Here is a summary of the key evolutions and changes in the iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 17 spec comparison. Overall, the iPhone 17 sees significant improvements in display and communication performance across all models, while the Pro models further evolve in camera performance and material.
Key Changes from iPhone 16 to iPhone 17 Item iPhone 16 / 16 Plus iPhone 17 / iPhone Air Change Display 60Hz refresh rate 120Hz refresh rate (ProMotion) Smooth display across all models Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi 7 Faster and more stable connectivity Front Camera 12MP 18MP Improved selfie quality Lineup iPhone 16 Plus iPhone Air Large-screen model replaced by thinner, lighter “Air”
Key Changes from iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max to iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max Item iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max Change Display Peak brightness 2,000 nits Peak brightness 3,000 nits Much better outdoor visibility Chip A18 Pro A19 Pro Significant performance boost RAM 8GB 12GB Smoother multitasking and heavy tasks Camera 12MP Ultra-Wide + 12MP Telephoto 48MP Ultra-Wide + 48MP Telephoto Huge leap in image quality for ultra-wide and telephoto Optical Zoom Up to 5x Up to 8x Higher-quality shots of distant subjects Material Titanium Forged Aluminum (Unibody) Improved heat dissipation and durability
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Specs Comparison Item iPhone 16 / 16 Plus iPhone 17 / iPhone Air iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max Screen Size 6.1” / 6.7” 6.3” / 6.5” 6.1” / 6.7” 6.3” / 6.9” Display Super Retina XDR, 60Hz refresh rate Super Retina XDR, 120Hz refresh rate, ProMotion Super Retina XDR, 120Hz refresh rate, ProMotion, Always-On Super Retina XDR, 120Hz refresh rate, ProMotion, Always-On, 3,000 nits peak brightness Chip A18 A19 A18 Pro A19 Pro RAM 6GB 8GB 8GB 12GB Rear Camera 48MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide 48MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide 48MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide + 12MP Telephoto 48MP Wide + 48MP Ultra-Wide + 48MP Telephoto Front Camera 12MP 18MP 12MP 18MP Optical Zoom Up to 2x Up to 2x Up to 5x Up to 8x USB-C USB 2 USB 2 USB 3 USB 3 Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi 7 Wi-Fi 7 Wi-Fi 7
