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TLDR Review: iPhone 17

Item: iPhone 17
Author: ShopSavvy

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: February 4th, 2026

Pros

•The 6.nch ProMotion 120Hz Super Retina XDR display delivers ultra-smooth scrolling and vibrant, crisp visuals, matching Pro models for the first time.
•Dual 48MP rear cameras (wide and ultrawide) excel in loight, producing sharp, colorful photos with great detail.
•The new Center Stage 18MP front camera offers autofocus and autraming, perfect for video calls and versatile selfies.
•Powered by the A19 chip, the iPhone 17 provides lightninast, efficient performance suitable for demanding apps and video editing.
•Battery life is impressive, lasting well into the second day with moderate use and over 19 hours of continuous 4K video playback.
•The Ceramic Shield 2 coating enhances durability, making the phone tougher against drops and scratches.
•iOS 26 brings fresh customization options to the lock and home screens, including dynamic clocks and photo shuffle wallpapers.
•Dual Capture video support allows simultaneous front and rear recording, great for vloggers and content creators.
•The black 256GB storage option balances ample storage with a sleek, comfortable onanded design.
•Wireless connectivity is uo-date with 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, and improved Wi-Fi stability.

Cons

•The camera app lacks prevel manual controls like shutter speed, ISO, aperture, and manual focus, limiting advanced photography.
•Zoom capabilities remain weaker due to the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens; digital zoom up to 10x results in blurry images compared to some competitors.
•Apple’s AI and Intelligence features are underwhelming, especially versus competitors offering richer AI tools for productivity and editing.
•Despite upgrades, zoom photography quality still falls short compared to devices like the Google Pixel 10, which offers better telephoto hardware.
•Some users may find the audio speakers struggle in very loud environments, impacting media playback quality.

Bottom Line

The iPhone 17 Black 256GB is a compelling package for anyone looking to enjoy flagship-level performance, cutting-edge camera hardware, and smooth ProMotion display technology without paying Pro Max prices. Its durable design and excellent battery life further enhance its appeal for everyday users and creatives alike. However, if advanced manual camera control or superior zoom capabilities are deal-breakers, you might want to explore alternatives like the Google Pixel 10 for more robust photography options. Overall, this model strikes a very appealing balance of power, style, and value for the 2023 iPhone lineup.