Apple iPhone lineup · Smartphones
Apple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone 16: Worth the Upgrade?
Wait for a Sale
The Apple iPhone 17 offers real improvements, but at the current price premium, the value proposition is borderline. Wait for a discount or bundle deal.
48
Upgrade Score
$146
Price Difference
+0.3
Rating Change
10
New Features
7
Features Removed
How the Scores Compare
Apple iPhone 16→Apple iPhone 17
Battery+8
74
→
82
Display+6
82
→
88
Performance-2
88
→
86
Camera+2
80
→
82
Value-2
74
→
72
Higher is better. Category-specific 0-100 scale. Lighter bar = Apple iPhone 16, highlighted bar = Apple iPhone 17.
What Changed
Added in the New Generation
- +A19 chip
- +6.1-inch Super Retina XDR
- +Dual-camera system
- +eSIM support
- +USB-C
- +This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- +Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- +When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- +The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- +Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Removed from Previous Generation
- −A18 chip
- −6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- −48MP Fusion camera
- −Apple Intelligence
- −6.1" Screen size
- −iOS Operating System
- −128 GB Flash Memory
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Apple iPhone 17 | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A19 | Apple A18 |
| Storage | 256GB | 128GB |
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Resolution | Check listing | 2880x1800 typical OLED |
| Display Type | VA | OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz standard | 60Hz standard |
| Battery Capacity | Check listing | Check listing |
| Charging Speed | Check listing | Check listing |
| Wireless Charging | Check listing | Check listing |
| Ultrawide Camera | Dual-camera system | 48MP Fusion camera |