Apple continues to raise the bar with each iPhone release, and the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, expected to launch in late 2025, are no exception. Leaks suggest major upgrades that could make it a significant leap from the iPhone 16 Pro series, especially in terms of display durability, camera hardware, and chipset performance.
In this article, we compare the iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro, helping you decide whether it’s worth the upgrade.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| 6.3-inch OLED, 2622x1206px, 120Hz ProMotion | 6.3-inch OLED, 2622x1206px, 120Hz ProMotion, brighter and rumored to have more durable screen tech | |
| Apple A18 Pro (3nm) | Apple A19 Pro (next-gen 3nm/2nm, more efficient) | |
| 8GB | 12GB | |
| Up to 1TB | Up to 1TB | |
| Triple: 48MP main, 48MP ultra, 12MP telephoto (5x zoom) | Triple: 48MP main, 48MP ultra, 48MP telephoto (3.5x zoom) | |
| 12MP | 24MP | |
| 3,582mAh | Similar capacity, faster charging expected | |
| Titanium frame, flat edges, Dynamic Island notch | Rumored thinner bezels, seamless design, possibly switch to aluminum, new camera bump | |
| USB-C, 27W wired, MagSafe | USB-C, 35W wired, MagSafe, faster wireless charging | |
| New Camera Control button, advanced video (4K120fps) | Upgraded camera housing, enhanced sensors and AI features, improved low-light | |
| IP68 | Expected IP69 | |
| Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, improved 5G | |
| iOS 18 | iOS 19 or 20 (at launch) |
source
Comparison of key features between iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro, showing upgrades in iPhone 17 Pro
Display: Scratch-Resistant & Anti-Reflective Coating
iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max:
-
A major highlight of the iPhone 17 Pro models is the new anti-reflective display coating that promises better scratch resistance than Ceramic Shield.
-
The coating also reduces glare, making visibility better under sunlight or bright conditions.
-
This new tech was delayed due to production issues but is now reportedly ready for mass production.
-
The feature is exclusive to Pro models only, not available on iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Air.
iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max:
-
Features the Ceramic Shield front, which is already among the toughest in the smartphone world.
-
While durable, it doesn’t offer the anti-glare benefits or enhanced scratch resistance seen in iPhone 17’s new coating.
Winner: iPhone 17 Pro, thanks to its next-gen display coating.
Performance : A19 Pro vs A18 Pro Chipset
iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max:
-
Expected to come with the A19 Pro chipset, which will likely bring performance boosts in AI, battery optimization, and gaming.
-
The chip is said to be based on TSMC’s second-gen 3nm process, making it even more efficient.
iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max:
-
Powered by the A18 Pro chip, which already delivers smooth multitasking, enhanced GPU performance, and efficient power use.
-
It’s fast, but the A19 is expected to take it a notch higher.
Winner: iPhone 17 Pro, with newer and faster internals.
Camera Upgrades: Slight but Noticeable
iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max:
-
Rumored to include a triple 48MP rear camera setup, continuing Apple’s focus on professional-grade photography.
-
The front camera might see a big jump to 24MP, improving selfies and FaceTime calls, especially in low light.
iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max:
-
Features a 48MP main sensor, along with ultra-wide and telephoto lenses.
-
Front camera is limited to 12MP, which is good but now starting to feel outdated.
Winner: iPhone 17 Pro, especially for selfie lovers and mobile content creators.
Battery & Charging:-iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max:
-
Rumored to include improved battery life with more efficient power management, thanks to the A19 chip.
-
25W charging is expected, slightly better than previous models.
iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max:
-
Decent battery life that lasts a full day for most users.
-
Supports up to 20W wired and 15W MagSafe charging.
Winner: iPhone 17 Pro, though the improvements may be marginal.
Pricing in India:-iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro:
-
Expected starting price: ₹1,39,900
iPhone 17 Pro Max:
-
Expected starting price: ₹1,64,900
iPhone 16 Pro Series (Launch Price):
-
iPhone 16 Pro: ₹1,34,900
-
iPhone 16 Pro Max: ₹1,59,900
While the iPhone 17 Pro series is likely to come with a price hike of around ₹5,000, the upgrades in display tech and camera may justify it for many users.
Design & Build
Both generations feature:
-
Premium stainless steel or titanium frames (likely continued in iPhone 17)
-
Sleek design with minimal bezels
-
USB-C port
-
Dynamic Island (expected to stay)
Design-wise, we expect only minor changes, as Apple seems focused more on performance and durability this time.
What You Won’t Get in iPhone 17 Base Models
It’s important to note for iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro:-
-
The anti-reflective display coating is exclusive to Pro models only
-
Standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air won’t feature this advanced glass
-
This keeps the display upgrade a premium-only feature, as Apple often does with cutting-edge tech.
If you’re using an iPhone 14 or older, the iPhone 17 Pro will be a huge upgrade.
If you already have an iPhone 16 Pro, the changes are subtle but meaningful, especially if display quality and camera upgrades matter to you.
Leave a Reply