iPhone 17 Pro One Month Later Review – Still Worth $1,099? My Honest Thoughts
Apple’s new iPhone 17 Pro came with big promises, and honestly, I was a bit skeptical at first. With a starting price of $1,099, it’s stuck right in the middle — not as cheap as the iPhone Air, not as huge as the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
But after using it every day for over a month, I’ve got to say this phone kinda surprised me. It’s not perfect (none really are), but it’s powerful, smooth, and handles just about anything I throw at it.
If you’re still confused about which one to buy — the 17 Pro or the Pro Max — stick around, I’ve got some real talk on that too.
What’s Actually Great About the iPhone 17 Pro
1. Gaming Feels Seriously Next-Level
Let’s start with what blew me away — performance. The new A19 Pro chip is pure muscle. Games like Diablo Immortal and Asphalt Legends run like butter. Even after long gaming sessions, it didn’t heat up like the older models, thanks to the new vapor cooling system.
That 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display? Yeah, it’s bright and sharp, perfect for both gaming and Netflix binges.
| Device | Processor | Geekbench (Single/Multi) | WildLife FPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro | A19 Pro | 3,834 / 9,988 | 158.3 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | A18 Pro | 3,400 / 8,341 | 109.3 |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 3,031 / 9,829 | 161.6 |
| Pixel 10 Pro | Tensor G5 | 2,335 / 6,375 | 79.2 |
Even editing videos in Adobe Premiere Rush felt faster than ever — finishing short clips in around 22 seconds. That’s crazy fast for a phone.
2. Design Looks Familiar but Feels Better
The iPhone 17 Pro doesn’t look massively different, but small design tweaks really make a difference. The new two-tone color and soft curved edges make it more comfy to hold.
I’ve been using the Cosmic Orange version, which some say scratches easily, but mine’s still looking good. Maybe I got lucky, or maybe I just don’t baby my phone that much.
Also, the camera bump is a bit wider now, which somehow makes it look more balanced. Overall, it’s a clean, premium feel — something Apple’s been great at for years.
3. Low Light Photos Are Unreal
Let’s talk about that camera. Apple didn’t add new hardware this time, but the new image processing magic works wonders. In dark conditions, the Night Mode makes pictures look like they were taken in daylight — without that overexposed fake look some Android phones give.
When I compared it with the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro easily kept more detail and more natural colors. For me, that’s what counts.
If you’re into mobile photography, this one’s a real treat.
4. iPhone Air vs iPhone 17 Pro: Not Even Close
Here’s the truth — if you’re choosing between the iPhone Air and the 17 Pro, don’t overthink it. Spend the extra hundred bucks.
The Air might be thinner and lighter, but it’s got a single rear camera, shorter battery life, and a less powerful chip. For that small price difference, you’re getting a lot more value with the 17 Pro.
Bottom line: If you want that true flagship feel, go with the 17 Pro. The Air just doesn’t compete here.
Where iPhone 17 Pro Falls Short
1. Telephoto Zoom is Just… Meh
Apple hyped up the new 48MP telephoto lens, but honestly, I didn’t see much of a difference. They even reduced the optical zoom to 4x, compared to 5x on the last Pro Max.
The photos are fine, but not mind-blowing. If zoom photography is your thing, the Pro Max clearly wins this round.
2. Pricing Feels a Bit Off
Here’s where things get tricky. The iPhone 17 Pro costs $1,099 now, up from $999 before. Sure, you get 256GB storage, but for just $100 more, the Pro Max gives you a bigger screen and 2 extra hours of battery.
Unless you really want a smaller phone, the Pro Max just feels like better value this year.
Quick Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superfast A19 Pro chip
- Beautiful Super Retina XDR screen
- Smooth gaming and multitasking
- Excellent low-light photos
- Stylish two-tone design
Cons:
- Price is slightly too high
- Zoom camera feels downgraded
- Shorter battery life than Pro Max
iPhone 17 Pro vs 17 Pro Max – Small or Big?
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch | 6.7-inch |
| Battery | Up to 18 hrs | Up to 20.5 hrs |
| Camera | Triple 48MP | Triple 48MP |
| Zoom | 4x Optical | 5x Optical |
| Price | $1,099 | $1,199 |
👉 So yeah, if you like compact phones, get the 17 Pro. But if you want more screen and power, go Pro Max.
Final Thoughts: Should You Still Buy It?
After one full month, I can honestly say the iPhone 17 Pro is one of the smoothest phones I’ve ever used. The performance is insane, the camera holds up well, and the design feels premium in hand.
But it’s not cheap, and for that extra $100, the Pro Max gives a lot more juice. Still, for people who prefer something smaller but equally powerful, the 17 Pro is a sweet spot.
It’s not revolutionary, but it’s reliable — and that’s what most of us really want.
FAQs About iPhone 17 Pro
1. Is iPhone 17 Pro worth upgrading from 16 Pro?
Yes, if you care about faster gaming and smoother multitasking. The design and camera are slightly better too.
2. Does it heat up while gaming?
Not really. Apple’s vapor chamber cooling helps a lot. It stays way cooler than last year’s model.
3. iPhone 17 Pro or Galaxy S25 Ultra – which is better?
For low-light photography and software experience, iPhone wins. For zoom and customization, Galaxy does.
4. Is the iPhone 17 Pro battery good?
Pretty solid for a 6.3-inch phone. Lasts a day with moderate use, though the Pro Max lasts a bit longer.
5. Any new design features worth noting?
Yes, the two-tone finish and curved edges feel more polished. It’s a small change but noticeable.
