The iPhone 17 launched in 2025 at the same UK launch price as the iPhone 16 (£799), but with several upgrades you'll notice every day. The question is whether they're worth it compared with an iPhone 16 that's now discounted or refurbished.
What they have in common
- Aluminium design with USB-C, Camera Control and the Action button.
- 48 MP Fusion main camera.
- Apple Intelligence on both.
- IP68 water resistance and MagSafe.
- Many years of updates ahead.
The differences that matter
Display: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz
This is the most visible change. The iPhone 17 has a 6.3" display with ProMotion up to 120 Hz and always-on: everything feels smoother when you scroll. The iPhone 16 stays at 6.1" and 60 Hz. If you're coming from a 120 Hz phone you'll notice; if not, you may not miss it.
Storage: 256 GB vs 128 GB
The iPhone 17 starts at 256 GB for the same launch price at which the 16 started at 128 GB. If you take lots of photos and videos, that's a real saving.
Cameras
Both have a 48 MP main camera, but the 17 upgrades the ultra wide to 48 MP (the 16 has 12 MP) and brings an 18 MP Center Stage front camera, which takes landscape selfies without turning the phone.
Chip and battery
The iPhone 17 has the A19 chip, a year newer than the 16's A18. Both have plenty of power day to day, but the 17 should get updates for a little longer. Apple also quotes longer battery life for the iPhone 17.
Comparison table
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | 2024 | 2025 |
| Display | 6.1", 60 Hz | 6.3", up to 120 Hz, always-on |
| Chip | A18 | A19 |
| Rear cameras | 48 MP + 12 MP ultra wide | 48 MP + 48 MP ultra wide |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 18 MP Center Stage |
| Base storage | 128 GB | 256 GB |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes | Yes |
| UK launch price | £799 | £799 |
New or refurbished?
- iPhone 17: for now, buy it new. There are few refurbished units and the saving is small.
- iPhone 16: here refurbished makes a lot of sense. Check the minimum battery health and the warranty: we explain how to check battery health.
Our verdict
- If you're buying new: iPhone 17. For the same launch price you get a better display, double the storage and a better front camera.
- If you want to save: a refurbished iPhone 16. It has Apple Intelligence, Camera Control and years of updates ahead.
- If you're torn between the 2025 iPhones, see our iPhone 17, 17 Pro and Air comparison.