Apple has officially launched its new lineup of smartphones, including the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, which are now available for pre-order. Shipments are scheduled to begin on March 15, 2024. Initial reviews, published shortly after the launch, suggest that Apple has produced a diverse range of devices catering to different budgets and preferences.
iPhone Air: Battery Life and Camera Performance Under Scrutiny
The iPhone Air has sparked discussions primarily regarding its battery life. Nicole Nguyen from the Wall Street Journal noted that the thinner design results in a smaller battery capacity. After using the device throughout a typical day, Nguyen reported that it retained 19 percent battery life by day’s end, stating, “It wasn’t the letdown I had feared.”
In a contrasting view, Allison Johnson from The Verge described the iPhone Air as “isn’t your average phone,” characterizing it as a “big phone with small phone energy.” While she appreciated the design, she expressed concerns about its handling, particularly due to the Ceramic Shield back. Meanwhile, Raymond Wong of Gizmodo highlighted the camera’s capabilities, noting that the rear camera is well-suited for social media, although he wished for additional lens options. The 18MP Center Stage selfie camera was praised as a standout feature, enhancing the quality of horizontal shots.
iPhone 17: A Step Forward in Display and Performance
Reviewers have expressed excitement over the iPhone 17’s enhancements, particularly its display. David Phelan from The Standard remarked on the introduction of ProMotion technology to the standard model, claiming that the iPhone 17 is “no longer the country cousin” compared to Android competitors with 120Hz screens. He also lauded the always-on display feature as an “excellent consequence” of the upgrade.
John Velasco from Tom’s Guide was impressed by the performance of the A19 chip, noting that it matches the performance of the iPhone 17 Pro’s A19 Pro chip for basic tasks. He highlighted significant improvements in GPU performance, particularly in graphics benchmarks.
Abrar Al-Heeti of CNET focused on the camera capabilities of the iPhone 17, specifically the 48MP wide-angle and ultrawide lenses. She concluded that these features help the device “make a case for itself,” with the 12-megapixel telephoto images maintaining a solid level of detail.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Bold Design Choices and Camera Versatility
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max also received significant attention for their innovative designs. YouTuber iJustine noted Apple’s “bold choice” in color options, showcasing the new Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue models, which draw inspiration from the Apple Watch Ultra.
HSALS at Geek Culture provided insights into the performance of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which shares the A19 Pro chip with the iPhone 17 Pro. The review reported marginal improvements in CPU performance compared to the previous A18 Pro, with Geekbench scores of 3,547 for single-core and 8,953 for multi-core performance.
Cherlynn Low from Engadget described the camera system on the iPhone 17 Pro as “impressively versatile,” delivering images rich in detail and vibrant colors. However, she noted some challenges with the dual-camera feature, citing difficulties in optimal positioning while capturing images. Despite this, she acknowledged its utility as a valuable tool for users.
As the iPhone 17 series becomes available, it is clear that Apple has tailored its offerings to meet a variety of consumer needs, from budget-conscious users to photography enthusiasts. The diverse range of features across models indicates a strategic approach to maintaining competitiveness in a crowded smartphone market.
