"Apple’s iPhone 17 steals the show at the 2025 event with upgraded displays, cameras, and performance. Read our expert analysis of features, prices, availability, and how it stacks up against the iPhone 16."
Introduction
Apple’s September 2025 event delivered exciting upgrades, with the iPhone 17 lineup taking center stage. As experts closely following the launch, this review summarizes key features, pricing details, availability, and an in-depth comparison with the iPhone 16, along with insights on who should consider upgrading.
iPhone 17 Series Key Features
- Display: All iPhone 17 models feature a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with thinner bezels and, notably, adaptive 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate now available across the lineup for the first time.[1]
- Performance: Powered by Apple’s new A19 chip (A19 Pro for top-end models), delivering up to 40% better sustained performance and enhanced AI workloads.[2]
- Camera: Base and Air models feature a new 48MP main and ultra-wide camera. Pro models offer up to 8x zoom and 8K video recording, plus a sharper 24MP front-facing camera across all variants.[3]
- Battery & Charging: Claimed battery life improved by 8 hours over the iPhone 16, supporting 35W wired charging, 25W wireless charging, and reverse charging on Pro models.[4]
- Design: Slimmer frames with improved scratch resistance (Ceramic Shield 2), anti-reflective coating, and new finishes including White, Black, Sage, Misty Blue, and Lavender.[5]
- Software: Ships with iOS 26, bringing a “Liquid Glass” design aesthetic and smarter AI-powered features.[5]
Pricing & Availability
| Model | US Price | India Price (estimate) | UK Price | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | $799 | ₹79,990 | £755 | September 19, 2025 |
| iPhone 17 Air | $949 | ₹99,990 | £840 | September 19, 2025 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | $1,099 | ₹1,29,900 | £1,133 | September 19, 2025 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,199 | ₹1,59,900 | £1,385 | September 19, 2025 |
Pre-orders open on September 12, with availability starting September 19.[6]
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 - Key Differences
| Feature | iPhone 16 Series | iPhone 17 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 60Hz (base), 120Hz (Pro) | 120Hz ProMotion on all |
| Chipset | A18/A18 Pro | A19/A19 Pro |
| RAM | Up to 8GB | Up to 12GB (Pro models) |
| Main Camera | 12MP (base), 48MP (Pro) | 48MP all models, better AI integration |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP | 24MP |
| Battery | ~3,561mAh | ~3,600mAh (8 hours longer life) |
| Charging | 20W wired / 15W wireless | 35W wired / 25W wireless + reverse charging (Pro models) |
| Design | Thick bezels, fewer colors | Slimmer, more color options, thinnest iPhone Air |
| Software | iOS 25 | iOS 26 |
Expert Review & Verdict
The iPhone 17 series pushes forward Apple’s design, camera, and display enhancements in meaningful ways. With ProMotion refresh rate now on all models and a bigger jump in processor performance, this release is ideal for users wanting high-end speed and smoothness.
The camera improvements on the base and Air models are notable doubling the main sensor’s resolution and bringing Pro features like 8K video recording closer to mainstream users.
Battery life gains and faster charging add significant usability benefits, especially for power users. The ultra-thin iPhone Air stands out as a distinctive option for those who value design elegance combined with flagship specs.
Price increments are considerable, especially in markets like India, so current iPhone 16 owners should weigh the new features carefully. Casual users may find few reasons to upgrade immediately, but tech enthusiasts and creators will largely appreciate this refresh.
Learn More & Shop
The iPhone 17 sets a new bar for Apple's mainstream phones - delivering meaningful display, camera, and charging upgrades. For users on iPhone 15 and older, the update is highly recommended.
