The Evolution of Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro: A New Era of Smartphones
A curious fact: every mobile phone I’ve purchased throughout my life has been black, with no exceptions. Whether matte, glossy, curved, or flat, all of them have shared this common color. Interestingly, I never considered changing this preference until now.
Currently, I find myself in London, just hours after experiencing the iPhone 17 Pro firsthand at Apple’s headquarters. Amidst the excitement, one thought keeps circulating in my mind: how stunning the orange color is, how sleek Apple’s new flagship looks, and above all, how much it has yet to prove. While the full review is on its way, I wanted to share my initial impressions.
It is much more beautiful in person than in the photos | Image: Xataka
Orange: Yes. Although a matte black option would surely tempt me, it’s essential to recognize that Apple has excelled at crafting the “cosmic” orange that truly stands out against darker shades. This new addition suggests that iPhone models targeting professionals don’t have to adhere to mundane hues.
The device’s significant camera module draws attention, resembling designs seen in high-end Android devices more than its predecessor. Apple has reverted to using aluminum for the unibody chassis, reportedly addressing thermal issues. The back, which we interact with daily, features Ceramic Shield, creating a pleasing tactile experience while theoretically providing enhanced scratch resistance. Nevertheless, these features may be overlooked if users opt to encase the device.
It is something more big than the previous model, enough to be noticed | Image: Xataka
In hand, the iPhone 17 Pro feels remarkably similar to the iPhone 16 Pro I had previously. While the dimensions are barely different, it is slightly heftier at 0.4 millimeters taller, wider, and 5 grams heavier, which adds a notable heft. Transitioning from titanium to aluminum and Ceramic Shield alters the feel, maintaining a premium sensation throughout.
Speaking of design, an essential innovation in the iPhone 17 Pro is the steam chamber technology. Seen in various high-end Android models, this system is designed to better dissipate heat, which is crucial for sustained performance. However, it faces two challenges: firstly, ensuring that it withstands summer heat, and secondly, adequately cooling the device with a case on.
This cooling system’s effectiveness will be tested during extensive tasks, such as when recording 4K video, a process known for heating up mobile devices rapidly.
This camera sees better and further. Although I have yet to conduct a comprehensive analysis, my preliminary trials reveal that Apple has integrated a 48-megapixel sensor across all lenses. This setup allows for four times optical zoom and up to eight times with “optical quality,” while digital zoom extends up to 40 times—25 times for video.
Photo taken with the wide angle (x0.5) | Image: Xataka
The zooming capabilities are promising, yet it’s worth noting that brands like Vivo, Oppo, and Samsung have already demonstrated ventures with superior zoom systems, reaching up to 200 times. Apple seems more conservative in its approach, focusing on quality rather than sheer numbers.
The square sensor is an intriguing addition, transitioning from the typical rectangular formats. This design allows for more straightforward horizontal selfies, accommodating a more natural grip when taking photos.
As with any expensive smartphone, the question arises: is the iPhone 17 Pro worth it? The answer largely depends on your intended use. If you’re focusing on photography and editing, this model seems highly promising, particularly with its proRAW features and top-tier processing power. However, it is not the ideal choice for everyone. This title is better suited to the standard iPhone 17 model.
The iPhone 17 has finally received the recognition it deserves—featuring a telephoto lens, a ProMotion display, and 256 GB of base storage, this model is extremely attractive to potential buyers without moving past last year’s price point.
In conclusion, the iPhone 17 Pro captivates visually and stands poised to contend for the title of the best smartphone of 2025. While it faces stiff competition from the Android segment, particularly from Chinese brands, the iPhone 17 is well-equipped to become the most sought-after model. The full review is just around the corner, promising to clarify these early observations.
Images | Xataka