iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Pro
Shop iPhone
iPhone 16
Starting at
£577.65£699.00 new
iPhone 17 Pro
Starting at
£1,074.24£1,099.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 Pro?
iPhone 16 vs 17 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 16 starts at £577.65, £496.59 less than the iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone 17 Pro is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16, Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 17 Pro.
- The iPhone 17 Pro has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- Battery: 3561 mAh on the iPhone 16, 3998 mAh, 4252 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Pro specs
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 Pro differ primarily in performance, screen quality, battery capacity, and storage options. The iPhone 16 suits those who want a lighter phone with a familiar screen size and smooth performance for everyday use. The iPhone 17 Pro offers a larger screen with a higher refresh rate and more RAM, supporting more intensive tasks and clearer visuals. It also has a bigger battery and higher front camera megapixels, making it suitable for users who want longer battery life and sharper selfies. Storage choices also differ, with the iPhone 17 Pro available up to 1TB for those needing more space.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Pro price
Colour
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Pro battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical features. These affect daily use and how long your phone stays powered and current.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 has a 3561 mAh battery, which supports a full day of typical use. The iPhone 17 Pro offers a larger battery capacity of 3998 mAh or 4252 mAh depending on the specific model, which means longer usage between charges. If you prioritise extended battery life, the iPhone 17 Pro is well suited to your needs.
Software Updates
This means you can expect ongoing support and new features on both devices for the foreseeable future, helping maintain security and functionality.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Pro performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and available storage sizes. These factors influence speed, multitasking, and how much data or apps you can keep on the device.
Processor Power
The iPhone 16 uses the Apple A18 chipset built on a 3 nm process, offering efficient and fast performance for everyday tasks and apps. The iPhone 17 Pro steps up with the Apple A19 Pro chipset, also 3 nm, which supports more demanding applications and smoother operation during intensive use.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 keeps everyday apps running smoothly and handles multitasking well. The iPhone 17 Pro has 12 GB of RAM, which is ideal if you use many apps at once or work with memory-intensive software.
Storage Options
The iPhone 16 comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage versions. The iPhone 17 Pro starts at 256GB and goes up to 1TB, which suits users with a large collection of apps, photos, videos, or files who want more onboard space.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Pro screen
Screen quality affects how you watch videos, play games, or browse. Differences in size, resolution, and refresh rate shape the viewing experience for each device.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 16 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for smooth scrolling and video playback. The iPhone 17 Pro offers a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and interactions feel more fluid, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-moving content.
Resolution and Size
The iPhone 16 has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels. The iPhone 17 Pro has a slightly larger 6.3 inch screen with a resolution of 2622 x 1206 pixels. The larger and higher resolution screen on the iPhone 17 Pro provides a roomier display with sharper detail, which benefits watching videos and multitasking.
Screen Type
The iPhone 16 features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, known for bright colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 17 Pro uses a Super Retina XDR screen, which also delivers strong colour accuracy and contrast. Both screens offer quality visuals but may differ in display technology specifics.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Pro camera
Audiovisual specs focus on camera capabilities. These impact photo and video quality for selfies and main shots.
Front Camera Megapixels
The iPhone 16 has a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear self-portraits and video calls. The iPhone 17 Pro increases this to 18 megapixels, which captures more detail and can produce sharper selfies and video recordings.
Main Camera Resolution
Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 Pro come with a 48 megapixel main camera. This resolution supports detailed photos and videos, making either device capable of high-quality imagery for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Pro size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, network compatibility, and connections. These affect how the phones feel in your hand, connect to networks, and handle accessories.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 16 measures 147.6 mm tall, 71.6 mm wide, and 7.8 mm deep, weighing 170 g. The iPhone 17 Pro is slightly larger at 150 mm tall, 71.9 mm wide, and 8.8 mm deep, weighing 206 g. If you prefer a lighter and more compact phone, the iPhone 16 suits you better. The iPhone 17 Pro offers a bigger presence which some find easier to use for media and typing.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 16 supports a physical SIM plus eSIM, giving flexibility for traditional SIM cards alongside digital ones. The iPhone 17 Pro uses eSIM only, which suits users comfortable managing mobile plans digitally.
Carrier Compatibility and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, which means they work with a wide range of mobile carriers and provide access to faster mobile data where available.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £577.65, £496.59 less than the iPhone 17 Pro
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (170 g vs 206 g)
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- 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 who chose the iPhone 16 often praise its condition, noting it looks like new with no marks or scratches. Battery health is frequently reported as 100%, providing good daily endurance. Users appreciate the straightforward performance and familiar size, with several mentioning it as a solid upgrade that handles typical apps smoothly. The screen and overall quality meet expectations for refurbished phones, with many finding it a reliable choice for everyday use.
Reviews for the iPhone 17 Pro highlight its excellent condition, often described as spotless with high battery health. Users notice the brighter, clearer screen especially outdoors, which enhances video and photo viewing. The larger RAM and storage options appeal to those needing more power and space. Some mention the phone feels a bit heavier but appreciate the premium feel and improved camera detail. The device suits people who want a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks and a sharper front camera.
Both devices satisfy buyers looking for quality refurbished phones. The iPhone 16 fits those who prefer a lighter, compact phone with solid performance for routine use. The iPhone 17 Pro attracts users who value a bigger screen, higher RAM, and enhanced camera for more intensive daily use.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Pro FAQs
iPhone 16 vs 17 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16, Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone 17 Pro has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The iPhone 16 is cheaper refurbished, from £577.65 compared with £1074.24 for the iPhone 17 Pro.
The iPhone 16 has 3561 mAh and the iPhone 17 Pro has 3998 mAh, 4252 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The iPhone 16 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 17 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 17 Pro adds more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB), a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch) and a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £496.59 more (from £1074.24 vs £577.65).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 17 Pro in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
