A Flagship That Gets the Balance Right
The iPhone 17 has officially landed in India, and after days of testing, it is clear that Apple has built its most balanced flagship yet. While the Pro models continue to attract enthusiasts with extra features, the standard iPhone 17 delivers nearly the same flagship experience in a lighter, more accessible form factor. It combines refined design, dependable performance, and a powerful camera system at a price that feels justified for what it offers.
Price and Variants in India
Apple has priced the iPhone 17 starting at ₹82,900 for the 256GB storage model, with a higher 512GB variant available at ₹1,02,900. Apple has wisely removed the 128GB option, acknowledging the rising need for more storage. The iPhone 17 comes in several elegant finishes, including a fresh pastel shade that subtly refreshes its look compared to previous generations.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 17 feels instantly familiar yet new. Built with aerospace-grade aluminium and Ceramic Shield 2 glass, it strikes the right balance between durability and elegance. At 194 grams, the phone feels comfortable and slim in the hand, and the curved edges improve one-handed usability. Slim bezels make the 6.3-inch display stand out, while IP68 water and dust resistance keep it ready for everyday challenges.
Display Upgrades That Matter
This year’s iPhone 17 finally brings ProMotion to the standard model, with its 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED supporting a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel offers a resolution of 2622 × 1206 pixels and 460 ppi density, delivering razor-sharp visuals. Brightness has received a huge boost with 1,000 nits typical, 1,600 nits HDR, and 3,000 nits peak brightness outdoors, making it one of the most versatile displays on any flagship today.
Performance Powered by A19
At the core of the iPhone 17 is Apple’s new A19 chip featuring a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. The device feels incredibly fast, whether you are editing 4K videos, multitasking, or gaming. Apple has managed to keep performance smooth while also improving efficiency, ensuring excellent battery management. Paired with iOS 26, the A19 enables seamless AI-powered features like smarter photo organization and more responsive Siri interactions.
Dual 48MP Cameras With Impressive Versatility
Apple has upgraded the camera system on the iPhone 17 with a dual 48MP Fusion setup, featuring a Main and Ultra Wide lens. The Main sensor also delivers a 12MP 2x telephoto crop, effectively offering three focal lengths without an extra lens. Photos come out sharp with accurate colors and impressive detail even in low light. The Ultra Wide captures expansive shots, while the 18MP front camera ensures high-quality selfies and video calls. With Smart HDR and Cinematic Mode in 4K, the iPhone 17 brings pro-level flexibility to a non-Pro device.
Battery and Charging Improvements
The iPhone 17 is equipped with a 3,692mAh battery that comfortably lasts a full day of heavy use, delivering up to 30 hours of video playback. Apple has also improved charging speeds, with a 40W USB-C adapter getting the phone to 50 percent in about 20 minutes. Wireless charging supports MagSafe and Qi2 at up to 25W, making it a versatile option for different charging setups.
iOS 26 Enhances the Experience
The latest iOS 26 feels like the perfect complement to the iPhone 17 hardware. With features like interactive widgets, smarter lock screens, and tighter privacy controls, iOS 26 makes the device feel more personal and efficient. On-device AI ensures that many features work faster and more securely without relying on cloud processing.
Verdict A True All-Rounder
The iPhone 17 is Apple’s most balanced flagship yet. It blends premium design, a bright and fluid display, the powerful A19 chip, excellent dual cameras, and reliable all-day battery life into a package that undercuts the Pro range without compromising on essentials.
Rating: 4.5/5 – For those who want a flagship that balances style, power, and value, the iPhone 17 is one of the best choices Apple has made in years.
For more reviews and the latest tech updates, follow Tech Moves on Instagram and Facebook.
