iPhone 17 & Air: A Balance of Innovation and Cost, According too Deco Proteste
Apple’s latest iPhone lineup – the iPhone 17, Pro models, and the new iPhone Air – presents a familiar trade-off: premium quality at a premium price. While Apple has been recognized as the “Best brand of smartphones” by Deco Proteste (https://www.deco.proteste.pt/tecnologia/telemoveis/noticias/quais-sao-melhores-marcas-smartphones), the cost remains a meaningful barrier for many consumers.
The standard iPhone 17 starts at €989 for the 256GB version, rising to €1239 for 512GB. The Pro model begins at €1349 (256GB),with the top-tier Pro Max (2TB) reaching a substantial €2499,clearly aimed at professional users. The iPhone Air enters the market at a minimum price of €1249 for the 256GB configuration. Notably, the “Ultrafines” (likely referring to the standard iPhone 17 models) offer a datasheet that falls below comparable models from previous generations, particularly in camera performance and battery life, representing a situation were “the little thickness is paid [for]” with reduced specifications.
enhanced Camera Capabilities
A key area of betterment lies in the camera systems.The iPhone Air boasts an 18MP front camera with a larger sensor and “Center Stage” functionality, eliminating the need to reposition the device during selfies for wider angles and greater flexibility. Users can now record concurrently with both front and rear cameras without needing third-party applications.
All new iPhone models feature rear cameras with resolutions up to 48MP, though the number of lenses and sensors varies.The iPhone Pro Max delivers the best overall camera performance. The Pro Max also supports video recording in up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (FPS) with dolby Vision, enhancing brightness, contrast, and color.
Performance and Display Upgrades
Powering the new iPhones is the A19 (and A19 Pro) processor. Apple claims the A19 Pro is up to 40% faster than the processor found in the iPhone 14 Pro.
The iPhone Air’s display is a significant upgrade, featuring a Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3000 nits, promising superior image quality. The inclusion of an “always on display” feature, while not new to the market, represents a notable advancement for Apple.
AI and Software – Incremental Updates
The integrated “Apple Intelligence” tools offer primarily basic features, without substantial changes from previous releases. A highly anticipated integration with the Siri voice assistant remains unrealized. The new devices will ship with iOS 26, which introduces increased personalization options, including a feature called Liquid glass offering alternative design choices, signaling a gradual move away from the brand’s iconic flat design.