Key Takeaways
If you’ve been waiting for an upgrade that feels exciting and financially sane, the iPhone 17 is that sweet spot. It delivers the kind of high-end iPhone 17 features you’d expect from a “best 2025 iPhone” contender, without forcing you into wild pricing or a carrier contract you’ll regret later.
From where we sit at RedPocket, the iPhone 17 is basically built for value-driven people. You get seriously impressive iPhone 17 specs, smarter battery life, pro-level cameras, and a display that makes everything look sharper, smoother, and brighter, all at a price that feels more approachable than past flagship launches.
Here’s a quick rundown of the 10 must-know iPhone 17 features we’ll walk through in this guide:
And because we’re RedPocket, we’ll also show you how to unlock all of this with affordable, no-contract plans that let your iPhone 17 run wild without your bill doing the same.
The iPhone 17’s ProMotion Display is one of those features you don’t realize you need until you see it. It’s Apple’s high-refresh-rate screen tech that can shift anywhere from 1Hz to 120Hz depending on what you’re doing, saving battery when the screen is static and cranking up the smoothness when things move fast.
What that means in real life:
The always-on display is the other quiet hero here. Instead of waking your whole screen, you can glance at the time, widgets, notifications, and Live Activities without lifting a finger. It’s subtle, smart, and way more energy-efficient than older iPhone displays or older LCD panels that couldn’t drop refresh rates this low.
If you love creating content, or you just want effortless, great photos, the iPhone 17’s upgraded camera system is a huge glow-up. You get:
One of the standout new iPhone 17 features is Dual Capture, which lets you record with the front and rear cameras at the same time. It’s perfect for reactions, vlogs, interviews, travel clips, or those “front camera vs. back camera” TikToks.
Plus, the overall camera package is loaded:
Where it shines:
The iPhone 17 camera system is better, more fun, flexible, and creator-ready.
For the iPhone 17, Apple finally delivered real all-day battery life that holds up even when you’re using your phone hard. With the A19 chip and system-level power tuning, the battery lasts from morning to night for most people, even if your day includes streaming, maps, photos, and multitasking.
Reviewers note that the iPhone 17 can handle things like:
In simple terms: all-day battery means you don’t need to ration your apps after 5 p.m.
Who this benefits most:
The iPhone 17 battery finally keeps up with real life, not just lab tests.
The A19 chip is the brain behind the iPhone 17’s speed jump. Built on 3nm technology, it delivers faster graphics, smoother multitasking, and better battery efficiency. It’s a trifecta you can feel instantly.
What you’ll notice with the A19:
If you care about longevity, the A19 also future-proofs your device, meaning your iPhone 17 will stay fast as apps get more advanced.
After years of the Lightning port, the iPhone 17 finally makes the full switch to USB-C, and honestly, it changes everything about day-to-day charging. USB-C is the universal industry standard, which means:
The iPhone 17 supports fast charging up to 25W, and if you pair it with Apple’s 40W Dynamic Power Adapter, you’ll get even quicker top-ups. It’s faster, more convenient, and finally aligned with the tech the rest of the world already uses.
The iPhone 17’s Super Retina XDR Display is one of the brightest, sharpest screens Apple has ever shipped, and you notice it immediately, especially outdoors. This is Apple’s high-resolution OLED technology, built for crisp contrast, bold color, and deep blacks.
Specs that matter:
In real life, this means:
If you’re upgrading from an older LCD iPhone, it’s a night-and-day difference.
iOS 26 introduces the new Liquid Glass Interface, and the iPhone 17 is the first device built specifically to showcase it. Think fluid animations, soft transparency, and UI elements that feel almost tactile, like the interface is gliding under your fingertips.
What Liquid Glass brings to the table:
Because the iPhone 17’s A19 chip and display tech are tuned for this design language, everything feels more polished compared to older devices running the same OS. It’s a visual upgrade and a usability upgrade, all in one.
Apple quietly gave the iPhone 17’s speakers a serious boost, and you hear it right away. Calls sound clearer, music has more depth, and video playback gets louder without becoming harsh.
What’s improved:
Apple still recommends not blasting max volume for best clarity, but even mid-range loudness sounds fuller on the iPhone 17.
Face ID also plays a subtle role here: the TrueDepth camera lives inside the Dynamic Island and makes unlocking during calls smoother and more seamless. No awkward “hold your phone up to your face mid-conversation” moments.
Overall, the iPhone 17 levels up both communication and entertainment, making it perfect for commuters, creators, and anyone who lives on calls all day.
One of the best surprises about the iPhone 17? Apple priced it like an everyday phone, not a luxury upgrade. Starting at $799 unlocked, it delivers nearly all the power of last year’s Pro models without the thousand-dollar price tag. For anyone upgrading from an older device or escaping a pricey carrier contract, it’s easily one of 2025’s best-value flagships.
What makes the pricing feel so different this year:
A quick comparison to past models:
And with RedPocket, the savings go even further. Between no-contract plans, flexible monthly billing, and financing options that don’t lock you into years-long commitments, the iPhone 17 becomes dramatically more affordable month to month. And they don’t require a trade in to get the $150 discount on an unlocked iPhone 17!
Pair that with CoverageGenius for multi-network access, and you’re getting full flagship power without the flagship bill.
The hardware is impressive, but iOS 26 is what makes the iPhone 17 feel brand new every time you pick it up. Apple added smarter tools, smoother controls, and deeper intelligence across everyday apps, and the iPhone 17’s A19 chip is what unlocks their full potential.
Standout upgrades you’ll actually use:
iOS 26 is designed to feel fluid with the iPhone 17’s Liquid Glass interface, camera tools, animations, and real-time intelligence, syncing with the A19 chip to create a phone that genuinely feels future-proof. It’s noticeably smarter, smoother, and more intuitive in day-to-day use.
The A19 chip boosts overall speed, graphics power, and energy efficiency, making gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps run smoother while helping the battery last longer.
The iPhone 17’s ProMotion and Super Retina XDR display deliver ultra-smooth scrolling, rich color, and excellent outdoor visibility with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits.
The iPhone 17 features dual 48MP rear cameras, an upgraded front camera, Dual Capture recording, 4K Dolby Vision, and next-gen portrait tools for sharper, more creative content.
The iPhone 17 provides reliable all-day battery life, even under heavy usage, thanks to the efficient A19 chip and smarter power management in iOS 26.
iOS 26 adds Live Translation, advanced Call Screening, enhanced AI photo tools, and the new Liquid Glass interface for a smoother, more intuitive experience.
Sources:
Apple iPhone 17 - Review 2025 | PCMag Australia
Best iPhone in 2025: Here's Which Apple Phone You Should Buy | CNET
iPhone 17 - Technical Specifications | Apple
iPhone 17: Everything We Know | MacRumors