
The Apple iPhone 17 is rated as the most cost-effective smartphone of 2025, offering a significantly improved user experience.
It stands out with its nearly flagship processor, much better screen, and larger memory, which, combined with long-term support, makes for a solid offering.
Despite the lack of a true telephoto lens and misleading zoom technology, the reviewer believes Apple has finally delivered a base model that meets expectations.
The price below 4000 PLN makes it a very attractive option on the market, positioning it as a truly great smartphone.
“After so many years, I don't know why we had to wait so long, but Apple finally gave us a base model that is as it should be. Under 4000 PLN for an iPhone, for what it offers. In my opinion, the iPhone 17 is a really great smartphone released in 2025.”
The Apple iPhone 17 is lauded as a complete phone and a great deal, earning titles like "Most Improved" and "Phone of the Year." It incorporates a new flagship chip, along with really good and updated cameras, highlighted by a significantly improved selfie camera. A long-awaited high refresh rate 120Hz ProMotion display is finally included, enhancing the user experience.
With doubled base storage and an unchanged price, the iPhone 17 offers better value than its competitors, making it an easy recommendation. It is described as achieving an "8 out of 10 in every category," including great battery and software.
“This is the iPhone 17. Apple just finally went ahead and did what they should have done years ago. They made the base iPhone a complete phone.”
“a phone with basically an 8 out of 10 in every category, great battery, great cameras, great software, and an eternity of software support, it's just nice to see them finally coming through and delivering what they should have a long time ago.”
The Apple iPhone 17 is highly recommended as a significant upgrade and excellent value for most users. It boasts an advanced 120Hz Always-On display with Dynamic Island and a capable A19 chip, ensuring very fast performance for everyday tasks.
Furthermore, it offers double the base storage at 256GB compared to similarly priced older models, making it a more future-proof investment. While it lacks some Pro features like a telephoto lens, Action Mode, faster USB-C, and dual-frequency GPS, its overall package and improvements position it as the go-to choice.
“For literally everybody else, I would say the iPhone 17 is the phone to buy. I know last year's iPhone 16 is a really good price and if you find that on a better sale, hey, there's nothing wrong with buying that phone, but the iPhone 17 is such a big step forward this year compared to the iPhone 16 that I think most people would really like buying that. Plus, being a year newer, it's a little bit more futurep proof. It's probably going to be supported for a little bit longer than the iPhone 16 and so you can have this for a really, really long time.”
“The iPhone 17 impressed me the most this year when it comes to iPhones, and for 3999 PLN [...] The iPhone 17, in my opinion, is great [...] The iPhone 17, for up to 4000 PLN, is a smartphone for many, many years to come.”
“Is the iPhone 17 the best iPhone you can buy? Is it the perfect iPhone? Yes, I think it is.”
“I think Apple has unwittingly made the perfect iPhone here. [...] And it's just a no-brainer. Guys,”
The iPhone 17 brings significant upgrades, including a larger 120 Hz display with thinner bezels and increased base storage. Its main camera offers excellent photo and video quality, while the new selfie camera also impresses.
Performance is robust for all tasks, and charging speeds have improved, although the phone can get warm during heavy use. The ultrawide camera, however, shows only modest improvements over the previous model.
Maintaining the classic iPhone design, the iPhone 17 is presented as a highly capable and well-rounded device. It successfully addresses many user expectations, establishing itself as the best vanilla iPhone released to date.
“Apple gave the vanilla iPhone two important upgrades, a 120 Hz display and bigger base storage. Plus, you get a nicer selfie camera and faster charging this year, too.”
“Overall, the iPhone 17 checks a lot of boxes. And if you're looking to get a vanilla iPhone, this is the best one yet.”
The iPhone 17 is an extremely solid and cost-effective device that the reviewer wholeheartedly recommends. It stands out with a significantly improved 6.3-inch screen with 120 Hz ProMotion and 3000 nits brightness, as well as a powerful A19 processor that outperforms the Pro model.
The camera with a 48 MP main and ultra-wide lens offers very good photos and videos, while the battery provides longer operating time and faster charging. The device is particularly attractive due to its price, offering 256 GB of storage as standard and many flagship features, making it one of the most cost-effective smartphones on the market.
“I recommend this phone with a clear conscience and I think you don't need the Pro model.”
“I highly recommend it, and perhaps for the first time ever, I can say that if you're looking for the best iPhone in terms of price-to-quality ratio, and you're also looking at the competition, you can choose the iPhone.”
“Seriously, this is a really very good and cost-effective iPhone.”
