The iPhone 17 brings forth a variety of significant camera enhancements, preserving its dual camera setup while greatly boosting its functionality. This model now features a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, a noteworthy advancement from the 12-megapixel ultrawide found in the iPhone 16, in addition to a 48-megapixel primary camera. Nonetheless, the iPhone 17 still does not include a dedicated telephoto camera, a component that certain rivals in the same pricing tier, such as the Google Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S25, have added to their triple camera configurations.
Nevertheless, Apple has introduced a sensor crop technology on the primary camera, enabling users to take “telephoto” photos with optical quality 2x zoom. This functionality compensates for the lack of a telephoto camera, providing users with a useful option for zoom photography.
Christian de Looper for BGRIn general, the iPhone 17 consistently produces vivid and detailed photos. Colors look bright and true to life, while details remain crisp until hitting the limits of the image processing technology. While images at 4x or 5x zoom may show some graininess due to the lack of a telephoto lens, photos captured at lower zoom levels are typically impressive. In contrast, devices like the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 10, which feature telephoto cameras, excel in generating superior quality images at greater zoom levels. For users who rarely zoom in on their images, the absence of a telephoto camera in the iPhone 17 might not be a major issue. However, for those who do, the Pixel and Galaxy devices deliver better performance at 10x zoom.
Christian de Looper for BGRDespite these restrictions, the camera capabilities of the iPhone 17 are impressive. Images are rich in detail and color, appearing more natural in comparison to those taken with the Galaxy S25. Users can also modify the color profile using Photographic Styles on the iPhone. In low-light scenarios, the iPhone 17 shines in producing brightly lit images, although the Pixel and Galaxy models manage to capture more detailed zoomed low-light photographs.
A noteworthy upgrade on the iPhone 17 is the upgraded 18-megapixel front-facing camera equipped with Center Stage. The square sensor design facilitates smooth transitions between portrait and landscape orientations using a button in the camera interface. Furthermore, the device automatically adjusts the crop according to the number of individuals in the frame, with manual override options available for those who wish to capture a broader background.
Christian de Looper for BGRThe iPhone 17 additionally unveils more camera-centric features, such as the new Dual Camera mode, which enables simultaneous shooting with both the rear and front-facing cameras. While this option may not be vital for daily use, it introduces a creative aspect for users who participate in events like concerts.
