50% of TechRadar Readers Prefer iPhone 17 Pro Over the Standard 17 – Here’s Why

The iPhone 17 lineup has officially landed, sparking yet another wave of discussions and debates among tech enthusiasts. While Apple continues to dominate the smartphone market with its sleek designs and high-performance devices, a significant trend has emerged from reader preferences on TechRadar. According to poll results, an impressive 50% of their audience favors the iPhone 17 Pro over the standard iPhone 17.

This begs the question: why is the Pro stealing the show? Let’s dive into the details of both devices, unpack why the Pro holds such appeal, and explore whether this preference reflects larger trends in consumer behavior.

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What Sets the iPhone 17 Apart?

Before we address the Pro preference, it’s crucial to understand the core features of the iPhone 17 series. The base iPhone 17 model is no slouch in the smartphone arena. Packed with Apple’s latest A19 Bionic chip, a brighter and higher-refresh-rate display, and improved battery life, the standard model is an ideal everyday phone for those seeking reliability and performance without frills.

The iPhone 17 boasts:

• A stunning 6.1-inch OLED display with ProMotion technology for smoother scrolling.

• Improved dual-camera capabilities with enhanced computational photography.

• Upgraded MagSafe features and new color options.

• A slightly longer battery life compared to the iPhone 16, thanks to better power efficiency from the A19 chip.

While the iPhone 17 offers a lot to love, the Pro model clearly takes things up a notch, as evidenced by the reader preference rate. The question is, what makes the Pro worth the additional investment? Let’s look at the standout differences.

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Why the iPhone 17 Pro Dominates in Popularity

The iPhone 17 Pro stands as a luxury alternative to its standard counterpart, introducing features that cater to both tech aficionados and casual users who want the best of the best. TechRadar’s audience—and perhaps the wider populace—seems to align with this philosophy.

Here are the top reasons why the iPhone 17 Pro steals the spotlight:

• Innovative Camera Technology

– The iPhone 17 Pro features a groundbreaking periscope-style telephoto lens. This advancement allows up to 10x optical zoom, a feature that has captured (pun intended!) the attention of photography enthusiasts. Compared to the dual-camera setup on the standard iPhone 17, the Pro’s tri-camera array, complete with LiDAR technology, is a game-changer for professionals and hobbyists alike.

• Premium Build and Design

– While the standard iPhone 17 is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum, the iPhone 17 Pro dials it up with a titanium frame. Not only does this make the device lighter and stronger, but it also adds to the premium feel and durability—an attribute that luxury smartphone buyers value highly.

• ProMotion XDR Display

– Although the standard model’s OLED display impresses, the Pro model goes further with the ProMotion XDR screen. The Pro offers a higher peak brightness and better color calibration, making it the go-to device for creatives who work in photography, video editing, or graphics.

• Exclusive Software Features

– Apple has reserved some exclusive software tools for the Pro, such as the ProRAW and ProRes capabilities in the camera settings. These features are gold for those who rely on their smartphones for professional content creation.

• Bigger and Better Battery Life

– The larger body of the Pro also houses a bigger battery, providing a significantly longer runtime than the standard iPhone. This is a highly practical advantage that appeals to users who are on the go or frequently use power-intensive apps.

• The Prestige Factor

– Beyond the tangible features, owning a Pro-model iPhone exudes a certain level of prestige. For some, having the most cutting-edge device is as much a statement as it is a tech investment.

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Consumer Trends: Why More People Are Moving Toward “Pro”

The preference for Pro models isn’t unique to iPhone 17. Over the years, Apple’s Pro devices across various lineups—whether it’s iPads, MacBooks, or iPhones—continue to gain popularity. Here are some possible reasons behind the growing preference:

• Desire for the Best: In an age of rapid technological advancements, many consumers are increasingly unwilling to “settle” when it comes to personal devices. If they can access the top-tier option, there’s a strong tendency to go all in.

• Longevity: Pro models aren’t just about power; they typically age better. Thanks to improved build quality, higher-end components, and more advanced features, they tend to stay relevant for longer periods compared to base models.

• Catering to Content Creators: The rise of platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram has made casual content creation more mainstream than ever. Pro tools like advanced cameras and editing capabilities position the Pro devices as the ideal content-creation partner.

• Psychological Factors: For some, the “Pro” label itself carries a psychological allure. It conveys a sense of owning something extraordinary and exclusive.

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Is the Pro Model Always the Right Choice?

Despite the overwhelming preference for the Pro among TechRadar readers, it’s important to acknowledge that the standard iPhone 17 isn’t without its merits. For an average consumer who primarily uses a smartphone to browse social media, reply to emails, and snap occasional photos, the standard model is likely more than sufficient.

That said, the price gap between the two models may also influence buying decisions, particularly for budget-conscious shoppers. While the Pro offers incredible value to those who can utilize its full potential, its premium price tag may not be justified for everyone.

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Key Takeaways

The TechRadar reader poll revealing a 50% preference for the iPhone 17 Pro over the standard model highlights several key technology trends and consumer priorities. Here’s what we can deduce:

• Feature Overlap Is Shrinking: The standard and Pro iPhones continue to share fewer features, giving the Pro undeniable advantages for users who seek high-performance tools.

• Premium Demand Is Rising: People are increasingly willing to pay for top-tier products, as evidenced by the increasing interest in Pro models.

• A Divide in Usage: While the iPhone 17 is ideal for everyday users, the Pro is tailored for professionals, creators, and those who want cutting-edge performance.

With the iPhone 17 series officially on shelves, it’s becoming clear that the Pro is setting the gold standard for more than just Apple fans—it’s shaping expectations for flagship devices across the industry. For those teetering on the edge of their decision, the best advice would be to consider your own specific needs. If you can truly leverage the Pro’s features, the investment will be worth it. Otherwise, the highly-capable standard iPhone 17 could still be the perfect fit.