Which mannequin do you have to purchase?

Authentic launch date: September 19, 2025 | Storage capability: 256GB, 512GB | Display screen measurement: 6.3 inches | Options: A19 chip, At all times-on 120Hz ProMotion show, Aluminum body, USB-C port (USB 2), Digicam Management button, Motion button, 25W MagSafe charging, Apple Intelligence | Cameras: 48MP extensive, 48MP ultrawide, 18MP Heart Stage entrance | Coloration choices: Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, Black | Dimensions: 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.31 inches | Weight: 6.24 ounces

Learn our full iPhone 17 review

The iPhone 17 is essentially the most vital improve to Apple’s “common” iPhone in years. Whereas there are definitely nonetheless causes to pay additional for an iPhone 17 Professional or Professional Max, only a few of these nonetheless really feel important for the typical individual. For many, the bottom mannequin now covers all the mandatory bases for $300 or $400 much less. Sure, Apple (Apple!) has made a smartphone that’s a genuinely sturdy worth for cash in 2026.

Most of our enthusiasm stems from the brand new 6.3-inch show. It’s a bit of greater than the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch panel, and with a most brightness of three,000 nits, it ought to be simpler to learn outside. (The earlier mannequin topped out at 2,000 nits.) Most significantly, it’s a “ProMotion” show, which implies its most refresh charge has (finally) jumped from 60Hz to a quicker 120Hz. That may sound dorky to spotlight, nevertheless it makes scrolling net pages, taking part in video games and easily interacting with iOS really feel smoother and extra responsive. When you see the distinction — and you’ll — it’s troublesome to ever return.

The refresh charge can also be adaptive, so it may well dip all the way down to 1Hz to save lots of energy when the telephone is idle, and since that is an always-on show, it may well present notifications on the lock display screen with out forcing you to bodily contact your system. We’ve dinged Apple up to now for relegating these types of options to its Professional sequence — particularly since cheaper Android phones have had them for years — however that’s up to now now, and the iPhone 17 feels far much less dated because of this.

The cameras are higher, too. The entrance cam has gone from a 12-megapixel sensor to a crisper 18MP one, whereas an up to date “Center Stage” function allows you to take landscape-oriented selfies with out having to show your telephone sideways and retains you targeted in body throughout video calls. On the again, the ultrawide digicam is now 48MP as an alternative of 12MP, which may also help make textures look a bit sharper in several lighting circumstances. Now you can shoot video from the entrance and rear cameras concurrently as effectively. Whereas digicam efficiency remains to be the primary space the place the Professional telephones pull forward, that is nonetheless an amazing point-and-shoot setup for the fast pics most individuals need to take with a telephone.

The iPhone 17 begins on the identical $799 because the iPhone 16, nevertheless it comes with 256GB of storage by default — twice as a lot as earlier than. It has a brand new A19 chip, which doesn’t deliver an enormous leap in real-world efficiency however ought to maintain the telephone snappy for years to return. Apple charges the battery for as much as 30 hours of video playback, an eight-hour soar over its predecessor. That’s most likely an optimistic studying, however both manner, we had no points getting the brand new mannequin to final by way of a typical work day, and it’s not far off the iPhone 17 Professional’s 33-hour estimate. It helps quicker 25W wi-fi charging, up from 22W, and with the appropriate wired charger Apple says it may well refill 50 p.c battery in 20 minutes as an alternative of 30. The up to date “Ceramic Defend 2” glass on the entrance is barely extra scratch-resistant as effectively.

All of this is available in a design that’s nonetheless good-looking, sturdy and well-proportioned, with an aluminum body, the useful-enough Digicam Management and Motion buttons and a choice of tasteful shade decisions. It could look extra boring than the 17 Professional or the iPhone Air, however the former’s upgrades are primarily for energy customers at this level, whereas the latter is worse in demonstrable methods regardless of costing $200 extra. We wouldn’t say you need to improve if you happen to personal an iPhone 16, however for the primary time shortly, it gained’t really feel like a waste if you happen to do really feel like switching only one 12 months later.

Authentic launch date: September 19, 2025 | Storage capability: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB (Professional Max solely) | Display screen measurement: 6.3 inches (Professional), 6.9 inches (Professional Max) | Options: A19 Professional chip, At all times-on 120Hz ProMotion show, Aluminum unibody, Ceramic Defend again, USB-C port (USB 3), Digicam Management button, Motion button, 25W MagSafe charging, Apple Intelligence | Cameras: 48MP extensive, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, 18MP Heart Stage entrance | Coloration choices: Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, Silver | Dimensions: 5.91 x 2.83 x 0.34 inches (Professional), 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.34 inches (Professional Max) | Weight: 7.27 ounces (Professional), 8.22 ounces (Professional Max)

Learn our full iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max review

In the event you’ve obtained a bit of more cash to play with, the 6.3-inch iPhone 17 Pro and 6.9-inch iPhone 17 Pro Max are Apple’s “kitchen sink” smartphones — those with all the very best tech the corporate can stuff right into a pocket-sized laptop, worth be damned.

