Why the iPhone 17 Base Model Offers Superior Value Over the Pro Model

Conan Liu, M.D.

Summary:

This video argues that the iPhone 17 base model is the best choice for most users due to significant upgrades, making the Pro model's extra cost unwarranted.

• 120Hz ProMotion Display: The base model now includes this smooth, battery-saving variable refresh rate display, a former Pro-exclusive feature.
• Cameras: It features the same 48MP main and ultra-wide cameras as the Pro, with an upgraded 18MP front camera that supports automatic landscape conversion for selfies. The Pro's telephoto lens, ProRes/ProRAW, LiDAR scanner, and 4-studio mic array are deemed non-essential for average users.
• Design & Display Quality: The base model boasts a more minimalistic design, is thinner and lighter, and shares the same Super Retina XDR display quality (including always-on and anti-reflective coating) as the Pro.
• Performance & Storage: With a powerful A19 chip and 256GB standard storage, it offers excellent performance and ample space. Battery life is also nearly identical to the Pro.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The $300 price difference for the Pro model's niche features is considered a poor investment for the majority.

Introduction: The iPhone 17 Base Model as a Game Changer [0:00:00]

The speaker explains why he plans to downgrade from a Pro model to the base iPhone 17, asserting that it is the best phone for most people due to significant upgrades that make it a compelling choice.

Key Display Upgrades: 120Hz ProMotion [0:00:33]

• ProMotion Display:
  • The iPhone 17 base model is the first to include the 120Hz refresh rate, also known as ProMotion display.
  • This feature offers a smooth, buttery user experience.
  • It also has a variable refresh rate, automatically throttling down to save battery when a high refresh rate is not needed.
  • Previously, this was a primary reason for many to choose Pro models.

Camera System Comparison [0:01:06]

• Base Model Cameras (2 cameras):
  • The base model comes with two cameras (main and ultra-wide).
  • These cameras are essentially identical to the iPhone Pro model cameras, featuring 48 megapixels with the same focal length and aperture.
• Pro Model Cameras (3 cameras):
  • The Pro model includes an additional telephoto camera, offering 4x/8x zoom for long-range shots.
  • For most users, the two main cameras on the base model are more than sufficient, as the telephoto lens is rarely used for typical photography or even portrait shots.
• Upgraded Front Camera (18MP):
  • Both base and Pro models receive an upgraded 18-megapixel front camera.
  • This new feature allows users to take selfies vertically and automatically convert them to horizontal pictures without distortion.

    

    

• ProRes/ProRAW Footage (Pro-exclusive):
  • The base model lacks ProRes or ProRAW footage capabilities.
  • This feature is primarily used by professional filmmakers for color grading and high-quality files and is generally not necessary for average users.

Other Technical Distinctions (and why they don't matter for most) [0:03:31]

• LiDAR Scanner (Pro-exclusive):
  • The base model does not include a LiDAR scanner.
  • This feature is used for scanning rooms, measuring dimensions, augmented reality, and slightly faster autofocus, but is not essential for most users.
• 4-Studio Mic Array (Pro-exclusive):
  • The Pro model features a 4-studio mic array, which is absent in the base model.
  • While there's a difference in sound quality, the base model's standard three microphones are more than adequate for most recording needs, unless professional-grade audio is required.
• USB Port Speed:
  • The base model uses USB 2, while the Pro model features USB 3, which offers significantly faster data transfer speeds.
  • For most users, who primarily use AirDrop or rarely transfer large files via cable, the difference in USB speed is negligible.

Design, Display Quality & Storage [0:05:23]

• Aesthetics and Dimensions:
  • The base iPhone 17 is described as having a more minimalistic and traditional iPhone look compared to the Pro model's bulkier "plateau" design.
  • The base model is thinner (7.95mm vs. 8.75mm), lighter (177g vs. 206g), shorter, and less wide.

    

• Screen Quality:
  • Both the iPhone 17 base model and the Pro model share the same Super Retina XDR display quality.
  • Key shared display features include ProMotion technology (120Hz), Always-On display, same contrast ratio, and peak brightness.

    

  • Both models also come with an effective anti-reflective coating, significantly reducing glare.

    

• Storage:
  • The iPhone 17 base model now comes standard with 256GB of storage.
  • This is deemed more than sufficient for most users, with external hard drives being a cost-effective alternative for extremely large file storage needs.

Performance and Battery Life [0:07:41]

• Processor:
  • The base model utilizes the A19 chip, while the Pro model features the A19 Pro chip.
  • The A19 chip is already significantly faster than previous generations (e.g., A15 in iPhone 13 Pro), providing ample performance for most users. Only hardcore gamers or video editors might truly benefit from the A19 Pro.
• Battery Life:
  • The iPhone 17 offers up to 30 hours of video playback, compared to the Pro's 33 hours.
  • Both represent a substantial improvement over older models, and the three-hour difference is considered negligible for daily use once battery life extends beyond a full day.

    

Cost-Benefit Analysis and Conclusion [0:07:16]

• Price Difference:
  • The iPhone 17 starts at $799, while the iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1099, a difference of $300.

    

  • Additional storage costs approximately $200 per 256GB increment.
• Overall Value:
  • The speaker concludes that the iPhone 17 base model offers exceptional value this year due to the inclusion of previously Pro-exclusive features (like ProMotion display and improved front camera) and substantial upgrades in general.
  • For the majority of users, the niche features of the Pro model (telephoto camera, ProRes/ProRAW, LiDAR, 4-mic array, faster USB) do not justify the additional $300 cost. The base model provides more than enough functionality and quality for everyday use.
  • The speaker expresses excitement about upgrading to the iPhone 17 base model, acknowledging that any missed opportunities for telephoto shots are minor compared to the overall value and enhanced "in-the-moment" experience.