iPhone 17 Review
iPhone 17 Review Roundup: What Users Love & What They Don’t
The iPhone 17 has stirred a lot of buzz since its launch, promising features that blur the line between the base and Pro tiers. But as with every new device, real-world experience reveals both strengths and trade-offs. Below is a synthesis of expert iPhone 17 review and user voices, so you can see whether the iPhone 17 lives up to expectations.
What Reviewers Are Saying (Pros)
Smooth 120 Hz Display & Brightness
One of the biggest upgrades is the move to a ProMotion 120 Hz display on the standard iPhone 17, giving smoother animations, scrolling, and transitions. On top of that, the screen now pushes up to ~3,000 nits peak brightness, making it easier to read outdoors. WIRED+1
Improved Battery Life & Charging
Many testers report notably better battery endurance compared to previous models. It also supports faster wired charging (up to 40W in some cases), letting it reach ~50% in 20 minutes. Tom's Guide+3NextPit+3MacRumors Forums+3
Upgraded Cameras & Selfie Innovations
The iPhone 17 brings an improved ultrawide 48 MP lens, enhancing low-light performance and clarity.
Its front camera is a square 18 MP sensor (binned) that supports orientation-agnostic selfies, allowing portrait or landscape selfies without rotating the phone. MacRumors Forums+3NextPit+3WIRED+3
Video capture is praised too—stabilisation and HDR features set it ahead of some rivals. WIRED+2NextPit+2
Heat Management & Design Shift
One of the bold moves with the iPhone 17 (especially the Pro models) is the return to an aluminum unibody design. This helps conduct heat better and avoids thermal throttling seen in some prior models. NextPit
The design also introduces Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and better scratch resistance claims. TechCrunch+2WIRED+2
Value for the Base Model
Many reviewers argue that the iPhone 17 is the best “base” iPhone in recent years because it brings features previously reserved for Pro models (high refresh rate, better display, improved cameras) without the Pro price premium. Gadget Hacks+2WIRED+2
What Users & Reviewers Flag as Cons / Weaknesses
Lack of Telephoto Lens (in Base Model)
The iPhone 17 does not include a telephoto camera, which disappoints users who zoom often. Gadget Hacks+3WIRED+3Tom's Guide+3
USB-C Data Speed Limitations
While Apple adopted USB-C for the iPhone 17, the data transfer speeds in the base model remain at USB 2.0 levels (480 Mbps), rather than adopting USB 3 or Thunderbolt speeds. WIRED+1
Heat Under Heavy Gaming
In highly demanding games, users report that the iPhone 17 can get noticeably warm, and performance sometimes dips under sustained load. WIRED+2Tom's Guide+2
Reports of Connectivity or Glitch Issues
Some early adopters have noted occasional cellular dropouts or Wi-Fi instability, and a few report image artifacts (black boxes, weird lines) in certain photos—Apple is expected to issue firmware fixes. Tom's Guide+1
Design Tradeoffs
The shift to an aluminum unibody (especially on Pro versions) means scratches might show more than on previous glass backs. The Guardian+1
And some users lament the removal of classic design cues, feeling the phone looks more like an Android device. New York Post
Base Storage Only (No 128 GB Option)
Apple has removed the 128 GB base tier; now even the lowest iPhone 17 starts at 256 GB. For heavy users, this won’t be an issue, but it could be overkill (and costly) for others. Wikipedia
What Real Users Are Saying (From Forums & Reddit)
“Great phone so far, enjoying the huge reduction in weight, and the display size feels just right. Despite losing the telephoto lens, the camera still delivers well.” Reddit
“Battery life is up — I’m getting 30 hours between charges, around eight hours more than my old iPhone 16. Charging is faster too with a 40W adapter.” MacRumors Forums
These anecdotal reports align fairly well with professional reviews: users appreciate smoother performance, longevity, and design tweaks, while being cautious about missing features and thermal or connectivity quirks.
Is the iPhone 17 Right for You?
If you’re seeking the “sweet spot” iPhone that delivers many of the Pro-level features without paying Pro prices, the iPhone 17 is a compelling choice. You get a 120 Hz display, strong battery life, upgraded cameras, and a modern design. However, if you rely on optical zoom, need blazing data transfer speeds, or push your phone with extended high-performance gaming, you might still want to consider the Pro line or flagships from other brands.
By contrast, users coming from older models (iPhone 13/14) may find the upgrade very worthwhile—enhanced cameras, brighter display, smoother interactions, and solid battery gains.
Why WayCase Is a Smart Choice (Especially in the UK 🇬🇧)
If you're in the UK and shopping for an iPhone 17 (or any Apple device), WayCase is worth a look. They regularly stock great iPhone deals in the UK, offering competitive pricing, special promotions, and bundle discounts. Recently, their Instagram teased a “buy one, get second at 50% off” style sale. Instagram
With the spooky season upon us, WayCase has kicked off Spooky Sales—which means limited-time discounts, Halloween-themed bundles, and extra markdowns across iPhone accessories and device deals. It’s a perfect moment for customers to get value while supply lasts.
