When it comes to handsets, I'm very picky. In the last decade, I've had the Samsung Galaxy S8, the Note 10, the iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone 13 - you get the picture. I've switched and swapped constantly, thanks to pre-order discounts, timely trade-ins, and O2's interesting switch-up program, but I've recently been sticking with Samsung. That being said, there are a few ways the iPhone 17 could bring me back to Apple's side.
Three things are definite in life - death, taxes, and regular new Apple releases, and the iPhone 17 release date is around the corner, ready to prove me right on that third point. Like many of the best gaming phones, Apple's design philosophy has remained with small innovations each year, and that's not an issue exclusive to the iPhone. However, there are a few major issues that keep me from becoming an iPhone user.
Firstly, I'm not sure why Apple keeps giving us new things to add to the best Apple Arcade games list, but limits the base and Plus models to 60Hz refresh rates. 120Hz has been the standard for Android phones since the Razer Phone's release in 2017, allowing them to keep up with the best mobile games, but unless you're willing to pay extra for the Pro or Pro Max models, well, you're stuck with the boring and not-as-smooth 60Hz. Come on, Apple, it's time to improve.
Also, here's a problem that's common across the whole iPhone 16 range - why just 8GB of RAM? I'm not pretending to be some internal specs snob, but as some of the best iPhone games are quite demanding, that RAM is increasingly important. Even outside of the gaming sphere, this would help with multitasking or any other processing-heavy phone tasks.. I know Apple is keen to ensure optimization, but give us a little more, please?
I'd also like to see the addition of silicon-carbon cell batteries, and I know that Samsung currently doesn't offer these either, but it'd go a long way towards convincing me to make the switch if Apple did. Lithium-ion batteries are slowly going out of fashion in favor of silicon-carbon, thanks to the fact that, despite being the same size, they can go longer between charges. That means I'd be able to spend more time playing games with my favorite mobile controller, and less time needing to charge the device, but without increasing the weight dramatically.
Outside of playing the best iPhone games, I need faster charging, Apple. The Samsung S25 Ultra, which I believe is my favorite smartphone of 2025, offers 45W charging speeds, while the large iPhone 16 Pro Max is roughly 27-30W, depending on the ideal conditions. Apple, do you want me to use that new phone I got? I don't want to be charging it constantly, please.
Much of this is in jest - playful antagonism against a corporation that has been making more money in a month than I'll ever know in my life. If you're reading this, Mr. Cook, no offence should be taken. I've owned and loved many Apple devices, but it's time for them to catch up to Android. I know Apple is keen to perfect existing technology before moving ahead, but it's been long enough. At least, give me 120Hz on all iPhone models. I'm not asking for much more.
If you're looking to pre-order the new iPhone regardless, you should keep an eye on the following stores ahead of the release date:
- Walmart (US)
- Amazon (US)
- EE (UK)
- Sky Mobile (UK)
- Amazon (UK)
However, if you're waiting for all of the official announcements before getting the iPhone 17, Apple is holding an event on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Hopefully, we'll finally get the best iPhone for games to date once it's finally revealed, and one that can take Android out of the picture.