Apple iPhone 17 launches with smarter cameras, brighter displays, and faster performance
The new iPhone 17 comes with a brighter display, tougher Ceramic Shield 2, and the latest A19 Bionic chip.
Note: Looking for our hands-on experience? Head over here!
Apple has pulled back the curtain on the highly anticipated iPhone 17, blending a sleek new design with upgraded hardware and smarter features that sharpen every aspect of the iPhone experience. From a more powerful camera system to a brighter display and tougher glass, the iPhone 17 is shaping up as one of Apple’s most complete devices yet.
Smarter cameras for every moment
Better cameras on the rear.
For the first time, all rear cameras on the iPhone 17 are adopting 48MP sensors, including the Main and Ultrawide cameras. Both are “Fusion” branded cameras, meaning they double up, offering other focal lengths through the assistance of AI and high-resolution sensors to crop in and present a usable 12MP 2x Telephoto equivalent camera, as well as a 12MP Macro camera option. Users can expect sharper detail, vibrant colour, and improved macro photography. Similar to the iPhone 16 Pro series, video recording now supports 4K resolution at 60 fps. Video is captured with Spatial Audio for immersive listening, while Audio Mix lets users adjust sound after capture to boost voices and reduce ambient noise.
On the front, Apple says that its new Centre Stage camera is its most advanced selfie and video tool yet. The camera automatically adjusts the field of view to keep subjects in frame, while Dual Capture records from front and rear cameras simultaneously into the same frame, making it an ideal tool for vloggers and content creators. (Fun fact: The LG V10 from 2015 was the first phone to debut dual front cameras as well as offer multi-view recording by using different camera lenses.)
Brighter, tougher, smoother
Comparing the GPU performance of the new and old.
The new 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display has increased in display size slightly from prior models, offering 6.1 inches across. It’s also special because it now features ProMotion display technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and gaming -- features that were once only available on the iPhone Pro phones. At 3,000nits of peak brightness, it’s the brightest iPhone screen ever, with 2x better outdoor contrast and also offering an always-on display (yet another iPhone Pro perk). Protection has also levelled up: Ceramic Shield 2 now delivers three times better scratch resistance and reduced glare (according to Apple), making the iPhone 17 more durable in daily use.
A19 power and all-day battery
Five colour options this time around.
The A19 Bionic chip with its five-core GPU handles demanding tasks like AI-driven features, mobile gaming, and 4K editing with ease. Built on a 3nm silicon microarchitecture, the A19 delivers speed boosts while conserving energy. Apple claims up to 30 hours of video playback, eight more than the iPhone 16, along with fast charging that powers the battery to 50% in just 20 minutes with an optional 40W USB-C power adapter.
The iPhone 17 also debuts Apple’s new N1 wireless chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and faster AirDrop and Personal Hotspot connections.
Singapore pricing and offers
iPhone 17 series US pricing
The iPhone 17 will be available in lavender, mist blue, sage, white, and black, in Singapore starting at S$1,299 for the 256GB model, with a 512GB variant also on offer. Pre-orders open from 8pm on 12 September and official availability begins from 19 September.
Customers can offset costs through Apple Trade In, receiving up to S$1,240 in credits depending on the model they return. For example, an iPhone 13 or newer qualifies for cash-back via bank transfer, making the upgrade path more affordable.
What’s interesting about the iPhone 17
Apple is also bundling perks for new buyers:
- Three free months of Apple Arcade, Apple Music, and Apple TV+, subject to subscription terms.
- MagSafe cases from S$7,
- The new Crossbody Strap for S89
- Apple’s 40W Dynamic Power Adapter for S$59
- A Qi2 25W-certified MagSafe Charger will be available in a 1-metre length for S$59 or a 2-metre length for S$79.
Apple always recommends that buyers also get AppleCare. The plan includes coverage for accidents like drops and spills, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement service, and 24/7 support from Apple Experts.
Local telcos, including M1, Singtel, and StarHub, are expected to announce bundle plans and trade-in bonuses soon, making the iPhone 17 even more accessible for Singapore consumers. Stay tuned to our updates.
For more information on how it handles and our first impressions, head over here. For a complete rundown on pricing and how it compares to all the other iPhones launched, here’s our compilation.
Ready to make a purchase? Pre-orders open from 8pm on 12 September on the Apple Store.
Want to get from a Telco? M1 has released their offers; here are their detailed plans and offers.
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