Comparing the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 for an upgrade decision in 2025: To Upgrade or Wait?
Apple has recently launched the iPhone 17, offering a modest yet noticeable upgrade over its predecessor, the iPhone 16. Here's what you need to know about the changes in design, display, camera, performance, and battery life.
Design
The iPhone 17 retains the same size and weight as the iPhone 16, measuring 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm. However, the design of the Pro models has been updated with a larger camera bump spanning nearly the entire back, giving them a more prominent look. The base model's design remains similar to the iPhone 16, with a possible subtle reduction in bezel size.
Display
The iPhone 17 boasts a 6.27-inch OLED display with a higher refresh rate of 120Hz, thanks to the new ProMotion 2.0 technology. This results in smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions. In contrast, the iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate.
While the main models of the iPhone 17 may not benefit from the latest display technology like LDTEE, it seems that this upgrade is reserved for the Pro variants, which promise better efficiency and brightness.
Camera
The iPhone 17's camera system has seen significant improvements. The main camera now boasts a 48-megapixel sensor, while the ultra-wide camera remains a 12-megapixel lens. The front-facing camera has also been upgraded to 24 megapixels, a double of the 16's selfie camera. The Pro models of the iPhone 17 also feature a 48-megapixel front camera.
Performance
Powered by the new A19 Bionic Chip, the iPhone 17 offers improved efficiency and power. The Pro models also get increased RAM to 12GB, supporting AI features. In comparison, the iPhone 16 runs on the A18 Bionic Chip with 8GB of RAM.
Battery Life
The battery capacity of the iPhone 17 is around 3600 mAh, slightly varied or stable compared to the iPhone 16's 3561 mAh. Charging remains the same, with USB-C 20W wired and 25W wireless charging via MagSafe.
Summary
The iPhone 17 is a slight but noticeable upgrade over the iPhone 16, with improvements in display, camera, and performance. The design remains similar for the base model but receives an update for the Pro variants. Battery capacity and charging remain consistent between the two models.
It's worth noting that most display technology upgrades and design changes seem to be reserved for the Pro models, with the base iPhone 17 retaining a familiar aluminum frame and dimensions as the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16 series, launched in 2024, remains a reliable, premium device with features that still feel modern in 2025.
[1] Source: TechCrunch [2] Source: The Verge [3] Source: Engadget
The iPhone 17 boasts new advancements in its camera system, featuring a high-resolution 48-megapixel sensor for the main camera and an upgraded 24-megapixel selfie camera. The iPhone 17 also leverages the power of the latest A19 Bionic Chip, offering improved efficiency and performance compared to the A18 Bionic Chip in the iPhone 16. Interestingly, some of the most significant display technology upgrades and design changes appear to be specific to the Pro models, leaving the base iPhone 17 with a familiar design and aluminum frame similar to the iPhone 16.
