Do You Really Need the iPhone 17?

Rukayat Badmus 16:19 - 29 September 2025

To get a sense of how users feel about the iPhone 17, we asked iPhone users if they’d consider upgrading to the iPhone 17, and their responses were unanimous...

Every September, Apple drops a new iPhone and the internet goes wild. This year, it’s the iPhone 17, and Nigerians are already talking about it, not just because of the shiny features, but also because of the price tag. With prices ranging from ₦2.8 million to almost ₦4 million depending on storage, the question isn’t “what can it do?” but “do you really need it?”

iPhone 17

What’s New in the iPhone 17?

Apple hasn’t reinvented the wheel, but it has made subtle changes that improve day-to-day use. Here’s what stands out:

Design & Build: The iPhone 17 feels lighter thanks to a refined titanium frame, with slimmer bezels that make the display look almost edge-to-edge. It’s also available in new colour finishes that lean stylish and premium.

Display: The 6.3-inch (Pro) and 6.9-inch (Pro Max) OLED displays are brighter and smoother, hitting up to 2,800 nits peak brightness. That means better visibility under the Lagos sun, a real-life improvement Nigerians will notice.

Processor: Powered by the A19 Bionic chip, it’s faster and more efficient. Apps open quicker, multitasking feels snappier, and gaming is smoother. The real difference, however, comes in how this chip supports Apple’s growing use of on-device AI for smarter features.

Cameras: Apple has improved low-light photography again, with a new 48MP ultra-wide lens and sharper night mode shots. Video recording also gets a boost, especially for stabilisation, which is a win for content creators and vloggers.

Battery Life: Apple claims an extra hour of use compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Not dramatic, but in a country where power supply is unstable, every extra hour matters.

AI Features: The iPhone 17 leans heavily into AI-driven tools. From instant photo edits to predictive typing and smarter Siri responses, Apple is making the phone feel like a true assistant rather than just a device.

iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: What Really Sets Them Apart?

If you own an iPhone 16 Pro Max, you’re probably wondering what the difference really is. On paper, both phones look similar. But here’s where the iPhone 17 edges ahead:

iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max

Camera System: The new ultra-wide lens and improved night photography are the biggest upgrades. If you shoot content in low light (concerts, nightlife, weddings), you’ll notice a difference. Otherwise, the 16 Pro Max still holds up strongly.

Display Brightness: At 2,800 nits peak, the iPhone 17 beats the 16 Pro Max’s already-bright screen. For Nigerians who spend time outdoors, this actually matters, no more struggling to read messages under harsh sunlight.

AI Integration: While the 16 Pro Max had AI features, the iPhone 17’s A19 chip takes it further. Smarter editing tools, better security, and more personalised suggestions are baked right into the phone.

Design Subtleties: The lighter titanium frame and slimmer bezels make the iPhone 17 more comfortable to hold and sleeker in the hand. It’s not a drastic change, but it gives off a more modern feel.

In short, if you already own a 16 Pro Max, the jump to the 17 won’t drastically transform your life. The differences are noticeable, but not revolutionary.

The Nigerian Price Problem

Here’s where most buyers will pause: ₦2.8 million to ₦3.7/₦4 million. That’s more than what many earn in a year. The iPhone has always been expensive, but the iPhone 17 pushes it into ultra-luxury territory.

iPhone 17 camera

For that money, you could buy a plot of land in a remote area, invest in a decent laptop and camera setup, or even cover several months of rent in Lagos. Which is why many Nigerians view the iPhone not just as a gadget, but as a status symbol.

What Do iPhone Users Think About Upgrading?

To get a sense of how users feel about the iPhone 17, we asked five iPhone users if they’d consider upgrading to the iPhone 17, and their responses are unanimously NO.

iPhone 17 display

To get a sense of how users feel about the iPhone 17, we asked five iPhone users if they’d consider upgrading to the iPhone 17, and their responses are unanimously NO.

Israel Okunaya, a journalist who uses an iPhone 14 Plus, said he wouldn’t even consider the upgrade. For him, the price is outrageous, and his current device already meets his needs. “I use my iPhone for work, mostly writing, and it’s serving me. I don’t think I necessarily need the upgrade,” he explained.

Agnes, a writer with an iPhone 13, gave a similar response. She feels no pressure to upgrade since her phone continues to perform well. “It’s serving me, so I don’t see the need,” she said.

Tolu Olajide, an SEO specialist who uses an iPhone 15, was also firm in his decision not to upgrade. With access to the latest iOS updates, he doesn’t believe a new device adds much value. “My phone is serving me, plus I already have iOS 26, so there’s no need for the upgrade,” he said.

Ife, a senior media executive and also an iPhone 15 user, admitted he doesn’t see a practical reason to spend millions on the iPhone 17. “If I have to buy it, it’d be for vanity reasons, not because I need it,” he admitted.

Salem Ovokero, a content creator who still uses an iPhone 12 Pro Max, was even more blunt. For her, the main obstacle is financial. “The price is ridiculously high. If I have to upgrade, it’d probably be to the 15 or 16, not the 17,” she said.

With these responses, it is clear that some Nigerians don’t feel the iPhone 17 offers enough value to justify the cost.

So, Do You Really Need It?

If you’re a content creator, influencer, or professional who relies heavily on having the latest tools, especially for photography and video, then yes, the iPhone 17 could be a worthy upgrade. The improved camera, brighter screen, and AI tools make your work easier and more polished.

But if you already own the iPhone 16 Pro Max, upgrading is not essential. The differences, while nice, are not life-changing. And if you’re coming from an older iPhone like the 13 or 14, you’ll get a huge leap by upgrading, but the cost may still be hard to justify.

At the end of the day, buying the iPhone 17 in Nigeria is more of a luxury lifestyle choice to some than a necessity. If you can comfortably afford it, it’s a luxury you’ll enjoy. But if you’re stretching your finances, the smarter choice may be to hold on to your current device, because the iPhone 16 Pro Max is still more than capable.