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iPhone 17 Upgrade brings a smoother 120Hz display, upgraded cameras, and faster A19 chip.
iPhone 16 remains a lighter, more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers.
Compare storage, durability, battery life, and overall value before deciding.
Apple’s annual iPhone launch stirs anticipation and creates excitement, as iPhone 17 feels more impactful than usual. This year, the company launched features that had been pending for years. At the top of those is the inclusion of a high-refresh-rate screen, a long-missing piece in Apple’s typical iPhone series for quite some time.
At first sight, iPhone 17 looks very similar to last year’s iPhone 16, but with some essential upgrades beneath the surface. The new iPhone lineup is a more forward-looking device with improved durability, more powerful display tech, sharper cameras, quicker charging, and enhanced performance. However, the former model has lost none of its appeal. It is still lighter and more affordable, making the decision less easy for many customers.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 models have a similar design with flat OLED screens, Dynamic Island cutouts, aluminium frames, and IP68 water resistance. They also feature the Action button and a dedicated Camera Control Button. The back panels are still made of glass with dual cameras.
The significant difference lies in its durability. iPhone 17 boasts Ceramic Shield 2, which is three times more resistant to scratches than the Ceramic Shield of iPhone 16. In terms of size, iPhone 17 is a bit taller, thicker, and heavier, weighing 177g, versus iPhone 16 at 170g.
Color options are also different. The flagship model is available in black, white, mist blue, sage, and lavender, while its predecessor has black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine.
The display is where iPhone 17 makes its most significant jump. It features a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,000 nits of brightness. It also features an always-on mode.
In contrast, iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch OLED display is limited to 60Hz and 2,000 nits of brightness. iPhone 17’s upgrade in the display has been characterized as a ‘really nice upgrade’ by reviewers, enabling smoother scrolling and animations and improving outdoor visibility.
The 2025 flagship model maintains a 48MP wide sensor but upgrades in two significant ways: a 48MP ultra-wide camera and an 18MP selfie cam that supports Center Stage. This improves the front camera for video calls and vlogging.
However, the 2024 flagship one comes equipped with a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 12MP front camera sans Center Stage. The phones continue to natively support 4K video at 60fps and slow-motion 1080p at 240fps, but the iPhone 17 offers greater flexibility for photography enthusiasts.
iPhone 17 features an A19 chip, which means more processing speed and extended iOS update support. iPhone 16 has an A18 chip, which is fast but not quite as future-proofed. Both have 8GB RAM and arrive with iOS 26.
iPhone 17’s 3,692mAh cell lasts up to 30 hours of video playback, longer than iPhone 16’s 3,561mAh and 22 hours. Its battery life is better, and its charging speed has also been improved. iPhone 17 reaches 50% in around 20 minutes on a 40W adapter, while iPhone 16 does it in around 30 minutes.
Also Read: iPhone 17 Glitches Alert: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and CarPlay Suddenly Dropping
Apple’s iPhone 17 features two models: 256GB version for $799 and 512GB version is $999.
iPhone 16 begins at $699 for 128GB. Apple dropped its 256GB and 512GB options, but they were expensive.
iPhone 17 beats iPhone 16 in nearly every area. Its higher 120Hz screen, enhanced durability, improved cameras, quicker charging, and extended software support make it a better purchase for most consumers.
That said, iPhone 16 is still a good option if you want a lighter device, cannot afford to pay more, or do not require the newest features.
In brief, if display smoothness and photography are your concerns, iPhone 17 is well worth the upgrade. If value and portability are your top priorities, iPhone 16 remains a reliable choice.
Which is better: iPhone 17 or iPhone 16?
iPhone 17 has a gentler 120Hz display than the 60Hz iPhone 16 one, refined cameras, a faster chip, and better durability.
Is iPhone 17 worth upgrading from iPhone 16?
Yes, if display smoothness, camera versatility, fast charging, and software updates for the longest time matter to you.
How long does iPhone 17 battery last compared to iPhone 16?
Video playback lasts for about 30 hours on an iPhone 17, slightly longer than the 22 hours on the iPhone 16.
Are there storage differences between iPhone 17 and iPhone 16?
Starting at 256GB, the iPhone 17 has a capacity twice that of the iPhone 16's 128GB and also comes in higher capacities for expanded storage requirements.
What are the main camera upgrades in iPhone 17?
Main iPhone 17 upgrades are 48MP ultra-wide and 18MP front cameras with Center Stage, the added versatility compared to iPhone 16 cameras.
