Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone 17
The Verdict
The Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 17 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. Both launched at roughly the same price ($799 vs $799), so cost is unlikely to be the deciding factor. The Apple iPhone 17 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple iPhone 16 stands out for a18 chip enables apple intelligence, while Apple iPhone 17 is praised for a19 chip with improved efficiency. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 16 if…
- →A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
- →New Camera Control button
- →Compact and lightweight design
Buy the Apple iPhone 17 if…
- →A19 chip with improved efficiency
- →Ceramic Shield 2 front and back
- →48MP main camera with improved processing
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 16
Pros
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
- New Camera Control button
- Compact and lightweight design
- Improved 48 MP main camera
- Strong battery life for its size
Cons
- Still 60Hz display in 2024
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No telephoto lens
- No always-on display
Apple iPhone 17
Pros
- A19 chip with improved efficiency
- Ceramic Shield 2 front and back
- 48MP main camera with improved processing
- ProMotion 120Hz display
Cons
- Still only 27W wired charging
- No telephoto lens
- 8GB RAM vs 12GB on Pro models
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 16 | Apple iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | iOS 19 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 170 g | 174 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 147 x 71 x 7.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 48 MP, f/1.6, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 24 MP, f/1.9, Center Stage |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps, Cinematic mode |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3561 mAh | 3600 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 27W wired |
| Wireless charging | 25W MagSafe | 15W MagSafe |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 1179 x 2556 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 2000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | 6-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | 5-core GPU |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Apple A19 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Apple products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 16 or the Apple iPhone 17.