Every time September approaches, Apple traditionally introduces its latest iPhone lineup. For this year, Apple has launched the iPhone 17 series and two of the four models have already arrived at our office for testing.
Through initial observations, there are significant changes introduced in this series, especially the design for the pro version. Here is our first look at two new devices from Apple, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro.
Design and Screen Display
The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro come with different approaches in terms of design and performance, but both still maintain the premium features synonymous with Apple. The iPhone 17 maintains the design of the previous model, including the vertical camera bump on the back.
On the other hand, the iPhone 17 Pro comes with a new design that is more modern and clearly different from the previous generation. Apple also introduced more attractive color options this time. The colors offered are not just safe options but more striking that make the overall design look stylish.
The iPhone 17 may look similar to the iPhone 16 but it actually comes with some really impressive changes. Apple has improved key aspects such as the screen display and build to make the device more worth owning, especially with a starting price of RM3299.
It is also offered in five color options, namely Black, White, Mist Blue, Sage and Lavender. The unit we received came in white, which although often seen as a safe color choice, its minimalist finish still looks modern and manages to attract attention.
When we first held it, the device felt solid and comfortable in the hand. It is no surprise because Apple products are synonymous with satisfactory build quality. As the saying goes, buying is winning. The Super Retina XDR display is as bright as expected. However, the feature that really steals the show is the ProMotion support with a 120Hz refresh rate.
This is an interesting upgrade because previously this feature was only offered on the Pro and Pro Max models. This time, Apple made a smart decision by bringing this feature to all their new models. This move seems to confirm the statement from Xiaomi's previous manager that high refresh rates are no longer just an added value but have become a must-have feature in modern premium devices.
The screen size of the iPhone 17 has been increased to 6.5-inches compared to 6.1-inches on the previous standard model. The thinner bezels provide a wider display without significantly changing the overall size of the device. The aluminum frame used not only makes the device lighter but also helps in controlling heat efficiently compared to the regular aluminum construction of the iPhone 16.
The standard buttons and connections are still maintained in the same positions as before. The power button and Action Button are located on the right side, while on the left there are three additional buttons for audio adjustments and another Action Button. The iPhone 17 also supports stereo speakers placed next to the USB-C port.
Speaking of the USB-C port, it is indeed related to the charging function. As usual, Apple only includes a charging cable without a charging head. This approach is no longer surprising because it has been introduced since the iPhone 14, which is supposedly a step to protect the environment.
The iPhone 17 Pro is the model that received the most significant changes this year. When I first used it, the first thing I noticed was its weight. Maybe because I was used to the lighter iPhone 14. However, that is just a personal opinion. In fact, there are some friends in the office who think that the weight is still within the normal range for the Pro series.
What is interesting is that the construction of the device this time is balanced from every angle, including the top, bottom and around the camera. Apple also introduced a new finish with a fresher touch for a more modern overall design. Some Android users think that this kind of finish is not new because it has been used in their devices for a long time. However, Apple's approach this time is actually still futuristic in line with their premium identity.
One of the most noticeable changes to the iPhone 17 Pro is the camera bump that is now horizontal and elongated. It is no longer located on the left corner like it was on the iPhone 11. Despite the change, the position of the three main lenses is still maintained in a triangular formation and the size of each lens is also uniform. The LED flash this time is seen to be larger and placed on the right while below it there is a special lens whose function has not yet been fully explained by Apple.
Apple has also changed the construction material of the iPhone 17 Pro from titanium to aluminum, a change that has sparked discussion among users. Some consider this step to be a decrease in quality, but logically the use of aluminum can help reduce heat dissipation and make the design more efficient. The performance of this material, however, can only be assessed through long-term use and a comprehensive review to come.
Among the questions that have also been raised is whether cosmetic problems such as fine scratches, dents, or discoloration will occur on this model. We cannot give a definitive answer because this depends on how each person uses it. For example, one staff member's iPhone 14 shows cosmetic marks on the camera while another party's unit remains in good condition. This proves that user experiences can vary even with the same model.
While Apple has always emphasized high quality control, the reality is that each unit may show different levels of durability. Factors such as frame usage, storage methods, and daily care levels also play an important role in determining the long-term physical condition of a device.
Internal Hardware – Apple A19 Pro Chip
Both models come with the A19 Pro chip built using 3nm (N3P) technology. It is one of the most powerful ever used in an iPhone device. According to Apple, its performance can be up to 40% better than the previous generation. Logically, in daily use, applications can be opened faster, tasks are more stable, and artificial intelligence features such as Apple Intelligence work almost instantly.
Based on our brief trial, the system's smoothness and response time were found to be very satisfactory. However, overall performance will continue to be tested from time to time through a full review to come. Interestingly, all iPhone 17 models now come with a base storage starting at 256GB. Apple no longer offers the 128GB RAM option that was previously standard.
