The new iPhone 17 lineup has arrived, bringing with it a wave of excitement and some brilliant new technology. This year, the choice feels bigger than ever, with three fantastic models each offering something unique. But with so many features to consider, you might be asking: which iPhone 17 model should I get?
At Swappie, our goal is to help you find the tech you’ll feel good about, without the confusion. We’re here to break down the real-world differences between the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, so you can make a choice that’s perfect for your needs and budget.
At a glance: iPhone 17 specs comparison
| Feature | iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
| Display | 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion | 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion |
| Processor | A19 Bionic | A19 Pro | A19 Pro |
| Rear Camera | Dual: 48MP Main, 48MP Ultra-Wide | Triple: 48MP Main, 48MP Ultra-Wide, 48MP 5x Telephoto | Triple: 48MP Main, 48MP Ultra-Wide, 48MP 8x Telephoto |
| Front Camera | 24MP TrueDepth | 24MP TrueDepth | 24MP TrueDepth |
| Battery Life | Excellent all-day battery | All-day battery | The best battery life in the lineup |
| Materials | Aerospace-grade aluminium, Ceramic Shield front | Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield front | Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield front |
| Best for | Everyday excellence, a huge upgrade for most users | Photography enthusiasts, compact power | The ultimate user, best camera and battery |
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Display and design: a smoother experience for all
The biggest and most welcome news this year is that the standard iPhone 17 now features a 120Hz ProMotion display. This was previously a Pro-only feature, and its arrival on the standard model is a game-changer. It means that no matter which iPhone 17 you choose, you’ll get incredibly fluid scrolling and super-responsive animations.
The main differences now come down to size and materials:
- iPhone 17 and 17 Pro: Both feature a new, slightly larger 6.3-inch display, making them feel modern while still being comfortable to hold in one hand. The iPhone 17 uses a lightweight aluminium frame, while the iPhone 17 Pro uses a more premium and durable titanium frame.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: This is for those who love a big screen. Its expansive 6.9-inch display is perfect for watching videos, gaming, and multitasking. Like the smaller Pro, it also features a strong and light titanium frame.
Performance: what’s the difference between A19 and A19 Pro?
All three models are incredibly fast, but Apple has again created a distinction between the standard and Pro versions.
- The iPhone 17 is powered by the new A19 Bionic chip. For everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming, as well as most gaming, this chip is phenomenally powerful and will feel lightning-fast.
- The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max get the upgraded A19 Pro chip and more RAM. This extra horsepower is aimed at professionals and power users. If you edit 4K video, play the most graphically intense games, or multitask heavily between demanding apps, the A19 Pro provides a level of sustained performance that is simply unmatched.
For most people, the A19 in the standard iPhone 17 is more than enough power. The A19 Pro is for those who know they need the absolute most performance they can get.
The camera system: what’s the real difference?
This is where the models truly start to separate. All three take stunning photos, but the Pro models give you more creative tools.
- iPhone 17: Features a fantastic new dual-camera system. For the first time, both the Main and Ultra-Wide cameras are 48MP sensors. This means your everyday photos and wide-angle shots will be packed with incredible detail and offer excellent low-light performance.
- iPhone 17 Pro: Has the same two brilliant cameras as the standard model but adds a crucial third lens: a 48MP 5x telephoto camera. This lens lets you zoom in on distant subjects with incredible clarity, and it’s perfect for taking flattering portraits with natural background compression.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Is the iPhone 17 Pro Max worth it for the camera alone? For some, yes. It has the same three-lens system, but its telephoto lens is even more powerful, offering a remarkable 8x optical zoom. This is the ultimate camera for capturing wildlife, sports, or details at a concert.
In short: the iPhone 17 is for beautiful everyday photos. The iPhone 17 Pro is for photographers who want creative zoom and portrait capabilities. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is for those who want the most powerful and versatile camera in a smartphone, period.
Battery life: from all day to all weekend
Your phone’s battery needs to keep up with your day, and thankfully, all three models deliver excellent performance.
- iPhone 17: Provides a strong, all-day battery life that will comfortably get most users from morning to night.
- iPhone 17 Pro: The more powerful A19 Pro chip and brighter display mean its battery life is very similar to the standard iPhone 17 – still reliably all-day.
- iPhone 17 Pro vs Pro Max battery life: This is where the Pro Max pulls away. Thanks to its larger size, it packs a much bigger battery and is the undisputed endurance champion. For heavy users, it can easily last a day and a half, and for many, it will be a two-day phone.
So, which iPhone 17 model should you get?
It all comes down to what you value most.
Choose the iPhone 17 if:
- You want a fantastic, high-performance phone for everyday use.
- You are upgrading from an older model and want the biggest new features, like the ProMotion display, without the Pro price tag.
- You take great photos but don’t need a dedicated telephoto zoom lens.
Choose the iPhone 17 Pro if:
- You are a passionate photographer or content creator who will use the 5x telephoto lens.
- You want the most powerful performance in a compact, one-handed size.
- You appreciate the premium feel of the titanium design.
Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if:
- You want the absolute best of everything: the biggest screen, the longest battery life, and the most powerful camera system.
- You use your phone for watching a lot of videos or for professional-level tasks.
- You are a power user for whom “no compromises” is the top priority.
The smart choice with Swappie
Whichever model you choose, you’re getting an incredible piece of technology. And if you love the idea of Pro features but not the brand-new price tag, remember the smart alternative. A certified refurbished iPhone 16 Pro from Swappie offers a very similar Pro experience for significantly less.
Every phone we sell is guaranteed to work like new and comes with a 12-month warranty. It’s the refreshingly real way to get the tech you deserve.