iPhone 17 Pro

I upgraded from the 15 Pro primarily for the camera improvements, but the thermal management turned out to be the bigger win.

What Actually Matters

Stays cool during 4K/60 capture. No hot edges or throttling. I can shoot longer without the phone heating up my hands.

Screen stays bright outside. Doesn’t dim as aggressively in direct sunlight, so I can actually frame shots properly.

Faster everywhere. Apple Intelligence responses, Xcode builds, app launches. Noticeable across the board.

Camera

The 8× telephoto keeps detail that the 15 Pro’s 5× lost. Skyline shots and distant signage stay sharp and legible.

4× zoom is now my go-to for portraits. Better compression than the main sensor, more flattering results.

Main 1× sensor handles high contrast better. Punchy without blowing highlights.

Ultra wide finally keeps architecture lines straight. Previous generations had noticeable distortion at edges.

What I’m Carrying

Anker Nano Power Bank - 5,000mAh, slim enough for a pocket, USB-C.