The launch of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro brought new excitement and deliberation among smartphone users, especially for those contemplating a change from other brands or previous models. After spending considerable time testing both devices, this review breaks down what makes these iPhones stand out, the unexpected aspects that might give you pause, and which model could best suit your needs.
Design and Comfort: A Tale of Two iPhones
The iPhone 17 introduces a sleek, clean back design without the pronounced camera bump found on the Pro. It boasts a 6.3-inch ProMotion 120Hz display with impressive brightness, offering a smooth yet comfortable user experience. This lighter, less dense phone feels easier to handle, especially for extended daily use.
Conversely, the iPhone 17 Pro also features a 6.3-inch 120Hz display but carries a larger, distinct camera “plateau” on the back that affects weight distribution, making it feel denser despite having similar weight to larger phones like the Samsung S25 Plus. This top-heavy design can strain the wrist, and combined with some protective cases having sharp edges on this bump, the Pro model may feel uncomfortable for prolonged use. Additionally, the 17 Pro has a tendency to get warm during typical video playback or video calls, adding to user discomfort.
Camera Capabilities: Stepping Up the Selfie Game
Both the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro feature significant camera improvements. The selfie camera is a standout upgrade, now using the full sensor to allow cropping into landscape or portrait modes, and it focuses faster with clearer detail. This new front camera is a boon for those who often shoot videos or selfies, potentially allowing mirrorless camera users to leave heavier gear at home.
The iPhone 17 Pro camera system is notably superior for back photography, with a triple 48MP Fusion system producing vivid and lifelike photos, particularly in low-light conditions where it outshines previous models like the iPhone 14 Pro. In well-lit environments, differences between the 17 Pro and the base 17 are less pronounced, but the Pro’s extended camera capabilities remain attractive for photography enthusiasts.
Battery Life and Performance: Expectations vs. Reality
A primary reason for upgrading to either iPhone was battery life, especially after experiencing battery degradation on long-used Samsung devices. Despite the Pro model’s larger battery (up to 4,300 mAh in eSIM versions) and advanced vapor chamber cooling, testing showed both phones drain battery at similar rates under heavy usage scenarios such as video recording and YouTube playback. The Pro’s extra GPU core and higher power draw for enhanced performance also cause more noticeable heating, compromising its battery efficiency.
The base iPhone 17 performs more uniformly without the heating issues, making its battery life surprisingly equivalent to the Pro in day-to-day use. Both run on Apple’s latest A19 chips, with the Pro variant optimized for faster GPU tasks but at the cost of heat and power consumption.
Using iOS: Transitioning from Android
Switching from a Samsung Android device to iOS exposes some friction points. Notably, the inability to text seamlessly from Windows PCs due to poor compatibility with Apple’s ecosystem contrasts sharply with Android’s more integrated cross-device messaging. The absence of a persistent back button and fingerprint sensor also challenges the user experience, relying solely on Face ID, which doesn’t work well when the phone isn’t held directly in front.
On the positive side, features like AirDrop facilitate easy file sharing among iPhone users, and CarPlay offers a stable and reliable in-car connectivity experience superior to Android Auto, which often suffers from disconnections. The improved keyboard typing response and the enhanced selfie camera are other benefits users will appreciate.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After a month of use, it’s clear both phones are strong contenders in the premium smartphone market. However, the iPhone 17 is generally the better choice for most due to its superior comfort, similar battery endurance, excellent camera, and lower price point. It’s a perfect balance of performance and design without the downsides felt on the Pro.
The iPhone 17 Pro shines with somewhat snappier performance, better speakers, and the advanced telephoto lens but brings trade-offs in heat management, comfort, and cost. Its advantages primarily appeal to power users and photography aficionados.
Ultimately, if camera quality and premium speaker audio are your top priorities, and you don’t mind the heft and warmth, the Pro is worthy. Otherwise, the standard iPhone 17 offers a more balanced, user-friendly experience that can confidently replace long-time Android flagship phones while unlocking Apple’s ecosystem benefits.
Whether upgrading or switching ecosystems, these new iPhones represent substantial advancements, particularly in camera technology and ecosystem integration. Consider what matters most to your daily use to select the device that fits you best.
