iPhone 16
iPhone 17
🏆 Verdict
iPhone 17 is the better pick overall by 12 points, leading in Display, Performance and Camera. iPhone 16 remains a strong contender elsewhere.
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
Both batteries are about the same size (3,627 mAh).
Charging
iPhone 17 charges faster over cable (40W vs 30W).
Display
iPhone 17 has the larger screen (6.3" vs 6.1"). 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
Both are similar in durability and weight.
Updates
Both have about the same update window (6 years).
Specifications
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Apple A18 | Chipset | Apple A19 |
| 8 GB | RAM | 8 GB |
| 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB |
| 6.1" OLED | Display | 6.3" LTPO OLED |
| 60 Hz | Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
| 2556×1179 (461 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 |
| 3,561 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 |
| 170 g | Weight | 177 g |
| 6 years | OS updates (estimated) | 6 years |
| $799 | Launch price | $799 |
| 2024-09 | Released | 2025-09 |
iPhone 16
Cons
- Slower chip
- No optical telephoto
- 60Hz display
- Dimmer screen
iPhone 17
Pros
- Faster chip (Apple A19)
- 120Hz display
- 3,000 nits peak
Cons
- No optical telephoto
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.