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The iPhone 17 offers several differences compared to the iPhone 16, such as a larger 6.3-inch ProMotion display and a significantly improved 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 17: Differences in design, display, and workmanship
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 differ in several significant ways that play an important role in the purchase decision.
- Models: Apple has expanded its selection with the 17th generation. In addition to the standard, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max versions, which are still available, the iPhone 17 adds the new “Air” model, which can be classified as upper mid-range.
While the iPhone 16 was still available in Standard, Plus, Economy (16e), Pro, and Pro Max variants, the iPhone 17 lineup includes the base model with a 6.3-inch display, the Air with a 6.6-inch display, the Pro variant, and the Pro Max with the largest screen. - Differences such as the more powerful telephoto zoom camera on the Pro Max or the more comprehensive camera array remain exclusive to the more expensive models, while the iPhone 17 Air offers affordable Pro features such as a better display and a lighter design for the first time.
- Design and materials: The iPhone 16 follows the familiar angular design with a classic square camera on the back. The iPhone 17 series introduces a new camera bar design, particularly on the Pro models, giving the product line a fresher and more distinctive look.
The iPhone 17 Air also features a particularly thin and lightweight case, replacing the previous Plus model. - The iPhone 17 has become more modern and lightweight thanks to its “Liquid Glass Design,” thinner case edges, and new colors (such as fog blue, sage, and lavender).
The standard models are still made of aluminum with a dyed glass back, while the Pro models are made of titanium and stainless steel. In addition to IP68 water and dust protection, Apple is committed to sustainable manufacturing with 100% recycled aluminum and titanium, CO₂-optimized production, and up to seven years of software updates. - Display: A significant advance in the display is the introduction of a 120 Hz OLED panel in the base model iPhone 17, while the iPhone 16 is only equipped with a 60 Hz display.
The Pro models of the iPhone 17 also feature a stronger second-generation Ceramic Shield and a higher maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, which improves readability in sunlight in particular. - Dimensions and weight: Apple has made subtle improvements in terms of dimensions and weight. The classic iPhone 16 measures 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm and weighs 170 g, while the iPhone 17 is slightly larger at 149.6 × 71.5 × 7.95 mm and weighs 177 g.
The Pro models are slightly larger and heavier, with the iPhone 17 Pro measuring approximately 150.0 × 71.9 × 8.75 mm and weighing 204 g. The display diagonal is increasing, especially in the new Air and Pro Max models, so that the size and weight are also increasing slightly. - Price: The iPhone 16 started at $700, the cheaper iPhone 16e was around $699, and the iPhone 17 now starts at $949, with 256 GB of storage.
The new Air model costs around $1,199, the Pro version starts at $1,299, and the Pro Max starts at $1,449. Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 began on September 12, 2025, and the market launch took place on September 19, with quantities depending on stock availability and color. - Accessories: There are no surprises when it comes to accessories: each model comes with a USB-C port, and the box contains only a USB-C cable. Charging with MagSafe is possible with all variants, and the maximum charging power has been increased for the Air and Pro models. Apple is thus emphasizing an even clearer course on sustainability – matching accessories must be purchased separately, and no power adapter is included in the scope of delivery.
Performance, camera, and other features
Most of the improvements from the iPhone 16 to the iPhone 17 were also made in terms of performance, camera, and other features.
- Storage: In terms of storage and RAM, the iPhone 16 offers 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB options, while the iPhone 17 comes with a minimum of 256 GB and a maximum of 512 GB in the standard model, with the more expensive versions going up to 2 TB.
The RAM has been significantly upgraded for multitasking and AI functions: While the iPhone 16 still came with 6 GB of RAM, the new iPhone 17 models have at least 8 GB, and the Pro models even have 12 GB, which is particularly noticeable when working with multiple apps and AI functions. - Processor: The leap in processor performance is clearly noticeable. While the iPhone 16 is based on 4nm technology and 4–6 GPU cores with the A18 chip, the iPhone 17 uses an A19 processor with 2nm technology for the first time.
The base models benefit from efficiency gains, while the Pro version scores with a 6-core CPU, 8 GPU cores, and a 16-core Neural Engine for AI applications. Benchmarks show increases of around 15% in CPU performance and 20% in GPU performance, and thermal management has also been improved once again. - Camera: The iPhone 16 features a 48 MP main camera with OIS and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle sensor, while the iPhone 17 features a 48 MP fusion camera that covers both the standard and ultra-wide-angle ranges with 48 MP.
The front camera is now a Center Stage sensor with 18 MP and an expanded field of view, supported by ultra-stabilization and dual recording. - The video features continue to include 4K and Dolby Vision recording, with new additions including Action Mode, Spatial Audio, and, on the Pro models, 8K/ProRes video and 240 fps for slow motion. Stabilization modes such as OIS and sensor shift are integrated from the second generation onwards and guarantee particularly smooth recordings.
- Battery: Apple has improved battery and charging functions and now provides transparent technical data. The iPhone 16 has a capacity of around 3,350 mAh and lasts for around 22 hours when playing videos, while the iPhone 17 Standard has a 3,692 mAh battery and, according to Apple, can now play videos for up to 30 hours.
The fast charging function has been improved to up to 40 W (50% charge in 20 minutes), and wireless charging is available at up to 20 W, depending on the model. The Air and Pro Max have even higher battery capacity and endurance, with the Pro Max achieving up to 31 hours of video playback. - Software: iOS 26 is pre-installed on all models and, with Apple Intelligence, brings AI-based live text editing, image optimization, managed meetings with Smart Recap, and significantly improved voice control for the first time. Security features have also been updated:
Face ID works faster, emergency satellite communication and encrypted satellite SMS are integrated, and data protection is further enhanced by local AI processing. - Connectivity: In terms of connectivity, the iPhone 16 still relies on Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and the Qualcomm X70 5G modem.
The iPhone 17 adds the N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, and further improved hotspot and AirDrop performance. Both generations support eSIM and Nano-SIM in parallel, with the new model scoring points with faster 5G connectivity and satellite SMS for emergencies. - Conclusion: In summary, compared to the iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 offers a number of improvements in design, display, performance, camera, and battery technology that are particularly interesting for users who want to be equipped with the latest technologies and features.
