The iPhone 17

For the first time since the iPhone Pro models have existed — and really since the iPhone X — I ordered a base-model iPhone. I chose the base iPhone 17 in Lavender. I was torn between Lavender and White but decided on some color this year.

My reasoning for the change is this: I don’t play games on my phone, I’m not a pro photographer or videographer, I’m not a content creator and I don’t have any complaints about battery life. This is the first time that I’m really feeling like the Pro is complete overkill for how I use my phone.

In previous years, I’ve always chosen the high-end model because of camera differences and my intention to take more photos. This year I’m finally realizing that I’m actually not likely to take more photos and that the base-model camera are FINE. They’re actually really good and it’s highly likely that I wouldn’t be able to see much difference between photos on the 17 vs the 17 Pro anyway. All that said, hopefully the cameras don’t end up making me regret my choice.

I’m part of the iPhone Upgrade Program so it costs me pretty much zero additional dollars to upgrade my phone every year, and this year I’ll actually be saving about $8/month compared to what I’ve been paying for the 16 Pro so that’s a plus.

I pick up my phone at 8am next Friday morning, and I’m sure I’ll have more opinions about it once it’s in-hand. Stay tuned.