iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 17 Pro: a Review of the 2025 Smartphones

With each fall release from Apple comes the traditional comparison between the basic and professional smartphones. Both models feature a convenient display with adaptive refresh rate, new processors, and artificial intelligence support, but there are also significant differences between the two lines. So, which is better to choose: iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro — read on for more details. 

Display and Design Comparison Between iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro 

Both the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro feature a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display (with a 6.9-inch display on the iPhone 17 Pro Max) and ProMotion technology. This allows the phone to perfectly reproduce colors and adapt the refresh rate to your actions. While this is standard technology for the professional line, it is a long-awaited update for the basic smartphone. Animations are smoother, and battery consumption is slightly lower. 

Both displays feature the new Ceramic Shield 2 protective coating, which is three times more scratch-resistant and produces less glare. And in the iPhone 17 Pro, this previous-generation glass also covers the back panel. 

The differences between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro begin with the design of the body. The professional version is easily recognizable by its enlarged camera module, which now spans the entire width of the device. The basic version has an aluminum frame, while the professional version has a body made entirely of aluminum alloy, which is used in the aerospace industry. The frames themselves have become smoother and more elegant. 

The color palette is also significantly different. The iPhone 17 is available in five colors: white, black, Lavender, Sage, and Mist Blue. The iPhone 17 Pro comes in three shades: Silver, Cosmic Orange, and Deep Blue. 

Chip and Memory: Where Performance is Better 

Both smartphone versions use processors from the A19 family built on the 3 nm third-generation process. The table below breaks down the main specifications. 

There are also different memory versions: iPhone 17 supports 256 and 512 GB storage options, while iPhone 17 Pro has a third variant — 1 TB. 

An important difference between the iPhone 17 Pro and previous models is the cooling system. Under the aluminum body, there is a sealed chamber filled with deionized water. It helps dissipate heat from the processor in time and prevents the device from overheating even under heavy loads. 

Camera Overview 

The main camera unit of the iPhone 17 features a 48 MP main sensor and a 48 MP ultra-wide-angle Fusion sensor. You can take clear photos in macro mode and in wide-angle format. 

The front camera has also changed: Center Stage now has an 18 MP square sensor. To take a horizontal photo, you don’t need to flip your phone, and when taking group photos, the system uses AI to widen the viewing angle so that everyone fits in the frame. 

The iPhone 17’s video capabilities have been upgraded: you can record content with spatial audio and Dolby Vision support in 4K HDR at up to 60 frames per second. Even without post-processing, the image looks like a scene from a movie. A useful new feature is Dual Capture, which allows you to record video simultaneously on the front and main cameras. 

The iPhone 17 Pro camera also has these features, but there are three sensors on the back instead of two. The telephoto lens has 48 MP for the first time and an updated zoom: 

• 4x for portraits — naturally separates objects from the photo and keeps the image sharp even at this magnification; 

• 8x for all photos — allows you to shoot objects at a distance of tens of meters, convenient for architectural photos or concert scenes. 

Video can be shot in 4K at up to 120 frames per second. Features exclusive to the Pro line: ProRes and ProRes RAW formats provide ideal video detail. You can even synchronize multiple cameras at once using Genlock. And Log 2 allows you to record content with brighter and more saturated colors right away. 

When evaluating a camera, the question often arises: is it worth paying extra for the Pro version? If you are a blogger, novice videographer, UGC creator, or simply love cinematic content, it is worth it — reviews of the iPhone 17 Pro confirm this. Although the base model does a good job with photos for your personal gallery. LiDAR has shifted to the opposite side due to the design, but it still makes photos deeper and more realistic. 

Battery Life 

Another important criterion is the battery life of the iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 17 Pro. The base version holds a charge for up to 30 hours of video playback, which is 8 hours more than the previous generation. With the Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter, you can charge your phone to 50% in 20 minutes. 

The iPhone 17 Pro’s battery life has increased by 6 hours compared to the previous series, up to 33 hours in the same format. And although the smartphone has to work with more powerful graphics, it remains stable even under heavy load. 

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro: Pros and Cons 

Both versions of the iPhone 17 smartphones have received decent updates. At the same time, the iPhone 17 remains a practical option for everyday use, takes good photos, and can withstand a day of active use. The iPhone 17 Pro is slightly more expensive, but this is fully justified by its high performance and extensive professional photography capabilities. 

To choose the right smartphone, test both versions — all the latest Apple gadgets are available at iSpace in Yerevan. If necessary, you can consult our experts. It’s easy to place an order in our online store: detailed descriptions of the models and a comparison option are available here, and delivery is available throughout Armenia. 

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