After spending a week glued to the iPhone 17 Pro, I must confess: this phone, which didn’t initially strike me as particularly elegant, turned out to be the most coherent iPhone Apple has produced in a long time. It might not be the prettiest, but it certainly makes the most sense.
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### Initial Impressions
For several iterations now, including the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, not to mention recent tests with the Pixel 10 Pro and Galaxy S25 Ultra, I’ve approached each new iPhone release with a bit of skepticism. Changes tend to be incremental, and revolutions rare. So, when I unboxed the iPhone 17 Pro, I wondered: what could possibly be different this time?
### Design and Ergonomics: A Shift in the iPhone Pro
Upon first handling the iPhone 17 Pro, the design was jarring. Apple has deviated from its path of subtle refinement, introducing a bulkier, heavier phone with a prominent “camera plateau.” My initial reaction was mixed, to say the least.
However, after using it, my opinion started to shift. The unibody aluminum chassis, though less appealing than titanium, offers a significantly improved grip. The rounded edges replace the flat sides of previous models, making it much more comfortable during extended use.
The dimensions have changed slightly, increasing from 199 grams to 206 grams in weight, and from 8.25 mm to 8.75 mm in thickness. These changes might seem minor, but they’re noticeable with a case on.
Now, about that camera plateau. Initially, it seemed like a mere design quirk. After some use, I recognized its functionality. The phone no longer wobbles on a table when you tap on it, and the weight distribution feels more balanced.
The color options also represent a break from tradition. The introduction of an orange option is unprecedented for an iPhone Pro. I liked it in photos, but in person, it was less appealing, and I worry it might not have lasting appeal. The deep blue seems more subtle, although Apple has once again omitted a classic black.
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The visible antenna on the upper edge is a disappointment, especially in the orange variant where it stands out starkly. Apple has excelled at integration in the past, so this element is a surprising concession.
### Technical Specifications
The iPhone 17 Pro comes with a host of impressive specs. It features a new aluminum chassis, a departure from the titanium used in previous models, and a controversial camera plateau that has sparked much debate about its aesthetic and functional value.
### Video and Camera Innovations
The iPhone 17 Pro introduces some significant changes in its camera capabilities. The 48-megapixel sensors across all three rear cameras are a notable upgrade, providing uniform quality and allowing for lossless zoom adjustments. The phone’s video capabilities are also enhanced, aimed at professional users with features like ProRes RAW recording and multi-camera synchronization.
### Daily Performance: Stability and Efficiency
Beyond benchmarks, the iPhone 17 Pro excels in daily use. Its performance remains stable even under heavy loads, such as editing a 30-minute 4K video in Final Cut Pro. The thermal management improvements are apparent, with the phone distributing heat more evenly across its body, avoiding the hot spots common in previous models.
### iOS 26: Hits and Misses
iOS 26 brings a new visual overhaul with the Liquid Glass interface, offering a depth effect that can feel overdone but ultimately forms a cohesive part of the user experience, especially with the Always-On display. The Camera app’s redesign is a welcome improvement, simplifying controls and enhancing usability for advanced photography and video settings.
However, Apple Intelligence underwhelms compared to Google’s integrated AI in the Pixel 10 Pro, and Siri’s integration with ChatGPT doesn’t quite bridge the gap in complex query handling.
### Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 17 Pro’s battery life is its most significant improvement over previous models. The larger battery accommodates more extended usage, and the software optimizations contribute to an overall excellent endurance. Charging speeds have improved, though they still lag behind the ultra-fast charging rates seen in some Android devices.
### Audio and Connectivity
The iPhone 17 Pro shines in its connectivity options, supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and UWB second generation. The switch to USB-C enhances its compatibility with a wide range of accessories and supports faster data transfer rates.
### Price and Alternatives
Starting at 1329 euros for the 256GB model, the iPhone 17 Pro offers good value, especially considering the increased base storage from the previous models. Alternatives like the Pixel 10 Pro present compelling options due to their advanced AI capabilities and lower price point. However, the iPhone 16 Pro remains a viable choice, retaining most of the newer model’s features at a reduced price.
In conclusion, the iPhone 17 Pro, while not without its flaws, represents a significant step forward in Apple’s design and functionality, aiming to cater to both general and professional users with its robust performance and improved camera system.
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Maya Singh is a senior editor covering tablets and hybrid devices. Her work explores how these tools reshape digital productivity and learning. She also contributes to feature editorials on emerging tech.