It is less than a month to go for the rumoured new iPhone 17 models – at least that’s what the rumours are hinting at. The iPhone 17 series is expected to be a landmark instalment for Apple’s smartphone stable, presenting possibly the last time that all of the major models will be launching together (the iPhone 18 series could have a different launch strategy). While the upgrades list is slated to be bigger for the iPhone 17 Pro models this year, a new Air variant is expected to replace the lacklustre Plus variant.
So, the question that everyone seeks the answers to is this: which would be the right iPhone 17 for you to buy? Should it be the vanilla iPhone 17 with all the essentials and some new bits? Should it be the slim and trim iPhone 17 Air? Should you go for the iPhone 17 Pro with the newest technologies? Or, should you max out with the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
While it is not easy to come to a conclusion prior to the launch, we have gone through all the leaks and rumours related to the iPhone 17 series to try to come up with an answer.
iPhone 17: What does it offer
The base model of the lineup, the iPhone 17, is rumoured to receive a big upgrade, closing the feature gap to its Pro counterpart. Leaks suggest the standard model’s display will grow to 6.3 inches, matching the iPhone 17 Pro’s size. Most notably, the iPhone 17 is expected to finally get a 120Hz refresh rate, a feature that has long been exclusive to the Pro series. This would allow for smoother scrolling and a more fluid user experience. The phone is also expected to be powered by the new A19 chip, providing a boost in performance and power efficiency.
For photography, the iPhone 17 will likely continue to feature a dual-lens camera system with a 48MP wide and 12MP ultrawide camera. However, the front-facing camera across all models is rumoured to be upgraded from 12MP to 24MP. Pricing for the iPhone 17 is expected to start around $850.
iPhone 17 Air: What’s this one about
Positioned as a mid-of-the-lineup offering, the iPhone 17 Air’s standout feature will be its ultra-thin design, with rumours suggesting it could be as thin as 5.5mm. The iPhone 17 Air is tipped to feature a larger 6.6-inch screen with a 120Hz display. Early leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Air might only have a single 48MP rear camera, a step down from the dual-camera setup on the standard iPhone 17. The phone is also rumoured to use a binned A19 chip, a slightly less powerful version than the ones in the standard and Pro models. Analysts predict its price will be between the standard iPhone 17 and the Pro models, likely starting around $900.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Should you go for the spec-laden model?
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models will remain the pinnacle of Apple’s lineup, featuring exclusive upgrades. Both Pro models are expected to be powered by the more powerful A19 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s latest 3nm process. Both will come with 12GB of RAM for more advanced Apple Intelligence features. The Pro models are also rumoured to introduce a new, more durable chassis that combines aluminium and glass, replacing the current titanium frame.
On the camera front, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to get a significant upgrade to a triple-lens system, in which all three lenses—Wide, Ultrawide, and Telephoto—are 48MP. This includes a new 48MP telephoto lens, a major leap from the current 12MP sensor. Exclusive features for the Pro models may also include a mechanical aperture for more professional-level depth of field control and support for 8K video recording on the Pro Max model. Rumours suggest the iPhone 17 Pro could start around $1,050, with the Pro Max priced at approximately $1,250.
Conclusion: Which iPhone 17 variant should you buy?
For most users, the standard iPhone 17 continues to remain a compelling option. With the addition of a 120Hz display with a slightly larger screen, a new chipset and new colours, the iPhone 17 offers a premium experience at a more accessible price point and is the easiest recommendation for everyone.
If you are a style-conscious consumer who values a large screen and an incredibly thin design – a fresh concept for an iPhone – the iPhone 17 Air is the obvious choice. You give up on some of the luxuries to attain a good looking phone but if flaunting is what you love, this iPhone 17 Air might check all the desired boxes.
For professional users, content creators, and photography enthusiasts, the iPhone 17 Pro* and Pro Max remain the clear winners. With a triple-48MP camera system, exclusive features like a mechanical camera aperture, and the most powerful A19 Pro processor and 12GB RAM, they offer an unparalleled mobile experience. The choice between the Pro and Pro Max will come down to screen size preference and whether the rumoured 8x optical zoom on the Max model is a must-have for you.