iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16:  What’s New in 2025?

Apple’s September 2025 launch is just around the corner, and the buzz around the iPhone 17 is louder than ever. With promises of a fresh design, upgraded cameras, faster charging, and the latest software, many wonder: Is the iPhone 17 a true upgrade over the iPhone 16? This article breaks down all the key differences and improvements to help you decide if it’s worth the switch in 2025.

Design and Display Improvements

The iPhone 17 introduces a noticeable design evolution compared to the iPhone 16. While the base model retains some familiar elements, Apple has trimmed the bezels and increased the screen size from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches. More importantly, all 2025 iPhone models now feature 120Hz ProMotion displays, a significant upgrade from the iPhone 16’s 60Hz screens on non-Pro variants. This means smoother animations and better responsiveness. During the first quarter of 2025, Apple’s iPhone 16 was the best-selling smartphone in the world.

Apple is also launching a new iPhone 17 Air, which is ultra-thin (around 5.5mm) and sports a large 6.6-inch display, the slimmest iPhone ever. The Pro and Air models showcase a bold new “camera strip” design, similar to Google Pixel phones, while the base iPhone 17 sticks with the traditional pill-shaped camera island.

However, Early user sentiments around the iPhone 16 indicated it was viewed as a routine refresh with limited innovation, particularly due to its 60Hz screen and modest camera updates. In contrast, the iPhone 17 is generating excitement for its design overhaul, improved display with 120Hz ProMotion, and significant camera upgrades, especially in the Pro and Air models. However, some users express disappointment that the base iPhone 17 retains the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16, suggesting only an incremental upgrade for that model. 

Design and Display Comparison Table

Performance and Connectivity

The iPhone 17 lineup splits performance between models. The base iPhone 17 continues to use the A18 chip with 8GB RAM, the same as the iPhone 16, which may disappoint users looking for a big speed boost. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro and Air models upgrade to the A19 Pro and A19 chips, built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process, with 12GB RAM for improved speed and efficiency.

On connectivity, the iPhone 17 series debuts Wi-Fi 7, a major leap over the iPhone 16’s Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster wireless speeds and better network stability.

Performance and Connectivity Table

Camera and Imaging Upgrades

Apple has significantly enhanced the iPhone 17 cameras. The front camera doubles from 12MP to 24MP across all models, promising sharper and clearer selfies with a new 6-element lens.

According to Majin Bu, the iPhone 17 Pro will feature a new Telephoto lens with a 48MP sensor, up from the current 12MP sensor found in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. Non-Pro models maintain a dual-camera system. Apple is also introducing smarter AI-powered camera features like enhanced in-camera editing and scene recognition, although it still trails some Android competitors in AI sophistication.

Camera Comparison Table

Charging and Battery Life

Charging speeds get a big boost with the iPhone 17 supporting the new Qi 2.2 wireless standard, enabling up to 50W MagSafe (A MagSafe charger is a wireless charger designed by Apple that utilizes magnetic alignment to provide a faster and more efficient charging experience for iPhones) charging, double the iPhone 16’s 25W. New MagSafe chargers are expected to launch alongside the phones. 

Battery capacity remains similar, with the iPhone 17’s standard model around 3,600mAh, slightly larger than the iPhone 16’s 3,561mAh. Pro models also feature more repair-friendly adhesives, improving sustainability and ease of repair.

Charging and Battery Table

Software and User Experience

The iPhone 17 will launch with iOS 26, codenamed ‘Liquid Glass,’ featuring the most significant redesign since iOS 7. This new interface offers a translucent, layered look inspired by Apple’s Vision Pro headset. It introduces live translations, richer group messaging, revamped Phone and Safari apps, and advanced visual intelligence tools.

Some AI-powered features will be exclusive to iPhone 16 and 17 models, emphasizing Apple’s focus on integrating hardware and software for a smarter user experience.

Final Verdict

The iPhone 17 lineup is a clear step forward in 2025, especially for users who value display quality, camera capabilities, charging speed, and wireless connectivity. The introduction of the ultra-thin Air model and the Pro models’ powerful upgrades make this a strong contender against Android flagships. However, the base iPhone 17’s continued use of the A18 chip means it’s more of an incremental upgrade for existing iPhone 16 owners. The iPhone 17 offers enough innovation for those with older iPhones to justify an upgrade.

Looking Ahead

Apple’s 2025 iPhone strategy balances innovation with practicality. The adoption of Wi-Fi 7 and Qi 2.2 charging standards future-proofs the devices, while iOS 26’s Liquid Glass UI promises a fresh, immersive experience. As AI and wireless technologies evolve, Apple is positioning the iPhone 17 series to compete aggressively in the premium smartphone market for years to come.

Author’s opinion: 

The iPhone 17 is a smart upgrade that blends cutting-edge design and technology. While not revolutionary for all models, it sets a solid foundation for Apple’s future innovations.