Brief Summary
This video is an in-depth review of Apple's latest iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, along with their accessories and the new AirPods Pro 3. The reviewer unboxes each device, tests key features like charging speed, anti-reflective coating, camera capabilities, and performance, and shares his experiences.
- The iPhone 17 has faster charging and an improved selfie camera with a unique square sensor.
- The iPhone Air suffers from thermal throttling, resulting in lower performance than the standard iPhone 17, and has a single speaker.
- The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max boast improved signal strength and a more comfortable design, but the telephoto lens upgrade is underwhelming.
- The AirPods Pro 3 offer significant improvements in sound stage and noise cancellation but may be less comfortable for long journeys.
iPhone 17 Unboxing and First Impressions
The unboxing experience of the iPhone 17 in sage is similar to the previous year's model, including a USB-C cable and a SIM ejector. The packaging now features an energy score, likely due to EU regulations. Initial tests show that the iPhone 17 charges slightly faster than the iPhone 16, reaching 26% in 10 minutes compared to 21% on the older model using the same ultra-fast charger.
Display and Camera Enhancements
The iPhone 17 features a new anti-reflective coating on its screen, which reduces reflections by about a third compared to the iPhone 16. However, it is not as effective as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in this regard. The new selfie camera on the iPhone 17 offers improved detail and a wider shot compared to older models like the iPhone 14 and 16. The camera's square sensor allows for taking both portrait and landscape shots without rotating the phone, enhancing user convenience and photo quality.
Performance and Accessories of iPhone 17
The A19 chip in the iPhone 17 demonstrates a significant performance boost, scoring almost 30% higher in the 3D Mark Extreme Stress Test compared to the iPhone 16, with better stability. The Apple silicon case for the iPhone 17 is rated 7 out of 10 for comfort.
iPhone Air: Design and Performance
The unboxing of the iPhone Air is similar to the iPhone 17, but it lacks a SIM ejector as it is an eSIM-only device. Performance testing reveals that the iPhone Air's A19 Pro chip suffers from thermal throttling due to its thin design and titanium build, resulting in a lower peak score than the standard iPhone 17. Even after cooling the device in a refrigerator, the performance boost is only temporary. The iPhone Air has a single, front-firing speaker, which is not terrible but significantly worse than dual-speaker iPhones.
iPhone Air: Camera and Accessories
The iPhone Air's portrait mode, which relies on a single camera, is often indistinguishable from the iPhone 17's dual-camera performance, but it struggles in challenging scenarios. The USB-C port on the iPhone Air is custom 3D printed in titanium and is slightly off-centre due to the phone's thin design. The standard iPhone Air case is fragile and easily bent, while the bumper case feels more premium and provides better protection. The MagSafe battery pack for the iPhone Air is seen as a contradiction, as it negates the phone's slim design and doesn't offer better battery life than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
AirPods Pro 3: Sound and Features
The AirPods Pro 3 offer a significant step up in listening experience with a phenomenal sound stage, deeper bass, and effective noise cancellation. However, the tighter fit and heavier buds may make them less comfortable for long journeys compared to the AirPods Pro 2. The live voice translation feature has potential but needs improvement in the speech engine for a more natural-sounding voice.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Design and Accessories
The iPhone 17 Pro is reviewed in cosmic orange, and the Pro Max in deep blue. The new tech woven case is durable but feels like an itchy sweater. The clear case has a white back section, which is not aesthetically pleasing. The phones are more comfortable to hold due to the rounded metal edges.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Performance and Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have improved signal strength due to an extra antenna band and better networking hardware. However, the physical SIM version of the Pro models has two hours less battery life than the eSIM version. The phones feature advanced thermal management, resulting in solid performance and stability. The 48-megapixel telephoto lens is somewhat underwhelming, but portrait mode photos show improved detail and skin tones due to software enhancements.
