One thing I’ve learned in my 17 years of reviewing phones for a living is that you really can’t appreciate a device unless you’ve put in solid time using it daily — and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing with the iPhone 17. While my week’s worth of using it managed to scratch the surface, using the iPhone 17 for over a month gives me a better understanding of what makes this phone a genuine long-term upgrade.
For example, I’ve put the iPhone 17’s new Center Stage camera to the test against other best phone contenders. There’s also the surprising results I’ve uncovered with my iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10 face-off, like how the iPhone’s camera zoom performance compares to its rival. But then there were also some disappointing things I’ve come across in this span.
Now that I’ve put in serious time using Apple’s latest as a daily driver, here’s what I really think about the iPhone 17.
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120Hz refresh rate makes a huge difference
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide / John Velasco)
It’s a long overdue upgrade, but the 120Hz refresh rate the iPhone 17’s display now supports makes such a huge difference. For years Apple refused to give its base flagship model this treatment, especially when this feature became more common amongst the best cheap phones around — like the Pixel 9a.
Scrolling around the interface on the iPhone is much more satisfying, as the higher refresh rate gives it a more fluid look. I tried using the iPhone 16 to test something out, and it’s difficult for me to overlook its choppier movement. Once you go 120Hz, you really can’t go back to looking at anything slower.
A missed opportunity with Apple Intelligence
Nothing gets deeper under my skin than how there are practically no new Apple Intelligence features with the iPhone 17. I thought Apple would’ve at least revealed a few new tricks since the phone’s release, but there’s been zippo.
Apple’s rivals are outpacing it in every aspect of AI, from productivity-centric stuff to AI tools for photo editing. The iPhone 17 lacks the tools that I crave, like how the Pixel 10 can make complex photo edits when I simply describe what I want using Ask Photos. Tools like that prove the time-saving abilities of AI, which is something I can’t say about Apple Intelligence at this point with the iPhone 17.
iOS 26 lock and home screen customizations
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide / John Velasco)
Even though Liquid Glass takes credit for a lot of things with the way iOS 26 looks and feels, I’m still blown away by the level of customization it offers with the home and lock screens. With the latter, I’ve enabled photo shuffle to constantly change my lockscreen wallpaper with my photos.
But what makes my iPhone screen come alive is how I’ve enabled depth effect to give my lock screen wallpaper that 3D-like effect. Plus, I like how the digital clock dynamically adapts its size depending on the wallpaper. These new additions all propel the iPhone 17 to a new level of customization that makes it feel personal.
Main camera is a low light master
Camera performance is arguably the area I look forward to the most when I test out any new phone. While you could argue that the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are more suited for creators thanks to their triple camera systems, I can tell you that the 48MP main camera of the iPhone 17 is just as good — especially when it comes to low light.
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I’m still astounded by what the iPhone 17 can pull off in complete darkness, as its night mode doesn’t need a whole lot of time to gather in light and make pitch dark conditions appear like day. I’ve put Apple’s phone to the test against other best camera phone contenders, including the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 10, but none of them come close to matching the magic that is the iPhone 17 in low light.
Camera Control could benefit from real camera controls
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide / John Velasco)
Apple has kept the functions of the Camera Control unchanged from when the feature was introduced with the iPhone 16, which is a bummer because like my colleague Tom Prichard, there are many things I just don’t like about Camera Control. I shoot photos and videos professionally, but nothing drives me more nuts than a dedicated button specifically for camera controls that doesn’t give me access to real camera controls.
Apple’s implementation relies on gestures to change modes and zoom levels. I get how Apple intends Camera Control to be as simple as possible, but I wish there was another “pro” mode that could be unlocked to give me controls for things like the shutter speed, ISO, aperture, and focus.
The latter’s especially annoying when I’m trying to shoot astrophotography at night, seeing that the camera is constantly trying to hunt down the correct focus — rather than giving me the control to manually set it.
The best bang-for-the-buck value of any iPhone
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide / John Velasco)
Ask me a few years ago about which model in the lineup offers the best value, I would’ve said something like the iPhone SE. But that’s changed this year with its spiritual successor, the iPhone 16e, given its higher price of $599. The iPhone 17 costs $799, but it’s still a way better value because of the bigger upgrades — including a dual-camera system and that new Center Stage camera.
On the flip side of the spectrum, there’s the iPhone Air at $999. As much as I’m entranced by its ultra-thin construction, everything else about the phone falls flat for me. I really wouldn’t pay extra for the thin design and single camera, I’d much rather pay less and have more — along with a longer battery life.
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