Every year when Apple launches a new iPhone lineup, the conversation inevitably revolves around the Pro models. They are the ones with the flashy new tech, the upgraded cameras, and the titanium builds. But this year, the real deal might just be the regular iPhone 17. Apple has packed in so many upgrades that, for the first time, the "standard" iPhone model doesn’t look all that basic. It feels like a Pro. With the iPhone 17, the company has actually blurred the lines between the standard and Pro models, giving users an experience closer to the Pro versions.

advertisement

But before everything else, let’s tackle the price. You look at the sticker and you will think, oh the iPhone price has gone up this year. Yes, there is an increase. The iPhone 17 starts at Rs 82,900 whereas the iPhone 16 was at Rs 79,900. But look closer. The base variant of the iPhone 16 had 128GB storage. The base variant of the iPhone 17 has 256GB storage. If you are comparing, compare the price with the iPhone 16 256GB variant, and you will see that actually price is down! Rs 82,900 compared to Rs 89,900.

Yes, it has a starting price slightly higher than that of the iPhone 16, but the iPhone 17 also comes with double the storage, a brighter and smoother display, a more capable camera setup, faster charging support, and a huge leap in graphics performance. The question then is: does all this actually translate into a better everyday experience? After using the phone for more than a week and running it through real-world tests, the answer is a resounding yes.

Design and Build: Same formula, subtle refinement

If you have held an iPhone 16, you will feel right at home with the iPhone 17.