iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 17 Pro: I didn't expect one camera spec to make such a big difference

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• The iPhone 17 bridged the gap between Pro and base models. 
• Yet the iPhone 17 Pro has one big advantage: the camera system. 
• Is it enough to justify the price difference? It depends on your needs.

When Apple released the iPhone 17 lineup last September, it was a big win for base model users. The addition of a ProMotion-enabled, brighter, and Always-on display, an improved selfie camera, and Apple's flashiest new feature, Center Stage, made the differences between Pro and base models more negligible than ever. Yet, from my initial review of the iPhone 17, one thing left me wanting more: the rear camera system.

Also: I took the iPhone 17 on a trip to Hawaii, and it surpassed my expectations (until it didn't)

In the months since, I have alternated ...