At a Glance
- iPhone 17 launches at $829 with 256GB, double the base storage of iPhone 16.
- iPhone 16 now sells $100 cheaper, still 128GB base.
- iPhone 17 sports a 120Hz OLED, 6.3-inch display, 48MP ultrawide camera, and 18MP front camera.
- Why it matters: Choose between higher performance and a lower price when buying an iPhone.
Apple released the iPhone 17 in September, offering a higher refresh rate display, larger base storage, and upgraded cameras. The previous model, the iPhone 16, now sells for $100 less, prompting consumers to weigh price against performance.
Display and Design
The iPhone 17 expands its OLED panel to 6.3 inches with a 120Hz refresh rate, up from 6.1 inches and 60Hz on the iPhone 16. The new Ceramic Shield 2 offers three times better scratch resistance, and the display can reach 3,000 nits peak brightness compared to 2,000 nits. An anti-reflective coating and always-on mode let you glance at time and notifications without waking the screen.
- 6.3-inch OLED
- 120Hz variable refresh
- 3,000 nits peak brightness
- Anti-reflective coating
- Always-on display
Camera Upgrades
Both models keep a 48-megapixel wide-angle lens, but the iPhone 17 upgrades its ultrawide sensor to 48MP from 12MP on the iPhone 16. The front camera jumps to 18MP, and a new Center Stage feature automatically reorients the shot for group selfies. A Camera Control button on the side offers quick access to Apple’s Visual Intelligence.
- 48MP wide
- 48MP ultrawide (iPhone 17) vs 12MP (iPhone 16)
- 18MP front (iPhone 17) vs 12MP (iPhone 16)
- Center Stage for selfies
- Camera Control button
Performance, Battery, and Software
The iPhone 17 runs the A19 chip and starts at 256GB, while the iPhone 16 uses the A18 chip and starts at 128GB. Video playback extends to 30 hrs on the iPhone 17 versus 22 hrs on the iPhone 16. A 45-minute endurance test shows the iPhone 17 dropping to 98% battery, slightly better than the 97% on the iPhone 16. The new iOS 26 introduces Adaptive Power to conserve battery, and it ships with the iPhone 17.
- A19 vs A18
- 30 hrs vs 22 hrs video playback
- 98% vs 97% after 45-min test
- iOS 26 with Adaptive Power
Pricing and Value
Both phones share a launch price of $829, but the iPhone 16 now offers a $100 discount. With the iPhone 17’s larger base storage, higher refresh rate, and upgraded cameras, consumers weigh whether the added features justify the price difference.
| Feature | iPhone 17 | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Display size | 6.3-inch OLED | 6.1-inch OLED |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Peak brightness | 3,000 nits | 2,000 nits |
| Base storage | 256GB | 128GB |
| Wide camera | 48MP | 48MP |
| Ultrawide camera | 48MP | 12MP |
| Front camera | 18MP | 12MP |
| Battery playback | 30 hrs | 22 hrs |
| Processor | A19 | A18 |
| Price | $829 | $829 (now $729) |
| Color options | black, white, mist blue, sage, lavender | black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine |
Key Takeaways
- iPhone 17 offers a larger base storage and higher refresh rate for a similar launch price.
- The upgraded ultrawide and front cameras give the iPhone 17 a clear advantage in photography.
- The $100 discount on iPhone 16 may still make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Deciding between the two phones boils down to whether the extra storage, faster display, and camera upgrades are worth the same price point, or if the savings on the iPhone 16 are enough to tip the scales.
