The iPhone 17 may not grab headlines like its Pro siblings, but this is the one most people will actually buy, and this year, Apple has made it an easy recommendation. It’s not about radical changes but a bunch of smart refinements that make the base iPhone feel more complete than ever.
Apple has turned unboxing into a minimalist ritual by now. Crack open the iPhone 17 box and you’ll find the phone, a USB-C cable, and a couple of papers. No charger, no frills. Some might find that underwhelming, but by now most of us have chargers scattered around the house. For new buyers, it’s an extra purchase, but not a dealbreaker.
Put it side by side with the iPhone 16 and you’ll notice Apple’s little tweaks, like the thinner bezels, a slightly larger display, and edges that feel smoother in the hand. The colour choices have matured too. The loud Ultramarine and Pink from last year are gone, replaced by softer, more elegant options like Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, plus the usual Black and White. The Sage variant especially feels fresh and understated, giving the phone a calm, premium vibe.
Here’s the real upgrade: Apple finally gave the standard iPhone a 120Hz refresh rate. It transforms the experience completely; scrolling feels fluid, games respond instantly, and the interface just looks more polished. The screen is now brighter too, hitting a wild 3000 nits peak brightness, so sunlight readability is no longer a problem. Add DC dimming and an always-on mode, and this display feels like it belongs on a much more expensive device.
Under the hood, the A19 chip powers it all. It’s not the Pro version, but it’s still a beast, with at least 40% faster CPU and 80% faster GPU performance over last year’s A16, which means faster app launches, smoother gaming, and a lag-free experience for just about anything you throw at it.
Apple’s new Dual Fusion camera system pairs a 48MP main sensor with an ultra-wide lens, and the jump in detail is instantly noticeable. Wide shots look crisper, macros have more clarity, and low-light performance has improved too. The front camera gets a nice upgrade as well.
Now 18MP with Center Stage, which automatically keeps everyone in frame during calls. Creators will love the new Dual Capture mode, which records from the front and rear cameras at the same time, which makes it perfect for vlogs or reaction videos.
The iPhone 17 easily lasts a full day, even with heavy use, thanks to its larger battery and the A19’s efficiency. Charging is quicker now, whether you’re plugging in or going wireless. Storage has finally been fixed, no more 128GB base model. You now start at 256GB, with a 512GB option for power users. Prices start at ₹82,900, with the higher storage version at ₹1,02,900.
If you’ve been waiting to upgrade, this is the one. The iPhone 17 may not have the fancy ProMotion branding or telephoto cameras of its pricier siblings, but it nails the essentials: smooth display, improved cameras, better battery life, faster chip, and more storage. It’s the most balanced iPhone in the lineup, and for most people, that’s exactly what matters.