iPhone 17: The Pro Experience for Everyone
How the iPhone 17 Brings Pro Features to the Standard Model
For years, choosing the standard iPhone meant accepting a compromise. You’d get a great phone, but the most exciting features—like the smoothest displays and the most versatile cameras—were reserved for the pricier Pro models. With the launch of the iPhone 17, that tradition has been shattered. Apple has packed its base model with so many formerly "Pro" features that it redefines what a standard smartphone can be, offering incredible value at its $799 starting price.
The consensus from early reviews is clear: choosing the base iPhone 17 no longer feels like missing out. With a stunning new display, a powerful camera system, and significant performance gains, the standard model is more compelling than ever. This article breaks down the key upgrades that make the iPhone 17 a game-changer for the mainstream market.
The Display: ProMotion Finally Arrives
The most significant upgrade to the iPhone 17 is undoubtedly its display. For the first time on a non-Pro model, Apple has introduced its ProMotion technology, allowing for an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This feature, long a staple of the Pro lineup, delivers a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience when scrolling through websites, playing games, or navigating the operating system.
According to Jacob Krol at TechRadar, the new display is "the star of the show," calling the 120Hz refresh rate a "buttery-smooth experience" that makes a huge difference compared to the 60Hz screens of previous standard iPhones.
But ProMotion isn't the only upgrade. The screen size has increased from 6.1 to 6.3 inches, offering more real estate without making the device feel unwieldy. It also gains the always-on display functionality, another feature trickled down from the Pro models. As Jacob Kastrenakes of The Verge notes, "Being able to quickly glance at your phone for information is extremely handy and instantly makes the device a whole lot more useful." The screen is also protected by Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims is three times more scratch-resistant than its predecessor.
A Camera That Punches Above Its Weight
The camera system on the iPhone 17 has received a major overhaul, blurring the lines between the standard and Pro models. The new dual-camera setup features two 48-megapixel sensors for the Wide and Ultra Wide lenses. This is a massive leap from the 12-megapixel Ultra Wide camera on the iPhone 16.
This upgrade provides greater flexibility and higher-quality photos. The phone defaults to taking 24-megapixel images, which capture excellent detail and color, but users can switch to full 48-megapixel ProRAW photos for maximum editing potential. The powerful sensor also enables a high-quality 2x telephoto crop, giving users an optical-quality zoom without a dedicated third lens.
Abrar Al-Heeti from CNET was particularly impressed, noting how the new features give the base model an edge. "It's interesting to have more photo-taking flexibility on a less expensive iPhone model," she writes, pointing out that the iPhone 17 offers more versatility than the specialized, ultra-thin iPhone Air.
Performance and Battery: Power for Days
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 is powered by the new A19 chip. While it's the base version of Apple's latest silicon, it's no slouch. Featuring a six-core CPU and a five-core GPU, the A19 is more than capable of handling demanding apps, graphically intensive games, and the new on-device AI features of Apple Intelligence.
In benchmark tests conducted by Eric Zeman at PC Mag, the iPhone 17's A19 chip outperformed the Google Pixel 10's Tensor G5 and even bested the CPU performance of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip found in the Samsung Galaxy S25. This ensures that the phone feels fast and fluid in day-to-day use and will remain capable for years to come.
Battery life also sees a welcome improvement. Apple claims an additional eight hours of video playback compared to the iPhone 16. Real-world testing confirms a noticeable, if subtle, improvement. John Velasco of Tom's Guide reported ending a typical day with 15% battery remaining, a solid result given the larger, more power-hungry 120Hz display.
Furthermore, Apple has upgraded the charging speeds. The iPhone 17 now supports 35W wired charging, which can take the battery from empty to 71% in just 30 minutes. It also supports faster 25W wireless charging with Qi2-compatible accessories.
The Verdict: The Smartest iPhone Choice for Most
The iPhone 17 represents a fundamental shift in Apple's smartphone strategy. By bringing key Pro features like a 120Hz ProMotion display, an always-on screen, and a high-resolution dual-camera system to the standard model, Apple has created a device that offers immense value.
For $799, you get a phone that feels every bit as premium and capable as its more expensive siblings in the areas that matter most to everyday users. The gap between the standard and Pro models has never been smaller, making the iPhone 17 not just a great phone, but arguably the smartest and most logical choice for the vast majority of people. Choosing the base model is no longer a compromise—it's a savvy decision.
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