is presently taking part in.
With every era, Apple touts longer battery life, so you’ll be able to anticipate to get a pair extra hours of video playback with the iPhone 17 than you’ll with the 15.
Maybe probably the most important distinction between the iPhone 15 and 17 is that the iPhone 15 does not have tech/services-and-software/yes-apple-intelligence-can-be-useful-here-are-6-features-i-use-regularly/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>Apple Intelligence; these AI options solely arrived on that yr’s Professional fashions. If you happen to improve to the iPhone 17, you will have entry to writing and picture enhancing instruments, in addition to newer options like Dwell Translation for calls and messages.
The underside line: Just like the iPhone 16, there aren’t many drastic variations between the iPhone 15 and 17, although upgrading will notably grant you entry to Apple Intelligence. However the different {hardware} and software-related updates are comparatively minimal, so that you’re in all probability good holding your iPhone 15 for no less than one other yr.
The iPhone 14
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 14
The tech/cell/iphone-14-review-good-upgrade-most-people/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>iPhone 14 was the final Apple cellphone with a Lightning port and that is one in all most vital variations between it and the iPhone 17, which has a USB-C port. Upgrading to the iPhone 17 means you will not need to depend on an outdated and limited-use charging cable anymore, and might as a substitute use one which works with most of your different gadgets.
The baseline iPhone 14 additionally does not have a Dynamic Island cutout within the show, as that characteristic launched with simply the Professional fashions that yr. Upgrading to the iPhone 17 will allow you to shortly faucet into actions like your rideshare journey or flight data.
The iPhone 14 has a 12-megapixel huge and ultrawide-angle digicam on the again, whereas the iPhone 17 bumps that to 48 megapixels throughout the board. The iPhone 17 additionally will increase the front-facing digicam’s decision from 12 megapixels to 18 megapixels, whereas including a brand new Middle Stage selfie characteristic to robotically modify between portrait and panorama pictures with out you having to rotate your cellphone.
However the two telephones additionally some key similarities, like having eSIM and satellite tv for pc connectivity on board.
The underside line: The iPhone 14 has probably the most noticeable variations with the iPhone 17. Upgrading might provide some contemporary options like an Motion button and, ultimately, a USB-C port, in addition to Dynamic Island and an upgraded digicam. However if you wish to avoid wasting cash and maintain your present cellphone, you will not be lacking out on something too drastic.
The iPhone 13
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 13
The tech/cell/iphone-13-review/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>iPhone 13 has the same A15 Bionic chip because the iPhone 14, and shares the identical twin 12-megapixel digicam system. However in contrast to the iPhone 14, the iPhone 13 does not have crash detection or satellite tv for pc connectivity, or digicam options like Motion mode for extra secure movies.
At this level, your iPhone 13 could also be displaying its age. Upgrading to the iPhone 17 will provide you with entry to newer options like Apple Intelligence, Dynamic Island, USB-C charging and the Digital camera Management and Motion buttons. You may additionally discover sooner speeds by switching to the iPhone 17, now that it has been a number of years for the reason that iPhone 13 got here out.
The underside line: It might be time to improve to the iPhone 17 when you’ve got an iPhone 13. It is potential your cellphone is beginning to present its age, and switching to Apple’s newest baseline will get you a longer-lasting battery, an upgraded digicam, AI options and a handful of latest {hardware} and software program capabilities.
The iPhone 12
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 12
Like the following couple of iPhones after it, the tech/cell/apple-iphone-12-review-5g-phone/” rel=”” class=”c-shortcodeLink c-shortcodeLink-active”>iPhone 12 has a twin 12-megapixel digicam system, in addition to a 6.1-inch show. Upgrading to the iPhone 17 will get you a barely extra immersive 6.3-inch show with thinner bezels, together with a 48-megapixel twin digicam system.
The iPhone 12 lacks options like crash detection, satellite tv for pc connectivity, Dynamic Island and USB-C charging. It additionally does not assist the Apple Intelligence suite of AI options for writing, photograph enhancing, language translation and extra.
