iPhone 17 Finally 120Hz and better battery but is it worth the hype

Apple’s September 9 event unveiled the iPhone 17 lineup: four new models promising improvements but leaving some questions unanswered.
With a $100 price hike on the Pro models and last year’s iPhone 16 now cheaper, is the iPhone 17 really worth the extra cash? Here’s our take.
For years, iPhone users watched as Android phones showcased smooth 120Hz displays while Apple stuck to 60Hz on its base models. That finally changed this year. The standard iPhone 17 now features a ProMotion screen running at 120Hz, resulting in a smoother and more responsive experience. Early hands-on impressions say the difference is substantial in everyday use.
Apple has also made strides in battery life. The iPhone 17 offers up to 30 hours of video playback, a jump from the iPhone 16’s 22 hours. The Pro Max breaks new ground with a battery capacity exceeding 5,000 mAh, pushing playback time up to 39 hours.
Then there’s the iPhone Air, a design shift at just 5.6mm thin and priced at $999. It features an A19 Pro chip and a larger 6.5-inch screen. That said, sacrifices come with its slim profile: battery life trails its thicker sibling, and the camera setup is pared down to a single lens.
The 18MP front camera, featuring a new square sensor and intelligent auto-framing, is a highlight. For creators, it’s an upgrade, allowing for landscape selfies without the need for awkward phone rotations.
Gadget expert Catherine Hiley at Go.Compare Mobile advises caution: “Apple’s latest release will be sure to grab the headlines, and for many people, the iPhone 17’s new features will be really attractive. But before you head straight out and bag the latest iPhone, here’s how to make sure you’re getting good value for money. Unless you spot any spectacular pre-order offers, it’s a good idea to wait a few weeks, as we’d expect to see some more competitive deals coming through once some of the hype has died down.”
The iPhone 17 Pro now starts at $1,099: $100 more than last year. The Pro Max remains at $1,199 but now offers a 2TB storage option, edging close to $2,000.
Battery life on the Air, while decent, isn’t quite enough for power users. Heavy video streaming can force midday charging. Catherine adds, “With this latest range starting at £799, and prices increasing from there, it’s a good idea to look at older models to see if they’ll meet your needs without quite such a hefty price tag… The newest device isn’t always the best fit, especially if you’re not likely to use the latest features every day.”
Many improvements, such as camera tweaks and vapour chamber cooling in the Pros, address long-standing issues rather than redefine the iPhone experience. The line between base, Air, and Pro models has blurred, complicating buying decisions.
On the other hand, last year’s iPhone 16 is now more affordable, with a base price of $ 699 and a Plus model at $799.
Upgrading from an iPhone 15 or older? The improved screen, battery, and front camera make a solid case. Using an iPhone 16? The jump to the iPhone 17 is less compelling unless you crave the smoother refresh rates or longer battery life.
The ultra-thin Air will seduce those who put design first, but might frustrate heavy users. The Pro models demand stronger justifications amid their price bump.