The Apple iPhone 17 is highly recommended due to significant upgrades, making it an excellent purchase for most users. It boasts a smoother 120 Hz always-on display, an improved front camera, and a 48MP ultrawide lens, alongside a notable increase in battery life to 30 hours per charge. The device is powered by the capable A19 chip, offering strong performance for a base model.
Starting at $799 with 256 GB of storage, it presents great value, being $300 less than the Pro model while offering comparable features for the average user. The main distinction between the models is primarily the absence of a telephoto lens on the iPhone 17. This, combined with its lighter weight and more durable screen, makes the iPhone 17 an extremely compelling option.
“that means that this makes the iPhone 17 the better purchase for most people.”
“Apple did a great job this year and the iPhone 17 is extremely easy to recommend.”
“So, let me get this straight. It's a faster, brighter, tougher screen. We have much improved performance, better cameras front and back. They've doubled the base storage, and realistically 256 gigs is plenty for most of us. It's the same price as before, and it lasts longer. So, that is the new iPhone 17. And I think we can all agree this is by far the best value iPhone. I mean, the Air is nicer, the pros are better, but for $799, this is the one to get.”
The Apple iPhone 17 is highly recommended as a rock-solid default phone, offering significant improvements across several key areas including a flagship-quality display, meaningfully longer battery life, and the powerful A19 chip. Its doubled base storage and strong feature set also establish it as a compelling value proposition compared to competitors.
Despite minor complaints such as the lack of a telephoto camera and slow USB 2.0 speeds, these drawbacks are considered minor. The reviewer concludes that the iPhone 17 is a genuinely good deal and the phone most people should consider.
“It's now this like rock solid default phone for most people.”
“I think this is the phone most people should get.”
The iPhone 17 marks a significant advancement for Apple's base model, offering superior performance, a sharper 120Hz LTPO display with always-on capabilities, and faster charging speeds compared to its competitors.
While it impresses with its ultrawide camera and video stabilization, its digital zoom is still a weakness in low light.
However, the iPhone 17 presents an objectively better value this year, providing more base storage for the same price and outperforming rivals in many key aspects, despite its AI features lagging behind.
“I think that the iPhone 17 for the same $799, it's just a better deal.”
“objectively, the iPhone 17 this year is just a better deal.”
The Apple iPhone 17 is strongly recommended as the best choice for most users, offering excellent quality within its series. It stands out by featuring the same upgraded selfie camera as the Pro model, indicating that key functionalities are shared with a wider audience.
While status might be a factor influencing the choice of higher-end variants, the iPhone 17 is considered simply the best phone in its generation, regardless of these apparent differences.
“But I can tell you right now that the 17 is the best choice for most people.”
“It's simply the best phone in this series.”
The Apple iPhone 17 is highlighted as a highly capable and practical device, offering substantial upgrades that make it a compelling choice. It features a premium 6.3-inch Super XDR 120Hz display, impressive 21-hour battery life with fast charging, and upgraded 48MP main and ultrawide cameras.
The phone delivers excellent CPU and GPU performance, nearly matching Pro models, and is praised for its Face ID and innovative front camera features like Center Stage. Despite minor drawbacks such as slow USB-C 2 transfer speeds and a clunky camera capture button, the iPhone 17 provides exceptional value at its $800 starting price, prioritizing functionality over flashy aesthetics.
“but I think the iPhone 17 is the most exciting phone in the lineup.”
“And this is just the phone you should probably get, and that's not very exciting. But does exciting matter? It just seems to be the best phone.”
“Starting at $800 for 256 gigs, is fantastic. The always on display [...] the 120 Hz [...] The upgraded cameras, it just seems like the no-brainer, and maybe that's enough.”
The Apple iPhone 17 is rated as a very good smartphone that offers many of the best features without requiring the expenditure reserved for Pro models. The reviewer highlights significant improvements such as the 120 Hz screen with high brightness and the base 256 GB storage.
Although its design is derivative, it is a solid device, comfortable to use. Ultimately, for most users, it is worth saving by choosing the base model, as the differences compared to the more expensive Pro model are minimal.
“Finally, 120 Hz that doesn't differ from the Pro model. Great brightness, decent construction, IP68 water resistance rating, 256 GB base storage.”
“for most people, it's worth saving that 1800 [currency units, likely PLN] by choosing the base model instead of investing in the Pro Model, because the differences, apart from the additional telephoto lens and different construction, are not that drastic to be worth paying the extra 1800 [currency units, likely PLN].”
“a phone that looks exactly the same as last year's model, but is much cooler inside.”
“when it comes to the quality-to-price ratio, I would choose this one from the entire lineup, not the iPhone 17 Pro.”
