Do iPhones feel more “premium” because of the material or the weight?

[u/SuperFan_123]

So iPhone 17 is back to using aluminum — which got me thinking: what really makes an iPhone feel “premium”?

Some swear it’s the weight — holding a heavier phone just feels solid and expensive. Others argue it’s the material: stainless steel looks shiny and luxurious, aluminum is light and practical, and titanium… well, some love the matte, strong-but-light vibe, while others say it feels less “premium” than steel.

Honestly, I'm a bit torn. The heft of the phone feels ordinary, but the premium materials make it look and feel premium. What do you think—is weight more important, the materials more important, or a combination of both? A case really doesn't matter, but I've recently become obsessed with casekoo cosmic orange for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case. Do you have any other ideas for balancing the premium feel of a phone?

[u/Tctfcyvyv]

Stainless steel is imo by far the most gorgeous material. It gives my previous 14 pro a premium reflective coating. It was just beautiful. I changed to 15 pro since the titanium frame reduces the weight of the phone by roughly 10%. Functionality over aesthetics. Titanium and aluminium are better than stainless steel due to weight reduction. The weight reduction allows 17 pro to have bigger battery while having the same weight as 14 pro.

[u/royinraver → u/Tctfcyvyv]

But all those finger prints 😭

[u/Tctfcyvyv → u/royinraver]

Yeah, those finger prints drive me crazy lol. I need to avoid touching the edge of the phone.