In comparison with the usual iPhone 17, the primary upgrades listed here are within the digicam and battery departments. Whereas the bottom mannequin additionally has 48MP primary and ultrawide cameras, the Professional telephones are the one ones with a devoted telephoto lens, which makes them far more succesful for zoom images. With the 17 Professional and Professional Max, it’s a 48MP lens with 4x optical zoom and optical-like high quality at as much as 8x. The Professional’s primary digicam additionally has a bigger sensor, so it’s superior in low-light environments, and it helps just a few fanatic options like the flexibility to shoot in ProRAW or report 4K Dolby Imaginative and prescient video as much as 120 frames per second.

Most individuals will nonetheless be very happy with the common iPhone 17’s dual-camera system, however the Execs’ setup is simply higher if you happen to use your telephone cameras with extra intent. In the event you’re primarily inquisitive about selfies and FaceTime calls, nonetheless, observe that the 18MP “Heart Stage” entrance digicam right here isn’t a lot totally different from the one on the bottom mannequin.

With regards to battery life, Apple says the 17 Professional delivers as much as 33 hours of video playback whereas the 17 Professional Max can attain a hefty 39 hours. These scores gained’t be solely correct in the true world, but when our testing is any indication, it is best to be capable to get a day and alter out of the 17 Professional and nearer to 2 days out of the Professional Max.

The larger batteries make the Professional telephones barely thicker and noticeably heavier than the usual mannequin, however their designs really feel appropriately high-end. Whether or not they look nice is a bit more contentious: Apple has opted for a two-tone motif that vegetation a sturdy “Ceramic Defend” glass again inside an aluminum chassis, with a pronounced “plateau” that homes the digicam module and far of the telephone’s inside parts on high. Personally, I believe it’s a bit a lot, however what I discover busy, a lot others discover enjoyable. Both manner, it stands out.

Much less debatable is how effectively these telephones carry out. The A19 Professional chip powering the 2 is overkill for the fundamentals however exceptionally highly effective for gaming and extra concerned duties. A vapor chamber cooling system, together with the aluminum design, helps maintain the units from getting scorching as shortly as previous Professional fashions. There are different little perks too, from help for quicker knowledge transfers to higher-quality mics to a 2TB storage possibility for the Professional Max.

The draw back remains to be the worth: The iPhone 17 Professional begins at $1,099, whereas the 17 Professional Max prices $100 extra. It’s laborious to name both system an amazing worth when the usual mannequin affords an analogous show, an arguably cleaner design, the identical base storage, completely stable cameras and still-strong battery life for a cheaper price. However in order for you the very best of the very best, the Execs are it. As for which one is healthier, that’s solely all the way down to choice: Outdoors of display screen measurement, battery life and pricing, the Professional and Professional Max are functionally similar.

Authentic launch date: February 28, 2025 | Storage capability: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Display screen measurement: 6.1 inches | Options: A18 chip (4-core GPU), 60Hz show, Aluminum body, USB-C port (USB 2), Motion button, 7.5W Qi wi-fi charging, Apple Intelligence | Cameras: 48MP rear, 12MP entrance | Coloration choices: White, Black | Dimensions: 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches | Weight: 5.88 ounces

Learn our full iPhone 16e review

Right here’s the fact: There’s no such factor as a real funds iPhone in 2026. The $429 iPhone SE was the closest factor Apple needed to a value-oriented mannequin coming into the 12 months, nevertheless it was formally discontinued in February, and its severely outdated design made it troublesome to suggest lengthy earlier than that. The Phone 16e is the SE’s ostensible alternative, nevertheless it prices $599, effectively above what anybody may name “inexpensive” when there are such a lot of genuinely first rate Android telephones that promote for lots of of {dollars} much less.

So after we suggest the iPhone 16e on this spot, consider it much less like a funds decide and extra like “the most cost effective competent iPhone you possibly can reliably purchase.” It’s straightforward to see the way it might be higher, nevertheless it nonetheless will get you most of what makes the iPhone expertise worthwhile.

It appears and feels far more substantial than the outdated iPhone SE, with a bigger and extra vivid 6.1-inch OLED show, cleaner strains and flat aluminum edges. Its A18 chip is almost the identical because the one in 2024’s iPhone 16, simply with one fewer GPU core; both manner, it’s highly effective sufficient to run Apple Intelligence and most video games high-quality. Its battery life is first rate, with a video playback score of 26 hours, although it’s a bit behind every mannequin within the iPhone 17 household. It has a USB-C port, Face ID and the programmable Action button. Most significantly, it’s the least costly route into iMessage, Apple Pay, FaceTime, AirPlay and all the opposite iOS perks locked in Apple’s walled backyard, for higher or worse.

