iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Shocking Upgrades You Didn’t Expect

Apple has rolled out the iPhone 17, setting up a direct comparison with last year’s iPhone 16. While the two devices look almost identical at first sight, the latest version integrates long-requested features, including a high-refresh-rate display, faster processor, and enhanced camera setup.

The overall build language has not shifted much from the previous model. Both versions use a flat OLED display with Dynamic Island, aluminum frames, and the Action button. Water and dust resistance remains IP68 rated.

A key material change arrives in the form of Ceramic Shield 2 on the iPhone 17, which Apple claims improves scratch resistance significantly over the first-generation Ceramic Shield used on the iPhone 16. In dimensions, the iPhone 17 measures 149.6 x 71.5 x 8 mm and weighs 177 grams, compared to 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm and 170 grams for its predecessor.

Color choices have also shifted: the iPhone 17 comes in Black, White, Mist Blue, Sage, and Lavender. The iPhone 16 is sold in Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine.

The standout upgrade is the display refresh rate. The iPhone 17 introduces a 6.3-inch OLED panel capable of 120Hz with peak brightness up to 3,000 nits, and it supports always-on mode.

In contrast, the iPhone 16 offers a 6.1-inch OLED screen limited to 60Hz and brightness capped at 2,000 nits. The smoother navigation and higher visibility under sunlight position the iPhone 17’s display as one of its strongest selling points.

Apple has upgraded the camera system with higher megapixel counts. The iPhone 17 retains a 48MP primary lens but now adds a 48MP ultra-wide sensor and an 18MP front camera with Center Stage tracking.

The iPhone 16, by comparison, carries a 12MP ultra-wide and a 12MP selfie camera without Center Stage. Both models handle 4K video at 60fps and 1080p slow motion at 240fps, but the iPhone 17 introduces greater flexibility for photography and video recording.

Inside, the iPhone 17 runs on the new A19 processor. It is faster and more power-efficient than the A18 chip used in the iPhone 16. Both devices ship with 8GB RAM and iOS 26, but the iPhone 17 is expected to receive longer software support.

Battery capacity has risen modestly to 3,692mAh from 3,561mAh. Apple cites video playback of up to 30 hours for the iPhone 17, while the iPhone 16 delivers up to 22 hours. Charging speed is also quicker — the iPhone 17 can reach 50 percent in 20 minutes using a 40W adapter, compared to about 30 minutes on the earlier model.

The iPhone 17 starts at $799 / £799 / AU$1,399 with 256GB storage. A 512GB variant is priced at $999 / £999 / AU$1,799.

The iPhone 16, now positioned as a lower-cost alternative, begins at $699 / £699 / AU$1,249 for 128GB. Apple has phased out the higher storage tiers of the older model.

For most buyers, the iPhone 17 offers meaningful benefits, particularly in display technology and camera performance, along with better durability and faster charging.

The iPhone 16 remains an option for those seeking a lighter and slightly smaller phone at a reduced price. However, the iPhone 17’s higher refresh rate, upgraded lenses, and processing gains are expected to drive stronger demand.