Tech reviewers have begun using the iPhone 17 Pro, and first impressions indicate Apple is once again setting new standards for flagship phones. The company’s focus this year is on camera innovations, AI-powered features, and an even more powerful processor.
Apple is pushing the definition of what a “Pro” iPhone means beyond just incremental updates. Reviewers from around the world shared their early reactions to the design, performance, camera upgrades, and battery improvements in this review.
iPhone 17 Pro Design & Build Quality
Apple iPhone 17 Pro features a titanium alloy frame, making it lighter and stronger than previous Pro models made of stainless steel. Slim and durable, it is only 7.6 mm thick.
- Colors available: Silver, Titanium Blue, Alpine Green, and Space Black.
- Build materials: Ceramic Shield front, titanium frame, matte textured glass back.
- Weight: 188 grams noticeably lighter than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Curved edges and matte finishes contribute to a comfortable grip, while smaller bezels allow for a more immersive display, according to reviews.
Brighter, sharper, smoother display
It has a 6.3-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and ProMotion. This is the brightest smartphone display on the market thanks to Apple’s Ultra Dynamic Display.
- Resolution: 2796 × 1290 pixels.
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz adaptive ProMotion.
- Features: Always-On Display, HDR10, Dolby Vision.
Video creators and gamers will benefit from smoother animations, while everyday users will benefit from clear visibility under direct sunlight.
Performance – Powered by A19 Pro Chip
It is powered by Apple’s A19 Pro chip, which is built using a 3 nm process. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 outperforms Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Samsung’s Exynos chips, especially in AI-driven tasks.
- CPU: 8 cores with improved performance.
- GPU: A 6-core Apple GPU with ray-tracing hardware.
- Neural Engine: enables real-time translation and AI editing tools.
According to reviewers, the iPhone 17 Pro handles intensive gaming (PUBG, Genshin Impact, COD Mobile) and video editing perfectly.
Camera System A Major Leap Forward
This year, Apple has largely focused on its cameras. It features a triple-lens system:
- 48MP Main Sensor (wide, f/1.7, OIS)
- 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FoV)
- Pro models feature 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom
New Camera Features
- Cinematic Mode 2.0: Supports 8K recording now.
- Night Mode Enhanced: Better performance in low light.
- AI Smart Composition: Adapts lighting and suggests framing.
- ProRAW 2.0: A greater dynamic range for professionals.
In video calls, the 12MP TrueDepth front camera keeps the subject in focus using Center Stage AI.
According to early reviews, Apple’s next iPhone camera system offers the best low-light shots and telephoto zoom.
Battery Life & Charging
A 4,500 mAh battery supports Apple’s efficiency-focused chip on the iPhone 17 Pro.
- Battery life: Playback time up to 22 hours.
- Wired charging: 35 W (USB-C).
- Wireless charging: MagSafe 20W + Qi2 15W.
A full day of heavy use is comfortable for the iPhone 17 Pro, and charging speeds have improved.
Software iOS 19 with AI Enhancements
With iOS 19, the iPhone 17 Pro features deeper AI capabilities:
- Live Translate 2.0—Translate speech in real time.
- AI Photo Editing – Object removal, background changes, and smart retouches.
- Smart Battery Optimizer – Adapts to user habits to extend battery life.
- Improved Widgets & Lock Screen Customization.
Compared to iOS 18 at launch, iOS 19 feels smoother and has fewer bugs.
Connectivity & Extras
- Better power management for 5G.
- Faster speeds thanks to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0.
- Thunderbolt 4 port (USB-C support).
- Apple introduces dual biometric security for the first time with Face ID and Touch ID under the display.
iPhone 17 Pro vs Competitors
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Google Pixel 10 Pro XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Global) | $1,099 | $1,299 | $1,199 |
| Chipset | A19 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Tensor G5 |
| Main Camera | 48MP + 48MP + 12MP | 200MP + 12MP + 10MP | 50MP + 48MP + 64MP |
| Display | 6.3″ OLED, 120Hz | 6.9″ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.9″ OLED, 120Hz |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh, 35W | 5,000 mAh, 45W | 5,100 mAh, 65W |
Pros & Cons of iPhone 17 Pro
Pros
- Lightweight and strong titanium design.
- With ProMotion, the display is ultra-bright.
- Featuring the best-in-class A19 Pro chip.
- 5x optical zoom camera system.
- AI-enhanced iOS 19.
- Dual biometric security (Face ID and Touch ID).
Cons
- Comparatively expensive compared to Android rivals.
- Titanium is the only major design change.
- Exclusive to iPhone 17 Pro models, not the base model.
- Faster charging speed (35W) than some Android flagships.
FAQs iPhone 17 Pro
Q1: What is the release date of the iPhone 17 Pro?
In September 2025, Apple announced the iPhone 17 lineup.
Q2: What’s new compared to the iPhone 16 Pro?
New titanium design, A19 Pro chip, 48MP ultra-wide lens, and 5x telephoto zoom.
Q3: Does iPhone 17 Pro support USB-C?
For faster data transfer, Thunderbolt 4 is available.
Q4: Is the iPhone 17 Pro good for gaming?
Gaming at maximum settings does not cause it to overheat.
Q5: How much does the iPhone 17 Pro cost?
Globally, the price should be $1,099, but after PTA tax in Pakistan, the price may differ.
Conclusion
As of 2025, the iPhone 17 Pro remains Apple’s most powerful smartphone. Titanium design, the A19 Pro chip, and AI-powered iOS 19 are just some of the features that make this phone stand out.
Its high price does not deter photographers, gamers, content creators, and Apple ecosystem fans from selecting the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple’s iPhone 16 Pros don’t require upgrades unless you’re coming from an older model.
