Is the iPhone 17 worth buying?

Every September, Apple asks us to upgrade. And every September, we wonder whether the shiny new iPhone is worth stretching our wallets again, or if last year's model is still good enough. This year, with the iPhone 17 lineup on the shelves, the question feels sharper than ever. Apple has made some meaningful changes, but at the same time, the competition from Android flagships has never been stronger. So, let us break it down. How much better is the iPhone 17 compared to last year's iPhone 16? And if you are already thinking of spending big, how does it hold up against Android's superpowers?

iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16

The first thing to note is that Apple has not tinkered much with pricing. The iPhone 17 still starts at $799, just like the iPhone 16 did. But this time, you are getting 256 GB of storage as standard, up from the 128 GB you got with the 16. The iPhone 17 Pro, starting at $1,099, also keeps its predecessor's price point but eliminates the lower 128 GB option. This is a subtle way of Apple nudging you into paying more but also gives you peace of mind with extra storage.

On the performance front, the new A19 chip replaces last year's A18. It is built on a 3 nm process, meaning it is faster, more power-efficient, and particularly tuned for the AI-driven future Apple keeps promising.

Displays are where things get interesting. The standard iPhone 17 finally gets ProMotion 120 Hz refresh rates, a feature previously reserved for the Pro models. Scrolling should feel buttery smooth, and animations should pop with a sense of fluidity that you do not want to go back to once you have experienced it. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro pushes its display to 3,000 nits peak brightness, making it one of the brightest smartphones in existence. So for a country like Bangladesh, where outdoor visibility is always a struggle, this matters way more than you think.

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The battery life has also improved, especially on the Pro models. Apple claims up to 33 hours of video playback on the Pro and even more on the Pro Max. That is a good upgrade over the iPhone 16's 27 hours. Combined with efficiency gains from the A19 chip, this should make the iPhone 17 one of the most reliable all-day phones in the market.

Finally, the base iPhone 17 now carries dual 48 MP Fusion cameras on both the main and ultra-wide lenses, plus an upgraded 18 MP selfie shooter. For casual users, that means sharper photos in every scenario. The Pro models introduce what Apple calls the Pro Fusion Camera System, featuring a 48 MP main, ultra-wide, and telephoto setup with true-optical 8x zoom and digital zoom stretching up to 40x. Last year's iPhone 16 Pro maxed out at 5x optical and 25x digital. If you're into photography or travel frequently, this leap alone makes the Pro worth considering.

Considering all of this, the iPhone 17 is a meaningful upgrade if you are coming from an iPhone 14 or older. Even compared to the iPhone 16, the improvements in display, storage, and cameras, particularly on the Pro models, are significant enough for power users. For everyone else, the base iPhone 17 may actually be the sweet spot this year.

iPhone 17 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung's Ultra line has long been Apple's shadow rival, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is no exception. Priced starting from $1,299, it is more expensive than the iPhone 17 Pro but comes with a 6.9-inch QHD+ display, support for the S Pen, and a titanium frame. Under the hood is the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a custom-tuned processor that beats the iPhone in multi-core performance, even if Apple still holds the single-core crown, according to some early test reviews.

The headline, of course, is the camera system. Samsung arms the Ultra with a 200 MP main sensor, a 50 MP ultra-wide, and some of the most advanced zoom capabilities in any phone. Video recording is top-notch, with 10-bit HDR that makes footage look cinema-ready. Pair that with a 5,000 mAh battery that comfortably lasts beyond 17 hours, and the S25 Ultra is an absolute powerhouse if you are willing to pay the premium.

iPhone 17 vs Google Pixel 9 and 10 Pro

Google's Pixel 9 Pro, priced starting from $999, has always had a different philosophy. Rather than chasing megapixels, Google leans into computational photography. The Tensor G4 chip is designed less for raw performance and more for AI features; from real-time translation to Google's signature photo-editing magic. The Pixel's strength is consistency. Point and shoot in almost any condition, and you will walk away with a picture that looks like it has been through professional editing.

Similarly, the Pixel 10 Pro, starting from $1,099, sticks to its signature formula of keeping AI over raw specs. Powered by the new Tensor G5 chip, it excels at computational photography and everyday AI tools, from seamless translations to effortless photo editing. The cameras may not match the iPhone 17 or Galaxy S25 Ultra on paper, but their consistency in real-life shots is hard to beat. Add Google's clean Android and timely updates, and the Pixel 10 Pro feels smart, practical, and premium.

iPhone 17 vs OnePlus 13

Then there's the OnePlus 13, the budget-conscious flagship killer at $899. It may not carry the same prestige as Apple or Samsung, but this year, it is impossible to ignore. The phone's 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display goes up to a blinding 4,500 nits peak brightness, even higher than the iPhone 17 Pro. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor keeps it competitive in speed tests, and the camera system, though less polished than Samsung or Google, holds its own, particularly with 6× zoom shots that can rival dedicated cameras. The OnePlus 13 is the phone for someone who wants flagship features without flagship pricing. It does not quite dominate in any one category, but as a package, it delivers exceptional value.

Final verdict

Now, where does this leave the iPhone 17? The answer depends on what you care about most.

If you are already in the Apple ecosystem, with an Apple Watch on your wrist and AirPods in your ears, the iPhone 17 is the obvious choice. The base model gives you more value than ever, while the Pro models are now true workhorses for creators and professionals.

But if you are open to switching sides, the decision gets more nuanced. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the phone for people who want it all: best-in-class cameras, a huge display, stylus support, and sheer raw power. The Google Pixel 9 Pro is perfect for those who prioritise software smarts and photo quality over specs. And the OnePlus 13 is a compelling option if you want to save a few hundred dollars without feeling like you compromised.

So, is the iPhone 17 worth buying? For iPhone 13 or 14 users, absolutely, as it is a significant step up in almost every department. Even if you have a 15 or 16, the Pro models in particular offer enough improvements to tempt those who take their phone seriously, whether for content creation or heavy daily use.

In 2025, the playing field is more level than ever. The iPhone 17 is a fantastic device, but so are the S25 Ultra, Pixel 9 Pro, and OnePlus 13. Now it is less about which is objectively best and more about which one fits your lifestyle, budget, and ecosystem.

However, whichever you choose, you are not making a bad choice in any way. But if you have been waiting for Apple to justify your next upgrade, the iPhone 17 makes a convincing case.

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