At today’s Apple Event, Apple unveiled a number of exciting new products, including four new iPhones, three Apple Watches, and a new pair of AirPods. There’s a lot to talk about, and sites like The Verge and MacRumors have already covered the event in detail. But for me, the real highlight is the iPhone 17 base model. It is arguably the most worth-upgrading iPhone in recent years. Apple has added major improvements such as more storage and a faster display, while keeping the price the same, rather than raising it as many rumors suggested. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the iPhone 17’s key specs and explore why it offers such strong value and competitiveness compared to other iPhone 17 models and flagship Android phones released this year.
I. iPhone 17 Specs: A Huge Upgrade Over iPhone 16
The new iPhone 17 brings big upgrades across almost every area compared to the iPhone 16 base model—from the display and processor to storage and cameras. For the first time, Apple has added a 120Hz ProMotion display to the standard iPhone. While many Android flagships have had high-refresh-rate screens for years, this is the first time Apple has rolled it out across the entire iPhone lineup. This change alone makes the iPhone 17 a big step forward for users of older iPhones or even those who bought a base iPhone within the last two years, since a smooth 120Hz screen is no longer limited to the Pro models.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 is powered by the new A19 chip built on 3nm technology, with a 5-core GPU and an upgraded Neural Engine for AI and machine learning tasks. While benchmarks are still to come, the new processor promises noticeable improvements over the iPhone 16.
The cameras have also seen a boost: the iPhone 17 now includes a 48MP wide lens and a 48MP ultra-wide lens, with the ultra-wide resolution receiving a major upgrade from last year. This delivers a better all-around photography experience, even on the base model.
Perhaps the most surprising change is storage. The iPhone 17 now starts at 256GB, up from 128GB on the iPhone 16, while the price remains the same at $799. This “more for the same price” strategy shows Apple is finally pushing the base model to be a true flagship option. Apple’s move sets a new industry benchmark—and for consumers, it’s a clear win, since 128GB has become too limiting in 2025.
Overall, the iPhone 17 base model combines almost all of the meaningful upgrades while keeping its competitive price tag. Whether you’re still on an older iPhone or considering switching from Android, this is arguably the most worth-upgrading iPhone in years.
II. Why iPhone 17 May Be the Best Choice of This Generation
Beyond the strong iPhone 17 upgrades and excellent value for money, several other factors may also make it the best option this year. First is the design change of the Pro models, which has been controversial. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max now feature a much larger horizontal camera module that many users find unattractive, disrupting the balance of the back design. Even more surprising, Apple decided to remove the most popular black color option from the Pro lineup, offering only silver, orange, and deep blue. Some believe this unusual move is meant to drive more attention and sales toward the new iPhone Air.
(Image Credit: Screenshot from Apple Event official video)
In contrast, the iPhone 17 base model keeps a clean, balanced design and comes in more appealing color choices. As for the iPhone Air, it replaces the previous Plus model but seems more like a test device for Apple’s upcoming foldable phone. It uses different frame materials compared to both the base and Pro models, and in order to stay lightweight and thin, it sacrifices battery capacity—one of the main weaknesses of iPhones in general.
When compared side by side, the iPhone 17 base version actually offers the best balance of features, design, and price. For most consumers, it is more than enough, and its overall market competitiveness could be stronger than both the Pro and Air models.
III. iPhone 17 vs Android Flagships: How It Stacks Up
The iPhone 17 base model also shows strong competitiveness against many Android flagships released this year. The most direct comparison is with the Google Pixel 10, launched just last month. Both phones start at $799, but in terms of hardware, the iPhone 17 easily pulls ahead. The Pixel 10 starts at only 128GB of storage, uses the less powerful Tensor chip, and comes with a 13MP ultra-wide camera, all of which make it far less competitive against Apple’s latest base iPhone.
This comparison is especially interesting because the two devices highlight different priorities. The Pixel 10 leans heavily on AI features, while the iPhone 17 focuses on hardware upgrades. Although the Pixel 10 struggles to match the iPhone 17 in specs, Apple’s new Apple Intelligence is still pending release, and its full potential remains unknown. For users who prioritize AI assistance in daily life, the Pixel 10 may still be a good choice. On the other hand, the iPhone 17 is already well-prepared in terms of hardware—just waiting for Apple’s AI upgrade to unlock its next level.
The strong market appeal of the iPhone 17 could also push competitors to adjust. We may soon see price cuts on recently launched Android phones, as Apple’s aggressive strategy puts pressure on the market. Even more importantly, Apple’s move to make 256GB the new standard might force Android brands to abandon 128GB entry models altogether, which would be a big win for consumers.
In conclusion, the iPhone 17 base version is arguably the most worth-upgrading iPhone in years. It goes on pre-order September 12 and officially launches on September 19. While Apple’s stock dipped slightly after the event, the iPhone 17’s strong competitiveness is likely to translate into impressive sales performance.
Would you consider upgrading to the iPhone 17? Share your thoughts with us—we’d love to hear what you think!
