Was this a $1200 mistake?

If you purchased from Apple, you have 14 days to return the iPhone 17 for a full refund, then decide on whether you want to try another iPhone 17 or something else.

Once 14 days has passed, your only option at that point is take the phone in for service to have it checked and tested. If a fault is found with the camera, Apple will repair the phone. If replacement parts are not available, Apple will replace the phone.

Is there a possibility that there are fingerprints, etc. on the lens? If so, maybe a careful cleaning will fix the problem.

Do you see blur in all photos, or just in ones where the subject is close up? With all cameras, there is a minimum focusing distance.

I’ve owned the top of the line iPhone model starting in 2007 with the original iPhone and currently have an iPhone 17 pro max. The only models I skipped was 5 series and 6, but I picked back up with 6S. Unequivocally, the 17 Pro and Pro Max are the best cameras overall Apple has ever produced, in my opinion. If you don’t want to take my word for it, checkout this review.

https://www.dxomark.com/smartphones/Apple/iPhone-17-Pro

Third best camera they’ve ever reviewed. Please post some examples of the challenges you’re having with your iPhone 17 and I can try to explain or confirm you’ve got a defective camera.

If you bought this phone from Apple, you have 14 days to return it. If not, contact the seller.