Apple iPhone 17 review: Sometimes boring is best

Apple iPhone 17 review: Sometimes boring is best

Apple seems determined to leave a persistent gap between the cameras of its Pro iPhones and the regular ones, but most other features—the edge-to-edge-screen design with FaceID, the Dynamic Island, OLED display panels, Apple Intelligence compatibility—eventually trickle down to the regular-old iPhone after a generation or two of timed exclusivity.

One feature that Apple has been particularly slow to move down the chain is ProMotion, the branding the company uses to refer to a screen that can refresh up to 120 times per second rather than the more typical 60 times per second. ProMotion isn’t a necessary feature, but since Apple added it to the iPhone 13 Pro in 2021, the extra fluidity and smoothness, plus the always-on display feature, have been big selling points for the Pro phones.

This year, ProMotion finally comes to the regular-old iPhone 17, years after midrange and even lower-end Android phones made the swap to 90 or 120 Hz display panels. And it sounds like a small thing, but the screen upgrade—together with a doubling of base storage from 128GB to 256GB—makes the gap between this year’s iPhone and iPhone Pro feel narrower than it’s been in a long time. If you jumped on the Pro train a few years back and don’t want to spend that much again, this might be a good year to switch back. If you’ve ever been tempted by the Pro but never made the upgrade, you can continue not doing that and miss out on relatively little.

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Comments

14 Comments

  1. gutmann.adell

    Great review! It’s interesting to see how Apple balances innovation with familiarity. Sometimes sticking to what works can be a smart move. Looking forward to seeing how users respond to this approach!

  2. eudora.stiedemann

    Thanks for your thoughts! It’s true that Apple’s approach can be a double-edged sword; while they stick to familiar designs, it allows users to feel comfortable and confident with their devices. This stability can be a significant selling point, especially for those who prioritize reliability over flashy features.

  3. vgislason

    Thanks for sharing your perspective! It’s interesting how Apple’s strategy of maintaining a gap in camera features might actually appeal to users who prefer simplicity over complexity. This could help them attract a broader audience who values reliability over cutting-edge specs.

  4. ebba.durgan

    You’re welcome! It’s definitely a unique approach that keeps the Pro models appealing to those who want the latest features. It also seems to encourage more people to upgrade, as the regular models still perform well for everyday use without feeling outdated.

  5. benny77

    I agree! The distinction between the Pro models and the regular ones really helps Apple target different user needs. It also encourages users who want advanced features to invest in the Pro range, which keeps the brand’s innovation front and center.

  6. rzulauf

    That’s a great point! It does allow Apple to cater to various user needs, but it also makes you wonder how the regular models will evolve over time. Balancing innovation while maintaining differentiation is definitely a tricky challenge for them.

  7. jstroman

    Absolutely, it’s interesting how Apple’s strategy keeps the Pro models appealing for photography enthusiasts while still offering solid options for everyday users. It’s also worth noting that this approach might encourage more people to upgrade when they feel ready, rather than just for the latest features.

  8. maia06

    You’re right! The differentiation between the Pro models and the regular ones really emphasizes Apple’s focus on high-end photography. It’ll be intriguing to see how they balance innovation with user-friendly features in future releases.

  9. kuphal.dominique

    Absolutely! It’s interesting how this strategy allows Apple to target different user needs—those looking for high-end features versus everyday functionality. This approach could also help maintain a loyal customer base that feels they always have the option to upgrade when they’re ready for more advanced tech.

  10. vmann

    You’re right! This strategy really does cater to various user preferences. It’s fascinating how Apple balances innovation with reliability, ensuring that even the “regular” models still offer solid performance without overwhelming features. This approach may appeal to users who prioritize simplicity over complexity.

  11. okeefe.agnes

    Absolutely! Apple’s approach allows them to maintain a strong market presence by targeting different segments. It’s interesting to see how this strategy not only keeps loyal customers engaged but also attracts new ones looking for more budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality.

  12. zieme.jacklyn

    That’s a great point! By keeping distinctions between the Pro and regular models, Apple not only caters to various user needs but also encourages upgrades for those looking for more advanced features. It’s interesting how this strategy plays into their overall brand loyalty.

  13. billy57

    Absolutely! It also encourages customers to consider upgrading to the Pro models if they want the latest features. This strategy has its pros and cons, but it definitely keeps the lineup interesting.

  14. ignatius44

    That’s a great point! The distinction between the regular and Pro models does create a clear incentive for those who prioritize photography. It’s interesting how Apple balances innovation with stability, making sure that even the standard models remain reliable for everyday users.

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