iPhone 17 review Singapore: Best of the bunch

By Georgia Dixon

Last updated 02 October 2025

iPhone 17

Our verdict

After years of iterative updates, the iPhone 17 feels like a giant leap forward. No longer the compromise for those whose budget won't stretch to a Pro model, the iPhone 17 more than holds its own, and in my opinion, is the best pick of the lineup.

From $1,399 RRP

What we love

120Hz display, finally
Upgraded cameras
Fantastic battery life

What could be improved

No dedicated telephoto lens
No more Plus model

The essentials

Performance

Exceptionally speedy. Handles multiple demanding tasks with ease.

Battery

At least as good as the iPhone 16, with around eight hours of screen time.

Screen

Bigger, brighter, and finally with a 120Hz ProMotion display.

Camera

Noticeably improved, but still only 2x optical zoom.

View on Shopee

I've tested and reviewed every iPhone since 2020, with the exception of the iPhone 12. Seeing each model back-to-back like that over the years, I've been able to see up close just how incremental Apple's upgrades have become.

Normally, it's a new feature or two, a couple of cosmetic changes, and that's all she wrote. Fortunately, this year Apple has broken the mould, and the result is arguably the best iPhone we've seen to date.

The iPhone 17 is the first iPhone in years that feels like a giant leap, instead of the usual small step.

iPhone 17 plans Singapore

In the market for a new iPhone plan? Here's how much the iPhone 17 will set you back on a plan through Singtel, StarHub, and M1.

#1	Singtel	Singtel Enhanced XS 5G+ 80GB data Singtel 5G network Contract (24 mths) 100 Minutes 100 Messages Deal: Enjoy up to $685 OFF this device including device discount, and other special offers $62/mth + $657.70 Upfront Min. cost $2,145.70 Go	$62/mth + $657.70 Upfront Min. cost $2,145.70	Go
#2	M1	M1 50GB Bespoke Contract 50GB data M1 5G network Contract (24 mths) 300 Minutes 300 Messages Deal: M1 Exclusive Accessories Gift Pack (worth $351) with new/port-in sign ups + $100 off any device on new Bespoke Contract Plan $62.95/mth + $491 Upfront Min. cost $2,001.80 Go	$62.95/mth + $491 Upfront Min. cost $2,001.80	Go
#3	StarHub	StarHub Medium 5G SIM Only 150GB data StarHub 5G network Device Payments (24 mths) 1000 Minutes 500 Messages Deal: Trade in for extra $200 bonus cashback $76.13 Min. cost $1,321.12 Go	$76.13 (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,321.12	Go

What we like about the iPhone 17

A 120Hz display, finally. One of my biggest gripes with iPhones over the last few years has been the lack of a 120Hz display. The Pro models have had it since 2021, and most Android phones (both flagship and mid-range) have had it since 2020. While it's frustrating that it took so long to come to the base iPhone, it's a welcome addition.

The iPhone 17's ProMotion display is as smooth as butter, and it's immediately noticeable coming from a base iPhone 16 or earlier, particularly when scrolling and playing mobile games. It's also got the same 3,000-nit peak outdoor brightness and Always-On ability as the Pro and Pro Max, making every display in the iPhone 17 lineup functionally identical for the first time ever.

Better durability in dreamy pastel shades. This year, every member of the iPhone 17 also gets the new Ceramic Shield 2 front, which, according to Apple, is three times as scratch-resistant as its predecessor. During testing, I didn't bother with a screen protector, and after a week, there's not a scuff or scratch to be found.

Although the design of the iPhone 17 has mostly been copy-pasted from last year, the bezels are thinner than ever, allowing for a 6.3-inch screen (up from 6.1 inches), and the colours are cuter than ever. Joining the usual Black and White options are three delightful pastel hues: Lavender, Sage, and Mist Blue.

Substantial camera upgrades. Both the front and rear cameras have been updated this year, and both are noticeably improved. Around the back, the 48MP Fusion main lens remains, but the 12MP ultrawide has been swapped for the same 48MP Fusion ultrawide lens found on the Pro and Pro Max. As a result, the quality is better than ever, even in low-light conditions, with rich, realistic colours across the board. The selfie camera has also been boosted from 12MP to an 18MP square sensor that allows for easy selfies in both portrait and landscape mode.

iPhone 17 camera samples

Check out these camera samples taken on the iPhone 17. Click or tap on any photo to see a larger version.

Powerful, in more ways than one. The iPhone 17 has no trouble carrying me through a full day of watching videos, playing mobile games, online shopping, and chatting with friends. Since I was stuck in bed with a cold while testing this phone, I was averaging seven to eight hours of screen time. Even after that, I'd still wind up with about 20% battery left over, with a recharge back to full taking less than an hour. The A19 chip isn't noticeably speedier than its predecessor, but again, it's more than up to both basic and more demanding tasks.

What we dislike about the iPhone 17

No standalone telephoto lens. As much as I've raved about the iPhone 17's cameras, there is one downside, and that's the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens. It's a shame when you consider that competitors, like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 10, both have one, allowing for optical quality at greater than 2x, which the iPhone 17 is limited to.

No more 'Plus' model. Almost every generation of iPhone since 2014 has included a Plus model for those who want a bit more screen real estate but can't justify the price of a Pro Max. This year, it's been replaced by the iPhone Air, which comes with a whole new set of benefits and compromises, not to mention a higher price. What this means is that anyone looking for more than the base iPhone 17's 6.3-inch display will have to pay at least $300 more for the privilege.

iPhone 17 - Final thoughts

For the first time in years, it's been hard to find fault with Apple's most basic member of the iPhone flagship lineup. The iPhone 17 rights so many wrongs, bringing some much-needed camera and display upgrades, and considering the 128GB model has been axed, you're also getting what is essentially a price cut. The result is not only the best value iPhone in years, but the best choice out of the entire iPhone 17 lineup for most people.