iPhone 17 Base iPhone 17 - the sleeper hit of the year

[ubinko]

Yesterday I visited my local apple store and tried out all the latest iPhones. With all the excitement around the iPhone Air, I feel that the standard 17 is not getting the attention it deserves.

While the form factor of the base iPhone 17 lacks innovation (and therefore excitement), there are several upgrades on last years base iPhone that IMO, make it this years hidden gem.

I generally find the Pro Models too heavy and I'm not keen on this years design (premium feel is apparently now the preserve of the Air). So that rules them out (for me).

The Air definitely has its strengths: larger screen, lighter weight, and a premium finish. If those are your priorities, it’s a solid choice. But it misses the mark for me—no Macro Camera (which I use often), weaker mono speaker (I rely on speakerphone), and shorter battery life compared to my iPhone 16, which comfortably lasts two days.

So why do I think the iPhone 17 base model is the sleeper hit of the year?

• 💸 It’s $200/£200 less than the Air
• ⚡ ProMotion Display makes it silky smooth
• ✋ Compact, light, and great in the hand
• 📱 Perfect 6.3" screen size (in my view)
• 📸 Full camera suite (with Cinematic Mode & Spatial Video—the Air misses these)
• 🔊 Stereo speakers
• 🔋 Strong battery life

 

[C. Robert]

its the phone everyone should get but I won't.....cause its boring

 

[JPack]

It’s not really hidden. Most consumers don’t visit Apple Stores or post online. They just order the regular mainstream product because it offers what they want: battery, cameras, and performance.

Apple has asked suppliers to boost production of iPhone 17 model, the Information reports

Apple has told at least two suppliers to boost production of the entry-level model iPhone 17 by at least 30% after strong pre-orders last weekend, the Information reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

www.reuters.com

 

[ubinko]

It’s not really hidden. Most consumers don’t visit Apple Stores or post online. They just order the regular mainstream product because it offers what they want: battery, cameras, and performance.

Apple has asked suppliers to boost production of iPhone 17 model, the Information reports

Apple has told at least two suppliers to boost production of the entry-level model iPhone 17 by at least 30% after strong pre-orders last weekend, the Information reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

www.reuters.com

Fair point! I've changed the thread title slightly.

 

[Thor_9]

It’s not a sleeper. It’s the base model. People will purchase what they. Would the base model have worked for me, absolutely. However I wanted the biggest screen possible. So I got the 17 PM.

 

[rui no onna]

It’s not really hidden. Most consumers don’t visit Apple Stores or post online. They just order the regular mainstream product because it offers what they want: battery, cameras, and performance.

Apple has asked suppliers to boost production of iPhone 17 model, the Information reports

Apple has told at least two suppliers to boost production of the entry-level model iPhone 17 by at least 30% after strong pre-orders last weekend, the Information reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

www.reuters.com

I have 12 Apple Stores near me and yesterday, pretty much all configs of the regular 17 was out of stock in all but 2-3 stores while the Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max were still available in most stores (albeit limited color and storage options).

 

[thadoggfather]

its the phone everyone should get but I won't.....cause its boring

I think because of the lowest price and people who have held out a long time with older devices needing an upgrade, it will be the best selling model this year. Isn't that almost always the case?

 

[C. Robert]

I think because of the lowest price and people who have held out a long time with older devices needing an upgrade, it will be the best selling model this year. Isn't that almost always the case?

it should be as its the best value

 

[menist]

You forgot 256GB of base storage! That itself is huge, before we had to pay another $100 for it.

 

[Thats_Not_Marcus]

its the phone everyone should get but I won't.....cause its boring

It's a solid device and I originally wanted the blue mist badly. However the 6.3 screen was the killer for me. I know a stupid tradeoff but going from 6.7 15PM to 6.3 screen is significant. I can easily do tradeoffs but the screen size isnt something I am willing to compromise on.

This year there is an iPhone for everyone and people will choose what makes them happy. I went with the air even though it was more expensive. We'll see in a few days if I regret my choice.

 

[C. Robert]

It's a solid device and I originally wanted the blue mist badly. However the 6.3 screen was the killer for me. I know a stupid tradeoff but going from 6.7 15PM to 6.3 screen is significant. I can easily do tradeoffs but the screen size isnt something I am willing to compromise on.

This year there is an iPhone for everyone and people will choose what makes them happy. I went with the air even though it was more expensive. We'll see in a few days if I regret my choice.

100% agree

 

[Kendo]

Only thing holding me back is the 8GB RAM. My iPhone 14 Pro is already reloading websites and apps with 6GB, it won't be long before 8GB is not enough. This reason alone is why I went with the Air (could've easily went with 17 Pro as well).

 

[zenmacx]

It's a solid device and I originally wanted the blue mist badly. However the 6.3 screen was the killer for me. I know a stupid tradeoff but going from 6.7 15PM to 6.3 screen is significant. I can easily do tradeoffs but the screen size isnt something I am willing to compromise on.

This year there is an iPhone for everyone and people will choose what makes them happy. I went with the air even though it was more expensive. We'll see in a few days if I regret my choice.

Amongst the variety of active phones I use, my primary iOS unit is an iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Upon visiting the Apple Store on launch day I looked at every new model. Having done the research beforehand I was well aware of specs etc. I must say one that I found quite impressive is the regular iPhone 17.

If I didn't have a true need for the large 6.9" display and other features of my Pro Max, I would buy an iPhone 17. It’s an amazing combination of features for a reasonable price.

I was close to purchasing an iPhone 17 Pro Max, however the poor finish, failure to offer it in black and its odd looking camera platform was a deal breaker. My iPhone 16 Pro Max will continue to serve me well going forward.

 

[Yuuuki]

I wanted the base and it would be always the iPhone I would currently recommend to everyone asking. In the end I got the Pro. Why? Because my main priority is battery life and even if it’s only a bit more on the Pro this 10% more battery helps my battery anxiety. lol but if that’s worth the extra cost? Well that is something everyone needs to answer for themselves obviously. For me it was worth it.

Still beside this point for me the best value for money is by far the base 17

 

[JPack]

I think because of the lowest price and people who have held out a long time with older devices needing an upgrade, it will be the best selling model this year. Isn't that almost always the case?

The trend has been shifting to the premium models, at least for the first few months after launch.

 

[Matthew.H]

The trend has been shifting to the premium models, at least for the first few months after launch.

It would be interesting to know if the people doing these surveys are tech enthusiasts or just regular people. Most of the people I work with who use iPhone have standard models.