Apple’s iPhone 17 landed last month and it’s the “standard” flagship in this year’s line-up, sitting below the Pro models and alongside the new iPhone Air. If you want a modern iPhone that feels fast, looks premium and doesn’t climb into Pro-tier prices, this is the one most people should look at first.
But first…do you really need to upgrade right now?
A new iPhone launch always feels exciting, but there’s no need to rush. The iPhone 17 appears strong on paper; however, the best way to judge it is once the first wave of reviews and real-world feedback comes in. Holding off also means you’ll avoid paying full launch price. When refurbished iPhone 17 stock starts arriving at The iOutlet, you’ll get the same device that has been tested, data-wiped, and covered by warranty, but at a lower cost. If your current phone is still running well, waiting a little longer can save you money and help cut down on e-waste.
Headline upgrades at a glance
The iPhone 17 gets a bigger and faster 6.3″ display, tougher Ceramic Shield 2 glass (Apple says 3× better scratch resistance), and a brighter screen for better outdoor use! Inside, there’s the A19 chip with support for Apple’s intelligence features.
Battery life is up too! Apple rates it at up to 30 hours of video playback (27 hours for streaming). Charging is faster, 50% in around 20 minutes with a 40W+ adapter, and you still get MagSafe and Qi2 wireless up to 25W.
Colours: Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, Black and White
Water and dust resistance: IP68
Cameras: familiar setup, sharper results
Apple sticks with a dual-camera system on the back, but both lenses are 48MP this time: a “Fusion” Wide with 1× and 2× optical options, and an upgraded 48MP Ultra Wide that improves low-light shots and supports macro. On the front, there’s an 18MP selfie camera using a square sensor, handy for keeping more of the scene in-frame, whether you’re holding the phone portrait or landscape. You can also record with the front and rear cameras at the same time using Dual Capture too.
Design and feel
No wild redesign here, but the 17 grows slightly to fit the 6.3″ display and trims the bezels. You still get an aluminium frame, frosted glass back and the Dynamic Island up top for Face ID and alerts. The Action button returns on the left, and Camera Control on the right gives you quick access to shooting without diving into apps.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air vs iPhone 17 Pro — which fits you?
- iPhone 17: the sweet spot. 120Hz OLED, strong battery, dual 48MP cameras, all the modern touches at a lower entry price than Pro.
- iPhone Air: thinner and lighter with a bigger 6.5″ display and a titanium frame, but only a single rear camera and slightly leaner battery life. Great if you value feel-in-hand above all else.
- iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max: pay more for the A19 Pro, new thermal design and a triple-camera system. If you shoot a lot (telephoto, ProRes, the works), this is your lane.
If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 12/13/14 or older, the iPhone 17 hits that “feels brand new” experience without forcing you into Pro pricing.
Should you buy new, or wait for refurbished?
New is… new, but if you like keeping more money in your pocket and cutting e-waste, refurbished is a smarter buy for most people once stock starts flowing. You’ll still get a device that’s been fully tested, data-wiped and covered by our warranty – just without the launch-day price tag!
Be first to know when refurbished iPhone 17s drop
We’ll list refurbished iPhone 17 stock as soon as it’s available. Want the heads-up? Join our updates and we’ll let you know the moment iPhone 17 refurbs land, so you can grab one that looks and works like new, for less.
