Apple’s newest flagship, the iPhone 17 Ultra, landed in Pakistan on 12 September 2026, priced at Rs 699,999 (approximately $2,549 USD). Designed for power users, photographers, and anyone who wants the absolute best iPhone has to offer, the device packs a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, the blazing-fast A19 Pro chip, and a groundbreaking 5x periscope camera. But with a price tag that crosses Rs 700,000, is it worth the investment for Pakistani buyers?

We spent two weeks testing the iPhone 17 Ultra in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi—using it as a daily driver, for gaming, photography, and even as a work device. Here’s what we found.

Design & Build

The iPhone 17 Ultra feels like a premium device the moment you pick it up. It weighs 232 grams and measures 160.8 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm, making it slightly heavier than last year’s model but still comfortable to hold for long hours. The titanium frame—now standard across the Ultra lineup—gives it a sleek, durable finish, while the matte glass back resists fingerprints better than glossy finishes.

Apple offers four colors: Space Black, Silver, Gold, and a new Deep Ocean Blue. The titanium frame gives the device a more premium look and feel compared to aluminum, but it also makes the phone slightly slippery. The curved edges are comfortable, but the flat display frame means no curved screen edges—something some users might miss.

Display

The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display is a standout feature. It supports 120Hz ProMotion, delivering buttery-smooth scrolling and gaming. The resolution is 2868 x 1320 pixels, with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits in HDR—making it easy to read even in direct sunlight. The display also supports Always-On mode, which shows the time and widgets without fully waking the phone.

In real-world use, the screen is vibrant and sharp, with deep blacks and bright whites. Whether you’re watching a movie, browsing social media, or editing photos, the display delivers an immersive experience. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel effortless, and the high brightness ensures visibility outdoors.

Performance

At the heart of the iPhone 17 Ultra is the A19 Pro chip, built on a 3nm process. This chip delivers up to 30% faster CPU performance and 40% faster GPU performance compared to the previous generation. In benchmarks, the device scored over 14,000 in Geekbench 6 and 70,000 in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme, making it one of the fastest smartphones available today.

We tested demanding apps like Adobe Photoshop, Call of Duty Mobile, and Final Cut Pro. The phone handled everything without a single stutter or lag. Multitasking is seamless, with apps switching instantly and background processes running smoothly. The 16GB of RAM ensures that even heavy workloads don’t slow the device down.

Camera

The iPhone 17 Ultra features a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, a 12MP 5x periscope telephoto, and a 12MP 3x telephoto. The periscope lens is a game-changer, offering 5x optical zoom and up to 25x digital zoom, rivaling many dedicated cameras.

In daylight, photos are sharp, with accurate colors and excellent dynamic range. The Night mode works brilliantly in low light, capturing details without excessive noise. Video recording supports 8K at 60fps, with Cinematic Mode for professional-looking footage. The front camera is a 12MP TrueDepth sensor, perfect for selfies and video calls.

We tested the zoom in Karachi’s streets and Lahore’s parks. The 5x periscope lens allowed us to capture distant subjects clearly, something even the best Android phones struggle with. The ultra-wide lens is great for landscapes and group shots, while the main camera delivers studio-quality images.

Battery

The iPhone 17 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh battery, a slight increase from last year’s model. In our tests, the phone lasted 18-20 hours of mixed use, including web browsing, social media, gaming, and video playback. With moderate use, it easily lasts a full day, and with light use, it can stretch to two days.

Charging is fast, thanks to 40W wired charging and 27W wireless charging. A full charge takes about 45 minutes with the included 40W charger. MagSafe compatibility means you can use Apple’s magnetic chargers for convenience. However, the phone does not support reverse wireless charging.

Verdict

The iPhone 17 Ultra is a beast of a smartphone, designed for those who demand the absolute best. Its A19 Pro chip, 5x periscope camera, and 120Hz display make it a powerhouse for gaming, photography, and productivity. The titanium build adds a premium feel, and the battery life is impressive for a flagship device.

However, the Rs 699,999 price tag is steep, and most Pakistani users may not need all the advanced features. If you’re a professional photographer, a mobile gamer, or someone who wants the best iPhone money can buy, this is the device for you. For everyone else, the iPhone 17 Pro might be a more practical choice.

If you can afford it, the iPhone 17 Ultra is worth every rupee—it’s the most powerful iPhone ever, and it shows.

Key details

  • Announcement date: 9 September 2026
  • Release date in Pakistan: 12 September 2026
  • Price in Pakistan: Rs 699,999
  • Price in USD: ~$2,549
  • Where to buy: Apple Store Pakistan, official resellers like iStore, Mobilink, and authorized retailers
  • Warranty: 1-year limited warranty with Apple Care+ available
  • Colors: Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Ocean Blue
  • Official website: apple.com/pk