iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 Series : Specs, Features, Price & Upgrade Guide

In this article, we’ll break down the differences between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 lineups – from design, display, and performance, to cameras, software, and price – to help you figure out whether it’s worth upgrading now or waiting it out.

But first, here’s a quick overview of each model and what they bring to the table.

*This comparison guide was created by T-Mobile to help you explore smartphones in our store. The opinions expressed here reflect our editorial perspective based on publicly available features, specifications, and articles.

*Product pricing and availability are subject to change. Visit our website for the latest offers on phones, devices, and accessories.

Overview: iPhone 16 vs. 17 series models

Specs	iPhone 17	iPhone Air	iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max	iPhone 16	iPhone 16 Plus	iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max
Release Date	Sept 19, 2025	Sept 19, 2025	Sept 19, 2025	Sept 20, 2024	Sept 20, 2024	Sept 20, 2024
Display	6.3″ OLED, 120 Hz	6.5″ OLED, 120 Hz	6.3″ / 6.9″ OLED, 120 Hz	6.1″ OLED 60 Hz	6.7″ OLED, 60 Hz	6.3″ / 6.9″ OLED, 120 Hz
Processor	A19	A19 Pro	A19 Pro	A18	A18	A18 Pro
Camera Setup	Dual 48MP Fusion + 18MP Center Stage	Single 48MP Fusion camera + 18MP Center Stage	Triple 48MP fusion cameras, 8X zoom + 18MP Center Stage	Dual 48MP	Dual 48MP	Triple 48MP (5X zoom on Max)
Battery	3,692mAh	3,036mAh	3,988 / 4,832mAh	3,561mAh	4,674mAh	3,582 / 4,685mAh
Charging	USB-C, Qi2.2, Reverse, MagSafe 25W	USB-C, Qi2.2, Reverse, MagSafe 20W	USB-C, Qi2.2, Reverse, MagSafe 25W	USB-C, Qi2 MagSafe 25W	USB-C, Qi2 MagSafe 25W	USB-C, Qi2, MagSafe 25W
RAM & Storage	8GB, 256GB - 512GB	8GB, 256GB - 1TB	12GB, 256GB - 1TB (up to 2TB on Pro Max)	8GB, 128 - 512GB	8GB, 128 - 512GB	8GB, 128GB - 1TB
Software Support	iOS + 5 yrs	iOS + 5 yrs	iOS + 5 yrs	iOS + 5 yrs	iOS + 5 yrs	iOS + 5 yrs
Price at Launch	$799	$999	$1,099 / $1,199	$799	$899	$999 / $1,199

Design and display

The iPhone 17 series brings both subtle and big changes. Slimmer bezels across the board and some new materials give the displays a sleeker look – and then there’s the big change: iPhone Air makes its debut, replacing what many assumed would be the iPhone 17 Plus model. It showcases a super-slim build (5.64 mm at its thinnest point), and an extraordinarily light design (165g), while still boasting a massive (6.5-inch) display.

As for the base model, the screen jumps in size (6.1 to 6.3 inches), while the Pro and Pro Max models’ displays remain unchanged (6.3 and 6.9-inches). The new screens boast 3,000 nits of brightness, the brightest yet, boosting efficiency and visibility, even in bright sunlight.

The materials and colors on the new series also see a big change, with the standard model keeping an aluminum frame, and the Pro and Pro Max models switching from titanium shells to new brushed aluminum unibody frames. All the phones feature Ceramic Shield 2 on the screens, but the Pro and Pro Max have it on the back, as well, offering another layer of protection.

As far as overall looks go, the Pro models’ cameras are now housed in a raised “plateau” that stretches across the back on the phones – and all the 17 series phones boast a range of stunning new color choices, most notably the new Cosmic Orange option available on the Pro models.

Key takeaways

iPhone 17 series: Introduces a new ultra-thin Air model with a large 6.5-inch display; base model screen grows to 6.3 inches; slimmer bezels; new brushed aluminum unibody on Pros; 120 Hz refresh rate and brightest screens up to 3,000 nits; new color options including Cosmic Orange on Pro models.
iPhone 16 series: Smaller base display at 6.1 inches; base models limited to 60 Hz; Pro and Pro Max have similar screen sizes but with lower brightness; titanium frames on Pro models; fewer color options.

Performance and chipset

While the iPhone 16 series was powered by the A18 chip in the base and Plus models, and the A18 Pro in the Pro and Pro Max models, the iPhone 17 series gets the latest and greatest chips: the A19 Pro chip in iPhone Air and higher-end Pro models, and the A19 in the base iPhone 17 model. While the latter are more powerful, raw performance and AI processing gets a boost throughout the series via improvements in thermal management, thanks to Apple’s newest vapor chamber, so phones stay cooler even with heavy use.

The iPhone 17 series also introduces Apple’s new N1 wireless chip, bringing faster and more reliable connections across the board. It supports the latest standards, Wi-Fi 7 for blazing-fast internet, Bluetooth 6 for improved device pairing, and Thread for smart home compatibility. These upgrades make everyday features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot noticeably quicker and more dependable.

Key takeaways

iPhone 17 series: More powerful chips - A19 (base), A19 Pro (Air/Pro/Pro Max); all models get stronger cooling systems; N1 wireless chip
iPhone 16 series: A18 (base/Plus), A18 Pro (Pro/Pro Max); no N1 chip

Camera system

For photography buffs looking for the latest and greatest cameras, the iPhone 17 series gets some big upgrades. Last year, iPhone 16 and 16 Plus featured a dual-camera system with a 48 MP main and 12 MP ultrawide – and iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max featured a telephoto zoom, with Pro Max offering 5X optical zoom.

