iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17
Shop iPhone
iPhone 16
Starting at
£577.65£699.00 new
iPhone 17
Starting at
£713.34£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17?
iPhone 16 vs 17 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 16 starts at £577.65, £135.69 less than the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
- Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17.
- The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 3561 mAh.
- The iPhone 17 has a bigger screen: 6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 specs
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 both deliver solid performance and durability, but they differ in screen quality, front camera resolution, battery capacity, and chipset. The iPhone 16 suits buyers looking for a slightly smaller screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate and a good balance of features including a 3561 mAh battery and 8 GB RAM. The iPhone 17 offers a larger 6.3 inch display with a smoother 120 Hz refresh rate, a higher resolution front camera, a bigger battery, and the newer Apple A19 chipset. It suits users who want a more immersive screen experience and improved front camera detail. Both are unlocked and support 5G, but storage options vary slightly between them.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 price
Colour
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 has a 3561 mAh battery, which provides solid daily endurance for typical use. The iPhone 17's battery is larger at 3692 mAh, which can offer longer usage between charges for those who spend more time on their phone or use power-intensive apps.
Physical Size
The iPhone 17 is slightly taller and deeper, measuring 149.6 mm in height and 8 mm in depth, compared to the iPhone 16's 147.6 mm height and 7.8 mm depth. This means the iPhone 17 feels a bit larger in hand, which might suit users who prefer a bigger device.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and available storage options. Both iPhones have the same RAM, but they use different chipsets and offer different storage capacities.
Chipset
The iPhone 16 uses the Apple A18 chipset built on 3 nm technology, while the iPhone 17 features the Apple A19 chipset. This means the iPhone 17 has a newer processor, which may provide improvements in speed and efficiency for demanding tasks.
RAM
Both iPhones come with 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports multitasking well for most users.
Storage Options
The iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB models, offering a wider range for those who want a more affordable or mid-size storage option. The iPhone 17 is stocked in 256GB and 512GB only, focusing on higher storage capacities.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your phone. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 have differences in size, refresh rate, resolution, and screen type that influence the visual experience.
Screen Size
The iPhone 16 has a 6.1 inch screen, which is compact and comfortable for one-handed use. The iPhone 17 offers a larger 6.3 inch display, providing more room for watching videos, gaming, or browsing.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 16 features a 60 Hz refresh rate, suitable for everyday scrolling and viewing. The iPhone 17 doubles this with a 120 Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother animations and more responsive touch, especially noticeable when gaming or scrolling quickly.
Resolution and Screen Type
The iPhone 16's display resolution is 1179 by 2556 pixels on a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals. The iPhone 17 has a resolution of 2622 by 1206 pixels on a Super Retina XDR screen, which offers a different pixel layout that supports the larger screen size and high refresh rate.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras, which affect photo and video quality. Both iPhones share the same main camera resolution but differ in their front cameras.
Front Camera
The iPhone 16 has a 12 megapixel front camera, good for detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone 17 steps this up to 18 megapixels, which captures more detail and may suit users who prioritise front camera quality for photos or streaming.
Main Camera
Both iPhones have a 48 megapixel main camera, ensuring high-quality photos and videos with plenty of detail for everyday photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 size and design
This section covers other practical differences like connectivity, size, and weight which can influence comfort and everyday usability.
Connector Type
The iPhone 17 also has a USB-C connector.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 16 measures 147.6 mm in height, 71.6 mm in width, and 7.8 mm in depth, weighing 170 g. The iPhone 17 is slightly taller at 149.6 mm, has a similar width of 71.5 mm, is a bit thicker at 8 mm, and weighs 177 g. The iPhone 17's size and weight may feel more substantial in hand.
Network and SIM
Both devices support 5G networks and use a combination of physical SIM and eSIM options, which is flexible for network connectivity.
Carrier Compatibility and Storage
Both iPhones are unlocked, allowing use with any compatible carrier. Storage options differ with the iPhone 16 including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, while the iPhone 17 offers 256GB and 512GB configurations.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 or iPhone 17: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £577.65, £135.69 less than the iPhone 17
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (170 g vs 177 g)
Buy the iPhone 17 if
- you want a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 3561 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 16 frequently mention that the phone looks like new with excellent battery health, often at 100%. They appreciate its reliable performance and are pleased with the condition, noting no marks or scratches and good battery life throughout the day. Many find it a significant upgrade and like the balance of size and features. Some mention it being perfect for everyday use and good value for a refurbished device.
Reviews for the iPhone 17 highlight its like-new condition with 100% battery health and minimal signs of use. Customers note the larger screen and improved front camera, finding it a big upgrade from older models. Many express satisfaction with the device's performance and condition. Users who choose the iPhone 17 often appreciate the premium feel and newer technology.
Both devices suit buyers looking for quality refurbished iPhones in excellent physical condition. The iPhone 16 fits those who prefer a slightly smaller and lighter phone with a range of storage options, while the iPhone 17 appeals to those who want a larger screen and enhanced front camera detail.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 FAQs
iPhone 16 vs 17 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 3561 mAh.
The iPhone 16 is cheaper refurbished, from £577.65 compared with £713.34 for the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 3561 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The iPhone 16 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 17 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 17 adds a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 3561 mAh), a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch) and a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £135.69 more (from £713.34 vs £577.65).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 17 in 256GB and 512GB.
