iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: Still fresh
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: Still loving the phone
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More than three months have passed since the launch of Apple's iPhone 17 Pro, and I've been using it daily. It's still the best choice and balance of size, cost, battery life, and features.
Usually, I don't have much consternation as to which iPhone to buy. I always gravitate towards the Pro as I appreciate the better cameras and more powerful processors.
Over the last several years, the draw of the Pro has minimized, though, as all the recent A-series chips are quite powerful, and the main camera sensor is mostly the same. Even features like the Action Button, Apple Intelligence, and the Camera Control come to all flagship models.
This time, I had a real choice to make with the compact form factor of the iPhone Air or the iPhone 17 Pro. Clearly, the iPhone 17 Pro ended up winning, but I've also continued to use the iPhone Air.
Over the last few months, I've had plenty of time to evaluate the iPhone 17 Pro on its own, as an upgrade, and even how it compares to the iPhone Air. For me, it comes down to design, performance, and cameras.
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: Design
Picking up the iPhone 17 Pro every day, I love it. To me, it is easily one of the best-designed iPhones ever — or best-designed smartphones ever.
I'm in love with how the metal wraps around the back, which gives a more seamless look, feels great in the hand, and adds durability. If I'd ever drop this phone — unless it hit square on the back — it would make contact with the metal corners rather than the glass.
Ceramic Shield 2 also adds strength to the display. It is more antireflective and durable, preventing some of the smaller scratches that plagued my older iPhones.
iiPhone 17 Pro review three months later: The silver pops in dark-colored or leather cases
Even though I waffled on either Cosmic Orange or silver, I'm glad I chose the latter. It's so clean and looks great on its own, or with the white camera bump poking through a case.
I'm very aware that people miss having a black phone, but I have always believed the white and silver was more Apple.
Unlike over the last several years, this phone still feels new after months of use because of this fresh design. It's still an iPhone, but it looks more identifiable than ever.
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: Performance
Powering the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple's A19 Pro chip. Day-to-day, the iPhone 17 Pro feels only marginally faster than its predecessor.
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: iOS 26 still has a tendency to lag at times
If anything, it makes the animations of iOS 26 a bit smoother. That said, iOS 26 still stutters from time to time, like when I invoke Control Center.
Where the processor is most notable is while playing games. We've had a few big titles make the jump to iPhone as of late.
There was Assassin's Creed Mirage in 2024 and Hit Man World of Assassination and Red Dead Redemption in 2025. I hope that trend continues into 2026.
The shading, lighting, graphics, and load times are all very impressive for what would be console-level games. They, of course, aren't all brand-new titles, but it's impressive nonetheless.
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: Playing Red Dead Redemption on my iPhone 17 Pro with the MCON controller
These games load faster and run more smoothly on my iPhone 17 Pro than on my iPhone 16 Pro. The phone also stays noticeably cooler during play.
Apple is very proud of its liquid cooling feature for iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, and I see why. Whether I'm playing games or charging my phone, it rarely gets that hot.
Compared to the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro runs significantly cooler. It's not even close, which means there is higher performance and faster charging before accounting for the other upgraded internals.
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: Cameras
There are still three rear-facing cameras on iPhone 17 Pro. All 48MP, there is an ultra-wide lens, a wide lens, and an 8X telephoto lens for users to choose from.
I've said it in past reviews, but I don't use the ultra-wide or telephoto lenses nearly as much as you'd think I do. They're still important to me to have available, but not daily necessities.
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: I've taken a lot of photos and videos with iPhone 17 Pro, like here on the Peak Design Pro Tripod
The primary camera is the one that I use constantly, and that didn't get much of an upgrade with the iPhone 17 Pro. All my photos still look amazing with it, which makes me happy.
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: In tight spots, you can use the ultra wide lens to still get amazing shots
I wish the telephoto lens perhaps had a bit better performance in low light, but that's basically my only criticism of the cameras. I use the ultra-wide more than the tele, which is finally 48MP, too.
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: Love the upgraded Center Stage camera
Probably the biggest upgrade that I've noticed in the cameras is the selfie cam. It is now an 18MP square sensor.
