iPhone 17 Vs iPhone 16: Apple just released its new iPhone 17 lineup, consisting of four devices: iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. If you are an iPhone 16 user, you might be wondering whether it’s time to upgrade or if your current device still has plenty to offer. With bigger displays, faster chips, improved cameras, and new features, the iPhone 17 brings some exciting changes, but how different is it from the iPhone 16? Let’s break it down so you can decide which one makes the most sense for you.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Design And Display
The iPhone 17 comes with a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, thinner borders, and a Ceramic Shield 2 front cover that offers 3x better scratch resistance and reduced glare.
The display also supports Always-On features and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making it ideal for outdoor use. The device weighs 177 grams, has a thickness of 7.95mm, and comes with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
The iPhone 16, in comparison, features a glass front and back with an aluminium frame. Its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits.
Slightly thinner and lighter at 7.8mm and 170 grams, the iPhone 16 also carries an IP68 rating. While both phones offer sharp and vibrant displays, the iPhone 17 brings a smoother scrolling experience with its 120Hz ProMotion display and higher outdoor brightness.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Performance And Battery
The iPhone 17 is powered by the A19 chip, likely paired with 12GB of RAM, ensuring smoother performance and better support for Apple’s AI features. Running iOS 26 out of the box, it offers at least six years of software updates.
The battery life is improved with adaptive power management, lasting up to 30 hours of video playback, and supports fast charging that reaches 50% in just 20 minutes with a high-wattage USB-C adapter.
The iPhone 16 is powered by the A18 chip with 8GB RAM, also running iOS 18 and upgradeable to iOS 26. Its battery life is solid for daily use, but slightly shorter than the iPhone 17.
While both phones offer reliable performance, the iPhone 17 provides better gaming, AI handling, and longer-lasting battery life, making it more suitable for power users.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Camera
The iPhone 17 introduces a major upgrade to selfies with its new 18MP Centre Stage front camera, which automatically keeps users centred during video calls and supports ultra-stabilised 4K HDR recording.
On the rear, it features a 48MP Fusion Main camera paired with a 12MP telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom, as well as a 48MP Ultra Wide camera for expansive shots and macro photography.
Together, this camera setup delivers impressive photography and video capabilities for everyday users and enthusiasts alike.
The iPhone 16, on the other hand, also has a dual rear camera setup with a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP telephoto lens, but its front camera remains a 12MP shooter. Video recording is supported up to 4K, but it lacks the advanced Centre Stage features and the improved stabilisation found in the iPhone 17.
Overall, while both phones take excellent photos, the iPhone 17 offers significant upgrades for selfies and video content creation.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Price in India
- iPhone 17: Rs 82,900 for 256GB, Rs 1,02,900 for 512GB
- iPhone 16: Rs 69,900 for 128GB
The new iPhone 17 costs more, but you get more storage, an improved design, display, and cameras.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Should You Upgrade?
If you already own an iPhone 16 and don’t mind smaller updates, the iPhone 16 still handles daily tasks, photography, and apps efficiently.
If you want a bigger display, smoother scrolling, brighter outdoors, more storage, and a better front camera, the iPhone 17 is worth upgrading to, especially if you use your phone for selfies, content creation, or gaming.