Apple’s new iPhone 17 may not look as flashy as the iPhone 17 Pro or the ultrathin iPhone Air, but it’s arguably the most balanced iPhone you can buy right now. Starting at $799, this model brings many premium features down to a more affordable level. From the 120Hz ProMotion display to the new 18-MP square selfie camera, Apple has packed real upgrades into a phone designed for most people.
If you’re rocking an iPhone 16 or iPhone 15, you don’t need to rush out and upgrade. But for anyone with an older device, this is likely the best iPhone for the money in 2025.
Key Features at a Glance
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Price: $799
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Display: 6.3-inch OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, 3,000 nits brightness
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Cameras: Dual rear system (48MP main + 48MP ultrawide), new 18MP square selfie camera
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Chip: A19
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Battery Life: 6+ hours screen-on time (beats iPhone Air, nearly Pro level)
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Storage: Base 256GB
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Other: Ceramic Shield 2, USB-C charging, always-on display
Display: Apple Finally Adds ProMotion
One of the biggest upgrades this year is the 120Hz ProMotion screen, previously reserved for Pro models. Scrolling through Instagram, browsing Safari, or playing games feels smoother and more responsive than ever.
The screen brightness peaks at 3,000 nits, making outdoor visibility excellent, even on bright summer days. Apple has also added an anti-reflective coating, helping reduce glare.
And with support for a variable refresh rate that can drop to 1Hz, you get an always-on display without hurting battery life.
Battery Life: Outshines the iPhone Air
Battery life is one of the iPhone 17’s secret strengths. In real-world testing, it consistently delivers six or more hours of screen-on time, even with GPS navigation, social media scrolling, and music streaming.
It outperforms the iPhone Air and comes close to the iPhone 17 Pro. The Pro Max remains the battery champ, but for $799, this is an impressive showing.
Cameras: Big Steps Forward
Apple upgraded the ultrawide sensor to 48MP and added the new 18MP square selfie camera.
The square selfie advantage:
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Automatically switches between portrait and landscape orientation.
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Works with Center Stage to keep everyone in frame.
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Reduces awkward phone rotations when taking group shots.
Daytime shots are crisp and natural, with less noise compared to rivals like the Pixel 10. In video, the iPhone 17 outclasses both the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and Pixel 10, thanks to better stabilization and sharpness.
The main weakness? No telephoto lens. Competitors like the Pixel 10 and Galaxy S25 include dedicated zoom cameras, which can be useful at concerts or graduations.
Performance: A19 Power Without Pro Cooling
Powered by the A19 chip, the iPhone 17 handles everyday tasks effortlessly. Apps open instantly, multitasking feels fluid, and most games run smoothly.
Heavy mobile gamers may hit limits, though. Without the vapor chamber cooling found in Pro models, demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage can cause heat buildup and stutter.
For non-gamers, this won’t be an issue.
Build & Durability
Apple added Ceramic Shield 2, which is said to be three times more scratch-resistant. In practice, it’s still glass—scratches can happen. A case and screen protector remain smart investments.
The design feels sturdy, though less flashy than the Air or Pro. The new colors are stylish, if a bit muted compared to last year’s brighter palette.
Software: iOS 26 With Smart Features
Running iOS 26, the iPhone 17 includes key updates:
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Call and message screening for blocking spam.
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Always-on display options.
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Cleaner integration of Apple’s AI tools (without overloading the experience).
Voice dictation is still behind Google’s Assistant Voice Typing, often requiring corrections. This is one area Apple needs to improve.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
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Best value iPhone in 2025
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Bright, smooth 120Hz display
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Strong battery life
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Excellent cameras and video capture
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Always-on display support
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Base storage doubled to 256GB
❌ Cons
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No telephoto zoom lens
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A19 chip can overheat under extreme gaming
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USB-C stuck at slow 480 Mbps speeds
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Scratches still possible despite Ceramic Shield 2
Should You Buy the iPhone 17?
If you own an iPhone 13 or older, upgrading to the iPhone 17 will feel like a massive leap forward. You’ll get Pro-level features—smooth display, strong cameras, reliable battery—without spending over $1,000.
If you already have an iPhone 16 or iPhone 15, the differences are smaller. The iPhone 17 is still an excellent phone, but you may not notice enough of a leap to justify the cost.
For most people, though, the iPhone 17 is the iPhone to buy in 2025. It’s balanced, powerful, and future-ready, all at a price that feels fair.
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