Ultimate iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro buying guide with best cases and accessories
Apple’s “Awe Dropping” keynote brought the spotlight back to iPhone, introducing the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, along with a new iPhone Air. Its silhouette may look familiar, but this update is far from incremental. The new iPhone 17 line is brighter, tougher, and smarter in ways that immediately set it apart from its predecessor.
Today, we’ll look at the new 2025 iPhone release, discussing everything from the new A19 and A19 Pro chips to the insane 3000 nits brightness, the highest ever in an iPhone. And, we’ll look at some certified MAGEASY ways you can protect your new phone.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 - What Changed
Before we dive into everything, here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown of the differences between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17.
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max | iPhone Air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Sizes | 6.1” | 6.3” (Pro), 6.9” (Pro Max) | 6.5” |
| Display | XDR ProMotion 120Hz | XDR ProMotion 120Hz | XDR ProMotion 120Hz |
| Weight | 199g | 204g (Pro), 231g (Pro Max) | 165g |
| Frame Material | Titanium | Aluminum | Titanium |
| Front Cameras | 12MP TrueDepth | 18MP Center Stage | 18MP Center Stage |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP Main + 48MP Ultra-Wide + 12MP Telephoto | 48MP Main + 48MP Ultra-Wide + 12MP Telephoto (Triple Fusion) | 48MP Fusion Main |
| Colors | Natural Titanium, Black, White, Blue | Silver, Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue | Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, Sky Blue |
| Capacity | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB (Pro Max) | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Chipset | A18 Pro | A19 Pro | A19 Pro |
| Battery Life (Video) | ~27 hrs | ~39 hrs (Pro), 31 hrs (Pro Max) | ~27 hrs |
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 full comparison - specs, design, battery, and camera upgrades
| Feature | iPhone 16 / 16 Plus | iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Sizes | 6.1”, 6.7” (16 Plus) | 6.3” |
| Display | XDR (60Hz) | XDR ProMotion 120Hz |
| Weight | 170g, 199g (16 Plus) | 177g |
| Frame Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Front Cameras | 12MP TrueDepth | 18MP Center Stage |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP Main + 12MP Ultra-Wide | 48MP Main + 48MP Ultra-Wide (Dual Fusion) |
| Colors | Blue, Pink, Green, Black, Yellow | Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, Black |
| Capacity | 128GB, 256GB (16 Plus) | 256GB, 512GB |
| Chipset | A18 | A19 |
| Battery Life (Video) | ~22 hrs, ~27 hr (16 Plus) | ~30 hrs |
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 full comparison - specs, design, battery, and camera upgrades
A Bigger, Brighter Window to Everything
The new iPhone 17 sports a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display, gaining ProMotion for the first time on a non-Pro iPhone. This allows for refresh rates up to 120Hz for buttery-smooth scrolling, while dropping down to 1Hz when inactive.
Brightness was the next improvement. All iPhones introduced in this lineup have a screen that can reach a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. That’s 1,000 more than the iPhone 16. This makes the phone significantly easier to read outdoors and better for HDR content indoors.
On top of that, it’s more resilient, featuring Apple’s Ceramic Shield 2 screen technology for 3x protection against scratches. However, it’s not impervious to shock damage, and it's better protected with one of the best drop-proof iPhone cases from the Odyssey iPhone Case series. Complete it with an iPhone 17 screen protector and you have total peace of mind.
What’s New With the iPhone Update?
Both iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro switch back to aluminum from titanium, which could be seen as a step back. Apple states that the aluminum unibody structure on the iPhone 17 Pro is designed to efficiently move heat away from the A19 Pro chip, helping prevent performance drops under heavy load.
In terms of weight, these new phones are actually heavier than their predecessors, with the iPhone 17 weighing 177 grams (up from the 16’s 170) and the 17 Pro weighing 204 grams (up from the 16 Pro’s 199). One smaller detail of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max is that the Apple logo has shifted lower. As such, while most MagSafe cases would normally obscure it, several of our new C-ring designs allow the logo to remain visible while still supporting MagSafe charging.
iPhone Air: The Thinnest iPhone Ever
iPhone Air - thinnest iPhone 2025 with lightweight titanium body and 5.64mm design
Apple also debuted the newest iPhone Air, the thinnest iPhone ever made, measuring just 5.64mm and weighing 165 grams. Unlike the iPhone 17, it’s rocking a titanium frame with a Ceramic Shield 2 front and Ceramic Shield back. It’s clear Apple is emphasizing portability and lightness with the iPhone Air, the same slim-and-light approach echoed by our Lyte M ultra-thin case, which can provide a layer of protection to the iPhone Air while complementing its slim form factor.
Colors and Finishes
iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air lineup - 2025 Apple iPhone models
The iPhone 17 color options have been refreshed, too. The iPhone 17 comes in lavender, sage, mist blue, white, and black, while the iPhone 17 Pro is available in silver, cosmic orange, and deep blue. The iPhone Air also gets its own colors, including space black, cloud white, light gold, and sky blue.
