Apple iPhone 17: 6 Underrated Upgrades That Make a Big Difference

Apple iPhone 17: Apple’s new iPhone 17, launched in September 2025, may look familiar at first glance — but beneath the surface are several meaningful upgrades that transform everyday use. While most attention has gone to the Pro models, here are six underrated improvements that make the standard iPhone 17 a quiet game-changer.

1. ProMotion 120Hz Display Arrives on the Base Model

For the first time, Apple has brought its ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate to the standard iPhone lineup. The 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display now delivers smoother scrolling, more responsive touch interactions, and fluid animations — matching the premium experience once exclusive to the Pro models.

2. Stronger Ceramic Shield 2 for Better Durability

Apple’s Ceramic Shield 2 offers three times more scratch resistance and improved drop protection. The tougher front glass extends the phone’s longevity — especially for users who prefer to go without a screen protector.

3. Dual 48MP Cameras for Sharper Photos

The iPhone 17 upgrades both its main and ultra-wide lenses to 48MP sensors, bringing sharper images, improved low-light performance, and more flexibility for cropping and editing. The ultra-wide shots now capture finer details, making this model far more capable for photography enthusiasts.

4. New Apple N1 Networking Chip

Apple’s new N1 chip powers smarter connectivity, adding Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and improved Thread support for smart home devices. These upgrades quietly enhance wireless reliability, speed, and future-proofing.

5. Brighter Display for Outdoor Use

With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, the iPhone 17 display offers exceptional visibility under sunlight and improved HDR performance. Whether outdoors or watching HDR content, users will notice a clear difference in brightness and contrast.

6. Higher Base Storage

Apple has doubled the base storage to 256GB, offering more space for apps, photos, and videos — a practical improvement that aligns with today’s content-heavy usage.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 17 may not look radically different, but its blend of display, durability, camera, and connectivity upgrades makes it one of the most balanced iPhones yet. For users who value real-world improvements over flashy redesigns, this year’s base model delivers exceptional value.