The Apple iPhone 17 is presented as a highly compelling device and is considered the ideal choice for most consumers, particularly in the current economy. Its upgraded display with ProMotion and improved cameras, including a significantly better selfie camera, make it a strong contender.
The phone offers performance that is now very close to the Pro models, coupled with an improved battery life. Starting at $799, its value proposition is excellent, making the more expensive Pro models harder to justify for typical users unless specific professional features are required.
“maybe the 17 is the actual value point and not these Pro models because of how close things have gotten now from a performance perspective now that you have the upgraded display on the standard 17.”
“I really believe this 17 is going to be the seller, especially in this economy”
“the 17 is going to be the one for most people”
The iPhone 17 demonstrates a conclusive improvement in battery life over the iPhone 16, lasting 10 hours and 28 minutes, placing it in fifth position. However, this gain was less substantial than the reviewer expected and fell short of Apple's ambitious 36% longer lifespan claim.
The device benefits from significant battery optimizations in the final iOS 26 release, potentially aided by a new adaptive power mode. The base iPhone 17 also inherits many features previously found only in Pro models, suggesting a strong value proposition. This combination of improved, albeit understated, battery performance and premium features at a base price positions the iPhone 17 as a compelling option that could reduce the perceived need for more expensive Pro models.
“This one, the base iPhone 17, cuz this guy has already inherited just about every previously pro iPhone feature you could want. So, if it also has pro battery life, then I mean, that's it. Almost no one ever needs to spend more to buy a Pro again.”
“puts the iPhone 17 in fifth position with 10 hours 28. And I'm glad to see that it is conclusively better than the 16s, but I got to say I did also expect that gap to be larger.”
The reviewer considers the iPhone 17 to be one of the most interesting iPhones, finally catching up with the competition by offering significant improvements. It stands out with its adaptive 120 Hz screen with Always On Display and a base internal storage increased to 256 GB, surpassing many competitors.
The cameras, including the 48 MP main and ultra-wide, have been improved, and the display matches the quality of the Pro models. Despite a slightly smaller battery and a processor with lower clock speeds, the phone offers excellent value for money.
Its price, 1800 zł lower than the Pro model, makes it an extremely attractive option for most users. The lack of a telephoto lens is not seen as a major issue, making the iPhone 17 the best choice for a wide range of customers.
“I will still insist and I am still convinced that it will be one of the most chosen iPhones.”
“But finally 120 Hz screens, finally 256 GB in the base model, which the competition doesn't offer, as they still offer 128 GB. Finally, screens that absolutely do not significantly differ from the Pro models.”
“Everything at the moment points towards buying the iPhone 17, and I think this model will be the best choice for the vast majority of potential customers. 1800 zł less than the Pro model [...] it lacks that one telephoto lens, but I think for the vast majority of people, that's not a problem.”
“this is Apple's best peasant phone yet. This is the best. Okay, this is the best iPhone to come out ever. Point blank. Okay, now when it comes to the peasant versions, this is the best. [...] in the real world, you're going to see that this is a definite upgrade. [...] this is direct competition to the Galaxy S25 and the Pixel 10. Now, if I had to choose between those three, I'd go with the Pixel.”
The iPhone 17 is a significant step forward for Apple, offering a range of improvements that bring it closer to the Pro models while maintaining an attractive price. The smartphone stands out with its new, powerful cameras featuring advanced stabilization and autofocus, as well as a significantly upgraded Ceramic Shield 2nd generation screen with a higher refresh rate and brightness.
Performance is provided by the new A19 processor, ensuring a power reserve for years, and wired charging is noticeably faster. Doubling the storage to 256 GB at an unchanged price of 3999 PLN [Polish Zloty] makes the iPhone 17 an extremely versatile flagship and a strong competitor to more expensive devices. The only noticeable drawback is the lack of support for Polish in key AI features and Siri within the iOS system.
“because it's essentially the first complete regular iPhone in a long time. Apple has addressed all the shortcomings that were pointed out in its predecessor, making the iPhone 17 functionally and usability-wise very close to the Pro models, as close as never before.”
“This, in turn, means that the iPhone 17 is not only a very versatile flagship but also a bit of an ultra-flagship killer.”
“The launch of the iPhone 17 did not bring a breakthrough in Polish language support for many important iOS system functions. It's not present in most AI-related options, so they are not available. The voice assistant Siri still doesn't speak Polish. And this is truly shameful.”
“Then we have the iPhone 17, which in my book is the MVP of all iPhones this year.”
“But the base iPhone 17 is by far the best value iPhone.”
