iPhone 16 VS iPhone 17 Pro

84

iPhone 16

6.1-inch OLED 60Hz · A18 · 3561mAh · 48MP · IP68

$799

MSRP

93

iPhone 17 Pro

6.3-inch OLED 120Hz · A19 Pro · 4252mAh · 48MP · IP68

$1099

MSRP

$799

MSRP

Check price

$1099

MSRP

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Our verdict

The iPhone 17 Pro takes the performance lead, 11% ahead overall, driven by its A19 Pro and an AnTuTu score of 2,538,751.

On value the iPhone 16 stands out at $799, pairing a 48MP main camera with a 3561mAh battery.

For most buyers the iPhone 16 is the smarter choice.

Performance winner

iPhone 17 Pro

11% faster overall

Best value for money

iPhone 16

9% better value per dollar

iPhone 16 best for

Value for money

9% better value per dollar

Overview

The iPhone 17 Pro comes out ahead overall, scoring 93 to the iPhone 16's 84. Priced at $1099 against $799, the choice between them is as much about budget as specs, and each phone leans toward a slightly different buyer.

Performance

For raw speed the iPhone 17 Pro takes the lead, with an AnTuTu score of 2,538,751 against 1,500,000, driven by its A19 Pro. Both feel quick in everyday use, but the gap shows up in demanding games and heavy multitasking where the faster chip pulls ahead.

Cameras

The iPhone 16 pairs a 48MP main camera with optical zoom and a 12MP front sensor. The iPhone 17 Pro answers with 48MP, zoom and a 18MP selfie camera.

Battery and charging

Battery favours the iPhone 17 Pro, with a 4252mAh cell against 3561mAh. For refills the iPhone 17 Pro is quickest at 40W, spending less time tied to a charger.

Display

Both use high refresh rate OLED screens. The iPhone 16 measures 6.1" and peaks at 2000 nits, while the iPhone 17 Pro is 6.3" and reaches 3000 nits. Screen size and outright brightness are where they separate most.

Which should you buy

Overall the iPhone 16 is the one we would steer most buyers toward. Consider the iPhone 17 Pro instead if longer battery life matters more to you.

battery

Battery
3561mAh
4252mAh
Wired charging
25W
40W
Wireless charging
25W
25W

camera

Main camera
48MP
48MP
Ultrawide
12MP
48MP
Front camera
12MP
18MP
Max video
4K60
4K120

display

Display size
6.1"
6.3"
Display type
OLED
OLED
Refresh rate
60Hz
120Hz
Peak brightness
2000 nits
3000 nits
Resolution
2556x1179
2622x1206

Performance

Chipset
A18
A19 Pro
RAM
8GB
12GB
Storage
128GB
256GB

Physical

Weight
170g
206g
Thickness
7.8mm
8.75mm
Water resistance
IP68
IP68

Synthetic & compute benchmarks

Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)
8,100 pts
10,688 pts
AnTuTu v11
1,500,000 pts
2,538,751 pts

Frequently asked questions

Is the iPhone 16 better than the iPhone 17 Pro?

Overall the iPhone 17 Pro scores 93 out of 100 against the iPhone 16's 84, so it edges ahead on our combined rating. Even so, the two are close enough that price, size and your preferred ecosystem should also guide the decision.

Which has the better camera, the iPhone 16 or the iPhone 17 Pro?

The iPhone 16 has the stronger camera on paper, leading with a 48MP main sensor and optical zoom. Both take excellent photos, but the iPhone 16 offers more reach and flexibility.

Which has better battery life, the iPhone 16 or the iPhone 17 Pro?

The iPhone 17 Pro carries the larger 4252mAh battery against 3561mAh, and the iPhone 17 Pro charges fastest at 40W. For heavy all-day use the iPhone 17 Pro is the safer bet.

Which is faster, the iPhone 16 or the iPhone 17 Pro?

In benchmarks the iPhone 17 Pro is quicker, posting an AnTuTu score of 2,538,751 against 1,500,000 thanks to its A19 Pro. Both handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the iPhone 17 Pro pulls ahead in demanding games.

Should I buy the iPhone 16 or the iPhone 17 Pro?

For most buyers the iPhone 16 is the smarter pick, balancing performance, features and price. Choose the iPhone 17 Pro if longer battery life is your priority.

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