Apple’s iPhone 17 Base model might just be the sleeper hit of this year’s lineup. While the Pro and Ultra variants grab headlines with flashy upgrades, the Base quietly delivers a near-perfect balance of performance, design, and value.
The A18 chip runs buttery smooth, battery life is surprisingly solid, and the new display—though not ProMotion—is crisp and vibrant. For most users, this is the iPhone that actually makes sense.
But it’s not flawless. The lack of a telephoto lens and slower charging speeds are noticeable, especially if you’re coming from a Pro model. Still, for the price and polish, the iPhone 17 Base feels like Apple finally got the essentials right.
