Now that Apple’s iPhone 17 has arrived, you might be questioning whether or not to purchase the most recent gadget or get final yr’s iPhone 16, which now prices $100 much less. To assist with that call, here is a breakdown of how the 2 telephones evaluate.
The iPhone 17 begins at $829 (or $799 for those who activate with a provider), the identical because the iPhone 16 when it got here out — with the important thing distinction being that the iPhone 17 begins with the next 256GB storage possibility, versus 128GB on the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16 is now accessible at a $100 low cost. So, is it price saving some cash, or do you have to go all out with the most recent cellphone?
This is what to find out about every cellphone, from the cameras to the shows to the batteries.
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Display screen variations
Among the greatest adjustments between the iPhone 16 and 17 need to 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 Protect 2 cowl on the iPhone 17 affords 3x higher scratch resistance, based on the corporate.
The baseline iPhone 17 will get a show with a 120Hz refresh fee, versus the 60Hz show on the iPhone 16. Which means the iPhone 17 lastly helps an always-on show, so you’ll be able to look on the time, your notifications and Stay Actions with out waking the display screen.
The iPhone 17 additionally positive factors 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 cellphone in shiny daylight.
Digicam variations
Each the iPhone 16 and 17 have a 48-megapixel wide-angle digital camera. However the iPhone 17 upgrades the ultrawide digital camera from 12 megapixels on final yr’s cellphone 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 Middle Stage function for the selfie digital camera that may routinely modify 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 cellphone to its aspect anymore when there are extra folks to slot in the body.
Each the iPhone 16 and 17 have a Digicam Management button on the aspect to rapidly launch the digital camera, snap some pictures and use Apple’s Visible Intelligence software to study 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 value when it debuted.
Each telephones additionally help the Apple Intelligence suite of AI capabilities, which incorporates writing instruments, picture mills and notification summaries.
Battery life
Apple would not share particular battery specs, but it surely does measure longevity by way of video playback hours. The iPhone 16 helps as much as 22 hours of video playback, based on 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 via 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 entails 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 photographs, scrolling via social media, watching movies, texting, sending emails and extra. The identical could be mentioned in regards to the iPhone 16, so that you doubtless will not really feel an enormous distinction between the 2 relating to day-to-day actions.
A brand new AI-powered Adaptive Energy function 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,” based on Apple.
The iPhone 17 arrives with the upcoming working system onboard, however you may additionally be capable of obtain iOS 26 on the iPhone 16, in addition to some older iPhones, as soon as it turns into accessible publicly. That ought to assist to stretch your battery life on both gadget.
Coloration choices and design
What’s on the within could also be most necessary, however folks additionally care what their cellphone seems 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 out there 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 cellphone.
Apple iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16
| Apple iPhone 17 | Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Show measurement, tech, decision, refresh fee | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel decision; 1-120Hz variable refresh fee | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,556 x 1,179 pixel decision; 60Hz refresh fee |
| Pixel density | 460ppi | 460 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.31 in | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 in |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 177 g (6.24 oz) | 170 g (6 oz.) |
| Cellular software program | iOS 26 | iOS 18 |
| Digicam | 48-megapixel (vast) 48-megapixel (ultrawide) | 48-megapixel (vast), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) |
| Entrance-facing digital camera | 18-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Video seize | 4K | 4K |
| Processor | Apple A19 | Apple A18 |
| RAM + storage | RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB | RAM N/A + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Expandable storage | None | None (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 by way of charging cable. Quick cost as much as 50% in half-hour utilizing 30W adapter or greater by way of 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 15W |
| Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None |
| Particular options | Apple N1 wi-fi networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Motion button. Digicam 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, Digicam Management button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits show brightness vary, IP68 resistance. Colours: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine. |
| US value begins at | $829 (256GB) | $829 (128GB) |
