iPhone 17 review

iPhone 17 is the best all-round phone on this list for the money. Apple moved ProMotion to the standard model, so the 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display now refreshes at up to 120Hz, drops to 1Hz for the Always-On mode and reaches up to 3000 nits outdoors. The A19 chip, a 48MP Fusion Main camera with an optical-quality 2x option and a new 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera cover most daily photo needs, and the 18MP Center Stage front camera keeps groups in frame on video calls. Apple rates the battery at up to 30 hours of video playback, and storage starts at 256GB. The price is the catch: Apple's store lists iPhone 17 from $899, and that figure includes a $30 discount tied to activation on AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon. There is no telephoto lens, so buyers who zoom often should compare Pixel 11 or iPhone 18 Pro.

Who it is for

most buyers who want a flagship-grade phone without Pro pricing

Price

From $899 at Apple, which includes a $30 carrier activation discount.

Powerful, durable, and delightful. From $899
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz and Always-On
• Up to 3000 nits peak outdoor brightness, per Apple
• A19 chip with a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU
• 48MP Fusion Main and 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide cameras plus an 18MP Center Stage front camera
• Up to 30 hours of video playback and 256GB of storage as standard

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The only phone here under $1,000 with both ProMotion and a 48MP ultra wide camera
• Strength: Apple says it charges to 50 percent in 20 minutes with a 40W or higher adapter
• Strength: Ceramic Shield 2 front cover with what Apple calls 3x better scratch resistance
• Weakness: No telephoto lens, so optical zoom stops at 2x
• Weakness: Apple's $899 price assumes a $30 discount that needs AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon activation
• Weakness: $200 more than iPhone 17e at Apple's current prices

Key facts

• Starting price: $899 (with carrier activation)
• Display: 6.3-inch, ProMotion up to 120Hz
• Chip: Apple A19
• Battery: Up to 30 hours video playback
• Storage: 256GB or 512GB

Where it ranks

iPhone 17 is No. 1 in our Best Smartphones verdict.