Unveiled at a price of around $800, Apple's new iPhone 17 is not a cheap offering. Nevertheless, it has succeeded in turning heads and winning commendation for presenting more value than its previous base models, reviewers have attested.
A critical survey of various reviews paints a promising picture of the iPhone 17 which has made an impressive debut in its initial weeks of release. According to multiple reviews, the entry-level model of the iPhone 17 provides superior value compared with prior years, with enhanced storage capacity, an improved battery, and the inclusion of numerous display and camera enhancements that match the pricier models.
The phone's display facilitates smooth scrolling and viewing, offering a slightly larger screen size and improved visibility under sunlight, attributed to an anti-glare coating and brighter settings. On the downside, reviewers did note that the phone's glass got 'slightly scratched' within a week, despite Apple's claimed improved scratch-resistant shield.
One of the new intriguing features is Apple's "Liquid Glass" design, rendering content semi-translucent and allowing users to glimpse messages and programs in the background. There is also an "always-on" mode, enabling the time and notifications to remain visible even when the screen is locked.
The iPhone 17 has redefined the meaning of a 'starter' iPhone, offering enhanced display and improved battery lifespan as compared to its predecessors. Notably, the phone's new operating system supports longer-lasting battery power: after a full day's use, the iPhone 17 reportedly still retained 30% of battery life the next morning.
The new camera features make snapping selfies a breeze, automatically adjusting to accommodate more people in the frame and allowing easy switching from portrait to landscape mode when the phone is in the vertical position. There is also a convenient “Dual Capture” mode, enabling concurrent recording from both front and rear cameras.
However, the reviews indicate room for improvement, including a lapse in photo detail when using maximum lens zoom. Frequent gamers also voiced concerns about the phone heating up during demanding titles, suggesting that they might find the iPhone 17 Pro, which has a superior cooling system, a better choice.