iPhone 17 — Early Hands‑On: Crossbody Band, Battery & Flat‑On‑Table Impressions
Apple relaxed its usual embargoes this year, letting select journalists try the new iPhone 17 models on site and publish early hands‑on videos. Early impressions highlight a few notable points:
- Crossbody usability: Reviewers noted a more comfortable feel with MagSafe-compatible straps and third‑party crossbody bands — Apple didn’t announce an official crossbody band, but MagSafe accessories work well for on‑the‑go carry.
- Battery life: The Pro Max stands out with noticeably better endurance in hands‑on tests, making it the best choice for heavy users and media playback.
- Design & durability: The 17 series uses a unibody aluminum frame with a Ceramic Shield insert for MagSafe, improving durability and reducing glare in some models.
- Front camera: The updated front camera (larger sensor) allows more flexible selfie orientations without rotating the phone.
- Flat‑on‑table (Tischlage): Reviewers didn’t report any major stability issues when the phone is lying flat, but explicit notes on wobble or camera bump impact are scarce in early coverage.
For additional hands‑on articles and videos, see coverage from MacRumors and Tom’s Guide, plus multiple reviewers on YouTube:
Looking for accessories? Popular MagSafe crossbody bands and MagSafe accessories are available on Amazon:
Have you watched any hands‑on videos yet? What feature would make you upgrade to the iPhone 17 — battery, camera, or something else? Share your thoughts in the comments below.