iPhone 17 Unveiled: ProMotion Display, 48MP Cameras, and Boosted Durability Redefine Standard Model
November 6, 2025
Battery life has been extended to about 30 hours of video playback and a full day of typical use, with test results around 7 hours 49 minutes in a video loop.
Base storage is 256GB with peak brightness up to 3,000 nits, improving outdoor visibility and HDR performance.
The design remains visually similar to the iPhone 16, with Ceramic Shield 2 delivering triple the scratch resistance across 2025 iPhones while the Pro-level design refresh remains exclusive to higher-end models.
Key headline upgrades include Always-On Display, ProMotion adaptive 120Hz, and a faster A19 processor with improved AI accelerators for workloads.
With a base of 256GB, users gain more storage space for media and apps compared to previous generations.
Beyond cameras and display, the iPhone 17 carries IP68 water resistance, a 6.3-inch OLED with ProMotion, and region-specific pricing discussions, including Singapore references.
Durability enhancements also imply longer device life with reduced need for screen protectors over time.
Under-the-hood improvements include longer battery life up to about 30 hours of video playback, a new N1 networking chip enabling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and enhanced AirDrop capabilities.
The A19 chip brings a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, and Neural Accelerators in the GPU, delivering performance competitive with the Pro Max while AI performance is slightly behind.
The base iPhone 17 now features ProMotion 120Hz display, delivering smoother scrolling, more responsive touch, and improved animations on a 6.3-inch screen, bringing Pro-level feel to the standard model.
The iPhone 17 is an incremental upgrade over the iPhone 16, emphasizing a larger 6.3-inch Always-On display with 120Hz ProMotion to enhance interaction and scrolling.
Durability gets a notable boost with Ceramic Shield 2, offering three times better scratch resistance and improved front glass protection.
Alongside tougher front cover, the materials upgrade contributes to overall better device longevity and scratch resistance.
Storage starts at 256GB, up from 128GB, with a higher 512GB option available, making the base configuration more practical for heavy users.
The camera system upgrades to a 48MP main and 48MP ultra-wide with autofocus, plus an 18MP front camera with Center Stage, enabling sharper photos and improved video calls.
The dual 48MP rear cameras boost low-light performance and detail, while the 18MP selfie camera debuts with Center Stage across the 2025 lineup, though the base model still lacks a dedicated telephoto zoom.
Overall, the iPhone 17 represents a compelling upgrade by bringing multiple Pro features to the base model, potentially making it the best iPhone Apple has released to date while keeping the design familiar.
By delivering premium features at a lower price point, the standard iPhone 17 positions itself as the primary choice for many customers.
The N1 networking chip improves connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, strengthening Thread performance for smart-home devices and general wireless stability.
Summary based on 3 sources
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Sources

BGR • Nov 5, 2025
9 New Features That Make The iPhone 17 A Compelling Upgrade
India TV News • Nov 5, 2025
iPhone 17 hidden upgrades: 5 features Apple did not highlight
Can Buy or Not • Nov 4, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 review: Great basics - Can Buy or Not