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iPhone 17 Lineup Review: What’s New, What Works, and What Doesn’t

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Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup has officially arrived, bringing four new modelsiPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. After nearly a week of hands-on testing, here’s a breakdown of what’s genuinely new, what impressed us, and where Apple might be falling short.

Look at the PTA tax information for new iPhone models here.


Unboxing & First Impressions

  • The unboxing experience feels familiar: minimal packaging, USB-C cable, SIM ejector (except for the Air, which is eSIM-only), and Apple’s usual paperwork.
  • New additions include an energy efficiency score, thanks to EU regulations.

iPhone 17: The Standard Upgrade

  • Faster Charging: Charges ~25% quicker than the iPhone 16 in side-by-side testing.
  • Anti-Reflective Coating: Cuts about a third of incoming reflections, though Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra still outperforms it.
  • Front Camera Upgrade:
    • Uses a square sensor, allowing portrait or landscape selfies without rotating the phone.
    • Produces wider, more natural selfies.
    • Improves FaceTime by dynamically adjusting zoom and frame width when more people enter the shot.
  • Performance: Powered by the A19 chip, delivering ~30% higher performance than the iPhone 16 in stress tests.

iPhone 17 Air: Thin but Compromised

  • Design: Ultra-thin titanium build makes it sleek and lightweight.
  • Performance Issues: Despite housing an A19 Pro chip, thermal throttling limits performance — in some cases making it slower than the regular iPhone 17.
  • Speaker: Single speaker setup feels dated and underwhelming compared to dual-speaker models.
  • Durability Concerns: Accessories (like the Air case) feel fragile; thin build leaves little margin for protection.

Verdict: The Air looks stunning but sacrifices too much performance and durability for thinness.


iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max: Power & Premium

  • Build & Comfort: Rounded metal edges make them more comfortable to hold compared to sharp designs of the 16 Pro series.
  • Connectivity: Stronger 5G performance — faster speeds and better reception in weak areas.
  • Performance:
    • A19 Pro chip with improved thermal management.
    • Delivers ~22% better performance over the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
  • Cameras:
    • New 48MP telephoto lens offers modest improvements but not a dramatic leap.
    • Portrait photos benefit from improved processing, producing more natural skin tones and details.

Accessories: Mixed Bag

  • Apple Silicon & Woven Cases: More durable than last year’s FineWoven, but not as comfortable to the touch.
  • MagSafe Battery Pack: Well-made, but counterintuitive for Air users who want thinness.
  • AirPods Pro 3:
    • Major audio upgrade with phenomenal soundstage and deeper bass.
    • Noise cancellation is extremely effective.
    • Downsides: tighter fit, heavier build, less comfortable for long sessions.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone 17: A solid upgrade with faster charging, better selfies, and improved performance.
  • iPhone 17 Air: Stylish but struggles with performance and durability.
  • iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max: The most balanced choices — powerful, comfortable to hold, and reliable for camera and connectivity.
  • Accessories: Some hits (AirPods Pro 3), some misses (fragile cases, questionable MagSafe use).

Final Verdict

The iPhone 17 lineup continues Apple’s tradition of refinement rather than reinvention. If you want a safe upgrade, the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max deliver the best balance of power, design, and usability. The Air, while eye-catching, feels more like a niche experiment than a true flagship.

For most buyers, the regular iPhone 17 is the sweet spot — faster, smarter, and just enough improved to feel like a real upgrade without overspending.

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