iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 17
🏆 Verdict
iPhone 17 is the better pick overall by 8.1 points, leading in Display, Performance and Camera. iPhone 16 Plus remains a strong contender elsewhere.
iPhone 17 offers more for the money ($799 vs $899 at launch).
By category
Performance
iPhone 17 is faster with the Apple A19 (performance index 90 vs 82). You notice it in heavy games and video editing, less in daily use.
Camera
iPhone 17 has the higher-resolution selfie camera (18 MP vs 12 MP).
Battery
iPhone 16 Plus's battery is 982 mAh larger (4,674 vs 3,692 mAh), about 27% more. Real battery life also depends on chip and display efficiency.
Charging
iPhone 17 charges faster over cable (40W vs 30W).
Display
iPhone 16 Plus has the larger screen (6.7" vs 6.3"). iPhone 17's display is smoother at 120Hz vs 60Hz. iPhone 17's screen gets brighter (3,000 vs 2,000 nits), which shows outdoors.
Build & durability
iPhone 17 is 22 g lighter.
Updates
Both have about the same update window (6 years).
Specifications
| iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Apple A18 | Chipset | Apple A19 |
| 8 GB | RAM | 8 GB |
| 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB |
| 6.7" OLED | Display | 6.3" LTPO OLED |
| 60 Hz | Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
| 2796×1290 (460 ppi) | Resolution | 2622×1206 (458 ppi) |
| 2,000 nits | Peak brightness | 3,000 nits |
| 48 MP | Main camera | 48 MP |
| 12 MP | Ultrawide | 48 MP |
| None | Telephoto | None |
| 12 MP | Front camera | 18 MP |
| 4,674 mAh | Battery | 3,692 mAh |
| 30 W | Wired charging | 40 W |
| 25 W | Wireless charging | 25 W |
| IP68 | Water & dust rating | IP68 |
| aluminium | Frame | aluminium |
| 199 g | Weight | 177 g |
| 6 years | OS updates (estimated) | 6 years |
| $899 | Launch price | $799 |
| 2024-09 | Released | 2025-09 |
Official source: iPhone 16 Plus · Official source: iPhone 17
iPhone 16 Plus
Pros
- 4,674 mAh battery
- 6.7" screen
Cons
- Slower chip
- No optical telephoto
- 60Hz display
- Dimmer screen
iPhone 17
Pros
- Faster chip (Apple A19)
- 120Hz display
- 3,000 nits peak
- Light at 177 g
- Lower price ($799)
Cons
- No optical telephoto
- Smaller battery
How is the score calculated?
Each phone gets 0–100 points in seven categories (performance, camera, battery, charging, display, build, updates), computed only from its published specs, then combined with fixed, published weights. A gap under 2.5 points counts as a tie. The performance index is an estimate based on benchmark results published at launch.
Figures come from the manufacturers’ official pages. Some specs vary by market. We do not sell devices or earn commissions.