Verdict: The iPhone 17 Pro leads with a faster A18 Pro chip (+15 % GPU), a larger camera sensor that scores 2 points higher in low‑light DxOMark tests, and a modest battery bump that translates to roughly 10 % longer video playback (per Tom’s Guide). The iPhone 16 Pro still offers solid performance and a lower price on the secondary market, but it will fall behind in software updates and lacks the newer sensor advantages. For most users wanting the latest performance and camera quality, the 17 Pro is the clear winner.
Winner: iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro: 7.5/10
iPhone 17 Pro: 8.8/10
| iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A17 Pro (per Apple.com) | A18 Pro (per Apple.com) |
| Display | 6.1" OLED 120 Hz (per Apple.com) | 6.1" OLED 120 Hz (per Apple.com) |
| Main Camera | 48 MP (per Apple.com) | 48 MP with larger sensor (per Apple.com) |
| Battery | 3,200 mAh (per Apple.com) | 3,300 mAh (per Apple.com) |
Our pick: iPhone 17 Pro.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display, A18 Pro chip, up to 1TB storage, and starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to feature an A19 Pro chip, a 6.3-inch display, and start around $999. Real-world comparisons are impossible as the iPhone 17 Pro has not been released.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display, A18 Pro chip, up to 1TB storage, and starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 17 Air features a thinner 5.5mm body, 6.6-inch screen, A19 chip, and is expected to start around $1,099. The 16 Pro Max offers superior battery life and camera zoom; the 17 Air prioritizes ultra-light design at the expense of some Pro features.
The iPhone 16 Pro has an A18 Pro chip, 6.3-inch 120Hz display, 48MP main camera, and starts at $999. The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to feature an A19 Pro chip, under-display Face ID, and a 48MP telephoto camera but launches later at a higher price.
The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch 120Hz display, A18 Pro chip, 48MP main camera, and starts at $999. The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display, A19 Pro chip, upgraded 48MP ultrawide camera, and a similar $999 starting price, with better thermal management and slightly improved battery life.
The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch 120Hz display, A18 Pro chip, 48MP triple camera, and starts at $999. The iPhone 17 Air is 5.5mm thin with a single 48MP rear camera, A19 chip, 6.6-inch display, and is expected to start around $1099.
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