The wait is finally over. Apple has officially unveiled the new iPhone 17 series, and after a thorough look at the specs and announcements, we’ve gathered our first impressions. While the Pro models always steal the spotlight, this year, the most significant and exciting changes might just be for the standard iPhone 17 and the new, ultra-thin iPhone Air.
This comprehensive iPhone 17 review will break down the key upgrades, from a long-awaited display feature to groundbreaking performance and camera tech. Let’s dive into what makes this lineup a potential game-changer.
iPhone 17 & iPhone Air: The Biggest Upgrades Yet
The event started with the quote from Steve Jobs :
For years, many have felt the standard iPhone models lacked the premium features of their Pro counterparts. Not anymore. The iPhone 17 and the brand-new iPhone Air, yes it is not iPhone 17 Air, just Air, finally bridge that gap, making them incredibly compelling options.
Display & Design: ProMotion for Everyone
This is the news we’ve all been waiting for. The standard iPhone 17 now features a 120Hz ProMotion display, a major upgrade from the previous 60Hz. This means incredibly smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a more responsive feel. It also includes the popular Always-On Display, so you can see important info at a glance without tapping your phone.
Both the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air also feature Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims is three times more scratch-resistant than before. The iPhone Air is a standout in design, noted as the thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.6 mm. It’s a bold statement that reintroduces the “Air” concept with a premium feel.
But never in the event the talk or demo was around the drop test, because as a fact when scratch resistance increases, drop resistance decreases.
Performance: The Power of the A19 Chip
Under the hood, the standard models are no slouches. The iPhone 17 is powered by the new A19 chip, a six-core CPU and five-core GPU combination that’s a notable 20% faster than the A18. The iPhone Air takes it a step further with the A19 Pro chip, boasting a threefold increase in AI GPU performance. These advancements are crucial for the new on-device features of Apple Intelligence, which are yet to be announced.
The iPhone Air is powered by pro level A19 pro chip with 5 cores, unlike 6 cores in Pro series.
Camera Upgrades: The New Face of iPhone Photography
The iPhone 17 camera system sees some major improvements. Both the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air get a new 48 MP ultrawide camera. The main 12 MP camera can now act as a 2x telephoto lens, offering more versatility.
But the biggest story is the new front-facing camera. Upgraded to a sharp 18 MP sensor, it features a larger sensor for better low-light shots and introduces “Center Stage,” which keeps you perfectly framed during video calls. So, no need to rotate the phone for landscape photos. The iPhone Air also adds dual-video recording, allowing you to capture video from both front and back cameras at the same time.
The new iPhone 17 comes in 5 different colors – Black, White, Green (Sage), Pink (Lavendar) and (Mist) Blue. Personally, I prefer the Blue one. Reminds me of the sea, and its vastness.
The new iPhone Air comes in 4 different colors – (Space) Black, (Cloud) White, light Gold and Sky Blue.
Notable features of iPhone Air include: single camera at back, single speaker, no physical sim only e-sim, Titanium body chasis, 5.6 mm thin and weighing just 165 grams.
iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max: The Ultimate Powerhouses
For professionals and enthusiasts who demand the very best, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max remain Apple’s top-tier offerings.
Design for Performance & Durability
The Pro models introduce an aluminum alloy frame and a new vapor cooling chamber to deliver exceptional performance under heavy load. This new thermal system provides 40% better sustained performance than the previous generation, making it a dream for mobile gamers and video editors.
The Pro series has 3 colors to offer: (Cosmic) Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver. Here also blue is the only one which looks not to flashy nor flat.
A19 Pro Chip & Pro Cameras
The A19 Pro chip in these models is enhanced with an extra GPU core and a neural accelerator, resulting in a four-fold increase in AI performance.
The camera system is also completely redesigned. All rear lenses are now 48 MP fusion cameras, offering up to eight different focal lengths for unparalleled creative control. A notable change is the telephoto lens, which is now 4x, a slight downgrade from the previous 5x. However, the new fusion tech and overall system improvements are expected to more than make up for it.
Going back to Aluminium in pro models is said to be done to optimise the heat absorption. But then why the iPhone Air has Titanium body, it is thin thus will probably heat more.
You see these are just some questions, I have more:
1. No talks about AI on the phone.
2. Camera are marketed as 8x but I doubt it has that capacity cause camera sensor used can do only 4x, then it’s just like zooming image and croping it, making it appear 8x. And iPhone Air web page says “4 Lens in Pocket” whereas it has just 1 camera lens at the back.
3. What’s going on with Action Button and Camera button, what’s the update there? Why were they introduced?
4. As mentioned earlier, Drop Resistance and scratch resistance are inversely promotion.
5. Why a separate, brand new MagSafe is launched with iPhone Air, when in event the battery stated is “All-day Battery Life”?
Anyways, this year’s iPhone 17 lineup feels like a major stride forward for Apple. While the Pro models continue to push the envelope for raw power and professional features, the significant upgrades to the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone Air are truly the headline, while whole event had some points to ponder.
With a long-overdue ProMotion display, a major camera revamp, and a powerful new A19 chip, the base models are a worthy upgrade that offers premium functionality without the premium price tag.
Pricing
Based on the latest announcements, here are the starting prices for the new iPhone 17 series in both U.S. Dollars (USD) and Indian Rupees (INR). All models now start with a base storage of 256GB.
| Model | Starting Price (USD) | Starting Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | $799 | ₹82,900 |
| iPhone Air | $999 | ₹1,19,900 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | $1,099 | ₹1,34,900 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,199 | ₹1,49,900 |
Which one to Buy?
For the Everyday User: The iPhone 17
If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone and want a modern, powerful device that handles all your daily tasks with ease, the iPhone 17 is the sweet spot. With its new 120Hz ProMotion display, significantly upgraded camera system, and the powerful A19 chip, and base model having 256GB of storage, you’re getting a flagship-level experience without the Pro price tag. This model is a tremendous value and will serve most people perfectly for years to come.
For the Tech Enthusiast & Creator: The iPhone 17 Pro Max
If you’re a serious mobile gamer, a professional photographer, or a video creator who demands the very best, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the undisputed champion. Its superior thermal system, enhanced A19 Pro chip, and all-48 MP fusion camera system offer unmatched performance and creative flexibility. While the price is a premium, it’s an investment in a device that will handle anything you throw at it with ease and efficiency.
For the Style-Conscious & Early Adopter: The iPhone 17 Air
This is the most interesting newcomer in the lineup. If you prioritize sleek design and a compact, lightweight feel, this is the phone to get. Its ultra-thin profile makes it a joy to hold, and it doesn’t sacrifice performance, featuring the powerful A19 Pro chip.
What are your thoughts on the new iPhones? Will you be getting the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, or the innovative iPhone 17 Air?