For years, the standard iPhone has been overshadowed by its Pro counterparts, providing a reliable core experience at a lower price point. However, Apple’s latest release, the iPhone 17, significantly alters this perception. At the Awe Dropping Apple event on September 9, 2025, Apple refocused on design and hardware, presenting a refreshed lineup. While the new iPhone Air garnered attention for its slim profile and Pro-level features, the standard iPhone 17 stands out as one of the most substantial upgrades in recent times. The iPhone 17 may appear similar to the iPhone 16 at first glance, but it represents a complete internal transformation.
A key highlight is the introduction of a 120Hz “ProMotion” LTPO display, elevating the standard iPhone to compete with Android devices. After years of maintaining a 60Hz refresh rate, Apple now offers smoother scrolling, always-on capabilities, and an expanded 6.3-inch screen compared to the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch display. Brightness has also improved, with the iPhone 17 reaching up to 3,000 nits, up from 2,000 nits. In photography, the iPhone 17 introduces two 48MP rear cameras—wide and ultrawide—replacing the previous 12MP configuration. The front camera also sees an upgrade to 18MP, featuring AI-driven zoom and auto-framing for enhanced selfies and group shots.
Additionally, Apple has increased the base storage from 128GB to 256GB, catering to users who take more photos and videos. Powering the iPhone 17 is the new A19 chip, which offers a 40% faster CPU and an 80% faster GPU compared to the A16 in the iPhone 16. New features include the ability to record video simultaneously from both front and back cameras and improved energy efficiency. Battery life has been extended to 30 hours of video playback, a significant increase from the 22 hours offered by the iPhone 16. In terms of pricing, the iPhone 17 starts at ₹82,900 for the 256GB version, while the 512GB model costs ₹1,02,900.
In comparison, the iPhone 16 (128GB) is priced at ₹69,900 and may be available for less during sales. Although the price difference is notable, Apple has mitigated this by doubling the storage on the iPhone 17’s base model. For users considering long-term investment, the enhanced display, camera quality, and performance make the iPhone 17 a superior choice. In conclusion, while the iPhone 16 remains a viable option for budget-conscious consumers, the iPhone 17 emerges as the clear favorite for those willing to invest more. It has transformed from a safe choice into a robust and impressive smartphone that brings excitement back to the standard iPhone.
