The iPhone 17 packs several features that might not headline the big announcements but hold significant value for users who dig deeper into their device's capabilities. Here are some of the most underrated iPhone 17 features that every user should try and explore, described in comprehensive detail.
120Hz ProMotion Display on the Base Model
For the first time, Apple has brought the 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rate technology to the base iPhone 17 model, a feature previously reserved for Pro versions. This means smoother scrolling, better responsiveness, and enhanced gaming experiences without upgrading to a more expensive model. The adaptive display also improves battery efficiency by adjusting the refresh rate based on the content shown, balancing performance and power use effectively. Users who enjoy fluid animations and less motion blur will find this an impactful yet underappreciated upgrade.A19 Chip with Advanced Capabilities
The iPhone 17 houses the new A19 chip, which, while an expected upgrade, includes subtler but powerful improvements. It boosts CPU and GPU capabilities with six cores (two performance cores and four efficiency cores) and a 5-core GPU that supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and advanced graphics features such as mesh shading and MetalFX Upscaling. This makes the device more future-proof for graphically intense mobile games and AR applications. Additionally, the chip's boosted 16-core Neural Engine enhances AI-based functions on the phone, like image processing and intelligent automation, delivering a snappier user experience that goes beyond raw speed.Center Stage Front Camera and Dual Capture
The upgraded 18MP front selfie camera introduces the intelligent Center Stage feature, which automatically expands and adjusts the field of view to keep subjects centered during video calls. This is especially helpful for group video calls or dynamic movements in frame. Less advertised but highly useful is the new Dual Capture feature, allowing users to simultaneously record video from both the front and rear cameras. This creates unique possibilities for vloggers, journalists, and content creators to capture multiple perspectives without switching views.Improved Battery Life and Faster Charging
The iPhone 17 offers better battery life thanks to the efficiency of the A19 chip paired with the ProMotion display's adaptive refresh rate. It can deliver all-day battery life and up to 30 hours of video playback, which is roughly eight hours longer than the iPhone 16. Faster wired charging is also available, with up to 50% charge in just 20 minutes if you use a compatible high-wattage USB-C charger, such as Apple's 40W Dynamic Power Adapter. Despite often being overshadowed by camera and display upgrades, these advancements enhance daily usage convenience significantly.Enhanced Cameras with 48MP Fusion System
The iPhone 17 introduces a 48MP Fusion main camera along with a Fusion Ultra Wide camera boasting four times the resolution of previous generations. This means ultra-high-resolution photos in varied lighting conditions and better image quality for cropping, zooming, and large format prints. The Ultra Wide camera now shoots 24MP photos by default, striking a balance between resolution and file size, ideal for sharing and storing. This camera system is a quiet yet powerful step up that benefits photography enthusiasts and casual users alike.Ceramic Shield 2 Display for Durability
Another underrated but valuable feature is the improvement to the display's Ceramic Shield, now in its second generationânamed Ceramic Shield 2. It provides better protection against drops and improves glare reduction, contributing to a more durable and readable screen in various lighting environments. This improvement quietly enhances the phone's resilience and user experience in everyday scenarios without flashy marketing.iOS 17 Hidden Features Enhancing iPhone 17
Alongside hardware, the iPhone 17 benefits from iOS 17, which introduces several lesser-known but impactful features that enhance usability:- Automatic Deletion of Verification Codes: Verification codes received in Messages and Mail are automatically deleted after use, reducing clutter.
- Offline Apple Maps: Users can download maps ahead of time to navigate without internet access.
- Interactive Widgets: Widgets on the home screen become interactive, allowing quick actions without opening apps.
- Crossfade in Apple Playback: A seamless transition between songs for continuous listening.
- Text-to-Speech for Articles: Your iPhone can read articles aloud, freeing hands for multitasking.
- Visual Look Up on Laundry and Car Dashboard: Using the camera, you can decipher laundry symbols and car dashboard warning lights.
- Enhanced Siri: Performs broader tasks with smarter responses.
- Simplified Password Sharing and Recovery: Easier methods to share passwords and recover forgotten passcodes.
- Improved Search in Messages: Efficient keyword or phrase search through texts to find information faster.
Though these features may not be headline grabbers, they collectively elevate the day-to-day user experience by adding convenience, safety, and fun to routine tasks.
Classic Design with Practical Enhancements
While the iPhone 17 keeps a classic design reminiscent of prior generations rather than radical redesigns, it incorporates practical touches such as raised camera rings and contoured edges for a comfortable grip and aesthetic consistency. This makes the phone attractive to those who prefer a familiar feel but still want access to modern hardware under the hood. Its smaller size compared to some Pro models keeps the phone practical and pocket-friendly.Summary
The iPhone 17's most underrated features include the ProMotion display on the base model, powerful but efficiently designed A19 chip, the intelligent Center Stage selfie camera, underappreciated dual camera recording, impressive battery and charging improvements, and a sophisticated 48MP Fusion camera system. Additionally, iOS 17 adds a suite of hidden features that enhance customization, usability, and convenience. The combination of these subtle yet impactful features offers users a richly capable smartphone experience beyond the usual headline specs.This detailed understanding of the iPhone 17 helps users to fully leverage its potential, making these underrated features well worth exploring.