Apple closed 2025 with a set of releases that shifted expectations for its product tiers, and Brazilian tech site Canaltech selected the iPhone 17 as the years standout. The device topped a staff poll that weighed balance between price, features and real-world utility, while the iPhone 16e, the iPhone 17 Pro and the MacBook Pro M5 also received recognition.
iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 won four of nine votes in Canaltechs internal poll, a result the editorial team attributed to Apples decision to bring several previously Pro-only features into the standard model. Reviewers praised the new baseline storage of 256GB, a 120Hz display and a refreshed camera setup that together deliver a premium feel without the Pro price tag.
Gabriel Rimi, Canaltechs video manager, said the change represents a shift in the product hierarchy: the standard iPhone now includes components that make it suitable for most users who previously considered Pro models necessary. Other contributors highlighted the handsets improved balance of cost and capability, with one noting that Apple maintained prices while increasing storage, a rare move in the current market.
Wendel Martins, a staff writer and analyst, pointed to the technical upgrades as decisive. He noted the combination of faster display refresh, an updated front camera and a newer chip as key improvements that enhance daily use. Vinicius Moschen complimented the design, arguing the standard model now offers the core experiences many users want, at a lower cost than top-tier variants. Presenter Pedro Cipoli added that, for most buyers, the iPhone 17 now removes the need to step up to the Pro or Pro Max models.
Runners up and the broader line-up
The contest for second place ended in a tie between the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 17 Pro, each earning two votes. Canaltechs presenters cast their ballots along two clear lines: value and maximum performance. The iPhone 16e was celebrated as the most cost-effective Apple phone of recent years, offering strong battery life, capable cameras and a leading processor at a lower price point.
The iPhone 17 Pro kept its appeal among users who demand the highest performance and a refreshed aesthetic. Canaltechs product analysts praised its redesigned look and marked performance gains, while noting that it remains the choice for professionals and power users who want the best hardware available.
Rounding out the selections, the MacBook Pro M5 received a vote for significant improvements in everyday performance. Canaltechs editor of products argued that the M5 generation finally offers a convincing upgrade path for owners of machines with the original M1 chip from 2020, thanks to accumulated gains in processing speed and efficiency.
Canaltechs results reflect a year in which Apple balanced refinement with accessibility. In Brazil and other markets, the decision to elevate the standard iPhones specifications may change purchase patterns, encouraging users to opt for the model that offers most everyday needs while leaving Pro variants to those who require specialised performance.
For readers weighing upgrades, Canaltechs panel highlights that value now plays a larger role in Apples product mix, and that buyers should compare storage, display and camera upgrades against their own priorities before choosing a model.
Key Takeaways:
- Canaltech’s Brazil team voted the iPhone 17 the best Apple launch of 2025, citing improved value and upgraded features.
- The iPhone 17 secured four of nine votes thanks to base-model upgrades such as 256GB minimum storage and a 120Hz display.
- Runners-up were the iPhone 16e for value and the iPhone 17 Pro for peak performance; the MacBook Pro M5 earned recognition for a significant performance leap.
