iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro: Important Distinctions and Newly Introduced Features Clarified
# Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: An In-Depth Comparison
Apple’s premier iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have attracted considerable attention in initial sales, showcasing an array of new features that distinguish them from their predecessors, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. This article reviews the significant upgrades and modifications in the iPhone 17 Pro, emphasizing how it compares to the previous version.
## Displays and Durability: More Luminous and Scratch Resistant
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max retain the same 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch dimensions as the iPhone 16 Pro models but present remarkable improvements in display brightness and durability.
– **Peak Brightness**:
– iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: 3000 nits peak brightness outdoors
– iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: 2000 nits peak brightness outdoors
The latest models feature improved outdoor contrast, enhancing usability in bright environments. Moreover, the iPhone 17 Pro introduces Ceramic Shield 2, offering three times better scratch resistance compared to the previous model. For the first time, the rear of the iPhone also incorporates a Ceramic Shield.
## Performance Improvements: A19 Pro, Increased RAM
Powering the iPhone 17 Pro is the new A19 Pro chip, intended to boost performance and heat management via an Apple-designed vapor chamber.
– **Performance Enhancements**: The A19 Pro delivers up to 40% improved sustained performance, making it perfect for intensive activities such as gaming and video editing.
Both models feature:
– 6-core CPU
– 6-core GPU
– 16-core Neural Engine
However, the A19 Pro’s GPU includes Neural Accelerators, a feature missing in the A18 Pro. The iPhone 17 Pro also offers 12GB of RAM, an upgrade from the 8GB in the iPhone 16 Pro.
## Cameras: Center Stage Front Camera, 48MP Fusion Trio, 4x and 8x Optical Zoom
Camera functionality has experienced substantial enhancements in the iPhone 17 Pro.
– **Front Camera**: The new 18MP Center Stage front camera supersedes the 12MP model, featuring a square sensor for versatile portrait and landscape photography. The AI capabilities facilitate automatic adjustments to the field of view as more subjects enter the frame.
– **Rear Cameras**: The iPhone 17 Pro includes three 48MP Fusion cameras (Main, Ultra Wide, Telephoto), with the Telephoto lens upgraded from 12MP to a tetraprism design, providing 4x and 8x optical zoom options, exceeding the previous 5x zoom ability.
New video functionalities encompass:
– ProRes RAW support
– Log 2 support
– Genlock for synchronizing video across multiple cameras
Dual Capture enables simultaneous video recording from both front and rear cameras.
## Design and Colors: Rear ‘Plateau,’ Aluminum, but No Black Option
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max feature a new aluminum design, shifting from the titanium used in the 16 Pro. The rear camera protrusion has transitioned into a full-width camera ‘plateau,’ allowing for a larger battery.
Apple characterizes the design as:
> “The new brushed aluminum unibody design is crafted with a lightweight aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminum alloy to deliver the best-ever thermal performance in an iPhone.”
Color choices for the iPhone 17 Pro are:
– Cosmic Orange
– Deep Blue
– Silver
Notably, the lack of a Black or Space Gray finish has generated discussion among users.
## Battery Life: Reaching Unprecedented Heights
Apple has made remarkable advancements in battery life with the iPhone 17 series.
– **iPhone 17 Pro**: Up to 33 hours video playback, or 30 hours streamed
– **iPhone 16 Pro**: Up to 27 hours video playback, or 22 hours streamed
For the Pro Max:
– **iPhone 17 Pro Max**: Up to 39 hours video playback, or 35 hours streamed
– **iPhone 16 Pro Max**: Up to 33 hours video playback, or 29 hours streamed
## Storage and Pricing: Surprisingly Positive Developments
The iPhone 17 series introduces noteworthy storage adjustments, starting at 256GB for all models, compared to the 128GB baseline for the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 17 Pro Max also presents a new 2TB storage alternative.
Pricing details are as follows:
– **iPhone 17 Pro**: Starts at $1,099 (a $100 increase, but effectively the same cost as the 256GB 16 Pro)
– **iPhone 17 Pro Max**: Starts at $1,199