Apple iPhone 17 Review Roundup: 'The Best Standard iPhone in Years' [Video]

The first reviews for the new iPhone 17 are in, and the consensus is that Apple has delivered its best standard iPhone in years. While the flashier iPhone Air and redesigned Pro models are grabbing headlines, critics agree that by bringing Pro-level display features and doubling the base storage without raising the entry price, the base iPhone 17 is now the model most people should buy.

The standout upgrade, highlighted in nearly every review, is the new 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display. For the first time on a standard model, Apple has included ProMotion and an Always-On display. The Verge says these two features have "meaningfully improved the experience," adding that "for the first time in a while, choosing the standard iPhone no longer means missing out." TechRadar calls it the "star of the show," noting the 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel "buttery-smooth."




The value proposition was another key point of praise. Apple kept the entry price the same — $799 with activation (or $829 unlocked) — but doubled the base storage to 256GB. "Apple's never made a better-value iPhone," declares TechRadar. Tom's Guide agrees, stating that with "double the storage capacity… at the same $799 cost as last year's model, I think is a big deal."

This year's camera system also received significant upgrades. The iPhone 17 now features a 48MP Main camera and a new 48MP Ultra Wide, a jump from the 12MP sensor in the previous model. The front camera was also upgraded to an 18MP "Center Stage" camera, which CNET says "eliminates the game of Tetris for group selfies" by automatically adjusting the frame.

Performance from the new A19 chip is strong, with PCMag noting it "outguns much of the Android competition." Battery life is also solid, with reviewers consistently getting through a full day of heavy use. The phone now supports faster wired charging, with reviewers measuring between 30–40W in practice. Tom's Guide found it can deliver a 71% charge in just 30 minutes.

While the design is familiar, reviewers appreciated the new color options and the increased durability from Ceramic Shield 2 on the front. The main drawback cited across reviews is the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens. "If you don't take a lot of zoomed-in photos, this omission won't be a huge deal," says The Verge. "But if you struggle to get pics of your cat from across the room, that's still one reason you may need to go pro."


The iPhone 17 is now available for pre-order directly from Apple starting at $799. Major U.S. carriers are also offering significant promotions, with deals providing up to $1,100 off the new iPhone lineup.