the basic iPhone 17 offers a substantial storage enhancement compared to its predecessor. The device now commences at 256GB rather than 128GB, yet the additional $100 that was required for the upgrade last year is not necessary. Each model of the iPhone 17, alongside the iPhone Air, begins with 256GB of storage this year, which is a significant advantage for consumers. Just like with the standard iPhone 17, purchasers are not required to pay more, as the 256GB versions are priced the same as last year’s 128GB iPhones. The $999 256GB iPhone Air does not have an earlier version, but it is priced identically to the $999 iPhone 16 Plus.
Nonetheless, The Mac Observer shares news from China regarding the performance of the 256GB storage variant in contrast to 512GB (and larger) models. YouTuber DirectorFeng reports that the 256GB storage versions utilize slower flash memory compared to the higher storage capacities across all three iPhone 17 models. The iPhone Air appears to be the sole exception, as Apple seems to be utilizing the same high-speed storage across the 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants.
Storage speed is not something we frequently observe being evaluated in reviews or teardowns that occur after the official release of a new iPhone. However, DirectorFeng asserts that the 256GB iPhone 17 versions achieve scores ranging from 90,000 to 100,000 points in AnTuTu storage benchmarks. In contrast, the 512GB and 1TB flash storage modules attain scores around 150,000 points. The 2TB storage variant, available exclusively for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, has yet to undergo testing.
The significant storage limitation that iPhone purchasers should be concerned about pertains to the USB-C port. As previously discussed, <a href="https://www.b
