This article covers the Apple iPhone 17 Series Camera Comparison in detail. The Apple iPhone 17 series is finally here! Apple launched the Apple iPhone 17, Apple iPhone 17 Air, Apple iPhone 17 Pro, and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max! If you are a tech enthusiast, you know it’s a big deal! The most talked thing about the whole series is their camera. Apple has introduced tons of new features, like Centre Stage. There is a realignment of the Camera Control button.
But if you are thinking about buying the latest iPhone because of the camera, it is natural to get confused! In this article, we are going to help you with the Apple iPhone 17 Series Camera Comparison. Let’s get started:
Also Read: Apple iPhone 17 Air Leaks: Price, Design, Camera And More
Apple iPhone 17 Series Camera Comparison
The iPhone 17 series is a big deal for Apple. Apple has ditched the iPhone Plus. Instead, there is now the Apple iPhone 17 Air. The other models are still there:
All four phones come with Apple’s newest technology for taking better pictures. This is because of the A19 chip in the base model and Air. There is the A19 Pro chip in the Pro and Pro Max. These chips also have a special 16-core Neural Engine. It helps with Apple Intelligence.
The cameras are different on each model. Let’s look at what each iPhone 17 model offers when it comes to cameras:
Apple iPhone 17 Camera System

Camera Hardware
There’s a special camera button on the side. You can quickly take photos or videos without any issue.
Camera | Specs |
---|---|
Main (Back) | 48MP, wide, OIS |
Ultra-Wide | 48MP, wide-angle for big scenes |
Front (Selfie) | 18MP, sharp photos & videos |
Key Features
The one feature which I personally like is that it takes better Night photos if you compare it with the iPhone 16. It’s not as good as the Pro and Pro Max. But it’s still a significant upgrade.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Super Clear Photos | Shoot in 24MP or 48MP for high detail |
Better Portraits | Blur background and adjust focus after taking the photo |
Night Mode | Clearer, more colorful photos in low light |
Smart HDR 5 | Balances bright and dark areas for more natural-looking photos |
But what about Video?
The Apple iPhone 17 also offers good video features. In fact, I would say even professionals can use this camera for short videos and social media.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
4K @ 60fps + Dolby Vision HDR | Ultra-clear video quality |
Cinematic Mode | Adds movie-style blur to your videos |
Action Mode | Keeps video stable, even when moving fast |
Centre Stage | Keeps you centered during video calls, even if you move |
I personally liked the Centre Stage feature that keeps the subject at the centre during calls. Thanks to AI, it even happens when they are on the move.
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Overall…
The iPhone 17 has a big camera upgrade if you compare it to older models. Both back cameras now have 48MP. The ultra-wide lens is great for scenery and big group photos. Night mode works well. The 18MP selfie camera is perfect for selfies with centre stage.
There is one thing that you should know about this. Even though the Night mode is good, it’s not as good as what you get in the Pro and Pro Max. So, if you are more into night photography, you should check out the details for other models.
iPhone 17 Air Camera System

Camera Hardware
The iPhone 17 Air comes with stabilisation for those action-packed photos. Even though there is only one camera, it’s still as powerful.
Camera | Specs |
---|---|
Back Camera | 48MP wide lens with stabilisation for sharp photos |
Front Camera | 18MP camera for clear selfies and smooth video calls |
Camera Features
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Super Sharp Photos | Capture in 24MP or 48MP for high-quality detail |
Better Portraits | Blur background & adjust focus — like iPhone 17 |
Night Mode | Great low-light performance, same as iPhone 17’s main camera |
Smart HDR 5 | Balances light and color for bright, natural-looking photos |
About Video…
Feature | Description |
---|---|
4K @ 60fps + Dolby Vision HDR | Crisp, colourful, high-quality video |
Cinematic Mode | Adds movie-style blur to your videos |
Action Mode | Stabilizes video even while moving |
Center Stage | Keeps you centered during video calls, even when you move |
Overall…
The iPhone 17 Air is super thin and light. It is only 5.6mm thick and 145 grams! But to stay so slim, it only has one rear camera. This camera is still powerful and can take really good pictures.
However, it doesn’t have an ultra-wide or zoom lens. You can’t take wide landscape shots or zoom in very far. It’s best for people who mostly use their phone to take normal pictures or record videos. It’s basically for casual users who are not into Pro photography.
Also Read: Vivo V40 Review: Is It The Best Camera Phone In The Mid-Range Segment?
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Camera System

Camera Hardware
I personally love the 48MP + 48MP + 48MP combination. There is the 4x Optical Zoom as well.
Camera | Details |
---|---|
Main | 48MP wide lens |
Ultra-Wide | 48MP, wide-angle for big scenes |
Telephoto | 48MP, 4× optical zoom |
Front Camera | 18MP |
Key Features
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Super Photos | 24MP or 48MP sharp images |
Macro Photography | Close-up shots (Pro models only) |
ProRes & Log 2 | Pro video formats for editing |
Night Mode | Works on all 3 lenses in low light |
Smart HDR 5 | Balanced light & colour |
Video Features
Feature | Details |
---|---|
4K @ 120fps + HDR | Super smooth, colourful video |
ProRes Video | Filmmaker-quality recording |
Cinematic Mode | Movie-style blur in 4K HDR |
Action Mode | Stabilized while moving |
Center Stage + Dual | Auto-frame & dual camera recording |
Overall…
The iPhone 17 Pro is a big upgrade for sure. This is for those who love taking photos or videos. It has three 48MP cameras. This means it can take all kinds of shots. You can take wide, zoomed in, or close up. There is a Macro mode as well. It lets you take detailed photos of really small things.
The iPhone 17 Pro comes with the A19 Pro chip. It is good with Night Photography as well.
Also Read: Realme GT 6 Review: The Return Of The Flagship Killer Era!
iPhone 17 Pro Max Camera System

Camera Hardware
The camera is the same like the iPhone 17 Pro.
Camera | Details |
---|---|
Main | 48MP wide lens for everyday shots |
Ultra-Wide | 48MP for wide scenes & group photos |
Telephoto | 48MP with 4× zoom for distant shots |
Front Camera | 18MP for sharp selfies & video calls |
Important Features
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Super Sharp Photos | 24MP or 48MP high-detail images |
Macro Photography | Close-up shots with amazing detail |
ProRes & Log 2 | Pro-level video formats for editing |
Night Mode | Works on all 3 cameras in low light |
Smart HDR 5 | Auto-balances light and colour |
Video Features:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
4K @ 120fps | Super smooth, clear video |
ProRes Recording | Filmmaker-quality video capture |
Cinematic Mode (4K HDR) | Movie-like blur in 4K HDR |
Action Mode | Stabilized video when moving |
Center Stage + Dual | Auto-framing + record front & back |
Overall…
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the same exact camera system as the iPhone 17 Pro. But some things are different:
- It has a bigger screen (6.9 inches). This makes it easy to see videos on a wider screen.
- It has a bigger battery (5,088mAh). It will last longer. You can get some extra filming time.
So even though the cameras are the same, the Pro Max is better if you like a bigger screen and longer battery life.
In A Nutshell: Apple iPhone 17 Series Camera Comparison
The iPhone 17 series has something for everyone when it comes to cameras. If you look at the base model, it has two cameras. It is suitable for casual photos and videos. You can get quality shoots without spending much money. Then comes the iPhone 17 Air, which only has one rear camera. It’s best if you want an ultra-slim phone without going for a more expensive variant.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have three powerful cameras. These two cameras are capable of making high-quality videos. If you are into raw photography and videos, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are worth it. Let me know what you think of it in the comments section below. I would love to hear you out.
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