After using iPhones for the last six years — from the iPhone 11, to the 13 Pro, the 15 Pro, and now the 17 Pro. Judging from the reaction of influencers since the announcement and subsequent release of the new iPhone 17 range, I can tell you this: it’s not the software that makes you upgrade, it’s the hardware.
iOS software updates? We all get those. Just look at iOS 26, it’s still running on the iPhone 11 I had six years ago. But the physical tools — the cameras, the display, the performance, the build — those are what make a credible upgrade.
Now, before we dive in, a quick caveat. Most of my comparisons in this video are with the 15 Pro, because that’s what I upgraded from. Sure, the 16 Pro added some incremental improvements, but for most people, yearly upgrades aren’t worth it. Unless a new feature truly changes your daily use or your content, upgrading every year is probably overkill.
So, if you’ve been waiting, these are the five hardware changes in the iPhone 17 Pro that have actually made a difference for me after two weeks.
Size and ergonomics
When I upgraded to the 17 Pro, the move from 6.1 inches to 6.3 didn’t sound like a big deal on paper, particularly as I was contemplating getting the Pro Max. But in real-world use? I’ve found it surprisingly noticeable.
That slightly larger screen size feels like the sweet spot for me. It’s just enough extra space for framing shots, editing on the go, typing messages, or even just daily use, without tipping over into the bulk of the 6.5” Pro Max. Honestly, I’m glad I didn’t go with the Pro Max — it would have been too much for my pockets when I’m out running.
Now, the trade-off is weight. The 17 Pro is heavier by 17 grams, and after holding it for long stretches — shooting, recording, or just scrolling through content — I noticed it digging slightly into my finger. It’s one of those small quirks you only notice after a few hours in hand. I actually find it relatable: anyone who has upgraded their phone knows that moment when your hand has to get used to the new heft, and after a day or two, it just feels normal.
I experienced the same adjustment when I moved from the 13 Pro to the 15 Pro, and now it feels familiar; in fact, I only really noticed that little finger dig again when I first held the 17 Pro.
Upgraded Front Camera System
One of the bigger leaps for users this year is the camera system. All three lenses now deliver up to 48 megapixels shots. On the 15 Pro, the main sensor delivered great shots, but the ultra-wide and telephoto often didn’t match the clarity and detail of the main camera.
With the 17 Pro, every lens delivers consistent, high-quality images. Ultra-wide landscapes are sharp, telephoto portraits have depth, and even standard shots hold up when cropped or zoomed.
For photographers, that means reliable quality across every lens. For videographers, it gives flexibility when switching perspectives mid-shoot without worrying about one lens looking noticeably weaker. It finally feels like a complete, professional-grade system in your pocket.
Performance and battery for creative workflows
The A19 Pro chip isn’t just about raw speed — it’s about sustained performance. On the 15 Pro, editing or exporting videos could heat the phone, and battery life started to feel limited after two years.
With the 17 Pro, it stays cooler during longer editing sessions and heavy usage. I can shoot, edit, and export multiple clips in a day without worrying about throttling. Battery life is noticeably better, enough to get through a full day of photography, videography, and editing without scrambling for a charger.
Front Facing Camera
With the iPhone 17 Pro’s new front-facing camera, the first thing you’ll notice is just how much better the quality looks. The colours, the detail, even in this front camera, now feel on par with what you’d expect from the rear lenses. For creators, that’s huge because it means the selfie camera is no longer the weak link.
But here’s my favourite part: I don’t even have to flip my phone sideways to shoot in landscape. For vlogging, quick shots, or one-handed filming, this makes a massive difference — it feels way more natural to hold and still gives me the right video orientation for editing and uploading.
Combine that with Center Stage keeping me framed and ultra stabilisation smoothing things out, and the front-facing camera has gone from something I’d only use in a pinch, to something I actually want to use for content.
Bonus Point — Camera Control Button
Since we’re talking about one-handed shooting, I’ve got to mention the camera control button. When it first came out on the 15 Pro, a lot of people called it pointless or said it should’ve been placed lower on the phone, and honestly, I get that feedback.
But here’s how I use it: when I’m shooting in portrait orientation with the front camera that button makes one-handed selfies and vlogs way easier (for me anyway). I don’t have to tap on the screen; I can just hit the button and start rolling.
That said, I did have to disable the single-press shortcut for launching the camera, because I was accidentally triggering it too often in normal use. Now I’ve set it to double-press, and it’s perfect.
So while not everyone finds it useful, for me it’s become part of my one-handed creator toolkit.
Hardware Longevity
Hardware naturally ages, and software updates can’t always fix that. After two years, my 15 Pro’s battery, cameras, and display were starting to show their age. The 17 Pro resets that clock: new sensors, more efficient thermals, and a build designed to handle heavy use over the next couple of years.
For creators, that means your investment lasts longer, you can rely on the hardware to deliver high-quality images and smooth workflows for years to come.
Final thoughts
Now I’d love to hear from you — are these hardware upgrades enough to make you upgrade to the 17 Pro, or are you holding out for something else?
So after two weeks, here’s my takeaway: the iPhone 17 Pro isn’t just another iteration — it’s a creator-focused hardware upgrade.
The slightly larger 6.3-inch size is the sweet spot for my hand and workflow. 48MP across all lenses gives consistent quality for photography and videography. Performance and battery improvements make long editing and shooting sessions easier. The new Center Stage front camera, ultra stabilisation, and dual capture video are genuine innovations and game changers for creators. Hardware longevity ensures this iPhone stays capable for years.
If you’ve been holding onto the 15 Pro for two years like I have, these hardware improvements make upgrading feel meaningful and worth it. This isn’t about software — it’s about tools that actually impact how you create.
If you want to see the video version of this article, check out the YouTube click below: