Apple’s new iPhone 17 has arrived, bringing a host of high-end features that were previously exclusive to the Pro lineup. This year, the standard model gets a major refresh, making it a more compelling option than ever before. With a focus on display, camera, and performance enhancements, the iPhone 17 sets a new standard for a base-model smartphone.
Design and Display: Pro Features for Everyone
The iPhone 17 marks a significant step up in display technology. For the first time, a non-Pro iPhone features ProMotion technology, providing an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This means smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel. The 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display is also brighter than ever, reaching a peak outdoor brightness of an incredible 3,000 nits, making it easy to read even in direct sunlight.
The new display is protected by a next-generation Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims offers three times better scratch resistance and four times better crack resistance compared to previous models. The design also features thinner bezels, giving the device a sleeker and more modern appearance. The iPhone 17 is available in a range of colors, including Black, White, Mist Blue, Sage, and Lavender.
Performance: The Power of the A19 Chip
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 is powered by the new A19 chip. This chip features a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, delivering a substantial performance boost over the previous generation. The A19 chip is also designed to handle the advanced on-device AI features that are part of Apple Intelligence, which is integrated into the new iOS 26. This ensures that tasks like visual intelligence, live translation, and AI-powered photo editing are fast and efficient.
Camera System: A New “Dual Fusion” Setup
The camera system on the iPhone 17 has been completely revamped. Apple introduces a new 48MP Dual Fusion camera system on the back. This includes a 48MP main wide-angle lens and a new 48MP ultrawide lens. The main camera now also offers an “optical-quality 2x telephoto” option, giving users more versatility without needing a separate telephoto lens.
The biggest change, however, is to the front-facing camera. The iPhone 17 debuts the new 18MP Center Stage front camera, which features a square sensor and a wider field of view. This camera can automatically adjust to keep you centered in video calls and allows for landscape selfies without having to turn the phone sideways. The new camera also supports Dual Capture, letting you record video with the front and rear cameras simultaneously.
Battery and Storage
The iPhone 17 is equipped with a new, larger battery that provides all-day power. Apple says it can deliver up to eight hours more video playback than the iPhone 16. It also supports faster wired charging, reaching a 50% charge in just 20 minutes with a 40W adapter. In a welcome move, the base storage has been doubled to 256GB, with an additional 512GB option available.
Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 17 starts at $799 in the U.S. for the 256GB model. In India, the starting price is ₹82,900. Pre-orders began on September 12, with the phone becoming available for purchase on September 19.
