iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Upgrades and surprises- here's what’s new, what’s better and what might shock you

iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Rumor has it that the iPhone 17 will be out in just a few weeks. This puts many shoppers in a usual dilemma situation, i.e. should they buy now or wait for the next big thing? Apple hasn't officially announced the iPhone 17 yet, but leaks and rumors give us a hint of what's to come and whether it's worth waiting to buy.

The iPhone 17 is likely to come out in September. The changes from the iPhone 16 may not be very big, but if you wait, you might be able to get the newest model or get the iPhone 16 at a lower price.

Here's what’s new, what’s better and what might shock you:

Will the iPhone 17 display be smoother?

Apple might finally give the base iPhone 17 a refresh rate of 120Hz as per the rumors. Only Pro models had smooth scrolling until now. Standard models stayed at 60Hz. If this is true, it could also mean that the display is always on, so you can see notifications without waking the screen, as per a report by CNET.

But the Pro lineup may only have a coating that is scratch-resistant and doesn't reflect light. If you care about how long the display lasts, the base iPhone 17 may not be very different from the iPhone 16 in that way.

ALSO READ: iPhone 17 prices may skyrocket - shocking rumors just dropped! Here’s what Apple fans need to know right now

Is the camera getting a big upgrade?

The front-facing camera could go from 12 to 24 megapixels, which could make selfies and video calls better. Megapixels don't always mean better image quality, but this would be a nice change for people who use social media and make content.

Apple will probably stick with the standard model's vertical layout for the rear camera. The bigger, horizontal "visor" design is likely to be a Pro-only feature for now, as per a report by CNET.

Are there any design changes that stand out?

Reports say that the iPhone 17 will have an aluminum frame, but there may be a "Air" version made of titanium to make it lighter. Another interesting rumor is that "metalens" technology could be used to make the Face ID parts smaller and the Dynamic Island a little smaller, giving you more screen space to use, as per a report by CNET.


ALSO READ: iPhone 17 release date confirmed, Apple promises its most powerful iPhone ever - here's what fans can expect

AI features, RAM, and performance

There are rumors that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 will use Apple's A18 chip, which could mean that their raw performance is similar. The question mark is RAM: the Pro and Air models might have 12GB, but the regular iPhone 17 might only have 8GB, as per a report by CNET.

Apple Intelligence features like Adaptive Power, which improves battery life by optimizing performance, will be included in iOS 26 and will be available on both models.

Should you wait or buy right away?

The iPhone 16 is a great choice if you need a phone right now. You can wait until September to get the iPhone 17, which has only minor upgrades, or you can take advantage of Apple's usual $100 discount on last year's model.

FAQs

Will the iPhone 17 possess a superior display compared to the iPhone 16?
Speculation indicates that the iPhone 17 may incorporate a more fluid 120Hz display and potentially an always-on mode for the standard variant.

Is it advisable to purchase the iPhone 16 at this moment or to defer the acquisition?
If you can defer your purchase until September, you may either acquire the new iPhone 17 or obtain the iPhone 16 at a reduced price.