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Apple has significantly improved the base iPhone 17, positioning it as one of the company’s most value-packed models in recent years. With numerous impressive upgrades, it invites a closer comparison to last year’s iPhone 16 Pro—giving users more reason to consider switching or upgrading.
Displays
Both the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 Pro boast 6.3-inch OLED screens featuring ProMotion technology, support for Always-On Display, and peak brightness levels of 1000 nits during standard use and 1600 nits when viewing HDR content. They share identical resolution and contrast ratios, making them visually comparable. The main difference lies in outdoor peak brightness: the iPhone 16 Pro reaches a maximum of 2000 nits, while the iPhone 17 can push up to 3000 nits, offering better visibility in bright sunlight.
Chipsets
The iPhone 16 Pro is equipped with the A18 Pro chip, whereas the iPhone 17 adopts the newer A19 processor. Although detailed year-over-year performance improvements are rarely disclosed, expectations point toward modest CPU enhancements. Both models feature 8GB of RAM and support Apple’s full suite of AI functions. The A19’s GPU includes built-in neural accelerators, potentially offering future benefits over the A18 Pro’s 6-core GPU with 5 cores. Additionally, the iPhone 17 introduces Apple’s first in-house Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread chipset, the N1.
Features and Life Improvements
A notable upgrade on the iPhone 16 Pro is its faster USB-C port with USB 3 speed capabilities, enabling transfer rates 20 times quicker than the USB-C port on the iPhone 17. Both devices feature Apple’s dedicated camera control button.
Camera Capabilities
In terms of rear cameras, both phones include a 48MP main sensor and an ultra-wide lens, along with 2x crop telephoto shots from the main camera. However, the iPhone 16 Pro stands out with a dedicated 5x telephoto lens, making it more suitable for advanced zoom photography. Conversely, the iPhone 17 excels in selfie photography with an 18MP front camera equipped with Center Stage, allowing wider selfies and landscape shots even in portrait orientation thanks to a new square sensor.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 17 delivers a bump in battery longevity, increasing playback time from 22 to 30 hours compared to the iPhone 16. Its charging speed also improves significantly: it can reach 50% charge in just 20 minutes with Apple’s new 40W Power Adapter, outperforming the 30-minute effort needed by the iPhone 16 Pro. Both models support MagSafe charging, with the iPhone 17 providing up to 25W versus 22W on the Pro.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the iPhone 17 offers a compelling package for general consumers, especially those valuing improved cameras, enhanced display brightness, and faster charging. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro maintains advantages like a superior telephoto lens and larger model options, including the Pro Max. Pricing varies, with the iPhone 16 Pro starting at approximately $736 for 128GB on Amazon, escalating with storage, while the iPhone 17 is priced at $829 directly from Apple.
Deciding between these models depends on individual priorities—selfie camera quality and color options favor the iPhone 17, whereas photography enthusiasts might lean toward the Pro. The absence of a larger variant for the iPhone 17 this year is also notable unless considering the iPhone Air. Ultimately, both phones are built for longevity, so your choice should align with your specific needs and preferences.
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