I think this year the vanilla 17 offers the best value - same RM3,999 starting price but you get double the storage and 120hz refresh rate. That itself is a big win already.

yes, exactly. not to mention the rest of upgrades too. 

also good for first-time iphone users as well.

Imagine during shopee/lazada sales, this price will be further down.  which it can even happen in 1 month time or less even.

Dont know next iphone 18 will be using silicone carbon battery? China alot of 6.3" phone already with SiC battery that capacity 5500-6500mAh. If it come true , then it will be good pocket size yet powerful battery life with iOS optimization. Then i wont ever looking for bigger phone to make my hand and finger tired