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The iPhone 17 has landed, bringing a host of upgrades over its predecessor, the iPhone 16. From a larger display to enhanced cameras and better battery life, the new model makes a strong case. However, don’t count out the iPhone 16 just yet; it remains a solid choice, especially with its recent price drop. Let’s dive into the specs and features to help you decide which iPhone suits your needs.
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16 Specs Breakdown
| Up to 30 hours of video playback | iPhone 17 | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $799 | $699 (as of 9/9/25) |
| Display | 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR (2622 x 1206) | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (2556 x 1179) |
| Refresh Rate | 1 – 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main (f/1.6), 48MP ultrawide (f/2.2) | 48MP main (f/1.6), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) |
| Front Camera | 18MP Center Stage (f/1.9) | 12MP (f/1.9) |
| Chipset | A19 | A18 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 22 hours of video playback | Up to 22 hours video playback |
| Charging | 30W wired, 25W MagSafe wireless | 20W wired, 25W MagSafe wireless |
| Operating System | iOS 26 | iOS 18 (upgradable to iOS 26) |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.31 inches (149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95mm) | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm) |
| Weight | 6.24 oz (177g) | 6 oz (170g) |
| Colors | Black, White, Mist Blue, Sage, Lavender | Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine |
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16 Price and Availability
The iPhone 17 starts at $799, matching the launch price of the iPhone 16 but offering double the base storage (more on that later). It’s available for pre-order starting September 12, with sales kicking off on September 19.
The iPhone 16, launched in September 2024, now starts at $699 after a $100 price cut by Apple. You might find even better deals through third-party retailers
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16 Design and Display Comparison
At first glance, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 share a similar design, with matching button layouts and a pill-shaped rear camera module. However, the iPhone 17 steps up with a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR AMOLED display and a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate, compared to the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch screen and fixed 60Hz. Apple also claims the iPhone 17 hits 3,000 nits peak brightness, outshining the iPhone 16’s 2,000 nits.
The larger display makes the iPhone 17 slightly taller and heavier, measuring 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.31 inches and 6.24 ounces, compared to the iPhone 16’s 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches and 6 ounces. Both phones sport IP68 water and dust resistance, but the iPhone 17 adds a tougher Ceramic Shield 2 display with an enhanced anti-reflective coating.
Color options overlap with Black and White, but diverge elsewhere: the iPhone 17 offers Mist Blue, Sage, and Lavender, while the iPhone 16 comes in Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 Camera Comparison
The iPhone 17 boasts dual 48MP rear cameras (main and ultrawide), a significant upgrade over the iPhone 16’s 48MP main and 12MP ultrawide setup. The higher-resolution ultrawide on the iPhone 17 delivers sharper wide-angle shots and better macro photography.
For selfies, the iPhone 17’s 18MP Center Stage front camera outclasses the iPhone 16’s 12MP shooter, with a larger square sensor that simplifies group shots without needing to rotate the phone. The iPhone 17 also introduces Dual Capture video mode, letting you record from both front and rear cameras simultaneously for creative video possibilities.
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16 Performance
The iPhone 17’s A19 chipset offers a performance and efficiency boost over the iPhone 16’s A18. Storage is another win for the iPhone 17, starting at 256GB (with a 512GB option), while the iPhone 16 begins at 128GB (with 256GB and 512GB options, though Apple now only sells the 128GB model directly). Both phones pack 8GB of RAM.
Both phones run iOS 26, though the iPhone 16 ships with iOS 18 and requires an update. The iPhone 16 will likely receive one fewer year of updates due to its earlier release, but both should get five years of software support. Apple Intelligence, Action Button, and Camera Control are available on both models, with the iPhone 17’s A19 chip potentially offering smoother performance.
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16 Battery and Charging
Apple claims the iPhone 17 delivers up to 30 hours of video playback, a notable jump from the iPhone 16’s 22 hours. Our tests will confirm this, but the iPhone 17’s larger battery seems promising.
Charging is also faster on the iPhone 17, reaching 50% in 20 minutes with a 30W wired charger, compared to 30 minutes for the iPhone 16 with its 20W limit. Both support 25W MagSafe wireless charging, hitting 50% in 30 minutes.
Which Should You Choose?
The iPhone 17 brings meaningful upgrades: a larger, smoother display, a more powerful chipset, better battery life, and enhanced cameras. However, the iPhone 16 holds its own with similar software features and a $100 lower price tag.
If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 15 or older, the iPhone 17’s improvements make it a compelling choice. But if you’re on an iPhone 16, the upgrades might not justify the cost.
Stay tuned for our full iPhone 17 review to see how these differences play out in real-world testing. For the latest news and deals, subscribe to our newsletter below, and follow our socials!
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The post iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16: Key Differences Unpacked first appeared on KaziNiKazi Digital and is written by Emanuel S..