Summary
Highlights
The creator, still using an iPhone 11 after five years, faces a decision due to decreasing trade-in value and a severely degraded battery (78% capacity). He weighs replacing the battery against purchasing a new phone, considering the iPhone 11 is one of the last models supporting the latest iOS.
His wish list for a new phone includes a bigger screen, better display quality, improved camera features, USB-C, and the Dynamic Island. He watched the Apple event live, noting the release of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max, and the new iPhone Air.
The iPhone 17's standout features include a Promotion display, Dynamic Island, a brighter and less reflective display, and the new A19 chip. Camera improvements are significant, especially the ultra-wide angle with four times the resolution. It also boasts a starting storage of 256GB (up from 128GB in the 16) and maintains the $799 price point. The creator believes this model offers excellent value.
The iPhone Air features a Promotion display and a slightly larger screen (6.5 inches) than the base 17. While aesthetically pleasing, it's not the cheapest option and raises concerns about its single speaker and a less specific 'all day battery' claim compared to other models. Starting at $1,000, the creator questions its value proposition, noting it offers fewer camera options and potentially less battery life than the base 17.
The iPhone 17 Pro presents significant upgrades, including a liked design with a deep blue color option and a larger camera sensor (56% bigger). It offers up to 8x optical zoom (200mm equivalent) and Apple ProRes log capabilities. A surprising feature is the ability to record internal Apple ProRes RAW via apps like Blackmagic Camera and Final Cut camera. The Pro also features the longest-lasting battery in an iPhone to date, claiming up to 39 hours of video playback. The 17 Pro starts at $1,100, and the Pro Max at $1,200, with a 2TB storage option for the Pro Max costing $2,000.
The creator ponders if an $80 battery replacement for the iPhone 11 is sufficient or if a full upgrade is necessary to gain improved cameras, screen resolution, refresh rate, USB-C, Dynamic Island, and future iOS support. He quickly dismisses the iPhone Air due to its price and lack of compelling features. While impressed by the Pro models' video capabilities, he questions if they are overkill given his professional video camera (Sony FX3). Ultimately, he leans towards the base iPhone 17 as the most practical choice, balancing desired features with cost.
Regardless of the specific model chosen, the creator concludes that it's time to retire his iPhone 11. He seeks input from viewers on his decision and promises follow-up videos once he makes his purchase.