Comprehensive Review of the Best Smartphones in 2017: Top Picks and Key Features
Explore the most acclaimed smartphones of 2017 with this extensive guide. From the innovative camera features of the iPhone 7 Plus to the stunning display of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the high-performance OnePlus 5, learn about the top devices that defined 2017. This detailed review covers design, hardware, camera technology, and key features, helping you choose the best smartphone suited for your needs. Discover the latest innovations that made 2017 a standout year for mobile technology, offering valuable insights for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
An In-Depth Look at the Most Popular Smartphones of 2017
Choosing the right smartphone in 2017 can be quite challenging given the vast array of options, brands, and features available on the market. To help consumers make informed decisions, this comprehensive guide explores the top smartphones of 2017, highlighting their key features, innovations, and what sets them apart. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a photography lover, or someone seeking a reliable device for daily use, this article covers the must-know details about the year's leading smartphones, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
Despite their visual similarities to the previous generation, the iPhone 6s Plus, the iPhone 7 series introduced several notable upgrades that made them stand out in 2017. The iPhone 7 Plus, in particular, gained attention for its innovative dual 12-megapixel camera system. This dual-camera setup not only enhances photo quality but also enables 2x optical zoom, allowing users to capture sharper images with more detail and depth. The device is powered by Apple's A10 Fusion chip, which offers significant improvements in speed and efficiency, making multitasking and demanding applications smoother than ever.
One of the most praised features of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus was their water and dust resistance, rated at IP67. This was a first for Apple, providing users with peace of mind against accidental splashes, rain, or even brief immersions. The phones also featured a brighter display with higher contrast for vivid visuals, longer battery life, and enhanced stereo sound quality. Apple maintained the classic headphone jack on these models but introduced Lightning-to-3.5mm adapters along with Lightning EarPods, giving users a transition period as they adapated to the new port design. The 7 series struck a balance between innovative features and user familiarity, making them highly desirable in 2017.
Samsung Galaxy S8
The Samsung Galaxy S8 was lauded for its stunning design and cutting-edge display technology. It featured a nearly bezel-less curved Infinity Display, offering an immersive viewing experience that set a new standard in smartphone aesthetics. Under the hood, the S8 was powered by the Exynos 8895 (or Snapdragon 835, depending on the region), delivering powerful performance capable of handling intensive tasks smoothly.
Built with a durable and waterproof body, the Galaxy S8 supported IP68 water and dust resistance, ensuring durability in adverse conditions. Its hardware was equipped with ample RAM and storage options, appealing to both casual users and power users alike. The device also boasted features like fast wireless charging, enhanced biometric security with an iris scanner and fingerprint sensor, and Android Nougat pre-installed, providing an enterprise-grade software experience.
Google Pixel XL
The Google Pixel XL was renowned for its exceptional camera quality, which rivaled dedicated camera devices despite being a smartphone. Sporting a sleek, minimalist design, it featured a vibrant 5.5-inch Quad HD display with Corning Gorilla Glass protection for durability. Powered by a Snapdragon 821 processor, the Pixel XL offered both speed and efficiency, making it a favorite among Android purists.
Google’s emphasis on its camera technology resulted in superior photo processing capabilities, including excellent low-light performance and real-time HDR+. The device also provided timely software updates directly from Google, ensuring security and new features. Larger than the standard Pixel, the XL model was ideal for media consumption and photography enthusiasts seeking top-tier imaging capabilities in a compact device.
OnePlus 5
The OnePlus 5 gained recognition in 2017 for offering flagship-level performance at a significantly lower price. Featuring a sleek aluminum build and a 5.5-inch Full HD AMOLED display, it was designed for users who wanted high performance without paying premium prices. The device was powered by a Snapdragon 835 processor paired with up to 8GB of RAM, making it one of the fastest Android phones on the market at the time.
OnePlus 5 also stood out with its dual 16-megapixel cameras at the back, enabling high-quality photos and fast autofocus. The device supported rapid charging through Dash Charge technology, providing hours of use with just minutes of charging. With its clean software experience, close-to-stock Android interface, and premium build, the OnePlus 5 was an excellent choice for tech-savvy users seeking power and affordability.
Sony Xperia XZ Premium
The Sony Xperia XZ Premium was among the most innovative smartphones of 2017, mainly due to its 960 frames-per-second super slow-motion video recording capabilities. Its 5.5-inch 4K HDR display delivered stunning visual clarity, rivaling high-end TVs and offering an immersive media experience. The device was equipped with a Snapdragon 835 processor, ensuring fast performance, while its iconic mirror-finish design gave it a premium, stylish appearance.
The Xperia XZ Premium’s camera incorporated a quick hybrid autofocus with predictive phase detection, capturing sharp images rapidly. The phone was also waterproof, supporting IP68 ratings, making it resistant to water and dust. With the latest entertainment and camera technology, Sony’s flagship aimed to appeal to consumers seeking the best in multimedia and photography.
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Although launched a year prior, the Galaxy S7 Edge remained a relevant and popular choice in 2017, thanks to its durable design and versatile features. Its 5.5-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED curved display provided vibrant visuals and a comfortable grip. The S7 Edge supported IP68 water and dust resistance, making it suitable for users with active lifestyles.
Its 12-megapixel camera with f/1.7 aperture produced excellent photos, even in low-light conditions, and the device featured expandable storage via microSD cards. The phone ran on Android Nougat, offering multitasking features with split-screen mode and improved notifications. The S7 Edge’s combination of robustness, performance, and camera quality ensured its continued popularity among consumers looking for a reliable flagship device in 2017.
