For tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike, choosing the standard iPhone has often meant sacrificing essential features found in the more advanced models. Historically, this meant missing out on powerful processors, telephoto lenses, and innovative elements like the Dynamic Island and Action Button. Furthermore, the standard iPhone lacked crucial enhancements such as a bright display for outdoor visibility. However, Apple has made significant strides in bridging this gap, and with the launch of the iPhone 17, the most notable features—always-on display and high-refresh-rate screen—have finally arrived. After testing the iPhone 17 for a week, it's clear that these upgrades have transformed the user experience, making the standard iPhone a much more appealing option.
The addition of the always-on display and high-refresh-rate screen has made the iPhone 17 feel significantly faster and more user-friendly. The enhancements are so impactful that my only criticism is how long it took Apple to make them standard features. The iPhone 17 is priced at $799 and has received an impressive 8 Verge Score, solidifying its status as a top choice for consumers.
The iPhone 17 sports a display that matches the size, resolution, and specifications of this year's Pro models. One of the standout features is the always-on display, which dims the screen to show a subtle version of your wallpaper, along with widgets, clock, and notifications when the device is idle. This feature is fully customizable, allowing you to turn it off or adjust settings for a more personalized look. The convenience of glancing at your phone for quick information significantly enhances usability. The battery consumption from this feature is minimal, allowing users to enjoy the benefits without worrying about battery drain.
Additionally, the switch to a variable-refresh-rate display, branded by Apple as ProMotion, allows the iPhone 17 to conserve battery by dipping to as low as 1Hz when idle, then ramping up to 120Hz for smoother animations during active use. This transition results in a noticeably more fluid experience, making app interactions and scrolling significantly smoother. Once users experience this upgrade, it becomes difficult to revert to a standard refresh rate.
This year, Apple has made impressive changes to the camera system in the iPhone 17. The ultrawide camera has transitioned from a 12-megapixel sensor to a 48-megapixel sensor, promising more detail in photos. The selfie camera has also been upgraded, featuring a brand new sensor that introduces automatic framing capabilities, ensuring everyone fits into the shot. Though the quality of selfies may not drastically differ from previous models, the technological advancements offer more flexibility for users.
The iPhone 17 also includes the "Center Stage" feature, which automatically adjusts the framing for selfies. When taking a photo, the camera starts zoomed in for a single person and expands to accommodate friends. While this feature is convenient, the overall enhancement may not seem revolutionary, especially for users accustomed to turning their phones sideways for group shots.
While the ultrawide camera offers modest improvements in sharpness and color vibrancy, the main camera retains its 48MP resolution without hardware upgrades. Although it produces attractive photos, it can struggle with overexposed highlights in bright conditions and motion blur in low-light situations. The iPhone 17 lacks the telephoto lens found in the iPhone 17 Pro, limiting its zoom capabilities. The 2x "optical quality" zoom, which is essentially a crop, performs adequately but may disappoint users who frequently rely on zoomed-in shots.
In addition to camera enhancements, the iPhone 17 features the new A19 processor, starts with double the storage at 256 GB, and supports faster charging options. Despite the enhancements, it maintains the same starting price of $829 as its predecessor. While the design remains largely unchanged, the new sage green color option adds a touch of freshness.
This is an exciting time to consider the standard iPhone, especially with the iPhone 17 offering significant upgrades at the same price as last year's model. With double the storage, improved cameras, and a vastly better display, the iPhone 17 is a compelling choice for anyone looking for a premium smartphone experience without the need for Pro-level features. While the iPhone 17 Pro offers additional functionalities for power users, the standard iPhone 17 has finally reached a point where it stands as a superb option for the average consumer.
