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 you go for the iPhone 17 Pro with the newest technologies?
iPhone 17 Model Features
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. Additionally, it will have the 12GB RAM and Apple Intelligence features. Meanwhile, in the camera department, iPhone 17 will have a 24MP camera sensor in the front, and the battery is the one thing that remains constant in the device from the previous year’s base model.
iPhone 17 Pro Model Features
The iPhone 17 Pro model will remain the pinnacle of Apple’s lineup, featuring exclusive upgrades. The Pro model is expected to be powered by the more powerful A19 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s latest 3nm process. This smartphone will come with 12GB of RAM for more advanced Apple Intelligence features. The device is also rumoured to introduce a new, more durable chassis that combines aluminium and glass, replacing the current titanium frame. In the camera department, the pro model will have a better optical zoom.
On the camera front, the iPhone 17 Pro is 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 model may also include a mechanical aperture for more professional-level depth of field control and support for 8K video recording on the Pro model. Rumours suggest the iPhone 17 Pro could start around $1,050, which translates to around Rs. 92,000.
Conclusion:
For the average user who wants a top-tier smartphone for daily tasks, social media, and casual photography, the standard iPhone 17 seem to offer an excellent balance of new features and affordability. The inclusion of the 120Hz display and the A19 chip means you are no longer compromising on core performance and display smoothness, making it a compelling choice.
The iPhone 17 Pro is the top choice for the pro-level user, mobile photographer, or performance enthusiast. The advanced A19 Pro chip, superior camera system with a 48MP telephoto lens, and future-proofed hardware justify the expected price premium.
