Apple just dropped the iPhone 17 lineup, and this year feels different. Instead of the usual small tweaks, Apple made some bold moves. The “Plus” is gone. The brand-new iPhone Air is in. And yes, it really is the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever made.
Across the board, you’re getting brighter ProMotion displays, faster chips, and upgraded cameras. But each model has its own personality, and picking the right one depends on what you value most. I went hands-on with all four, and here’s my breakdown.
iPhone 17 – The Safe Pick
Starting at $799, the regular iPhone 17 is no longer the “boring” option. For the first time, Apple brought ProMotion to its base model, meaning you get a smooth 120Hz display without paying Pro money. It’s also rocking the new Ceramic Shield 2 for better durability.
Design-wise, it keeps Apple’s classic look with the raised camera ring and rounded edges. If you loved your iPhone 16 Pro’s size and feel, this will feel familiar. The dual-camera setup still handles most people’s needs just fine.
Who should buy it: If you want a premium display at the lowest price in the lineup, this is the one.
iPhone 17 Air – The Bold One
At $999, the iPhone Air is Apple’s big design statement this year. Just 5.6mm thin, it feels insanely light and sleek in your hand. Apple had to make compromises to get it this slim: only one rear camera and no physical SIM slot (it’s eSIM only).
But don’t let the size fool you. Inside, it runs on the A19 Pro chip plus two new Apple-designed chips. The N1 handles next-gen Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, while the C1X modem makes 5G faster and more efficient.
Who should buy it: If you care about portability and want something that looks and feels futuristic, the Air is the clear choice. Just be ready to live without that second camera.
iPhone 17 Pro – The Photographer’s Dream
At $1,099, the iPhone 17 Pro is the sweet spot for people who want the biggest upgrades without going all-in on size. The triple 48MP camera system is seriously impressive. The new telephoto lens and updated Photonic Engine mean sharper, cleaner shots even in low light.
Apple also gave the Pro a new brushed aluminum unibody design. It feels lighter and cooler thanks to a vapor chamber inside that spreads heat from the A19 Pro chip. Battery life is solid too, with up to 39 hours of video playback.
Who should buy it: If photography is your priority, or you just want the best balance of power, design, and price, the Pro is the way to go.
iPhone 17 Pro Max – The Ultimate iPhone
At $1,199, the Pro Max is for people who want it all. The 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display is gorgeous, brighter than ever at 3,000 nits, and perfect for outdoor use. It runs on the same A19 Pro chip as the smaller Pro but adds storage up to 2TB.
Performance is off the charts, and like the Pro, it has the new vapor cooling system to keep things stable. It’s big, it’s heavy, and it’s expensive, but it’s also the absolute best Apple has to offer.
Who should buy it: Power users, gamers, or anyone who wants the largest and brightest screen Apple makes.
My Advice
- Get the iPhone 17 if you want the essentials with a premium display at a lower price.
- Get the iPhone 17 Air if design and portability matter most to you.
- Get the iPhone 17 Pro if you care about photography and want the best all-rounder.
- Get the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you need the biggest screen and top performance, no compromises.
Apple made real changes this year. For once, every model feels like it has a clear id