Better Cameras
The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air all use an 18MP Center Stage front camera. The iPhone 17 and iPhone Air feature a 48MP Fusion system main camera, with the Pro and Pro Max getting the superior 48MP Pro Fusion system.
Here are some other changes:
- iPhone 17 Pro introduces a Triple Fusion system, including 48MP Main, 48MP Ultra-Wide, and 12MP Fusion Telephoto with 8x zoom, a feature initially leaked and then confirmed.
- Record up to 4K at 60 fps on the iPhone 17, and 120 fps on the iPhone 17 Pro.
- Use dual capture to capture yourself and the world around you up to 4K at 30 fps.
Performance and Power
iPhone 17 Pro A19 chip performance upgrade with vapor cooling system for thermal efficiency
Now let’s look under the hood. The new iPhone 17 comes equipped with the A19 chip, and iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max use the A19 Pro. The A19 chip may still have the same 6-core setup, but its performance cores have been upgraded to handle tasks faster, and its efficiency cores have been improved for streamlined handling of tasks and battery management. The included 5-core GPU aids with faster image handling.
Apple also promises us a 40% higher sustained GPU performance over the A18 Pro chip. And the 16-core Neural Engine on each makes the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro ready to tackle the demands of AI, faster and more efficiently. Another welcome addition is Bluetooth 6, allowing for faster data transfers, longer range, and lower latency, as well as the presence of USB 3 on the Pro and Pro Max, enabling 20x faster data transfers.
The Best iPhone 17 Cases & Accessories from MAGEASY
MAGEASY iPhone 17 cases with stylish designs and military-grade drop protection
We couldn’t end this introduction to the new iPhone 17 without some recommendations on how to protect it. MAGEASY is a premium iPhone 17 case brand with an extensive range of the best iPhone 17 cases, perfectly designed to protect your device.
Odyssey Ultra M & Odyssey iPhone Case Collections
A premium iPhone 17 case line featuring military-grade protection, aviation-grade aluminum, and 360-degree rotating stands. The Odyssey Ultra is one of the best shockproof iPhone cases on the market and can provide protection against drops from as high as 25 ft, while other Odyssey cases resist up to 20 ft. This iPhone 17 case with a stand comes ready with shock-absorbed corners and a detachable Fidlock strap. It’s perfect for adventurers who want uncompromising protection.
Pouch M Wallet Phone Case with Lanyard
A versatile 2-in-1 detachable case and coin purse for the iPhone 17. Perfect for storing cards, cash, and keys while enjoying two-way carry options and MagSafe compatibility. The two-way carry options let you hold it horizontally or vertically to match your preferred style, and the removable strap keeps your hands free. If you need an iPhone 17 case with a lanyard, the Pouch M remains one of the best to wear rather than hold.
Roam M Protective Case with Lanyard
Blending a trendy, athleisure design focus with everyday functionality, the Roam M is our best crossbody case, built for those who want style and convenience along with protection. Made with portability in mind, the Roam M has a built-in design for crossbody straps, making it the ideal hands-free solution when you’re on the go. It’s available in several colors, including coral, midnight/riverside blue, mist/mist gray, and transparent/black.
Lyte M Ultra Light Phone Case
The Lyte M offers an ultra-thin 0.70mm profile for a near bare-device experience, with a matte finish that stops fingerprints from sticking to your case. Independent metal buttons provide responsive control, and specifically designed camera cutouts minimize accidental touches. It comes with a built-in magnetic ring, making it compatible with MagSafe accessories.
Bright M Never Yellowing Protective Clear Case
Our Bright M line is made to keep your phone safe while showing off its natural colors. Made from SGS-tested PC with 192-hour anti-yellowing protection, the case also features a MagSafe ring in the same color as the new iPhone, blending seamlessly into the design while showing off the Apple logo for Pro/Pro Max devices. Its 2.7mm frame provides up to 16-foot drop protection, while independent metal buttons allow for responsive control.
Foulard M Bracelet Protective Case
The Foulard M combines a premium leather case with a scarf-inspired strap. Offering 16-ft drop protection, it’s a stylish but strong case that looks as good as it protects. Strap the phone around your hand for a firm grip, or use it as a wrist strap for easy hands-free carrying.
Lenz Sapphire Camera Lens Protector
Protecting an often forgotten part of your iPhone, our Lenz range is designed to protect your iPhone 17’s camera. It features an ultra-durable synthetic sapphire for scratch resistance, reinforced with top-tier metal frames and PVD MAX vacuum coating. IP68-certified waterproofing, triple anti-smudge, high-transparency coating, and a dual-layer fixation process mean that this iPhone 17 lens protector will keep your camera protected and crystal clear.
Vetro Screen Protector
Vetro Screen Protector Series features 9H tempered glass with a slim 0.33mm profile for strong scratch resistance, clear visibility, and responsive touch. A nano-coating resists fingerprints and smudges. The Vetro Privacy version adds a 56° viewing angle for screen privacy. Both include tools for easy, bubble-free installation, ideal for iPhone 17 users seeking durable protection, anti-smudge, and privacy-ready solution.