Last week’s Apple keynote was jam-packed with awe dropping announcements and updates, and to kick things off with the latest product launches, I’ll be diving into a first look at the iPhone 17 and everything new it brings to the table.
Overall Look & Feel
The iPhone 17 is Apple’s bold leap forward in display and design. Coming in a single 6.3-inch size, the iPhone feels sleek in hand thanks to its contoured edges and noticeably thinner borders compared to the iPhone 16. Durability also gets a boost with Ceramic Shield 2 and a new coating that offers 3x better scratch resistance. It’s a phone that looks and feels premium without being fragile.
Display
If you’ve used the iPhone 16, you’ll immediately notice how immersive the screen feels on iPhone 17. ProMotion with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling apps, social feeds, and light gaming feel incredibly smooth, all while staying power-efficient.
The Always-On display is a subtle but welcome upgrade – glance at your widgets or Live Activities without waking the phone. When idle, the display drops down to 1Hz, preserving battery without losing important info.
I also noticed the anti-reflection improvements right away – the screen is easier to read under Singapore’s bright sun. With 3000 nits peak brightness (the brightest ever on an iPhone) and 2x better outdoor contrast, checking directions on the MRT platform or following a recipe in the kitchen is much easier.
Overall, compared to iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 isn’t just an incremental upgrade – it’s a noticeable step up for anyone who interacts with their screen daily.
Performance: A19 Chip
Under the hood, the A19 chip makes the iPhone 17 feel lightning-fast. Built on third-generation 3nm technology, apps launch instantly, scrolling is silky smooth, and even graphically intense mobile games run flawlessly.
The 6-core CPU is 1.5x faster than the A15, and the 5-core GPU is over twice as fast, delivering incredible performance for AR apps, games, and everyday multitasking. Neural Accelerators in each GPU core make AI-powered features like Apple Intelligence and Photographic Styles feel responsive and instant, all on-device – no cloud lag.
Camera Upgrades
The Centre Stage front camera is a game-changer. For the first time, it features a square sensor for a wider field of view and shoots up to 18MP. You can take portrait or landscape selfies while holding the phone vertically – perfect for a secure grip. AI expands group shots automatically, and Dual Capture lets you record yourself and the scene around you simultaneously. Even on FaceTime, Centre Stage keeps you perfectly centred.
The rear cameras also get a major upgrade with all 48MP lenses. The Fusion Main camera offers sharp detail with an integrated 2x Telephoto, while the Fusion Ultra Wide captures up to 4x the resolution of iPhone 16’s ultra-wide. Next-gen Photographic Styles and the new Bright style in iOS 26 help skin tones pop naturally.
Video capabilities are equally impressive: 4K60 fps Dolby Vision, Cinematic mode, Action mode, and Spatial Audio make recording immersive. Audio Mix lets you tweak voices and background sounds, wind noise reduction keeps clips clean, and you can even shoot spatial photos and videos for Apple Vision Pro.
Compared to iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 is a massive upgrade for selfies, professional shots, and video – everything you’d want if photography and content creation matter to you.
Battery Life
Thanks to the efficiency of A19 and iOS 26’s power management, the iPhone 17 comfortably lasts a full day of calls, work, and evening streaming. With ProMotion, video playback can hit 30 hours – 8 more than iPhone 16. The Adaptive Power Mode intelligently anticipates low battery moments, conserving energy when needed.
When you need a quick boost, the iPhone 17 charges up to 50% in 20 minutes with a high-wattage USB-C adapter like Apple’s 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max. Perfect for those mornings when you’re running late.
Accessories
Apple has also added some fun ways to carry and protect your iPhone 17. Alongside the Clear Case with MagSafe, the new Silicone Case with MagSafe comes in black, neon yellow, light moss, anchor blue, and purple fog.
Pair it with the Crossbody Strap for a hands-free carry. Made from 100% recycled yarns, it’s smooth, comfortable, and adjustable thanks to magnets and stainless steel sliders. With 10 color options – from classic black to neon yellow and bright orange – you can mix and match with your case and fits.
Pricing & Availability
iPhone 17 comes in Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, White, and Black with 256GB and 512GB storage options.
iPhone 17 starts at S$1,299. For those who has placed a pre-order, you will receive your iPhone 17 starting from 19 September 2025, Friday.
Head to Apple or your nearest Apple store to try the iPhone 17 out for yourself.
Before you go, check out my First Looks of the iPhone Air here.
