The Apple iPhone 17: What It Is, How Much It Costs, and How It Compares to Other Flagships

Since its release, the Apple iPhone 17 has already made headlines. With upgrades in display, camera, chip, and storage, it promises a lot. But how much value does it offer compared to rival devices? In this article, we will cover its key features, pricing (including in Pakistan), and a detailed comparison with other leading phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25. By the end, you should have a clear idea whether it is worth upgrading.



Highlights Feathers of the iPhone 17



  • Here are the main technical and user-facing features that set the iPhone 17 apart:


  • Processor and Performance

The iPhone 17 is powered by the new A19 Bionic chip built on a 3-nanometer fabrication process.  This brings improvements in performance and efficiency, especially for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and AI-enhanced functions.  (Tech Juice)



  • Display
    The phone features a 6.3-inch LPO excellent Retina XDR OLED panel. It supports Promotion 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which makes scrolling smoother and animations more fluid. Brightness levels are reportedly up to 3000 nits peak under certain conditions, beneficial in strong daylight. (Apple Gadgets

  • Camera System
      Dual rear cameras: both are 48MP (main + ultrawide). On the front, an 18MP “Center Stage” camera is included, with improvements in auto framing. Night modes, color accuracy, and video capture have also been enhanced. (Tech Radar)

  • Battery and Charging
    Battery capacity is around 3,692 mAh for the base model. Charging speed is notably faster than previous base models: wired fast charging around 40W, plus improvements in wireless charging. Real-life battery life holds up well for regular use. (Tech Juice)


  • Storage and RAM
    Base storage starts at 256 GB, with a higher option of 512 GB. RAM for the base iPhone 17 is 8 GB. These are strong specs for a standard (non-Pro) model in Apple’s lineup. (Tech Juice)

  • Software and Ecosystem

 iOS 26, which is included with the iPhone 17, includes improved AI features, user experience enhancements, and updated privacy controls. New interface design elements (sometimes called “Liquid Glass”) are also part of the refresh. Apple continues to emphasize long-term software support. (Android Central)


  • Design and Colors
    The device retains premium materials (glass, metal) with improvements in durability such as Ceramic Shield 2.  It comes in black, white, mist blue, lavender, and sage colors. (Tech Juice)

Pricing

Here is what we know so far about the price of iPhone 17 globally and specifically in Pakistan:

Global / US Price

  • Global / US Price
    The base iPhone 17 starts at US$799 for the 256 GB model. Higher storage options cost more. (Tom's Guide)

  • Indian Price
    In India, the 256 GB version is priced around ₹82,900. The 512 GB variant goes up to around ₹1,02,900. (mint)

  • Price in Pakistan
    In Pakistan, the non-PTA 256 GB / 8 GB version is priced around Rs 325,000, with higher storage models being more expensive. Depending on import taxes or PTA registration, the final cost in the market may vary. (Tech Juice)


Comparative Study with the Galaxy S25

To better understand what the iPhone 17 offers, we compare it with one of its main rivals: the Galaxy S25.  Key specs and features are compared side by side below.

Feature

Apple iPhone 17

Samsung Galaxy S25

Display

6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, ~3000 nits peak brightness

6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, somewhat lower peak brightness (~2600 nits) (Apple Gadgets)

RAM / Storage

8 GB of RAM, with options of 512 GB and 256 GB.

12 GB RAM; base storage sometimes 128 GB, higher tiers 256-512 GB (Android Central)


Battery & Charging

~3,692 mAh; ~40W wired fast charging; good wireless charging improvements

~4,000 mAh battery; slower wired charging; solid battery life in endurance tests (PhoneArena)

Camera

Dual 48 MP rear; 18 MP front; optimized for color balance, video, low light

More camera versatility (triple-camera setups in some variants), higher megapixels in some sensors, sometimes telephoto lens included (Android Central)

Software & AI Features

iOS 26; Apple Intelligence; strong privacy

One UI 7 on Android; stronger AI feature set in some cases; more customization possible (mint)

Price

Generally higher base storage; premium pricing

Sometimes slightly cheaper in some configurations; more options to choose from Â(Beebom Gadgets)


Pros and Cons

Every phone has its strong and weak points. Here’s a balanced look:

Pros of iPhone 17

  • Excellent display quality, especially in sunlight.

  • Strong performance due to the A19 chip, especially in single-core tasks.

  • Base storage of 256 GB is generous for non-Pro models.

  • Apple’s software ecosystem: long update support, tight hardware-software integration.

  • Premium build, multiple color options, improved design durability.

Cons of iPhone 17

  • RAM is lower than that of some rival phones (eight gigabytes versus twelve gigabytes).

  • Charging speeds, while improved, are not the fastest in class.

  • Battery capacity is decent but not top-class, especially when matched with heavy use or compared to phones with larger battery packs.

  • Price is high in many markets, especially when taxes, import duties are included.


Who ought to buy the iPhone 17?

To help you decide, here are the types of users who will get the most from iPhone 17:

 Users upgrading from iPhone 14 or older — big improvements in display and performance will feel like big steps.

  • Photo and video enthusiasts who don’t require heavy zoom telephoto lenses but want better color, low-light, and video quality.

  • People who value long-term software support and ecosystem benefits (e.g. integration with Mac, iPad, Apple Watch).


  • Those willing to pay a premium for build quality, brand value, and durability.

And who might consider other phones:

  • If your priority is telephoto zoom, extreme battery life, or more RAM for multitasking, some Android competitors may offer better value

  • If you care a lot about how much you pay in your country after all taxes and duties, price differences may shift the value equation.


Final Verdict

With some of the highest-quality materials, improvements to the display, and enhancements to the camera in its class, the Apple iPhone 17 is a robust and refined upgrade. For many users, it strikes a good balance of features and luxury.  However, buyers looking for bleeding-edge battery capacity, extremely fast wired charging, or telephoto lenses may find alternative options that suit them better.

 Given its premium price, the iPhone 17 is especially appealing for those who care about longevity, performance, and a polished user experience.  If you want the best “all-rounder” 


iPhone (non-Pro) right now, this is probably it. But as always, check regional pricing and any import/registration fees in your country before deciding.

 

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