iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro
That time of year has arrived, the iPhone 17 models are here. With design and camera updates, the iPhone 17 marks another step forward. To understand where we are, it helps to look back at where we’ve been. Just a year ago, the iPhone 16 Pro set the standard, so let’s compare it with the iPhone 17 Pro to see what’s stayed the same and what’s changed.
The Exterior
Unlike the iPhone 16 Pro, which highlighted its new titanium exterior, the iPhone 17 Pro is now made with aluminum. This change helps offset the overheating issues many users experienced, making it a practical improvement.
The iPhone 17 Pro is available in three colors: silver, deep blue, and cosmic orange. Cosmic orange has become one of the most talked-about options, as it’s unusually bold for a Pro model, which typically sticks to neutral tones. Notably, this year’s lineup excludes a black option.
The iPhone 17 Pro is available in three colors: silver, deep blue, and cosmic orange. Cosmic orange has become one of the most talked-about options, as it’s unusually bold for a Pro model, which typically sticks to neutral tones. Notably, this year’s lineup excludes a black option.
The Design
At first glance, the most noticeable difference is the camera design on the back. Instead of a small square housing the lenses, light, and LiDAR sensor, they are now spread across the phone in a circular layout. The lenses remain in the same format, but the light and sensor have shifted to the opposite side.
The Battery Life
Apple calls this battery the ‘biggest battery ever’, which holds 39 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 16 Pro only had 33 hours.
The Camera: Video and Photo
The iPhone 17 Pro introduces an 8x optical zoom, an upgrade from the 5x zoom on the iPhone 16 Pro. All three lenses, main, telephoto, and wide, now feature 48MP, whereas on the iPhone 16 Pro, only the main camera offered 48MP. The front camera on the iPhone 17 Pro also got an upgrade, now at 18MP compared to 12MP on the iPhone 16 Pro, all while allowing for more stabilized videos.
In addition, the iPhone 17 Pro introduces a dual-capture feature that lets you record with the rear camera while simultaneously recording a selfie, a first for iPhone. On the video side, the rear camera gains Apple Log 2 and Genlock support, giving creators more professional control.
In addition, the iPhone 17 Pro introduces a dual-capture feature that lets you record with the rear camera while simultaneously recording a selfie, a first for iPhone. On the video side, the rear camera gains Apple Log 2 and Genlock support, giving creators more professional control.
To watch the full Apple Event, you can find it here. Alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple also announced the AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. So what’s the verdict, will you be upgrading this year? One thing is certain: Apple’s latest lineup continues to push the boundaries of design, performance, and creativity.
And if you are looking to upgrade, we’ve got your iPhone 17 Pro photography and filmmaking gear covered.
And if you are looking to upgrade, we’ve got your iPhone 17 Pro photography and filmmaking gear covered.
Author's Bio
Born on the California coast, SANDMARC designs gear for those who live life in motion—travelers, photographers, and filmmakers. Every SANDMARC product is thoughtfully designed to elevate how you capture, carry, and experience the world. With a focus on quality and functionality, their blog offers tips, guides, and inspiration to enhance the creative journey.
