It has finally happened; Apple has released the long awaited iPhone 17 series to the world, sporting new features, better performance and all-around upgrades that include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and the all new iPhone Air
If you are thinking about picking up one of these beautiful devices, then this article is going to be a perfect guide to help you with choosing which of the iPhone 17 model is the best for you based on your unique personality, lifestyle, needs and budget.
Let’s get into it.
The iPhone 17 (base model)
The base model iPhone 17 is undoubtedly one of the most value for your money iPhones ever created. The design of the base model is the same as the 16 but slightly bigger in screen size. And for the first time on a non-pro iPhone, the base iPhone 17 finally gets Pro-Motion; 1-120hz high refresh rate display and 3000 nits peak brightness.
The base storage has also finally been increased to 256 GB.
The design of the phone is exactly the same as the iPhone 16 but with new colors which I personally think are duller.
Battery life is also great on the iPhone 17, easily outlasting its predecessor and the iPhone 16 Pro in battery tests. So you can expect this phone to easily take you through your day.
Also, at $799, the iPhone 17 is the cheapest in the iPhone 17 lineup making it the most budget friendly and also the most value phone in this year’s lineup because many of iPhone 17 Pros features are available on the base iPhone 17.
The iPhone Air ($999)
The iPhone Air is Apple’s brand new addition to their iPhone lineup, though it’s not a member of the iPhone 17 series by name but it is a part of this year’s lineup so we have to discuss it.
The iPhone Air is by far the thinnest of the lineup and the thinnest iPhone ever made by Apple measuring at just 5.6 mm thick.
The iPhone Air only sports a single 48 MP main sensor , so you won’t be getting the same versatility as the iPhone 17s, but its single 48 MP doesn’t fall short on its picture and video recording quality; they’re just as good as the iPhone 17s. And thanks to that big 48 MP sensor, the iPhone Air can shoot 2x zoom shots with little loss in quality.
The best part of this model, though, has got to be the fact that this phone is just so gorgeous, especially because of the design and how thin it is.
The iPhone Air is incredible to hold; many of us don’t realize just how heavy and uncomfortable our phones have become.
It also comes with the more powerful A19 pro chipset (minus a GPU core), which means that it is more efficient than the base model.
As expected, to achieve this form factor, Apple had to make sacrifices especially in the camera, battery and performance. Battery life on the iPhone Air isn’t bad, according to tests it lasts almost as long as the base iPhone. So it can get you through the day.
The iPhone 17 Pro ($1099)
The iPhone 17 Pro is built for people who want more power and versatility without jumping all the way to the Pro Max. Think of it as the sweet spot between performance and portability.
It features a triple 48MP camera setup that’s perfect for mobile photographers and creators. You’ll get crisp shots, 4x optical zoom, industry leading video recording, and access to ProRes RAW, making this phone a serious tool for professional-level video production.
On the performance side, there really isn’t much to talk about, the A19 Pro chip is just superb. It can handle anything you throw at it easily and without overheating thanks to the new vapor cooling chamber.
If you want a phone that gives you pro-level photography, fast performance, and all-day reliability without going as big or as pricey as the Pro Max then the iPhone 17 Pro is the one to get.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max ($1,199)
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the ultimate phone for the ultimate enthusiast. If you are the kind of person who’s willing to pay a premium for the best experience, then this phone was designed just for you. The phone is the priciest of them all and for good reason.
Sporting the incredible A19 pro chipset with a massive 6.9-inch screen size, excellent cooling technology and the largest battery life of the bunch that’s more than capable of keeping you through heavy use all day, any day.
If you are a professional, a photographer, a videographer, a heavy gamer, a heavy user, in fact anything at all, this phone will not let you down and maybe even surpass your expectations.
How to Choose the Right iPhone 17 Model for You
Still unsure which iPhone 17 model fits you best? Here’s the simple breakdown:
- iPhone 17 (Base Model): Perfect if you just want the latest iPhone without overspending. It’s the most affordable in the lineup but still packs many of the Pro features, making it the best value overall.
- iPhone Air: Ideal for minimalists who love sleek design and a feather-light feel. You’ll get incredible thinness and a big screen, but you’ll need to compromise on camera versatility and battery size.
- iPhone 17 Pro: The sweet spot for power users who want pro-level cameras and top-tier performance without the bulk (or price) of the Pro Max. Great for gamers, mobile photographers, and creators.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: The ultimate option for enthusiasts and professionals. With the biggest screen, longest battery life, and the most advanced features, it’s the phone for those who want nothing less than the absolute best.
Conclusion
No matter which iPhone 17 model you go for, upgrading is always exciting, especially with the new iPhone 17 features. But don’t let your old iPhone sit around collecting dust, turn it into extra cash to put toward your new device.
That’s where The Whiz Cells comes in. We make selling your old iPhone quick, hassle-free, and for top dollar. Simply get a quote, ship it for free, and get paid stupidly fast.
So before you hit “buy” on your shiny new iPhone 17, check out The Whiz Cells and sell your old iPhone the smart way.
Frequently Asked Questions On Which iPhone 17 Model Is Best For You
Which iPhone 17 is the best?
It depends on your needs and budget. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the most powerful and feature-packed, while the iPhone 17 (base model) gives you the best value for money. The iPhone 17 Pro hits the sweet spot for performance and portability, and the iPhone Air is perfect if you want the thinnest, lightest iPhone ever. No matter which you pick, you can cut costs when you sell my iPhone through The Whiz Cells.
What are the different iPhone 17 models?
The 2025 lineup includes:
- iPhone 17 (Base Model) – affordable with Pro features
- iPhone 17 Pro – balanced power and portability
- iPhone 17 Pro Max – biggest, most advanced option
- iPhone Air – ultra-thin and lightweight
What are the new features of the iPhone 17 Pro?
The iPhone 17 Pro comes with a triple 48MP camera system (with 4x optical zoom), ProRes RAW video recording, the A19 Pro chip with vapor cooling, and a 120Hz ProMotion display. It’s designed for creators, gamers, and power users.
How big is an iPhone 17 Pro?
The iPhone 17 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, making it slightly larger than the base iPhone 17 but smaller than the 6.9-inch iPhone 17 Pro Max.
How much does the new iPhone 17 cost?
The lineup starts at $799 for the iPhone 17 and goes up to $1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. These prices feel lighter when you factor in how much you can get back when you sell iPhone online at The Whiz Cells.
Which new iPhone to get?
If you’re on a budget, go for the iPhone 17.
If you want ultra-thin design, choose the iPhone Air.
If you need pro-level cameras without the bulk, pick the iPhone 17 Pro.
And if you want the very best Apple has to offer, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is your top choice.
Which is better, iPhone 17 or iPhone 16?
The iPhone 17 is a clear upgrade… If you’re moving up from the 16, the smartest move is to sell used iPhone 16 models before they lose more value. The Whiz Cells helps you cash out quickly so you can upgrade stress-free.
How much is the iPhone 17 Pro?
The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099. Pricing may increase depending on the storage option you choose.