What the reviews support
A higher refresh rate improves scrolling and removes an earlier standard-model compromise.
Tom’s GuideTechRadarPhones & tablets / Review roundup
Apple iPhone 17
Standard 2025 model, 256GB; not Pro
Roundup updated 2026-10-03 · 2 assessment sources
What reviewers found
The standard iPhone is easier to live with
A 120Hz screen and larger starting storage address two practical reasons people previously paid for a Pro. The standard 17 still lacks a dedicated telephoto camera. For an older discounted model, the price gap to the current generation matters more than AI features alone.
A roundup of published reviews; we haven’t tested this product. How we work
At a glance
Good for
An iOS phone with a smoother display and more base storage
The catch
No dedicated telephoto camera; expensive versus value Android phones
Where to buy
Current prices are available at the retailer.Check price at Amazon Product search
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Strengths and limitations
Pros
- 120Hz screen
- Larger original base storage
Cons
- No Pro telephoto hardware
- Premium purchase cost
PERFORMANCE
Benchmarks
Web browsing battery endurance
Higher is better · minutes2.7% higher
Google Pixel 9a records 2.7% higher battery endurance than Apple iPhone 17 in this test. This result applies to the selected workload.
Tom’s Guide · original chart & methodology ↗Published Separate 2025 reviews · checked 2026-10-03
Tom’s Guide continuous web-browsing battery test. Pixel 9a: 13h 08m. Standard iPhone 17: 12h 47m. This is measured endurance, not the manufacturer’s video-playback estimate.
Cross-review results, not simultaneous testing. Cellular signal, software, refresh settings and battery age affect real-world endurance; the 21-minute difference does not establish a reliable everyday winner.
Test data and methodology
| Product | Result | Against first measured model |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 9a | 788 | 0% |
| Apple iPhone 17 | 767 | -2.7% |
Bars start at zero. Percentage differences use the displayed baseline; they are not a combined rating. A geometric mean summarizes a suite, not the frame rate of every game. 1% lows describe the slowest portion of frames and help expose uneven delivery. Missing products are never assigned zero.
In depth
What changes the experience
The extra base storage is useful, but choose capacity before purchase.
Tom’s GuideTechRadarBefore you buy
Buy for the phone’s everyday strengths; software AI alone is a weak reason to upgrade.
Tom’s GuideTechRadarReview observations
What reviewers reported in use; these are qualitative observations, not benchmark scores.
Review observation · Reported review observation
Qualitative findingTom’s Guide identifies display and storage improvements as more convincing upgrades than the AI experience; this is an editorial assessment.
Tom’s GuideSpecifications
Check the configuration: memory, storage and cooling can vary between models.
Hardware & configuration
- Chip
- Apple A19
- Storage
- 256 GB selected
- Screen
- 6.3-inch OLED
- Refresh rate
- ProMotion up to 120 Hz
- Always-on display
- Supported
- Main camera
- 48 MP Fusion
Features & compatibility
- Ultrawide camera
- 48 MP
- Front camera
- 18 MP Center Stage
- Dedicated telephoto
- No
- Charging port
- USB-C
- Configuration warning
- Standard iPhone 17; not Pro or Air
Still unknown
- No cross-generation long-term ownership study in this synthesis.
Published reviews & comparisons
TechRadar · Review ·
Apple iPhone 17 review ↗
The standard model becomes more attractive for everyday iOS use; the Pro cameras remain a separate purchase decision.
Test scope
Standard 2025 phone; value and everyday use
Publisher group: Future
Tom’s Guide · Review ·
Apple iPhone 17 review ↗
Display smoothness and increased base storage are more convincing improvements than the AI experience.
Test scope
Standard iPhone 17; camera, display and AI assessment
Publisher group: Future
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