Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Our Verdict: The iPhone 17 Pro is the more capable phone, adding a 6.3-inch LTPO display, Apple A19 Pro chipset, 18MP front camera and storage up to 1TB. The iPhone 16 is still the cheaper and lighter option, at 170g versus 206g, and it keeps the same 48MP rear camera rating and iOS experience. If you want a few more years of headroom and the Pro storage tier, the 17 Pro is the better long-term pick. If the saving is the main attraction, the iPhone 16 remains a sensible Apple buy.

Over a full contract, the 16 works out around £709 all-in, about £317 less than the 17 Pro.

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 3,988 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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
5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 150 x 71.9 x 8.8 mm
Weight
170 grams 206 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) £33.00/mo (£199.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£469.00 £939.99

Prices updated 17 July 2026

Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 17 Pro Apple iPhone 17 Pro
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 3,988 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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 5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 150 x 71.9 x 8.8 mm
Weight 170 grams 206 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
£33.00/mo
£199.00 upfront
SIM-free £469.00 £939.99
Prices updated 17 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 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

24 Months

256GB

Cosmic Orange

Refurbished

100GB

Data

£33 per month, £199 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 17 Pro 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 Pro?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro 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 Pro has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 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 or Apple iPhone 17 Pro?

The Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £469.00.

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

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

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 36g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.

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

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 Pro run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.