It is potential your iPhone 12 has turn out to be sluggish and your battery is not holding up prefer it used to. Taking age out of the equation, at launch, the iPhone 12 boasted as much as 17 hours of video playback, whereas Apple says the iPhone 17 helps as much as 30 hours. So there’s more likely to be a noticeable distinction between how lengthy every cellphone can maintain up.
The underside line: Swapping your iPhone 12 for the iPhone 17 might be a sensible transfer. There have been noticeable adjustments during the last a number of years, from the addition of the Motion and Digital camera Management buttons to the introduction of Apple Intelligence. The swap to USB-C and expanded battery capability also can make the most recent iPhone extra tempting; you will not need to cling to your now-outdated Lightning cable. And you will possible discover sooner speeds and better efficiency throughout the board when switching from a 5-year-old system to the most recent era.
Apple iPhone 17 vs. Older iPhones
| Apple iPhone 17 | Apple iPhone 16 | Apple iPhone 15 | Apple iPhone 14 | Apple iPhone 13 | Apple iPhone 12 | |
| Show dimension, tech, decision, refresh charge | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel decision; 1-120Hz variable refresh charge | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,556 x 1,179 pixel decision; 60Hz refresh charge | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,556×1,179 pixels | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels |
| Pixel density | 460ppi | 460 ppi | 460 ppi | 460 ppi | 460 ppi | 460ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.31 in | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches | 2.82 x 5.81 x 0.31 in | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 in | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.3 in | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.29 in |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm | 71.6 x 147.6 x 7.8 mm | 147 x 72 x 7.8 mm | 147 x 72 x 7.65 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 177 g (6.24 oz) | 170 g (6 oz.) | 171g (6.02 oz) | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 6.14 oz; 174g | 5.78oz; 164g |
| Cell software program | iOS 26 | iOS 18 | iOS 17 | iOS 16 | iOS 15 | iOS 14 |
| Digital camera | 48-megapixel (huge) 48-megapixel (ultrawide) | 48-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 48-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 12-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 12-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 12-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide) |
| Entrance-facing digicam | 18-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Video seize | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K at 60 fps | HDR video recording with Dolby Imaginative and prescient as much as 4K at 60 fps | 4K |
| Processor | Apple A19 | Apple A18 | A16 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple Bionic 14 |
| RAM + storage | RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB | RAM N/A + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | RAM NA; 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Expandable storage | None | None (Face ID) | None | None | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Battery | As much as 30 hours video playback; as much as 27 hours video playback (streamed) | As much as 22 hours video playback; as much as 18 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wi-fi charging as much as 25W with 30W adapter or larger; Qi2 as much as 15W | Undisclosed; Apple claims as much as 20 hours of video playback (16 hours streamed) | Undisclosed; Apple claims 20 hours of video playback | No | No |
| Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | Undisclosed; Apple lists 19 hours of video playback | Undisclosed; Apple lists 15 hours of video playback |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C (USB 2.0) | Lightning | No (Face ID) | No (FaceID) |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None | None | Lightning | Lightning |
| Particular options | Apple N1 wi-fi networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Motion button. Digital camera Management button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visible Intelligence. Twin eSIM. 1 to three,000 nits brightness show vary. IP68 resistance. Colours: black, white, mist blue, sage, lavender. Quick cost as much as 50% in 20 minutes utilizing 40W adapter or larger by way of charging cable. Quick cost as much as 50% in half-hour utilizing 30W adapter or larger by way of MagSafe Charger. | Apple Intelligence, Motion button, Digital camera Management button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits show brightness vary, IP68 resistance. Colours: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine. | Dynamic Island; 5G (mmw/Sub6); MagSafe; waterproof (IP68); wi-fi charging; eSIM; satellite tv for pc connectivity | 5G (mmw/Sub6); MagSafe; waterproof (IP68); wi-fi charging; eSIM; satellite tv for pc connectivity | No | No |
| US worth begins at | $829 (256GB) | $799 (128GB) | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) | 5G enabled; MagSafe; waterproof (IP68); wi-fi charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) | 5G enabled; MagSafe; waterproof (IP68); wi-fi charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) |
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