Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs Apple iPhone 17e

Our Verdict: For Apple iPhone 16 Pro versus Apple iPhone 17e, the recommendation depends mostly on what you want from the hardware. The 17e is ahead for portability, with its Super Retina XDR OLED panel, a larger 4,005 mAh battery, and a lighter 169g body; the 16 Pro is the better match for its LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel and 128GB to 1000GB storage. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. The 17e is the better fit for portability, while the 16 Pro is the one to consider for display quality.

Over a full contract, the 17e works out around £660 all-in, about £118 less than the 16 Pro.

Expert Rating
4.2
11 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.1"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch
458 457
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 Pro Apple A19 (3 nm)
Battery
3,582 mAh 4,005 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
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/6
Bluetooth
5.2, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight
199 grams 169 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) £25.99/mo (£0.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£569.99 £539.99
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Apple iPhone 16 Pro Apple iPhone 17e Apple iPhone 17e
Expert Rating 4.2
11 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.1"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch 458 457
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 Pro Apple A19 (3 nm)
Battery 3,582 mAh 4,005 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
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/6
Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight 199 grams 169 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
£25.99/mo
£0.00 upfront
SIM-free £569.99 £539.99
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 17e
Apple iPhone 17e

24 Months

256GB

Black

30GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£25.99 per month, with FREE phone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17e is cheaper on contract at £659.76 over the life of the deal from £25.99 per month with £0.00 upfront.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 17e's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 458 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 17e has a Super Retina XDR OLED.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e?

The Apple iPhone 17e is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £539.99.

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Apple iPhone 17e uses the Apple A19 (3 nm).

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

The Apple iPhone 17e is the more portable of the two: it's 30g lighter at 169 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.

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

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

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

Both phones run Apple iOS.