“the iPhone 17 is bigger than last year's iPhone 16. It's 6.3 in up from 6.1. So, they've been able to put a bigger battery in there.”
The Apple iPhone 17 is highly recommended as the model most people should consider this year due to its significant enhancements. It delivers a much better experience than previous base models, offering upgraded cameras and a powerful A19 chip. The device also features a 120Hz display, a welcome improvement for the screen.
Starting with a generous 256GB storage and being competitively priced, it is lauded as one of the best deals in the smartphone market, even undercutting some competitors.
“I actually think that's a distraction because the base iPhone this year is more clearly than ever the one that most people should get.”
“I think this is one of the best deals in all of smartphones.”
“they've done a much better job finally in the base iPhone.”
The Apple iPhone 17 introduces significant enhancements across several key areas, making it a compelling upgrade. It boasts a notably faster-charging battery and a highly versatile selfie camera that provides wider shots, better detail, and improved stabilization through overscan technology.
Performance is a major highlight, with the A19 chip delivering almost 30% higher scores than its predecessor and even outperforming the previous generation's Pro Max model at a lower price point.
While the new anti-reflective screen coating is a welcome addition, it doesn't quite match the effectiveness of some competitors. Overall, the iPhone 17 offers substantial improvements in core functionalities and value.
“The new selfie camera on this phone is so much more useful than I was expecting it to be.”
“the 17's peak performance was 4,869, which is almost 30% higher than what the 16 got with also higher stability, meaning it retained more of that performance over the course of the test.”
“in one generation, the $799 phone now actually outperforms the $1,199 phone.”
“the base iPhone was going to be the right iPhone for most people”
“The always on screen is such a dramatic essential upgrade. So, it's such a critical part of a phone that it it's kind of bamboozling that it has not been part of the standard iPhone for so long”
“I don't think you're missing anything major. I think you'll have a fantastic phone for a while to go.”
The iPhone 17 stands out as the "real MVP" of Apple's new lineup, offering exceptional value at its $799 price point. It delivers performance surpassing last year's iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it highly capable for everyday use and demanding tasks.
Users will appreciate the significantly upgraded 18MP selfie camera, a high-quality ProMotion display with 3,000 nits peak brightness, and 256GB of storage paired with 12GB of RAM as standard. While its battery life is solid and it omits some advanced camera features found in the Pro versions, the iPhone 17 remains a strong recommendation for those seeking a powerful and feature-rich device.
“I mean, the real MVP here is the base iPhone 17. This is £799, same in pounds, $800 quid, and it performs better than last year's 16 Pro Max.”
“And hallelujah, they all come with 256 gigs of storage as standard. Even the base iPhone 17.”
The Apple iPhone 17 is hailed as a solid and long-overdue upgrade, delivering a comprehensive list of improvements that make it a better, faster, and more durable device.
Key enhancements include substantially longer battery life, a powerful A19 chip, and significantly upgraded cameras, notably the new square-format front sensor. The inclusion of a ProMotion and always-on display also addresses long-standing user requests.
Starting at $799 with 256GB of storage, the iPhone 17 offers compelling value. It is seen as having the right set of features for most users, making it a strong choice this year.
“substantially longer battery life”
“it's a new 18 megapixel sensor and it is a square format sensor. So rather than having to turn the whole phone to do switch between like portrait and landscape mode, it can do it in sensor and it doesn't lose a bunch of resolution in the process.”
“the 17 feels closer to having the right set of features for almost everybody than it has in a long time.”
“I think it really is a good year for the for the regular um iPhone 17 getting the promotion display. Like thank God our national nightmare is over.”
The Apple iPhone 17 presents a compelling upgrade, offering substantial improvements while retaining its $799 price point. Key advancements include the introduction of a 120Hz ProMotion display, a more powerful A19 chip with faster graphics, and a notably longer battery life with faster charging.
Camera capabilities are enhanced with a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens and a new 18-megapixel Center Stage selfie camera, alongside a brighter and tougher screen. The reviewer highly recommends the iPhone 17, considering it the best iPhone to get due to these comprehensive enhancements and its consistent price.
“the iPhone 17 just makes the most sense. It's the best iPhone for $799.”
“Double storage, ProMotion, better battery, A19, brighter screen, always on display, as I'm being reminded off camera. I think the iPhone 17 is the one to get.”
The iPhone 17 delivers significant enhancements, most notably the inclusion of ProMotion and a substantially improved selfie camera system. These features, along with a brighter display, better battery life, and a new A19 chip, make the base iPhones much more usable and provide welcome improvements over the previous generation.
The increased base storage of 256 gigs further solidifies its position as a capable and valuable model.
