Apple iPhone 17 Pro (256GB, Deep Blue)

Why we picked it

• Pro-grade cameras for photos that look studio-shot
• The brightest, smoothest iPhone display yet
• All-day battery and blazing speed

Our verdict

Buy it if you want the most capable iPhone camera and the smoothest, brightest screen, and you tend to keep a phone for several years. If you mostly text, browse, and shoot the occasional photo, a standard iPhone does nearly all of the same things for a good bit less.

What we like

• The camera is the real reason to pick the Pro: the dedicated telephoto and low-light shots are a clear step up from the non-Pro models, and there are more manual controls if you want them
• The high-refresh display makes scrolling and animation look smooth, and it gets bright enough to stay readable outdoors in direct sun
• Apple typically supports its phones with software updates for years, so it stays current long after launch
• 256GB is a sensible starting size — room for a large photo library and a fair amount of 4K video without jumping to a higher tier

Worth knowing

• It's a large, heavy phone, and the flat edges can dig into your hand — harder to use one-handed than smaller, lighter models
• You're paying a premium mainly for camera and display features that a lot of casual users won't push day to day
• If you already own last year's Pro, the year-over-year change is modest rather than dramatic

Who it's for: People who shoot a lot of photos and video, want the best zoom and a flagship-grade screen, and plan to hold onto the phone for several years.

Who should skip it: Anyone who just wants a great everyday iPhone is better served by the standard model or a cheaper sibling, and can pocket the difference.

Frequently asked