Which Apple phone takes the crown in 2025 as the top iPhone?
Apple has announced its latest iPhone series, the iPhone 17, set to launch on September 9. While the iPhone 16 series is still making waves, attention is already turning to the iPhone 17, promising significant upgrades and new features across all models.
Expected Specifications and Features
The iPhone 17 series is set to refine performance with new chips and RAM upgrades. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will feature the new A19 chip, while the Pro and Pro Max models will get the upgraded A19 Pro chip for enhanced performance. All Pro models and possibly the Pro Max will have 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB in the iPhone 16 Pro series, to support advanced AI features.
In terms of display, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to have a 6.6-inch or 6.7-inch OLED display with a full-length camera bar and a single lens, making it the slimmest Apple phone at about 5.4mm thick. Pro models will continue with ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate) and possibly larger displays.
The camera is another area of focus, with the iPhone 17 Pro models upgrading the front camera to 24MP (from 12MP) and the telephoto rear camera to a 48MP sensor with up to 8x optical zoom. The Air model is expected with a single 48MP main rear camera and a 24MP front camera.
Connectivity improvements include the iPhone 17 Air being one of the first to feature Apple’s in-house 5G modem (C1 modem), though this chip currently supports sub-6GHz 5G and not the fastest mmWave. Wi-Fi 7 is expected across the entire lineup supported by Apple’s new custom Wi-Fi chip, enhancing speed and efficiency. Bluetooth 5.3 is also expected.
Design and SIM Changes
The iPhone 17 Air will likely have no physical SIM tray globally, continuing Apple’s eSIM-only approach. An Apple Watch Ultra–style antenna wrapping around the rear camera bump is expected on Pro models for improved 5G and mmWave stability.
Cooling and Battery Improvements
Pro models may include a new vapor chamber cooling system to manage heat more effectively, replacing traditional heat sinks to avoid performance throttling due to overheating. Apple is reportedly building its own batteries for the first time in the iPhone 17 series, promising significant performance improvements and possibly easier battery replacement through new glue technology.
Faster Wireless Charging
Faster wireless charging is anticipated using the Qi 2.2 standard via MagSafe, enhancing charging speeds compared to prior models.
The iPhone 15: A Value-for-Money Option
Despite the arrival of the iPhone 16 series, the iPhone 15 continues to be the best-value iPhone in 2025. Priced at $699 / £699 / AU$1,249 from Apple directly, it offers fast performance, a compact size, and photographer-friendly features. However, it lacks titanium sides, 120Hz scrolling, and high-spec zoom photography compared to the iPhone 16. It also does not have Apple Intelligence compatibility.
For a spec-by-spec comparison of the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 16, check out the iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 explainer.
As we await the official launch of the iPhone 17 series, it's clear that Apple is aiming to refine performance, improve photography, enhance connectivity, and boost durability and thermal management with vapor chamber cooling and advanced battery technology. The iPhone 17 Air model stands out as the sleekest, thinnest iPhone yet, with a slim design but potentially small compromises in battery and camera setup.
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- The gaming experience on the new iPhone 17 series could significantly improve with the anticipated performance refinements from the new chips and RAM upgrades.
- For avid photographers, the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to deliver better camera quality, featuring upgraded front cameras and telephoto rear cameras.
- Budding technology enthusiasts might want to check out buying guides for smartphones and gadgets as the iPhone 17 series promises cutting-edge advancements in connectivity, such as Wi-Fi 7 and Apple's in-house 5G modem.
- In the realm of computing devices, Apple's iPhone 17 series will likely introduce new features like a vapor chamber cooling system, promoting efficient thermal management and improved battery life.
