iPhone 17: 120 Hz display, Dual Fusion cameras, and A19 in a solid leap forward

The iPhone 17 arrives with changes that matter to anyone who wants smoother performance, better photography and battery life for a full day. In this guide I sum up the confirmed new features, prices for Portugal and sales dates.

Apple increases the panel to 6.3 inches and enables 120 Hz ProMotion on the base model, which improves the smoothness of the interface and games. It keeps the iPhone 16 design language, with new colours and Ceramic Shield 2 glass on the front for better scratch resistance.

Inside, the A19 chip promises up to 20% more performance compared to the iPhone 16. The advertised battery life is up to 24 hours and fast charging reaches 50% in about 20 minutes, useful when the day demands quick turnaround.

The rear module debuts a 48 MP Dual Fusion system that combines two high resolution lenses for more detail and photographic versatility. The front camera gets a larger 18 MP sensor with Center Stage support, with stronger 4K HDR video capture and stabilisation.

Apple doubles the base and now starts at 256 GB of storage. Colours include black, lavender, mist blue, sage and white. Pre orders start on 12 September and availability on 19 September.

The arrival of 120 Hz on the non Pro iPhone closes one of the biggest gaps between models. The iOS interface, animations and scrolling feel more natural. For gamers, the higher refresh rate reduces motion blur and improves response.

The 48 MP Dual Fusion system increases the margin to crop images without losing detail and to switch between framings with less noise in low light. The 18 MP front camera and larger sensor improve portraits, calls and content creation in 4K HDR.

• Display: 6.3″ Retina XDR with 120 Hz ProMotion
• Processor: A19
• Rear cameras: 48 MP Dual Fusion
• Front camera: 18 MP with Center Stage, 4K HDR
• Battery: up to 24 h, 50% in 20 min
• Storage: from 256 GB
• Colours: black, lavender, mist blue, sage, white
• Dates: pre-order 12 September, sales 19 September

Pros

• 120 Hz on the base model, smoother everyday experience.
• 48 MP Dual Fusion, more detail and photographic flexibility.
• A19 with performance gains, more headroom for apps and games.
• 256 GB base, more space without an immediate upgrade cost.

Cons

• Official battery life at 24 h, very heavy users still need daily charging.
• Design keeps the lines of the 16, those expecting a visual break may see the evolution as modest.
• Price in Portugal starts high compared to Android rivals with similar refresh rates.

The iPhone 17 nails the essentials, 120 Hz, a faster A19, 48 MP cameras with Dual Fusion and 256 GB base storage. For those coming from an iPhone 13 or 14, the upgrade makes sense due to the jump in smoothness and photography. For iPhone 16 users, the decision depends on how much value you place on 120 Hz, the improved front camera and the higher base storage.