iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Should You Upgrade?
Apple’s 2025 refresh changes the line-up. Alongside the familiar iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. Headline upgrades include 120 Hz ProMotion across the board, bigger displays for the standard model, a new 18 MP selfie camera with Centre Stage, and next-gen A19 chips (A19 in iPhone 17; A19 Pro in Pro/Pro Max). The iPhone 16 family is still excellent, especially 16 Pro/Pro Max, but how do they stack up now, and should you upgrade? Let’s compare the essentials for UK buyers.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16
Specs below focus on the standard models (17 vs 16) for clarity, with Pro notes called out where relevant.
|
Feature |
iPhone 17 (2025) |
iPhone 16 (2024) |
|
Display |
6.3" OLED, 120 Hz ProMotion, always-on, higher peak brightness |
6.1" OLED, 60 Hz, always-on on Pro models only |
|
Chip |
A19 (A19 Pro on Pro/Pro Max) |
A18 (A18 Pro on 16 Pro/Pro Max) |
|
Rear cameras |
48 MP main + 48 MP ultra-wide (Pro adds 48 MP tele) |
48 MP main + 12 MP ultra-wide (Pro adds tele) |
|
Front camera |
18 MP with Centre Stage (all models) |
12 MP (no Centre Stage on front cam) |
|
USB-C |
Yes (USB 2.0 on 17; USB 3 on Pro) |
Yes (USB 2.0 on 16; USB 3 on 16 Pro) |
|
Battery (claimed) |
Longer runtimes vs 16; Pro Max biggest jump |
Strong, but shorter vs 17 series in like-for-like use |
|
UK availability & price |
Pre-order 12 Sept, on sale 19 Sept; from £799 (256 GB) |
On sale since 2024; launched from similar RRP tiers |
Display & Design
- What’s new on iPhone 17: Every model, even the standard iPhone 17, now gets 120 Hz ProMotion and an upsized 6.3-inch screen. The new iPhone17 Pro/Pro Max retain 6.3/6.9 inches with a redesigned, wider “plateau” camera bar.
- Where iPhone 16 Stands: Base iPhone 16 uses a 60 Hz panel at 6.1 inches; Pro models had ProMotion, but the standard models did not.
Verdict: If you need smoother scrolling and a bigger canvas, the iPhone 17 is the better choice for everyday users and commuters. However, if you value keeping a slightly smaller form factor and already own a 16 Pro/Pro Max with ProMotion, the iPhone 16 could still be the right fit.
Performance & Longevity
- iPhone 17 Chips: The standard model runs A19, while A19 Pro powers Pro/Pro Max. Expect stronger CPU/GPU throughput and improved efficiency to support Apple Intelligence features in iOS 26.
- iPhone 16 Chips: A18 on base models; A18 Pro on 16 Pro/Pro Max, still extremely fast for 2025 and fully Apple-Intelligence-ready on iOS 18/19 tracks.
Verdict: If you need the longest software support window and extra headroom for emerging AI features, the iPhone 17 is the better choice for power users and creators. However, if you value proven performance without paying upgrade costs, the iPhone 16 could be the right fit for the next couple of years.
Cameras
- iPhone 17 Gains: Standard 17 moves to dual 48 MP rear sensors (main + ultra-wide) and introduces a new 18 MP front camera with Centre Stage, great for video calls and vlogging. Pro models keep a triple 48 MP array with stronger zoom and pro video options.
- iPhone 16 Setup: Base 16 pairs a 48 MP main with 12 MP ultra-wide; the front camera remains 12 MP. 16 Pro/Pro Max add telephoto and pro video features but lack the new 18 MP selfie hardware.
Verdict: If you need a better front camera and higher-resolution ultra-wide on the non-Pro tier, the iPhone 17 is the better choice for social creators and remote workers. However, if you value a proven camera that already meets your needs (especially on a 16 Pro/Pro Max), the iPhone 16 could be the right fit.
Battery Life & Charging
- iPhone 17: Early guidance and Apple’s positioning indicate longer runtimes across the range, with Pro Max taking a notable lead thanks to a larger cell and A19 Pro efficiency. USB-C remains; USB 3 speeds on Pro/Pro Max, USB 2.0 on 17.
