Every September, Apple sparks hype with its iPhone launch and 2025 is no exception. The iPhone 17 lineup promised some of the boldest updates in years, from the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air to performance boosts on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
But after unboxing, testing, and comparing them against last year’s iPhone 16 models (and even Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra), one thing became clear: while there are some genuine wins, Apple also left fans scratching their heads.
This review takes you through the unboxing, design changes, performance, cameras, and real-world quirks of the iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max — plus a look at the new AirPods Pro 3.
The Unboxing Experience: Familiar, With a Few Surprises
Apple kept its minimal packaging approach. Inside the box, you’ll still find:
- The iPhone 17 (model of your choice).
- A braided USB-C charging cable.
- Documentation and Apple stickers.
No charging brick, as expected. But one subtle change? The packaging feels tighter with less padding, clearly part of Apple’s environmental push.
Accessories like the new MagSafe Battery Pack and case straps are sold separately — and as you’ll see later, some are more useful than others.
iPhone 17 Review: Balanced Upgrades That Matter
- Faster Charging That Finally Feels Modern
The base iPhone 17 supports faster wired charging, finally catching up with some Android competitors. It’s not Galaxy-level fast, but a noticeable improvement over the iPhone 16 — meaning you won’t be stuck near an outlet for as long.
- Anti-Reflective Coating: A Subtle but Useful Touch
Apple added a new anti-reflective screen coating, making outdoor use more comfortable. Watching videos or gaming in sunlight is less frustrating, though fingerprints still show up.
- Redesigned Front Camera and FaceTime
The front-facing camera got a small square sensor upgrade, producing sharper selfies with better low-light detail. More importantly, FaceTime feels smoother, with faster recognition and improved stability especially in landscape mode.
- A19 Chip: Speed Meets Efficiency
Powered by the A19 chip, the iPhone 17 is snappy across the board. From gaming to video editing, everything feels fast, though heavy users will notice thermals aren’t quite as cool as Apple claimed.
Read more: Everything you need to know about Nothing Phone 3
iPhone 17 Air Review: Apple’s Boldest but Most Flawed Model
The iPhone 17 Air was Apple’s most talked-about reveal. It’s impressively thin and light, a dream for people who hate bulky phones. But thinness comes with trade-offs.
- The A19 Pro Chip and Heat Problems
Apple packed the A19 Pro chip into the Air — but with less space for cooling, it heats up quickly under gaming or heavy multitasking. Extended use feels uncomfortable, and performance throttles faster than on the Pro models.
- Audio and Camera Compromises
Only one speaker instead of stereo — a downgrade that’s hard to ignore in 2025.
Portrait mode struggles with edge detection, often blurring parts it shouldn’t.
- Accessories: A Mixed Bag
Apple launched a new MagSafe battery and case strap for the Air. While clever in concept, they feel like band-aid fixes for the Air’s weaker battery and handling issues.
Read More: Best Honor Phones to Buy in 2025
AirPods Pro 3 Review: Small Upgrades, Big Question Marks
Launched alongside the iPhone 17, the AirPods Pro 3 bring:
- Slightly better noise cancellation.
- Improved bass response.
- A redesigned shorter stem for comfort.
But while sound quality is a step up, the fit feels less secure, and long listening sessions can be less comfortable than AirPods Pro 2. If you already own the older model, this is more of an incremental upgrade.
iPhone 17 Pro Review: The Sweet Spot
If you want performance without the quirks of the Air or the bulk of the Max, the iPhone 17 Pro hits the sweet spot.
- Design and Comfort
The Pro is slimmer than the iPhone 16 Pro, with slightly rounded edges that make it more comfortable to hold.
- Signal and Connectivity
A small but welcome upgrade: better signal reception, particularly indoors. This isn’t flashy, but it solves a real-world annoyance.
- Battery Life and eSIM Advantage
Battery life is solid, especially on eSIM versions, which seem more efficient than dual-SIM models.
- Performance and Thermals
Thanks to more effective cooling, the Pro runs smoother under load than the Air. Gaming, 4K video recording, and editing are consistent with fewer slowdowns.
iPhone 17 Pro Max Review: Apple’s Powerhouse
The iPhone 17 Pro Max continues Apple’s trend of making the biggest phone its most capable.
- Massive Display, Better Grip
Despite its size, the new curvature makes it easier to hold than last year’s Pro Max.
- Thermals and Speed
It handles the A19 Pro chip better than the Air, staying cool even under extended benchmarks.
- Camera Upgrades That Actually Deliver
The telephoto lens produces sharper zoom shots than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Portrait mode has finally improved, with more natural depth and less “cutout” look.
For creators, this is the model to beat.
Final Thoughts: Which iPhone 17 Should You Buy?
The iPhone 17 lineup is a mixed bag:
- The iPhone 17 is the safest, most balanced upgrade — better charging, smoother FaceTime, solid chip performance.
- The iPhone 17 Air looks stunning but makes too many sacrifices. It feels like Apple prioritized thinness over practicality.
- The iPhone 17 Pro is the best value, offering comfort, performance, and battery balance.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the ultimate powerhouse, especially for photography and creators.
As for the AirPods Pro 3, they’re nice but far from essential if you own the previous version.
Verdict? If you’re upgrading from the iPhone 16, the real gains come with the Pro and Pro Max models. The Air may grab headlines, but it’s not the one most people should buy.