Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone 17

Our Verdict: The iPhone 17 is the more modern phone, with a larger 6.3-inch LTPO display, an Apple A19 Pro chipset and an upgraded 18MP front camera. The iPhone 16 still holds up well if you want to spend less, and it is a little lighter at 170g while keeping the same 48MP rear camera rating and IP68 protection. The 16 also starts at 128GB, whereas the 17 starts at 256GB, so compare like-for-like storage before deciding. If you want the newer screen and longer runway, choose the iPhone 17; if the saving matters more, the iPhone 16 is the sensible buy.

The 16 is the cheaper one to own: around £709 over a typical contract, £92 less than the 17.

Expert Rating
4.2
12 reviews
4.5
12 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.3"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
2556 x 1179 1206 x 2622
Pixels Per Inch
461 458
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 18 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Apple A19 Pro
Battery
3,561 mAh 3,692 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm
Weight
170 grams 177 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£26.99/mo (£39.00 upfront) £29.99/mo (£59.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£454.00 £599.00

Prices updated 16 July 2026

Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17
Expert Rating 4.2
12 reviews
4.5
12 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.3"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 2556 x 1179 1206 x 2622
Pixels Per Inch 461 458
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 18 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Apple A19 Pro
Battery 3,561 mAh 3,692 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm
Weight 170 grams 177 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts £26.99/mo
£39.00 upfront
£29.99/mo
£59.00 upfront
SIM-free £454.00 £599.00
Prices updated 16 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16

24 Months

128GB

Black

Refurbished

100GB

Data

£26.99 per month, £39 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10)

Apple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 17

24 Months

256GB

White

Refurbished

50GB

Data

£29.99 per month, £59 upfront.

Use code: IDM10OFF (£10)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper on contract at £709.16 over the life of the deal from £26.99 per month with £39.00 upfront.

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

The Apple iPhone 17 has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 461 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 17 has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.

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

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

The Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £454.00.

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

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

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 7g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm.

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

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).

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

Both phones run Apple iOS.