iPhone 17 Series: Full Spec Comparison and What’s New

Luke Moya

Two rose gold iphones on an orange background

Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup introduces meaningful upgrades across the board, including ProMotion displays on all models, faster A19 chips, improved cameras, and a brand‑new ultra‑thin iPhone 17 Air. Whether you’re considering the standard model or the top‑tier Pro Max, here’s a complete breakdown to help you choose.


What’s New in the iPhone 17 Series?

The biggest changes this year include:

  • ✅ 120Hz ProMotion on every model
  • ✅ A19 and A19 Pro chips built on advanced 3nm technology
  • ✅ Upgraded 24MP front camera across the lineup
  • ✅ Wi‑Fi 7 support
  • ✅ Introduction of the ultra‑thin iPhone 17 Air
  • ✅ Improved telephoto and 8K video on Pro models

Apple has focused heavily on display smoothness, AI performance, and camera improvements while refining materials and battery life.


iPhone Spec Comparison

FeatureiPhone 17iPhone 17 PlusiPhone 17 AiriPhone 17 ProiPhone 17 Pro Max
Display Size6.1″6.7″6.6″6.1″6.9″
Display TypeOLED, 120HzOLED, 120HzOLED, 120HzLTPO OLED, 1–120HzLTPO OLED, 1–120Hz
Peak Brightness (HDR)2,500 nits2,500 nits2,500 nits3,000 nits3,000 nits
ChipA19A19A19A19 ProA19 Pro
RAM8GB8GB8GB12GB12GB
Main Camera48MP48MP48MP48MP (stacked)48MP (stacked)
Ultra Wide12MP12MP48MP48MP
Telephoto5x–6x Optical5x–6x Optical
Front Camera24MP24MP24MP24MP24MP
Video Recording4K 60fps4K 60fps4K 60fps8K + Pro features8K + Pro features
Battery Life (Video)~22 hrs~27 hrs~20–22 hrs~24 hrs~30 hrs
Frame MaterialAluminumAluminumAluminumTitaniumTitanium
ThicknessStandardStandard~5.8mm (Ultra‑thin)StandardStandard
Starting Price (USD)$799$899~$899$1,099$1,199

Which iPhone 17 Should You Buy?

📱 iPhone 17

Best for most users. You get 120Hz, strong performance, and a 48MP camera at the most affordable price.

🔋 iPhone 17 Plus

Ideal for people who want a bigger screen and longer battery life without paying Pro prices.

✨ iPhone 17 Air

Perfect if you prioritize thinness and design. It’s lightweight and sleek but sacrifices extra cameras and some battery capacity.

📸 iPhone 17 Pro

Best for photography enthusiasts. The upgraded telephoto lens, 48MP ultra-wide, and 8K recording offer serious creative power.

👑 iPhone 17 Pro Max

The ultimate iPhone — largest display, longest battery life, and the most advanced camera system Apple offers.


Final Thoughts

The iPhone 17 series narrows the gap between standard and Pro models by bringing 120Hz displays and stronger baseline performance to all devices. The Pro models still stand out with superior camera hardware, titanium builds, and higher memory.

A Look At Older Models

With the frequent release of new models, staying updated on iPhone specifications becomes essential for consumers and professionals alike. Apple’s iPhone line has expanded to include various models, each with unique features and technical specs that cater to different user needs. Older entries, like the iPhone 15 series, continue to push the boundaries with advanced chipsets, improved camera systems, and a range of sizes from standard to Max versions. Understanding these details is crucial for making informed decisions whether one is considering an upgrade or simply exploring the market.

The design and construction of the iPhone have always been a key aspect of its appeal. Users look for a device that is not only powerful but also elegantly crafted. Over the years, the dimensions and weight of the iPhones have evolved, aiming for a balance between screen size and portability. For instance, the iPhone 14 models feature a Super Retina XDR display with a specific resolution and pixel density, housed in a body that is carefully designed to enhance the user’s experience.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone specs are crucial for informed purchasing and usage.
  • Each iPhone model boasts a unique design for aesthetic and functional appeal.
  • Technical specifications vary across models to serve different preferences and needs.

Design and Build

Apple’s iPhone series brings a refined design and build, characterized by durable materials and innovation. This section focuses on the key aspects of the iPhones’ design and construction.

Materials and Colors

Apple employs high-quality materials in its iPhone models. The front cover uses Ceramic Shield, offering better durability. Available colors often include Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Pink, and Green, providing a range of options to suit personal taste.

Dimensions and Weight

iPhones come in various sizes, ranging from compact to more substantial models. Size and weight differ by model. For example, the iPhone 12 and 13 maintain a balance between screen size and comfortable handling, while Pro Max versions are larger and slightly heavier, reflecting their expanded feature set.

Water and Dust Resistance

All recent iPhone models have an IP68 rating. This means they can withstand dust, dirt, and sand, and are resistant to submersion up to a maximum depth of 6 meters underwater for up to thirty minutes.

Distinctive Features

A notable feature of newer iPhones is MagSafe, a series of magnets around the wireless charging coil. MagSafe allows for easy attachment of various accessories and improves the wireless charging experience. Design updates, while often subtle, include alterations like a smaller screen notch and changes in camera layout.

Technical Specifications

This section focuses on the various specifications of the iPhone, detailing the display, performance, storage, battery life, and camera features.

Display Characteristics

The iPhone 13 features a 6.1-inch OLED display with HDR support, providing vivid and sharp visuals. With a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, it delivers a high contrast ratio for deep blacks and bright whites.

Performance Metrics

Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the iPhone 13 delivers swift performance. It handles complex tasks with ease, thanks to the efficiency of the CPU and GPU. Benchmarks like Geekbench reflect its high performance.

Memory and Storage Options

Users can choose from 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB internal storage options. These capacities allow for extensive app, photo, and video storage without compromising the iPhone’s performance.

Battery and Power

The iPhone 13 includes a 3240 mAh battery, which supports fast charging and Qi wireless charging. It strikes a balance between capacity and the phone’s slim design, ensuring substantial battery life throughout the day.

Camera System

The camera system on the iPhone 13 offers a 12MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. Features like night mode enhance low-light photography. The 12MP selfie camera provides clarity for video calls and self-portraits.