Apple’s iPhone 17 represents more than a routine yearly refresh, it’s a deliberate recalibration of what a “standard” iPhone should deliver.
This generation blends features once reserved for the Pro series, like a 120 Hz ProMotion display, an always-on screen, and a vastly improved front camera, into a device that keeps the familiar $799 starting price.
Apple has also doubled the base storage to 256 GB, which means more space for photos, 4K videos, and apps without forcing buyers into higher-priced tiers.
For users who want a true flagship feel without paying Pro prices, the iPhone 17 is the most balanced iPhone Apple has released in years.
Price and Availability
The iPhone 17 starts at $799 in the United States for the 256 GB model, with a 512 GB option for those who need even more room for media and apps.
International pricing varies depending on import duties and taxes. For example, early retail figures in Nigeria show prices between N1.8 and N2.0 million, while the UK launch price hovers around £849. Apple began global pre-orders immediately after its September announcement, and units started shipping within two weeks, typical for the company’s annual release cadence.
Buyers can purchase directly from Apple’s website, physical Apple Stores, or authorized resellers worldwide, ensuring wide availability across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Carriers are offering trade-in incentives that can cut the upfront cost significantly, especially for owners of iPhone 13 or newer.
Colour Options
Apple gives the iPhone 17 a refreshed visual identity with five refined finishes: Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, and Black. These soft, contemporary hues lean toward a pastel aesthetic, giving the device a friendlier, more approachable character compared with the professional metallic finishes of the Pro line.
The body uses a contoured aerospace-grade aluminum frame and a second-generation Ceramic Shield front glass, which Apple claims is three times more scratch-resistant than the protective glass used in earlier models.
Despite its durable construction, the phone remains slim and comfortable in hand at roughly 177 grams, making it easy to carry and stylish enough to stand out without feeling flashy.
Full Specifications at a Glance
Display: 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, Always-On, and peak brightness up to 3,000 nits.
Processor: A19 chip (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine).
Rear Cameras: 48 MP Dual Fusion system (main + ultra-wide) with 4K Dolby Vision recording.
Front Camera: 18 MP Center Stage sensor with Dual Capture and auto-framing.
Battery: 3,692 mAh, up to 30 hours video playback, 40 W fast charging (50 % in about 20 minutes), MagSafe wireless up to 25 W.
Connectivity: USB-C (USB-2 speed), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, 5G (mmWave and sub-6), dual eSIM.
Software: Ships with iOS 26 featuring the new “Liquid Glass” design language and on-device Apple Intelligence tools.
iPhone 17 New Features and Key Upgrades
ProMotion and Always-On Display:
For the first time on a base iPhone, Apple includes a 120 Hz ProMotion display and an Always-On feature previously reserved for Pro models. Scrolling feels fluid, and outdoor visibility improves dramatically with the 3,000 nits peak brightness.
Camera Advancements:
The 48 MP Dual Fusion rear setup delivers sharper detail and better low-light performance, while the 18 MP Center Stage front camera, Apple’s first square sensor, enables centered selfies, auto-framing for group shots, and front/rear dual recording.
Performance Gains:
Powered by the A19 chip, the iPhone 17 scores around 3,500 single-core and 8,800 multi-core in Geekbench 6 tests, ensuring snappy performance for apps, gaming, and computational photography. Hardware-accelerated ray tracing boosts gaming visuals, though the Pro models’ A19 Pro still leads in extreme workloads.
Battery and Charging:
Despite a battery capacity similar to its predecessor, efficiency gains allow up to 30 hours of video playback. A new 40 W fast-charge option tops up 50 % in about 20 minutes, while MagSafe wireless charging reaches 25 W.
Comparison to Other Models
The iPhone 17 narrows the gap between standard and Pro lines more than ever:
Versus iPhone 16: Gains a brighter 120 Hz display, an upgraded selfie camera, and a doubled base storage, major quality-of-life improvements.
Versus iPhone 17 Pro: Lacks the triple-camera system with telephoto lens, higher-speed USB-C, and slightly more robust A19 Pro performance, making the Pro better for heavy media workflows.
The iPhone 17 is Apple’s most compelling mainstream iPhone to date. By folding premium features like a 120 Hz display, enhanced cameras, and generous base storage into a model that starts at $799, Apple delivers exceptional value without compromise.
For most consumers, especially those upgrading from an iPhone 12 through 14, this device hits the sweet spot between performance and price. Only professional photographers, videographers, or users needing advanced wired transfer speeds may feel compelled to pay extra for the Pro edition.
For everyone else, the iPhone 17 is the flagship to beat in 2025, proof that Apple can deliver top-tier innovation while keeping its standard iPhone refreshingly accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About iPhone 17
What is the starting price of the iPhone 17?
The iPhone 17 starts at $799 (USD) for the 256 GB base model. Prices vary by region due to taxes and import duties, for example, early Nigerian retail estimates range from N1.8 million to N2.0 million.
Which colours are available for the iPhone 17?
Apple offers the iPhone 17 in five colours: Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, and Black. These finishes use a durable aluminum frame and second-generation Ceramic Shield glass for added scratch resistance.
What are the key new features compared to the iPhone 16?
Major upgrades include:
- 120 Hz ProMotion and Always-On Display (a first for the standard model).
- A new 18 MP Center Stage front camera with auto-framing and Dual Capture.
- A19 chip with higher CPU/GPU performance and hardware-accelerated ray tracing.
- 256 GB default storage, double the iPhone 16’s base.
How long does the battery last and how fast does it charge?
The iPhone 17 houses an approximately 3,692 mAh battery that supports up to 30 hours of video playback. It offers 40 W fast charging, achieving 50 % charge in about 20 minutes with a compatible adapter, and 25 W MagSafe wireless charging.
Is it worth upgrading to the iPhone 17?
Yes for most users, especially those on iPhone 12–14, because it brings a Pro-level display, better cameras, and doubled storage without increasing the starting price. Power users who need triple-lens zoom or faster USB-C transfers may still prefer the iPhone 17 Pro.