You can shoot landscape portraits without rotating your phone. The Center Stage camera automatically adjusts the crop and aspect ratio based on how many people are in the photo.
I take many selfies with friends, family, and my kids, and I quickly noticed they were easier to take and looked better. It's a fun upgrade I use constantly.
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: Compared to iPhone Air
Even now, the iPhone Air remains the more fun phone to use. The form factor is delightful, and it feels great every time I pick it up.
It is thin and light, yet still powerful. Even cases for the iPhone Air are more fun from Apple and third parties.
I love the bumper case Apple made and wish it existed for iPhone 17 Pro. Instead, Apple only sells TechWoven, clear, or silicone cases.
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: iPhone Air is amazing, but I still went pro
When I have both phones on my desk in front of me, I am picking up the iPhone Air. Yet, I still don't regret my decision to choose the iPhone 17 Pro as my primary phone.
iPhone Air
I do like the best-quality gaming experience, and when I'm filming or working remotely, I do like the extra battery life. I think the liquid cooling is nice to have available.
When I'm at an Apple Event, trying to film and upload content on questionable networks, my phone gets feisty. There is no way the iPhone Air would handle those tenuous situations without locking up.
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: Cinematic Mode is MIA on iPhone Air
I did end up missing Cinematic Mode on the Air for certain filming. I use it for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and videos with the kids; without it, the background can be distracting.
Possibly due to heat concerns, the iPhone Air lacks Cinematic Mode entirely. This is one feature I hope Apple adds to the iPhone Air 2, should a second come to market.
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: A comparison of portrait mode on iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro
With one camera, Apple also has to rely purely on software for its Portrait photos. With at least two cameras, Apple is able to create a 3D stereoscopic effect to better gauge the depth.
When I took photos of some irregular objects or non-humans, the iPhone 17 Pro did just a bit better at identifying the edges. Like the photo of my third morning coffee, where the iPhone Air had a little more blur around the top edges of the can.
You can see slight differences in portrait mode between iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air
It's nitpicky, but something I notice as a photographer who pushes the bounds of what mobile cameras can do. On the wide shot, you don't notice it at all, but it's when you get close that you see the extra fuzziness.
I feel better now about choosing the iPhone 17 Pro, but the iPhone Air is still so tempting. It's just a great phone to use, and the weight cannot be beaten.
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: Summary
Three months in, I'm loving the iPhone 17 Pro. It feels like one of the biggest leaps ever for the iPhone.
If you are coming from an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 generation device, I think you'd love what iPhone 17 Pro has to offer. Unless you're waiting for 2026's rumored foldable, this one is a solid choice to jump to.
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later: I love the silver color this year
Camera Control is incredibly quick to open the Camera app and take photos. The design is fresh, clean, and durable.
It's super fast and cool with 25W Qi2.2 charging, A19 Pro chip, USB 3.0 data speeds, and the cameras are super versatile to use. I have almost nothing to complain about except that I'd love to see a nano-texture finish option at some point.
Even moving from the iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro is a standout device.
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later - pros
- Design still feels & looks great with better durability
- Center Stage camera is a big win
- Liquid cooling has been clutch
- Phenomenal performance
- Cinematic Mode is great
- Portrait shots look better than on iPhone Air
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later - cons
- Still waiting on more Apple Intelligence features
- Tele lens could do better in low light
- Want a nano-texture finish option
iPhone 17 Pro review three months later rating: 4.5 out of 5
Where to buy Apple's iPhone 17 Pro at a discount
Wireless carriers are offering incentives on the iPhone 17 range, with the best iPhone 17 Pro prices providing up to $1,100 in bill credits.
Here's a roundup of the top iPhone deals at press time:
- T-Mobile: Get up to $1,100 off an iPhone 17 Pro with a qualifying trade in any condition and eligible plan*
- AT&T: Get an iPhone 17 Pro for as low as $0/mo with a qualifying trade and unlimited plan*
- Verizon: Get 4 iPhone 17 Pros on Verizon with 4 new lines on Unlimited Welcome and Auto Pay* *Terms and conditions apply, and offers are subject to change. Please see the carrier's site for details.
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