Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Our Verdict: Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Apple iPhone 17 Pro suit different priorities. The 17 Pro is stronger for camera hardware, helped by a higher-resolution 18MP front camera and a larger 3,988 mAh battery, while the 16 Pro is better suited to a 6.3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display at 458 PPI, a 48MP rear camera, and a 12MP front camera. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Choose the 17 Pro for camera hardware; choose the 16 Pro if simplicity matters more.

Over a full contract, the 16 Pro works out around £778 all-in, about £253 less than the 17 Pro.

Expert Rating
4.2
11 reviews
4.5
12 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.3"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1206 x 2622
Pixels Per Inch
458 458
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 18 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 Pro Apple A19 Pro
Battery
3,582 mAh 3,988 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.2, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm 150 x 71.9 x 8.8 mm
Weight
199 grams 206 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£29.50/mo (£20.00 upfront) £9.00/mo (£799.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£569.99 £899.99
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Apple iPhone 16 Pro Apple iPhone 17 Pro Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Expert Rating 4.2
11 reviews
4.5
12 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.3"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1206 x 2622
Pixels Per Inch 458 458
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 18 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 Pro Apple A19 Pro
Battery 3,582 mAh 3,988 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm 150 x 71.9 x 8.8 mm
Weight 199 grams 206 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts £29.50/mo
£20.00 upfront
£9.00/mo
£799.00 upfront
SIM-free £569.99 £899.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Apple iPhone 16 Pro

24 Months

128GB

Desert Titanium

Refurbished

1GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£29.50 per month, £20 upfront.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

24 Months

256GB

Deep Blue

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£9 per month, £799 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Apple iPhone 17 Pro cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro is cheaper on contract at £778.00 over the life of the deal from £29.50 per month with £20.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Apple iPhone 17 Pro?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.3", both screens are similarly sharp at around 458 pixels per inch, and both use LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panels.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Apple iPhone 17 Pro?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £569.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Apple iPhone 17 Pro?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Apple iPhone 17 Pro use?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro uses the Apple A19 Pro.

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Apple iPhone 17 Pro?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 7g lighter at 199 grams, both are similar in overall footprint, and is slimmer at 8.3mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Apple iPhone 17 Pro?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Apple iPhone 17 Pro run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.