Written by Bob
Edited on
5 February 2026
·
16:15
What's the difference between the Apple iPhone 17 and iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 17 received a lot of improvements. The largest difference to the iPhone 16 is that the iPhone 17 now has a screen with a higher refresh rate. That way, there's less screen tearing while scrolling or gaming and your device feels very fast. The iPhone 17 also has a better selfie camera, a faster processor, and a better update policy. We'll explain what you can use it for.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16
- Apple iPhone 17
You can easily use this small iPhone with 1 hand
Take sharp photos and videos with the 2 cameras, even with little light.
Scrolling and gaming goes smoothly and quickly on the 120Hz screen.
Take sharp selfies and photograph your entire friend group.
You'll receive updates and can use your iPhone securely until at least 2031.
From
969,-
- Apple iPhone 16
You can easily use this small iPhone with 1 hand
Take sharp photos and videos with the 2 cameras, even with little light.
While scrolling and gaming, there can be some screen tearing.
Your selfies aren't as sharp and large groups don't always fit in the frame.
You'll receive updates and can use your iPhone securely until at least 2030.
From
1.039,-
Compare the iPhone 17 to the iPhone 16
| iPhone 17 | iPhone 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.3 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Always On display | Yes | No |
| Selfie camera | 24 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
| Processor | A19 Bionic | A18 Bionic |
| Updates until at least | 2031 | 2030 |
Screen
iPhone 17: 120Hz and Always On
The largest difference between the iPhone 17 and 16 is that the screen of the iPhone 17 has a higher refresh rate. That way, images look smoother. You notice this when you scroll or game, for example. Your iPhone feels very fast. The iPhone 17 also has an Always On display. You can always the time and your notifications on your screen. You can check it quickly without turning on your screen.
iPhone 16: less advanced and a smaller screen
The screen of the iPhone 16 has a lower refresh rate. As a result, animations and other images look less smooth. You can see some screen tearing when you scroll through your timeline, for example. Your device feels a bit less fast. The screen of the iPhone 16 is a bit smaller: 6.1 inches instead of 6.3 inches. The screen bezels are a bit thicker. This means both devices are roughly the same size. They both fit in your pocket.
Improved selfie camera
Mainly the selfie camera was improved for the iPhone 17. With this 24-megapixel selfie camera, you can take sharp photos. The camera also recognizes faces and makes sure the faces are always in the middle of the photo. Taking a selfie of a large group? The camera zooms out automatically or switches to a wide horizontal photo instead of a long vertical photo. That way, you can fit your entire friend group or family in the selfie.
Speed and updates
iPhone 17: faster and longer updates
The Apple iPhone 17 has the newer A19 processor. you can use demanding apps for photo and video editing without slowing down. You can also smoothly play the latest and most demanding games. Your iPhone feels fast for years. You also receive updates for a year longer than with the iPhone 16, at least until 2031. Until then, you can continue to use your iPhone securely and your device will also get the latest functions.
iPhone 16: fast and updates for less long
The Apple iPhone 16 has a somewhat older processor, but still feels like a fast device. In a couple of years, the iPhone 16 will struggle more with the latest apps and games. With the most demanding apps, your device will slow down more. You also receive updates for a shorter time: until at least 2030. The iPhone 16 is the less good choice if you want to use your iPhone for a long time.
Conclusion: iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17
The Apple iPhone 17 is a more complete and newer device than the iPhone 16. You mainly notice this with the screen. Thanks to the higher refresh rate, you don't experience screen tearing while scrolling or gaming. The iPhone 17 also has a better selfie camera. Thanks to the newer processor and longer updates, you can also use the iPhone 17 for a longer time.
Article by Bob
Apple iPhone Expert.