While both models use the same A19 Pro chip, the iPhone 17 Pro has the advantage of a vapor chamber-based cooling system and an aluminum unibody design. This should help maintain performance for long periods of time, especially when performing heavy tasks. Therefore, the Pro model is felt to be more suitable for extra use in video editing, high-graphics rendering, or tasks that require consistent performance. Here is a brief comparison of the A19 Pro chip with other flagship chips
Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy – Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
Exynos 2500 – Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7
Snapdragon 8 Elite – Honor Magic V5
Snapdragon 8 Elite ( 7 Cores) – Oppp Find N5
Snapdragon 8 Elite – Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy – Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Dimensity 9400 – Oppo Find X8 Pro
Apple A18 Pro – Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Tensor G5 – Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
AnTuTu 3D
Chip Score
Apple iPhone 17 Pro 2,634,345
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 1,747,012
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 1,542,966
Honor Magic V5 1,732,200
Oppo Find N5 2,157,718
Xiaomi 15 Ultra 2,341,598
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 1,946,864
Oppo Find X8 Pro 2,629,017
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 1,720,751
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 1,214,735
Geekbench 6
Single Core Multi Core Chip
Apple iPhone 17 Pro 3560 8835
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 2745 9060
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 2236 7627
Honor Magic V5 1286 4926
Oppo Find N5 2866 7987
Xiaomi 15 Ultra 2918 8917
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 2957 9435
Oppo Fin X8 Pro 2663 8959
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 3359 8129
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 2303 6134
3DMark Wildlife Extreme
Chip Score
Apple iPhone 17 Pro 5873
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 5633
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 5201
Honor Magic V5 6025
Oppo Find N5 5507
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Not possible
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 6135
Oppo Find X8 Pro 6251
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 4560
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 3266
Internal Software – iOS 26
Apple has launched iOS 26 and established it as the main operating system for all the latest iPhone models. The update features various updates that are not only technical but also bring a new identity to the iPhone ecosystem as a whole.
One of the most noticeable changes is the new interface known as Liquid Glass. Through it, icons and screens display reflections and light refraction effects that move with the touch of a finger. It can also automatically respond to dark and light modes.
iOS 26 also comes with Live Translation, which allows users to translate conversations directly during phone calls via FaceTime and Messages. There are also Genmoji and Image Playground functions that allow users to create emojis based on their chosen face or text.
In the Phone app, users can now filter unknown calls through the Call Screening feature, which helps reduce interruptions from spam calls. In addition, the Hold Assist feature allows the device to automatically wait during calls. Messages now receives some interesting improvements. Users can conduct group voting and set backgrounds.
Camera Settings – Up to Eight Times Optical Zoom
Apple has paid special attention to the camera system in the iPhone 17 series. These improvements not only improve recording quality but also expand the camera's capabilities for various situations.
For the iPhone 17 model, the rear camera system consists of a 48MP wide-angle lens, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and 2x optical zoom. On the front, Apple includes an 18MP selfie camera that uses a square-shaped sensor. It also supports the Center Stage feature, which allows users to record selfies in landscape mode even when the phone is held vertically. The sensor size is also said to be twice as large as before.
For the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple uses a combination of three 48MP sensors on the back, including the main, ultra-wide and telephoto cameras. It also allows for image recording with up to 8X optical zoom. The front camera uses an 18MP sensor like the standard model but with additional capabilities such as portrait and landscape recording without having to rotate the phone. Video recording features have also been improved with recordings such as ProRes RAW, Log 2 and Genlock, as well as 4K120FPS recording.
The Dual Capture feature allows simultaneous recording from the front and rear cameras, where the front camera appears as a box in the image that can be moved to any corner of the screen. This is very useful for reaction videos and vlog content. The Center Stage feature has been a favorite so far because it makes it easy to record horizontal selfies without having to rotate the phone or hold it in an uncomfortable position.
Early View
The big changes to this year's iPhone models can be seen in several key aspects. Among them are 120Hz support which is now available for all models including the standard version, a new design on the pro version and base storage which now starts at 256GB.
Apple has also upgraded the iPhone camera system with better image processing. The Center Stage feature is now available on the iPhone, allowing the front camera to automatically follow the user's movements during video calls. For the Pro and Pro Max models, Apple has added a vapor chamber-based cooling system to ensure stable performance.
Apple has also continued to maintain its reputation as a balanced brand in terms of performance and user experience. This is because the iOS operating system always receives consistent updates. Many users choose Apple because of its long-lasting and reliable software support.
Color options such as Cosmic Orange have also attracted many attention. However, the price of the 2TB model which reaches RM10,000 has made some users consider other alternatives such as laptops. Stay tuned for our full review to find out the real performance of this device.