In the event you’re trying to purchase a brand new iPhone, it’s possible you’ll be questioning whether or not to get the iPhone 17 or rating a reduction on final yr’s iPhone 16. To assist with that call, this is a breakdown of how the 2 telephones evaluate.
The iPhone 17 begins at $829 — or $799 with service activation — the identical worth because the iPhone 16 when it debuted. However there is a key distinction: The iPhone 17 begins with 256GB of storage, double the 128GB base on the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16 is now obtainable at a $100 low cost. So, is it price saving some cash or must you splurge on the newer telephone?
This is what to find out about every system, from the cameras to the shows to the batteries. (In the event you’re on the lookout for a barely extra inexpensive choice, try the iPhone 17E.)
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Display screen variations
A few of the greatest modifications between the iPhone 16 and 17 should do with the show.
Apple says it shrunk the borders across the display screen on the iPhone 17, increasing the show from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 16 to six.3 inches on the iPhone 17 with out increasing its dimensions. The brand new Ceramic Defend 2 cowl on the iPhone 17 provides three-times higher scratch resistance, in response to the corporate.
The baseline iPhone 17 will get a show with a 120Hz refresh price, versus the 60Hz show on the iPhone 16. Which means the iPhone 17 lastly helps an always-on show, so you possibly can look on the time, your notifications and Dwell Actions with out waking the display screen.
The iPhone 17 additionally features an anti-reflective coating and a 3,000-nit peak brightness, in comparison with 2,000 nits on the iPhone 16. That ought to make it simpler to see your telephone in vivid daylight.
Digital camera variations
Each the iPhone 16 and 17 have a 48-megapixel wide-angle digital camera. However the iPhone 17 upgrades the ultra-wide digital camera from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels.
The front-facing digital camera additionally will get an improve, going from 12 megapixels on the iPhone 16 to 18 megapixels on the iPhone 17. There is a new Heart Stage characteristic for the selfie digital camera that may robotically alter from a portrait orientation to panorama to ensure everyone seems to be within the shot. Which means you do not have to manually rotate your telephone to its facet anymore when there are extra individuals to slot in the body.
Each the iPhone 16 and 17 have a Digital camera Management button on the facet to shortly launch the digital camera, snap some pictures and use Apple’s Visible Intelligence device to be taught extra about what’s round you.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 17 packs an A19 chip, an improve from the A18 chip within the iPhone 16. One key distinction is that the iPhone 17 begins at 256GB, whereas the iPhone 16 began at 128GB for a similar $829 worth when it debuted.
Each telephones additionally help the Apple Intelligence suite of AI capabilities, which incorporates writing instruments, picture turbines and notification summaries.
Battery life
Apple would not share particular battery specs, however it does measure longevity through video playback hours. The iPhone 16 helps as much as 22 hours of video playback, in response to Apple, whereas the iPhone 17 bumps that as much as 30 hours.
In CNET’s 45-minute endurance take a look at, which incorporates streaming, scrolling by means of social media, becoming a member of a video name and enjoying video games, the iPhone 17’s battery went from full to 98%. That is simply over the 97% the iPhone 16 scored final yr.
And in a three-hour streaming take a look at over Wi-Fi, which includes watching a YouTube video in full-screen mode at full brightness, the iPhone 17’s battery went from full to 89%. As compared, the iPhone 16 dropped to 86%.
Anecdotally, the iPhone 17’s battery lasts over a day, even after taking images, scrolling by means of social media, watching movies, texting, sending emails and extra. The identical might be mentioned in regards to the iPhone 16, so that you possible will not really feel an enormous distinction between the 2 with regards to day-to-day actions.
A brand new AI-powered Adaptive Energy characteristic arriving with iOS 26 may also help preserve the battery by making “small efficiency changes,” like “permitting some actions to take a bit of longer,” in response to Apple.
The iPhone 17 arrives with the upcoming working system onboard, however you will additionally be capable to obtain iOS 26 on the iPhone 16, in addition to some older iPhones, as soon as it turns into obtainable publicly. That ought to assist to stretch your battery life on both system.
Shade choices and design
What’s on the within could also be most necessary, however individuals additionally care what their telephone appears like. Just like the iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 is available in a variety of enjoyable colours: black, white, mist blue, sage (a lightweight inexperienced) and lavender.
For comparability, the iPhone 16 is on the market in black, white, pink, teal and ultramarine. Each telephones have an aluminum body. Take a look at the spec chart under for a breakdown of every telephone.
Apple iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 17Apple iPhone 16Display dimension, tech, decision, refresh price 6.3-inch OLED; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel decision; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate6.1-inch OLED; 2,556 x 1,179 pixel decision; 60Hz refresh ratePixel density 460ppi460 ppiDimensions (inches) 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.31 in5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inDimensions (millimeters) 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mmWeight (grams, ounces) 177 g (6.24 oz170 g (6 oz.)Cell software program iOS 26iOS 18Camera 48-megapixel (extensive) 48-megapixel (ultrawide)48-megapixel (extensive), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)Entrance-facing digital camera 18-megapixel12-megapixelVideo seize 4K4KProcessor Apple A19Apple A18RAM + storage RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GBRAM N/A + 128GB, 256GB, 512GBExpandable storage NoneNone (Face ID)Battery As much as 30 hours video playback; as much as 27 hours video playback (streamed). Quick cost as much as 50% in 20 minutes utilizing 40W adapter or greater through charging cable. Quick cost as much as 50% in half-hour utilizing 30W adapter or greater through MagSafe Charger.As much as 22 hours video playback; as much as 18 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wi-fi charging as much as 25W with 30W adapter or greater; Qi2 as much as 15WFingerprint sensor None (Face ID)None (Face ID)Connector USB-CUSB-CHeadphone jack NoneNoneSpecial options Apple N1 wi-fi networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Motion button. Digital camera Management button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visible Intelligence. Twin eSIM. 1 to 3000 nits brightness show vary. IP68 resistance. Colours: black, white, mist blue, sage, lavender.Apple Intelligence, Motion button, Digital camera Management button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits show brightness vary, IP68 resistance. Colours: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine.US worth begins at $829 (256GB)$829 (128GB)
