The base iPhone finally gets a 120Hz display and the A19 chip, but a $100 price hike makes the upgrade math trickier.
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8.4
KADS SCORE
Quick Take
The iPhone 17 brings the two upgrades base iPhone buyers have wanted for years: a 120Hz ProMotion display and Apple’s A19 chip. The 48MP Dual Fusion camera and 18MP Center Stage front camera round out a strong package. But the $899 starting price is a $100 jump from the iPhone 16, so it is no longer the easy value pick it once was.
What We Like
- 120Hz ProMotion display finally on the base iPhone
- A19 chip delivers flagship speed and efficiency
- 48MP Dual Fusion camera takes sharp detailed photos
- 18MP Center Stage front camera is a real selfie upgrade
- Around 30 hours of video playback per charge
What We Don’t Like
- $100 price increase over the iPhone 16 stings
- No telephoto lens, unlike the Pro models
- Charging speeds still trail some Android rivals
- Design changes are subtle year over year
Product Details
Full Review
Quality
The iPhone 17 keeps Apple’s familiar glass and aluminum build with Ceramic Shield on the front. The 6.3 inch Super Retina XDR display now runs at up to 120Hz, which makes scrolling and animations feel dramatically smoother. Fit and finish are excellent, buttons feel crisp, and the phone carries an IP68 rating against dust and water.
Value
At $899 the iPhone 17 costs $100 more than the iPhone 16 did at launch. You get a faster chip, a better display, and better cameras, so the money is not wasted, but the value story is weaker than last year. The iPhone 16 remains on sale at a discount and covers most of the same basics, while the Pro models start at a bigger premium for the telephoto lens and titanium build.
Who Should Buy It
Anyone upgrading from an iPhone 14 or older who wants a big jump in display smoothness, camera quality, and speed without paying Pro prices.
Who Should Skip It
iPhone 16 owners can sit this one out, and anyone who needs a telephoto zoom should look at the Pro line instead.
FINAL VERDICT
The iPhone 17 is the best base iPhone Apple has ever made, and the 120Hz display alone makes it feel like a bigger leap than the spec sheet suggests. The price hike is the only real sour note. If you are due for an upgrade, this is the sweet spot of the lineup.
8.4 / 10
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