The iPhone 17 adds a larger, smoother Always-On display, an A19 chip and 256GB of base storage. The iPhone 16 costs less at Apple’s US store and offers a 128GB starting option. As of 2026, Apple lists them from $899 and $799 respectively—but those entry prices are for different storage capacities, so the $100 gap is not a like-for-like comparison.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 specs
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.3-inch OLED, Always-On, ProMotion with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz |
| Chip | A18 | A19 |
| Storage capacities | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| Water-resistance rating | IP68 under IEC 60529; maximum 6 metres for up to 30 minutes under controlled test conditions | IP68 under IEC 60529; maximum 6 metres for up to 30 minutes under controlled test conditions |
Specifications are listed by Apple on its iPhone 16 technical specifications page and iPhone 17 technical specifications page. The chip names identify each model’s processor; they do not, by themselves, establish a measured speed or battery-life advantage.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How much more does the iPhone 17 cost?
On Apple’s US iPhone-buying page, accessed in 2026, the iPhone 16 is listed from $799 and the iPhone 17 from $899—a $100 difference in starting prices. These are US store list prices, not guaranteed street prices or prices for matching storage. The iPhone 16’s starting configuration is 128GB, while the iPhone 17 starts at 256GB. Check the price of each model at the same capacity and at the seller you plan to use before deciding which is better value.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Apple also advertises carrier offers on its US store page, but eligibility and the final cost depend on the buyer’s circumstances and offer terms. The listed starting prices do not establish an individual buyer’s trade-in value or carrier savings. Check Apple’s current US iPhone prices and purchase offers.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Which display is better for you?
Choose iPhone 17 for a larger, smoother screen
The 6.3-inch iPhone 17 display is larger than the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch screen. The 17 also has Always-On display and ProMotion, which supports adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. Those are the clearest listed display advantages if you want more screen area or these specific features.
Choose iPhone 16 if you prefer its smaller size
The iPhone 16 has the smaller listed display. If a 6.1-inch screen suits your preferences and you do not need Always-On or ProMotion, the iPhone 17’s display upgrades may not justify paying more for your needs.
Rank #2
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
Storage and chip differences
The iPhone 16 gives buyers a 128GB entry option; the iPhone 17 starts at 256GB. If you need at least 256GB, that is the iPhone 17’s minimum listed capacity, while the iPhone 16 also offers 256GB and 512GB options. For a fair price comparison, match storage capacities rather than comparing only the two base prices.
Apple lists an A18 chip in the iPhone 16 and an A19 in the iPhone 17. The specifications establish the chip generations, but do not provide independent performance measurements. Do not treat the newer chip name alone as proof of a particular speed, battery-life or real-world benefit.
Rank #3
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Water resistance and what comes in the box
Apple lists both models as IP68 under IEC 60529, with resistance tested at a maximum depth of 6 metres for up to 30 minutes under controlled conditions. This is not a claim that either phone is waterproof. Apple warns that water resistance can decrease through normal wear.
Apple says the iPhone 17 box includes a 1-metre USB-C Charge Cable and documentation, but no power adapter or EarPods. The cable works with USB-C adapters, so you may need to obtain an adapter only if you do not already have a compatible one.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
Which iPhone should you buy?
- Pick iPhone 17 if you want the larger display, Always-On, ProMotion up to 120Hz, an A19 chip or at least 256GB of storage.
- Pick iPhone 16 if its 6.1-inch display and 128GB entry option suit you and keeping the upfront price lower matters most.
- Compare prices at equal storage and check current seller or carrier terms; the US starting-price gap alone is not a like-for-like value comparison.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
