They are closely matched: Apple iPhone 16 Plus scores 80/100 and Apple iPhone 17 scores 79/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 point. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Apple iPhone 17
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple iPhone 17 leads Apple iPhone 16 Plus overall by 5 points (81 vs 76 out of 100).
- Apple iPhone 17 stands out on Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB, Storage capacity: 256 GB, Display technology: Super Retina XDR OLED.
Apple iPhone 17 leads overall
Apple iPhone 17
81
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
76
Why it stands out
- Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB
- Storage capacity: 256 GB
- Display technology: Super Retina XDR OLED
Head-to-head verdictAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jul 2026.
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus and the Apple iPhone 17 cater to different user priorities. The iPhone 16 Plus leads in screen real estate with its larger 6.7-inch display and boasts a substantial 4,674 mAh battery, making it ideal for users who prioritize media consumption and battery life. Meanwhile, the newer iPhone 17 excels in processing power and display quality, featuring the updated A19 chip, a 120Hz ProMotion display with 3,000 nits peak brightness, and higher-resolution front and ultra-wide rear cameras. Users seeking a larger, long-lasting device will prefer the iPhone 16 Plus, whereas those wanting advanced camera sensors and a smoother, brighter screen will benefit from the iPhone 17.
- Display
- The Apple iPhone 17 wins this area with its 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, 3,000 nits peak brightness, and anti-reflective screen. However, the iPhone 16 Plus offers a larger 6.7-inch viewing area compared to the 6.3-inch display on the iPhone 17.
- Cameras
- The iPhone 17 features an upgraded 18MP front camera and a 48MP ultra-wide rear sensor, offering significantly higher resolution than the 12MP front and 12MP ultra-wide cameras on the iPhone 16 Plus.
- Performance and Storage
- With its newer A19 processor and a starting storage capacity of 256GB, the iPhone 17 outperforms the iPhone 16 Plus, which uses the A18 chip and starts at 128GB of storage.
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is an option for users who want a larger iPhone size without purchasing the highest-tier Pro Max model. It features upgrades such as a new chipset, an Ultra wide camera, and added control buttons.
Best for users wanting larger phone sizeBest for those avoiding Pro Max tier spending
Pros
- Large display: Features a 6.7-in OLED Super Retina XDR display while being larger than models paired with a vanilla iPhone
- Camera system includes dual setups: It has both a wide and ultra-wide camera.
- Video recording capability is high quality, supporting 4K at 60 frames per second on both front and back cameras.
- The device features the Action button and the new Camera Control key.
Cons
- The display utilizes a 60 Hz refresh rate, which some users may find sluggish compared to modern high-refresh-rate Android screens.
- Some sources report ongoing questions regarding whether the device is worth buying if it was out for a period of time.
Apple iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 is Apple's latest flagship smartphone, featuring premium design upgrades and significant camera improvements. It targets users who desire a powerful mobile experience with advanced features like enhanced display technology and deep integration with Apple’s operating ecosystem.
Best for content creatorsBest for power usersBest for photography enthusiasts
Pros
- Features the A19 chip and iOS 26, promising high performance and improved user intelligence capabilities.
- Enhanced displays include ProMotion up to 120Hz refresh rate and brighter Super Retina XDR panels.
- Camera system upgrades include a 48MP Dual Fusion setup and an 18MP Center Stage front camera for flexible framing.
- Design improvements feature Ceramic Shield 2 on the front glass, lending increased durability.
Cons
- The inclusion of new features like 'Apple Intelligence' makes it more complex than standard smartphone functions.
- Reported hardware might feel overkill for users who only need basic calling and texting functionality.
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Apple iPhone 17
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPhone 16 Plus1,640,000
Apple iPhone 171,750,000
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Apple iPhone 16 Plus4,674 mAh
Apple iPhone 173,998 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Apple iPhone 16 PlusApple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 16 Plus is 24 g (14%) heavier than Apple iPhone 17.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Apple iPhone 17 comparison
Apple iPhone 16 Plus and Apple iPhone 17 are compared side by side above across every spec in the smartphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 80/100 for Apple iPhone 16 Plus and 79/100 for Apple iPhone 17.
At launch, Apple iPhone 17 was the more affordable option ($799) versus Apple iPhone 16 Plus ($899). Weigh that against the overall scores (80/100 vs 79/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
It's close — Apple iPhone 16 Plus (80/100) and Apple iPhone 17 (79/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.
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