The iPhone 17 Pro's telephoto lens may only be worth the high price for certain users.

The 48MP sensor offers detailed images and an 8x zoom crop mode with minimal quality loss. Apple calls it "lossless zoom," which holds true with sufficient light.

At 40x, image quality diminishes, but it's still better than the iPhone 16 Pro. The 4x and 8x zoom, however, is a significant improvement over previous iPhones.

Should you upgrade to the iPhone 17 Pro for its new telephoto camera?

Verizon offers the iPhone 17 Pro for $0.00/mo, requiring a new line on an Unlimited Ultimate plan and a device trade-in. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is available for $2.77/mo, with up to $1,100 savings when activating a new line and trading in an eligible device with an Unlimited Ultimate plan.

If you're a photographer, this is significant.

The 4x telephoto is the most impactful camera upgrade from Apple in years.

While it's just a phone, flagship phones are now part of professional photography and filmmaking. Portrait photographers will appreciate the natural 100mm perspective, while landscape photographers can capture details. The iPhone telephoto is now versatile for travel photography. The 4x lens brings the iPhone closer to DSLR capabilities, especially with the lossless 8x zoom.

For casual users, it might not be worth it.

If you have an iPhone 14/15/16 Pro, the new telephoto camera alone may not justify upgrading. The iPhone 17 Pro lives up to the "Pro" label. Unless it helps you professionally, consider spending the money elsewhere, as it's a $1100 investment.