In the early hours of September 10 (Vietnam time), Apple officially unveiled the iPhone 17 lineup, which includes the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

In recent years, Apple has regularly invited Vietnamese journalists and tech reviewers to attend its iPhone launch events. This year was no exception. Here’s what some of the first Vietnamese hands-on reviewers had to say.

Vu Tuan Hung – VnExpress

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Photo: FBNV

Vu Tuan Hung from VnExpress stated that iPhone 17 is now more compelling than ever. For the first time, the standard iPhone comes with a 120Hz display, solving a key drawback of previous generations limited to 60Hz.

Its 6.3-inch display is now on par with the Pro models in size, and despite the price increase, Hung sees this as a worthy upgrade for many. He added that the iPhone Air is "surprisingly thin and extremely pleasant to hold" thanks to its robust titanium body.

While it only has a single camera, its sharp display, strong specs, and full-day battery promise make it a compelling option - though real-world testing is still needed.

For the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Hung praised its significantly redesigned rear, which features a new layout that breaks from Apple’s typical symmetry. The unibody aluminum frame, improved grip, and heat dissipation also stood out.

Tuan Le – GenK

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Photo: FBNV


From GenK, Tuan Le noted the extended horizontal camera bump across the iPhone Air and Pro models. Though some may find the look polarizing, he appreciates how it solves the "wobble" issue when the phone rests on a flat surface.

He emphasized Apple’s strategic focus on thermal management this year, especially given the company's increasing push into AAA gaming. The switch to aluminum and vapor chamber cooling demonstrates this well.

Le believes iPhone 17 is a great value for everyday users, offering a 120Hz display and a gentle color palette without the need to pay Pro prices.

Vinh Vat Vo (Vinh Xo)

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Photo: NVCC

Tech reviewer Tran Xuan Vinh, widely known as Vinh Vat Vo or Vinh Xo, echoed these sentiments, calling iPhone 17 the most impressive of the four new models.

Now equipped with 120Hz refresh rate and an always-on display, the phone also features 3000-nit peak brightness and thin bezels similar to Pro models. Its upgraded selfie camera matches that of the 17 Pro series.

Vinh highlighted the iPhone Air's striking thinness and durability. With a titanium frame and Ceramic Shield glass on both sides, it's a premium offering, though clearly designed for niche users who value design and portability over camera versatility.

Despite its high price - around $1,250 - he believes the Air will appeal to Apple fans and those prioritizing style and form factor over practicality.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max impressed him with its weighty, secure grip, thanks to a matte aluminum finish that avoids the slippery, glossy feel of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. He predicts it will sell out quickly in Vietnam due to both design and internal upgrades like larger battery and vapor chamber cooling.

Nguyen Ngoc Duy Luan

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Photo: FBNV

Tech reviewer Nguyen Ngoc Duy Luan noted that all iPhone 17 models now start at 256GB, a step up from the previous 128GB base.

He found the iPhone Air extremely lightweight and thin, with a standout black variant and vibrant 120Hz ProMotion screen. He suggested the Air would appeal to fashion-forward women or users who prefer compact, stylish devices.

Luan described the Pro and Pro Max models as slightly thicker but more robust, with eye-catching unibody aluminum frames and thin bezels. All rear cameras now boast 48MP Fusion sensors, with standout color options like deep orange.

He believes the iPhone 17 has mass appeal this year, with its previous drawbacks - particularly the display - now fully addressed.

Khuc Quoc Hung (Hung Khuc)

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Photo: FBNV
Also invited by Apple, reviewer Khuc Quoc Hung said the iPhone 17 impressed him most for its practical, user-focused upgrades - even long-time iPhone critics would find little to complain about.

He was especially surprised that Apple finally moved the base model to a 120Hz ProMotion display, breaking from its long-standing product segmentation strategy.

Hung praised the new selfie camera layout, which now uses a square sensor, allowing users to shoot portrait or landscape with ease.

He described the iPhone Air as “shockingly thin” - even slimmer than the iPhone 6 or Galaxy S25 EDGE. While not meant for practical users, it caters to niche fans, particularly fashion-focused women.

However, he criticized the Air’s glossy titanium frame for attracting fingerprints, which reduces the device’s premium aesthetic. He also voiced concerns over speaker quality and battery life due to the thin design, suggesting these aspects require hands-on testing.

Hung concluded that while the Pro and Pro Max designs may be divisive, Apple knows how to turn such debates into marketing gold. He predicted strong sales for both.
Le My