iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max Full Reviews and What’s New?

Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is here, and it’s packed with exciting changes! This year, Apple is shaking things up with fresh designs, better cameras, and even a brand-new model called the iPhone 17 Air (replacing the older Plus version).

Whether you’re looking for a simple phone, a super-slim device, or a powerhouse for photos and gaming, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into the details of each model: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

1. iPhone 17: The Basic Model

Design:
The standard iPhone 17 looks familiar but feels more polished. It has smooth edges and comes in fun colors like Sky Blue, Mint Green, and Sunset Pink. The back is made of tough glass, and the screen is protected by Apple’s strongest Ceramic Shield.

Display:
The 6.1-inch screen is bright and clear, perfect for watching videos or scrolling through social media. For the first time, Apple added ProMotion technology to the basic model. This means the screen refreshes faster (up to 120Hz), making everything feel smoother when you scroll or play games.

Performance:
The iPhone 17 runs on Apple’s new A18 chip, which is faster and smarter. Apps open quickly, games run without lag, and you can switch between tasks easily. The battery lasts all day, even with heavy use!

Camera:
The dual-camera system (12MP + 12MP) takes sharp photos and videos. A new feature called Night Mode+ lets you capture bright pictures in the dark, and the front camera now supports 4K video for super-detailed selfies.

Price:
Starts at $799.

Best For:
Teens and everyday users who want a reliable phone with great features at an affordable price.

2. iPhone 17 Air: The Ultra-Thin Replacement for the Plus

Design:
Say goodbye to the iPhone 17 Plus—the new iPhone 17 Air is here! This phone is incredibly thin (just 5.5mm) and lightweight, making it easy to slip into your pocket. It has a unique camera visor on the back (like Google’s Pixel phones) and comes in sleek colors like Graphite and Silver.

Display:
The 6.7-inch screen is the same size as the old Plus model but much thinner. It also has ProMotion for smoother scrolling.

Performance:
The A18 chip keeps things fast, and the carbon battery is a game-changer. It’s thinner than regular batteries but still lasts all day. Plus, it charges wirelessly in under an hour!

Camera:
The dual-camera setup (12MP + 12MP) focuses faster and takes better low-light photos. The visor design reduces glare, so your pictures look cleaner.

Price:
Starts at $899.

Best For:
Anyone who wants a big screen without a bulky phone. Perfect for reading, streaming, or carrying in tight jeans!

3. iPhone 17 Pro: For Photography Lovers

Design:
The iPhone 17 Pro has a bold new look with a two-tone back. The top part (around the cameras) is glossy, while the bottom is matte. The frame is now aluminum instead of titanium, making it lighter.

Display:
The 6.1-inch screen is super bright and supports ProMotion. Colors pop, and text looks crisp, whether you’re editing photos or texting friends.

Performance:
The upgraded A18 Pro chip handles heavy apps and games effortlessly. The phone also supports reverse wireless charging, so you can charge your AirPods by placing them on the back!

Camera:
This is where the Pro shines! The triple-camera system includes a 48MP main lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens for zooming. New features like Cinematic Video+ make videos look like movies, and the front camera jumps to 24MP for ultra-sharp selfies.

Battery:
A bigger battery means longer use. It supports 35W fast charging (50% in 15 minutes) and lasts up to 22 hours of video playback.

Price:
Starts at $999.

Best For:
Photographers, gamers, and anyone who wants top-tier features.

4. iPhone 17 Pro Max: The Ultimate iPhone

Design:
The Pro Max is Apple’s biggest and most powerful phone. It shares the Pro’s two-tone design but has a larger 6.7-inch display. The aluminum frame feels premium, and the phone is slightly thicker to fit a bigger battery.

Display:
The 6.7-inch ProMotion screen is perfect for binge-watching shows or editing videos. It’s also 20% brighter outdoors, so you can see it clearly in sunlight.

Performance:
The A18 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM make this phone a beast. It can run multiple apps, edit 4K videos, and play graphics-heavy games without breaking a sweat.

Camera:
The Pro Max has the same triple-camera system as the Pro but adds 10x optical zoom (up from 5x). This lets you take detailed photos of faraway objects, like birds or stadium performances.

Battery:
The largest battery in the lineup lasts up to 28 hours on a single charge. With 35W fast charging, you’ll spend less time plugged in.

Price:
Starts at $1,199.

Best For:
Professionals, content creators, or anyone who wants the best of the best.

5. iPhone Flip: A Sneak Peek at the Future

Apple’s first foldable phone, the iPhone Flip, is coming in 2026! This clamshell-style phone folds in half like the Galaxy Z Flip. Here’s what we know:

• Liquid hinge: Eliminates the annoying crease in the screen.
• Carbon battery: Keeps it thin and durable.
• Outer display: Check notifications without unfolding it.
• Price: Around $899-$1,000.

Best For:
Fans of compact phones or those missing the iPhone Mini.

6. Which iPhone 17 Should You Buy?

• Budget Pick: iPhone 17 ($799).
• Big Screen Lovers: iPhone 17 Air ($899).
• Photo Enthusiasts: iPhone 17 Pro ($999).
• Power Users: iPhone 17 Pro Max ($1,199).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the iPhone 17 Lineup

1. What’s the difference between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are very similar, but the Pro Max has a larger 6.7-inch screen (vs. 6.1-inch on the Pro) and a bigger battery that lasts up to 28 hours on a single charge (compared to 22 hours for the Pro). The Pro Max also has a 10x optical zoom camera, while the Pro stops at 5x zoom. If you want the biggest screen and longest battery life, go for the Pro Max!

2. Why did Apple replace the iPhone 17 Plus with the iPhone 17 Air?
The iPhone 17 Plus wasn’t very popular, so Apple replaced it with the iPhone 17 Air. The Air is much thinner (only 5.5mm thick) and lighter, making it easier to carry. It still has a big 6.7-inch screen like the old Plus model but adds cool features like a carbon battery and a unique camera visor design.

3. Can the iPhone 17 Pro charge other devices?
Yes! The iPhone 17 Pro (and Pro Max) have reverse wireless charging. You can place compatible devices like AirPods or Apple Watches on the back of the phone to charge them. Just make sure your iPhone has enough battery first!

4. How long does the iPhone 17 Pro Max battery last?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the longest battery life in the lineup. It can last up to 28 hours of video playback or a full day of heavy use (like gaming or streaming). It also supports 35W fast charging, so you can get 50% battery in just 15 minutes!

5. When will Apple release the iPhone Flip?
Apple’s first foldable phone, the iPhone Flip, is expected to launch in 2026. It will fold in half like a clamshell, have a liquid hinge to prevent screen creases, and start at around $899. This phone is perfect for anyone who misses the compact size of the iPhone Mini!

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 17 lineup offers something for everyone. Whether you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or switching from Android, these phones combine cool designs with powerful features. Don’t forget to check for back-to-school deals or trade-in offers to save money!