The iPhone 17 series phones get a new 18MP Center Stage camera with a new square sensor across all models. This means no more turning your phone horizontally to capture landscape selfies, or to fit everyone in the picture. All the cameras feature 48MP fusion cameras. But on iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, you’ll get 48MP sensors across all three cameras and an impressive 8X optical zoom telephoto lens, making the ultimate iPhone for pro-style photography.

Key takeaways

iPhone 17 series: 18MP fusion selfie camera with square sensor across lineup, better ultrawide, upgraded 48MP fusion cameras, and 8X zoom + 48MP across all three cameras on Pro and Pro Max
iPhone 16 series: 12MP selfie cameras (no square sensor); dual cameras on base models, triple-camera with 5X 12MP telephoto on Pro models.

Battery and charging

The iPhone 17 base, Pro, and Pro Max models all feature a boost in battery power and Apple’s newest custom C1X modem, which is designed to enhance performance and battery life even further. The Pro models have the biggest battery ever in an iPhone, according to Apple, giving you up to 39 hours of video playback (eSIM-only model) compared to 33 hours in last year’s models. The base and Pro models have 25W wireless charging, while the new iPhone Air gets 20W.

Key takeaways

iPhone 17 series: Larger batteries in base and Pro models, newer custom C1X modem, 25W wireless charging in all except for Air at 20W
iPhone 16 series: Smaller batteries in base and Pro models, features Custom C1 modem, 25W wireless charging capacity across all models

Software and iOS features

While the iPhone 16 series launched with iOS 18 to power Apple Intelligence, advanced AI tools like personalized writing assistance and generative media were limited to Pro models.

The iPhone 17 series launches with iOS 26 on board, bringing a sleek new design with Liquid Glass, which makes the interface more immersive while keeping the familiar iOS feel. The biggest leap comes from Apple Intelligence, powering features like real-time translation in Messages and FaceTime, smarter screenshot actions, and offline app intelligence, all with a strong focus on privacy.

iOS 26 boosts call and message screening, along with updates to Maps, Music, Wallet, CarPlay, and the debut of Apple Games, a new hub for all your mobile gaming.

Key takeaways

iPhone 17 series: Ships with iOS 26 featuring Liquid Glass design, enhanced Apple Intelligence with real-time translation, smarter screenshots, offline AI, improved privacy, and updates to Maps, Music, Wallet, CarPlay, plus the new Apple Games app.
iPhone 16 series: Launched with iOS 18; advanced AI tools like personalized writing and generative media were limited.

Upgrade considerations

Whether or not you upgrade to the iPhone 17 series from the iPhone 16 series all comes down to personal preference. The iPhone 16 series devices are still powerful, feature-packed phones with strong performance and reliable cameras. But the iPhone 17 series introduces the first-ever ultra-light, ultra-thin iPhone Air, not to mention big upgrades in displays, AI, chipsets, design, and cameras - especially in the Pro Max.

When deciding if it’s time for a new phone, think about how old your current device is, whether you’re excited about new AI features, and if things like new colors and designs or powerful zoom cameras, longer-lasting batteries, and upgraded selfie cameras matter to you.

Key takeaways

iPhone 17 series: Light, yet powerful new iPhone Air model; Across-the-board upgrades in design, AI, processing and battery power, and photography; No Plus model available.
iPhone 16 series: Proven and reliable features; Great cameras; Long-lasting batteries; Likely available at a discounted price; No Air model available.

FAQs about the iPhone 17 series

When did the iPhone 17 series come out?
The iPhone 17 series went on sale September 19, 2025.

How much does the iPhone 17 series cost?
Base model starts at $799; Air model starts at $999, Pro model starts at $1,099, and the Pro Max model starts at $1,199.

Will there be a foldable iPhone 17?
No. There’s no foldable iPhone in the 17 series.

What’s new with the iPhone 17 series’ cameras?
A upgraded 18MP Center Stage front camera across the lineup with new square sensor for easier selfies; 8X zoom available on Pro models; 48MP fusion cameras available across the models; All three cameras on Pro models get a 48MP sensor.

Is the design of the iPhone changing significantly?
Refinements like slimmer bezels, new materials, new colors are among the subtler changes, while the inclusion of the new iPhone Air model, Apple’s thinnest and lightest ever, was a significant change, as was the new “plateau” design on the Pro models.

Should I upgrade to the iPhone 17 series?
You should consider upgrading to the iPhone 17 series if you crave new designs and colors, the most powerful Apple chips to date, more pro-level camera features, and the latest AI tools. It’s also the only series with Apple’s light and slim iPhone Air model. Stick with the iPhone 16 series if you‘re happy with the overall value and features, and don’t need an upgrade in processing power, or camera capabilities.

Final thoughts on iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 17

Whether you’re holding out for something truly new or just curious about what Apple’s latest phones bring to the table, the iPhone 17 series offers some clear step-ups, especially if you care about design, AI features, and next-level photography. The introduction of the ultra-thin iPhone Air adds a fresh twist to the lineup, while the Pro Max pushes the limits in both power and camera tech.

That said, the iPhone 16 series is still a solid choice with great performance, and you may even find it at a better price now. If you’re using an older iPhone, the 17 series will feel like a big leap forward. But if you already own a 16 model, upgrading comes down to how much those new features matter to you.

The all-new iPhone 17

Looking for a phone that blends power, polish, and the signature Apple experience? The iPhone 17 delivers across the board. With a stunning OLED display, lightning-fast A19 chip, and a redesigned dual-camera system for beautiful shots day or night, this is everyday performance at its best. Add in the vibrant new colors, improved battery life, and sleek aluminum body, and the iPhone 17 isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a statement.

Order Now