Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup has officially arrived, bringing four new models — iPhone 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.