The Apple handset to buy this time around

What is the Apple iPhone 17?

The Apple iPhone 17 is one of four new iPhones, all of which went on sale in September 2025. The iPhone 17 is the cheapest of the late-2025 lineup, sitting below the super slim iPhone Air and the most expensive iPhone 17 Pro models.

It starts at £799, which is the same as what the iPhone 16 from last year cost, but you get double the storage, as well as a number of upgrades. There’s now the same display technology as the iPhone Pro models, an improved battery life, a higher resolution ultrawide camera and an updated front camera with some clever software features.

Now that I’ve reviewed all of Apple’s latest iPhones, it’s this entry-level device that I think is the one most people should buy. Here’s why.

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I use each smartphone I review as my main phone in order to test what they are like to use day to day. This involves transferring all my messages, emails, apps and contacts, as well as my SIM card.

During the review period, I use each smartphone for calls, messages, browsing the web, sorting through emails, scrolling through social media and snapping multiple photos in various lighting conditions to test out the cameras. I also write on my phone, listen to music and stream TV shows and movies on commutes and when I am travelling.

I test each smartphone I review without a case to give me a better feel for what the design is like to use and how durable it is. I am looking for whether it picks up scuffs and scratches from standard everyday use, as well as how slippery or comfortable the phone is to hold.

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Score: 10/10