“My ultra-simple summary for the iPhone 17 would be, hey, it got ProMotion and a better selfie camera,”
“This makes the base iPhones much more usable, and so does the new base storage of 256 gigs.”
“I think it's great, it's very useful. It might be the biggest upgrade to the iPhone 17.”
The iPhone 17 stands out with several key improvements that make it an attractive proposition. It features a 120Hz screen with adaptive refresh rate and Always On Display functionality, and its screen diagonal has increased to 6.3 inches.
Importantly, despite doubling the internal storage to 256 GB, the device's price remains below 4000 PLN. The reviewer believes that the combination of these features, along with the Ceramic Shield 2 coating, gives the iPhone 17 the greatest sales potential, offering excellent value.
“Personally, I think that at this price, 256 GB, a 120Hz screen, for under 4000 PLN without a penny, this base iPhone 17 could be the biggest seller for me.”
The standard version of the iPhone 17 introduces significant improvements, such as a 120Hz display with Always-on Display functionality and a brighter screen. It also features a very good front camera, and the main cameras are sufficient for everyday use.
The reviewer considers it a much more interesting and competitive option than the iPhone 16, aligning with current market standards. For most users, it's a very good device offering sufficient capabilities, often eliminating the need to purchase the more expensive Pro model.
“even though there are no revelations here, if we're moving in the world of Apple, this 17 is much more interesting in the standard version than, for example, the 16 was, because the 16 was, well, kind of backward. And the 17 at least is more or less at market level.”
“the standard 17, in my opinion, is also a very cool device, and for the vast majority of people who will be buying a new iPhone 17, well, there aren't too many arguments to go for the 17 Pro.”
The iPhone 17 is presented as a highly impressive base model, with the reviewer expressing strong positive sentiment. It is highlighted as the best value option in the current lineup, partly due to its enhanced battery features.
The device charges faster than the iPhone 16 and offers an additional 8 hours of battery life for video consumption, according to Apple. Its overall appeal is bolstered by incorporating features previously exclusive to Pro models.
“I think this is by far the best value phone in the lineup because the iPhone 17 now also charges faster than last generation 16.”
“Very impressed with the base phone.”
“Overall, I have the impression that when we talk about the 17, apart from the refresh rate and a slightly larger screen, it will be exactly the same device. Even the cameras, all signs point to them being the same, because even the price is supposed to remain the same.”
The reviewer expresses significant concerns regarding Apple's potential decisions about the iPhone 17's screen. They criticize the possibility of implementing a fixed 120Hz refresh rate instead of the adaptive ProMotion (LTPO) technology, calling it a 'shot in the knee'.
Such a choice would negatively impact battery life, especially in the 17 Air model, and would eliminate the Always On Display feature.
Despite debunking rumors of a 60Hz screen, the reviewer emphasizes that the lack of adaptive refresh rate would be a serious mistake.
“If Apple introduces a 60Hz screen to this device, they're completely shooting themselves in the foot.”
“in the case of the ERA [iPhone 17 Air], a screen with a variable refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz is necessary to relieve the relatively small battery in any way.”
“if there was no ProMotion screen, it would also translate into the lack of Apple's Always On Display.”
The Apple iPhone 17 has significant sales potential, primarily due to the introduction of the long-awaited 120 Hz screen across all models, including the base version, which will also see an increase in screen size. Upgrades also include a doubling of megapixels in the front camera to 24 MP and a 10-15% increase in battery capacity with faster 35W charging.
Although the base iPhone 17 will retain the same A18 processor as its predecessor, this is not expected to detract from its appeal. However, a potential $100 price increase for all models could be a drawback. Overall, it gains functionality previously reserved for the more expensive Pro versions.
“I still think the 17 might have the biggest sales potential due to that 120 Hz screen, provided the price is maintained.”
“But will it hurt to stay with the same processor as in the base 16 models? I don't think so.”
The iPhone 17R is shaping up to be a slim device, approximately 5.6 mm thick. It is expected to offer RAM specifications on par with the Pro models, suggesting high performance.
However, there are concerns regarding the battery cell technology, which may differ from the Pro versions, raising questions about its operating time. Additionally, a reference to past issues with iPhone bending suggests potential risks in the context of its thin design.
“everything has been confirmed, which we already talked about several weeks, or even months, ago, that the device will be about 5.6mm thick.”
“Exactly the same as the Pro models. However, it is known that the battery cell will be made using a slightly different technology. Well, I hope it won't have any drastic impact on the operating time.”
“Well, and I hope that again there won't be a #bendgate after several years. We remember perfectly well the scandal related to the bending iPhone 6.”