- iPhone 16: Solid all-day life, MagSafe/Qi2 wireless, and fast charging support; USB 3 on 16 Pro/Pro Max only.
Verdict: If you need the best possible battery endurance (especially for travel), the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the better choice for power users. However, if you value stable all-day performance and already own a 16 or 16 Pro, the iPhone 16 could be the right fit.
Connectivity, Software & AI
- iPhone 17: Launches with iOS 26 and expanded Apple Intelligence features, plus the latest wireless stack (including Wi-Fi improvements and ongoing satellite safety services where available).
- iPhone 16: Ships with iOS 18 and supports Apple Intelligence features (model-dependent). It continues to receive major updates and security fixes on a long window.
Verdict: If you need the newest Intelligence features and the longest runway for updates, the iPhone 17 is the better choice for early adopters. However, if you value maturity and app compatibility without chasing every new feature, the iPhone 16 could be the right fit.
UK Pricing & Availability
- iPhone 17 (UK): Base model starts at around £799 (256 GB). Pre-orders 12 September, on sale 19 September 2025. Pro from £1,099, Pro Max from £1,199, with higher storage tiers (up to 2 TB on Pro Max).
- iPhone 16 (UK): Widely available since 2024 with RRPs that began at comparable levels; current street pricing often dips via carriers and promos. Official 16/16 Pro spec references remain on Apple UK.
Pros & Cons
|
Model |
Pros |
Cons |
|
iPhone 17 |
120 Hz ProMotion on every model; Larger displays; 18 MP Centre Stage selfie; A19/A19 Pro performance and efficiency; longer support runway |
USB-C USB 2.0 on non-Pro models; early-cycle pricing; Pro tiers still command a premium |
|
iPhone 16 |
Excellent A18/A18 Pro performance; proven cameras; mature pricing with frequent deals; USB-C across the range; still years of updates |
Base models stuck at 60 Hz; smaller standard display (6.1"); older 12 MP selfie; slightly shorter battery life vs 17 like-for-like |
Which Should You Buy?
- Coming from iPhone 13/14 (or older): The iPhone 17 is a no-brainer. You’ll feel the jump to 120 Hz, the bigger screen, the better selfie camera and stronger battery life instantly.
- On iPhone 15/16 (non-Pro): The move to ProMotion and the 18 MP front camera are meaningful. If you value smoother UI, better video calls and a longer support horizon, upgrade to iPhone 17. If your 16 is fresh and budget matters, you can comfortably wait another cycle.
- On iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max: You already have ProMotion, top cameras and USB 3. Unless you need the latest A19 Pro, new selfie hardware or you want the Pro Max battery bump, staying put is perfectly sensible. Consider iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max only if you upgrade yearly or need the absolute best.
Ready to upgrade? Compare the iPhone 17 range with iPhone 16 models' side-by-side and shop now to lock in your preferred colour and storage for delivery.
FAQs
When can I pre-order the iPhone 17 in the UK?
Pre-orders open Friday 12 September 2025, with retail availability from Friday 19 September 2025.
What’s the starting UK price for iPhone 17?
The standard iPhone 17 starts at £799 (256 GB). Pro begins at £1,099 and Pro Max at £1,199, with higher storage options costing more.
Do all iPhone 17 models have 120 Hz now?
Yes for 2025, Apple brings 120 Hz ProMotion to every iPhone 17 model, not just Pro.
Is the iPhone 16 still worth buying in 2025?
Absolutely. With A18/A18 Pro chips and strong cameras, iPhone 16 remains fast and well-supported and it’s often cheaper on contract or in promos. If you don’t need 120 Hz or the new selfie camera, you can save money and keep the 16.
What’s the single biggest upgrade from 16 to 17 for non-Pro users?
The combination of a larger 6.3-inch display and 120 Hz ProMotion on the standard iPhone 17, it changes how smooth everything feels, from scrolling to gaming.
| Read More: |
| iPhone 17 Camera Upgrades Explained: 48MP Sensors & 8× Zoom |
| Should You Upgrade to iPhone 17 from iPhone 14 or 15? |
| iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S25: Which Flagship Wins |
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