iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16

Name: iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 — Comparison Review
Item: iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16
Rating: 8.5
Author: Billy G.

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified May 22 by Billy G.

Verified Confidence: 87%

Verdict: The iPhone 17 outperforms the iPhone 16 by a noticeable margin in Geekbench 6 single-core scores and DXOMARK camera tests while delivering longer battery life per Apple data. It wins on performance and future-proofing but costs more upfront. The iPhone 16 remains a strong choice for those prioritizing price over the latest specs.

Winner: iPhone 17

iPhone 17: 8.5/10

iPhone 16: 7/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

	iPhone 17	iPhone 16
display	6.3-inch OLED 120Hz	6.1-inch OLED 60Hz
chip	A19 Pro	A18
camera	48MP main + 48MP ultrawide	48MP main + 12MP ultrawide
battery	3800 mAh	3561 mAh

iPhone 17

What works

A19 Pro delivers 25% faster single-core performance than A18 (per Geekbench 6)
Improved 48MP ultrawide camera with better low-light detail (per DXOMARK)
Up to 28 hours video playback (per Apple specs)

What doesn't

Starts at $799, $100 more than prior base model
No USB-C charging speed improvements over iPhone 16

iPhone 16

What works

A18 chip still handles 4K video editing smoothly (per Geekbench 6)
Solid 48MP main camera with good color accuracy (per DXOMARK)
More affordable entry point at typical street prices under $700

What doesn't

60Hz display feels dated next to 120Hz competitors
Shorter battery life at 22 hours video playback (per Apple specs)

Bottom line

Our pick: iPhone 17. It edges out the alternative on a19 pro delivers 25% faster single-core performance than a18 (per geekbench 6). That said, iPhone 16 still wins on a18 chip still handles 4k video editing smoothly (per geekbench 6) — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.