Verdict on the Apple iPhone 17: A worthwhile upgrade from the iPhone 16

Many technical details about new iPhone generations are known long before their release, and Apple's iPhone 17 models were no exception. For example, it was clear that the Pro phones would have a new design, an aluminum frame instead of titanium, and that the iPhone Air would replace the iPhone 16 Plus.

For the base iPhone, however, the online community was puzzling over the final details practically until the day of the official product launch on September 9. At launch, there were several positive surprises regarding the features.

In sum, the Apple iPhone 17 is very similar to the Pro models apart from the design. The Pro models differ from the base model only in their telephoto camera and more robust casing, making the iPhone 17 the most interesting iPhone model of this year for many buyers.

At last: 120 Hz and double the storage

The Apple iPhone 17 not only gets a 120 Hz OLED, finally replacing the 60 Hz screen of its predecessor. It also features the same ProMotion OLED used in all other new iPhones, a display that can dynamically lower its refresh rate to as low as 1 Hz, thus offering always-on functionality.

In addition, the Apple iPhone 17, like all other new iPhones, starts with 256 GB of storage, twice as much as the iPhone 16. Despite this, the price hasn't increased. Like its predecessor, the iPhone 17 starts at $799.

2x 48 MP + 18 MP: Significantly improved camera equipment

It doesn't end there, as more innovations are on board: a once again faster SoC in the Apple A19, a screen that's grown from 6.1 to 6.3 inches with significantly thinner bezels, a larger battery and faster charging, and better camera equipment.

The iPhone 17 also gets a new "Center Stage" selfie camera with 18 MP and a square sensor, which is also found on all other iPhone 17 models. In addition, both rear cameras now have a resolution of 48 MP. This helps the ultra-wide-angle camera (12 MP on the iPhone 16) in particular to take significantly better quality photos.

Read the full review of the Apple iPhone 17 here.