The iPhone 17 is poised for launch in just a few weeks, with speculation buzzing throughout the summer. In addition to the regular iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models, Apple may unveil a sleeker phone and an updated version of its FineWoven accessories. However, how many of the anticipated iPhone 17 features are actually novel?
Traditionally, Android phones have frequently rolled out features ahead of the iPhone. For example, the iPhone 6 incorporated NFC, a capability that Android devices had since the Samsung Nexus S. This trend has continued in the iOS versus Android discussion, so let’s take a closer look at the rumored iPhone 17 features and identify which ones Android phones have already provided.
**The iPhone 17 Air**
A significant rumor suggests that Apple will debut a slimmer iPhone 17, potentially named the iPhone 17 Air, which would be the slimmest iPhone to date. Leaked images indicate it measures the same thickness as its buttons, departing from bulkier phones with larger batteries. Nonetheless, Samsung recently launched the Galaxy S25 Edge, which boasts a similar slim design, marking another triumph for Android.
**A broader camera bump**
Another possible design alteration is a camera bump that extends across most of the phone’s back, along with a return to an aluminum casing. This design is already visible in the Google Pixel 9, although the Pixel’s iteration is more rounded. The concept of a wide camera bump has appeared on various Android devices, with the Pixel 9 being the latest illustration.
**Vapor chamber cooling**
The iPhone 17 could finally implement vapor chamber cooling, a technique that employs phase-changing fluids for superior cooling. Android smartphones have incorporated this method for nearly ten years, beginning with the Razer Phone 2 in 2018. Samsung and other manufacturers have continued this evolution, with the Pixel 10 recently adopting it, outpacing Apple by a month.
**120 Hz displays across the lineup**
Previously, Apple’s 120 Hz ProMotion display was limited to Pro models, but the entire iPhone 17 series may feature high refresh rate displays, including the iPhone 17 Air. Android devices have utilized higher resolution displays since the Razer Phone emerged in 2017, and whole series have provided them since the Galaxy S20 lineup in 2020.
**12GB of RAM, at last**
Apple may elevate the iPhone 17 to 12GB of RAM, the highest ever in an iPhone, to enhance Apple Intelligence capabilities. Android phones have had 12GB RAM or greater for several years, with Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra offering 16GB before dropping to 12GB. Other brands, including Google, have also implemented 12GB RAM, with select Chinese devices reaching 24GB.
**An increased battery capacity**
The iPhone 17 Pro Max might include a 5,000 mAh battery, the largest in iPhone history. However, Android phones have provided comparable or larger batteries for years, beginning with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra in 2020. It’s promising to see Apple advancing in this regard.
**A completely revamped design with iOS 26**
Apple is recognized for its gradual iOS updates, with the last substantial revision occurring in iOS 7 back in 2013. iOS 26 brings a fresh appearance for the iPhone 17 and compatible models. Since 2013, Android has undergone several major design transformations, including Material Design and Material You, offering a broader range of design options for Android users.
**In conclusion, that’s fine**
Although Android has the edge in features, the iPhone 17 is anticipated to be a leading smartphone thanks to Apple’s exceptional optimizations. Android devices continue to be trailblazers in providing larger batteries, increased RAM, and higher refresh rates, so those interested in these attributes might want to explore Android options.