That mentioned, the iPhone 17 nonetheless brings significant upgrades for $200 extra. It has a greater digicam setup, for one, with a second, 48MP ultrawide lens and a bigger primary sensor with higher picture stabilization. The 16e’s single-camera system remains to be completely high-quality for many conditions, however night time photographs look softer, portraits are a bit blurrier and there’s no macro mode.

Annoyingly, the iPhone 16e additionally lacks MagSafe, locking it out of a bunch of useful accessories, and it’s restricted to gradual 7.5W wi-fi charging. There’s no ultra-wideband chip to extra precisely locate AirTags, and the usual iPhone 17’s show is now a marked enchancment because of its 120Hz refresh charge, larger peak brightness and always-on performance. That display screen additionally has the Dynamic Island, which makes it simpler to test timers, Uber ETAs, sports activities scores and the like at a look. The 16e, by comparability, has the static “notch” from older iPhones. The 17 can also be accessible in additional colours, whereas the 16e solely is available in a extra primary black or white. And it begins with half the cupboard space.

In some ways, the iPhone 16e feels prefer it was designed backwards to make the bottom mannequin appear to be a greater worth. However, if you happen to can stretch your funds to get the iPhone 17, it’s price doing so.

Actually, cut price hunters ought to look to the refurbished market for reductions on older iPhones first. If you could find an iPhone 16 (and even an iPhone 15) from a good vendor for $100+ lower than the 16e, that’d be ideally suited, since these embody most of the 16e’s lacking options (120Hz show apart) and something older gained’t have a USB-C port. In the event you see an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro across the identical value or much less, it’s no contest — these are higher than the 16e just about throughout the board.

However even a refurbished 15 is unlikely to be that low cost, and older iPhones usually tend to lose replace help sooner. Nonetheless, that may not matter a lot if you happen to simply need an Apple telephone for primary iOS issues and may discover an appropriate price-to-storage ratio. Profiting from trade-in offers or, to a lesser extent, month-to-month installment plans that decrease upfront prices appears particularly prudent as of late as effectively.

Because it stands now, the dearth of a aggressive funds mannequin within the iPhone lineup is disappointing, and it seems that won’t change anytime quickly. Apple might be Apple. However if you happen to simply need to stroll into an Apple retailer and purchase an iPhone that works, the 16e is okay sufficient, even when it is not a slam-dunk worth.

Authentic launch date: September 19, 2025 | Storage capability: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Display screen measurement: 6.5 inches | Options: A19 Professional chip (5-core GPU), At all times-on 120Hz ProMotion show, Titanium body, Ceramic Defend again, USB-C port (USB 2), Digicam Management button, Motion button, 20W MagSafe charging, Apple Intelligence | Cameras: 48MP extensive, 18MP Heart Stage entrance | Coloration choices: Sky Blue, Mild Gold, Cloud White, Area Black | Dimensions: 6.15 x 2.94 x 0.22 inches | Weight: 5.82 ounces

Learn our full iPhone Air review

You possibly can be taught an amazing deal a couple of smartphone on paper. And on paper, there isn’t a lot of a motive to purchase the iPhone Air — the brand new ultra-thin iPhone that takes the spot of the outdated “Plus” mannequin in Apple’s lineup — over the iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Professional. It’s a $999 telephone with a single rear digicam and no telephoto or ultrawide lens. It doesn’t have stereo audio system. Its battery life isn’t as disastrous as first feared — we obtained it to final by way of a day of real-world use — nevertheless it’s nonetheless shorter than that of the bottom mannequin. Its wi-fi and wired charging speeds are slower. Few of those features are outright unhealthy, nevertheless it’s the precept: You’re paying extra for a tool that’s indisputably worse in essential methods.

However then you definately maintain it, and people points may fade into the background. The Air is so skinny, and so splendidly gentle, that it seems like holding a show itself as a lot as an precise telephone. Sure, the pill-shaped digicam bump on the again negates a few of the thinness (and may run a bit of heat), however this can be a superbly understated system, with clean rounded corners and a sophisticated, remarkably sturdy titanium body. It’s a tool for design geeks, the type that swoon over a Leica digicam or Dyson vacuum, or anybody who’s simply grown uninterested in iPhones as an idea. It’s not about “worth,” it’s about proudly owning one thing that delights you everytime you decide it up.

It helps that the iPhone Air isn’t completely gimped on the spec sheet. It runs on a model of the super-fast A19 Professional chip seen within the iPhone 17 Professional, whereas its 6.5-inch show is always-on and helps 120Hz refresh charges. It has the identical upgraded selfie cam as the opposite new iPhones as effectively. It’s nonetheless for early adopters before everything, and it could simply be a precursor for a foldable iPhone within the years forward. It prices an excessive amount of for us to suggest broadly — however we are able to completely perceive why you may need to purchase the iPhone Air anyway. In the event you can stay with the sacrifices, go for it. Simply don’t be shocked if you wish to improve once more subsequent 12 months.