iPhone comparability chart 2026: Each iPhone in comparison with discover the very best

The iPhone 17 retains an identical design to the iPhone 16, however in nearer comparability there’s a vital distinction: the display screen is bigger at 6.3 inches in comparison with the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch show. The iPhone 17’s dimensions are additionally barely bigger than the older mannequin. The brand new cellphone is out there in Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, Black and White with an aluminium body. No daring ‘take a look at me’ colours right here.

The ProMotion and At all times-On display screen are actually current, as discovered on the Professional fashions. It has a peak brightness of three,000 nits and a minimal brightness of 1 nit permitting for the always-on function that was beforehand solely obtainable on the Professional fashions. The brand new Ceramic Defend 2 on the entrance is 3 times extra scratch-resistant, claims Apple. It additionally options an anti-reflective coating. 

The 18MP Centre Stage entrance digital camera encompasses a new sq. sensor that allows photographs in any orientation with out requiring the consumer to rotate the cellphone. Each rear cameras are actually 48MP. The principle digital camera integrates an optical-quality 2x Telephoto and the brand new 48MP Fusion Extremely Extensive digital camera (up from 12MP) captures as much as 4 instances the decision of the earlier technology. It additionally options 0.5, 1x and 2x optical zoom and macro pictures capabilities – which means, in contrast to the Air, the iPhone 16 can ‘unzoom’ again to 0.5x. 

The iPhone 17 encompasses a A19 chip with a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU alongside the N1, Apple’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip which ought to enhance Private Hotspot and AirDrop, and the C1X, a mobile modem designed by Apple. 

Battery life is 30 hours (video playback), a rise of eight hours in comparison with the iPhone 16. Must you run out of battery charging the iPhone 17 is faster than ever: based on Apple, utilizing Apple’s new 40W Dynamic Energy Adapter ($39) can add a 50 % cost to the iPhone 17 in 20 minutes. Simply 10 minutes of cost leads to about 8 hours of video playback, excellent if you end up in a rush to go away the home.

The entry-level mannequin presents 256GB of storage, double that of the earlier technology for a similar worth. Beginning at $799 for 256GB storage, 512GB storage is priced at $999. 

Who should purchase the iPhone 17?

The iPhone 17 is an efficient allrounder and the very best iPhone for most individuals. It’s acquired an even bigger show, ProMotion and At all times On, a extra highly effective chip, two 48MP cameras on the rear, the brand new improved selfie digital camera, and twice the storage for a similar worth as 2024’s iPhone 16. So long as you aren’t determined for a telephoto digital camera, or a brilliant skinny cellphone, there isn’t any cause to look elsewhere.

iPhone 17 additional issues:

Beginning at $799 for 256GB storage it is a good iPhone at a very good worth. If you have already got an iPhone 16 you most likely don’t must improve, however if you’re deciding whether or not to improve to the iPhone 17, iPhone 16 (128GB for $699) or iPhone 17e (256B for $599) we suggest paying the additional cash.

iPhone 17 Professional has a 6.3-inch show with 120Hz ProMotion and At all times-On, just like the iPhone 16 Professional, however it now presents 3,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit minimal brightness, up from 2,000. All of the late 025 iPhones supply 3,000 nits max, Professional Movement and At all times On, although, so these aren’t the differentiators they as soon as had been.  

The cellphone is available in Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver with an aluminium body. The 16 Professional was titanium, as is the iPhone Air as a result of it being extra sturdy. Apple’s switched again to aluminium on the Professional iPhones for higher thermal efficiency. Warmth administration is by way of a brand new inside vapor chamber that has deionised water sealed inside for cooling. Warmth is thus drawn away from the A19 chip and distributed across the iPhone. The warmth administration ought to imply the iPhone can maintain excessive ranges of efficiency for longer intervals of time.

The iPhone 17 Professional ought to nonetheless be sturdy although: There’s the brand new Ceramic Defend 2 on the entrance for 3x higher scratch resistance and a Ceramic Defend on the again.

The A19 Professional processor encompasses a 6-core CPU and a 6-core GPU (yet one more GPU than the Air). It contains Neural Accelerators constructed into every GPU core, a bigger cache, and extra reminiscence than A18 Professional.b You’ll additionally discover the N1, the Apple-designed wi-fi networking chip that allows Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, and the C1X, Apple’s new mobile modem. 

On the entrance is similar 18MP Heart Stage entrance digital camera with sq. sensor. The principle distinction it the three 48MP Fusion cameras on the rear and the truth that the optical zoom can lengthen to 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, and 8x for the equal of eight lenses, based on Apple. Video is Dolby Imaginative and prescient 4K at 120fps, with help for ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and Genlock.

The plateau (as Apple is now calling it) doesn’t simply home the digital camera. Apple has positioned different inside parts contained in the ‘plateau’ – Apple’s identify for the digital camera housing. By inserting extra parts in there Apple has made room for a bigger battery. Moreover, the antennas are integrated across the fringe of this plateau, a transfer that Apple claims makes it “the highest-performing antenna system ever in an iPhone”. Hopefully, this may also imply Apple avoids one other antennagate.

This higher thermal design and bigger battery imply that battery life is 31 hours of video playback. That’s up from 27 hours on the predecessor. Just like the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Professional fast-charges as much as 50% in 20 minutes with the brand new 40W adapter.

Who should purchase the iPhone 17 Professional?

The iPhone 17 Professional is designed for these in search of superior pictures and video capabilities. Additionally it is the cellphone to decide on in the event you contemplate your self to be an influence consumer, an expert creator, or if you’re a gamer.

iPhone 17 Professional additional issues:

It’s not solely the high-end Professional fashions within the iPhone 17 line that get the A19 Professional; the iPhone Air does as nicely, though with solely a 5-core GPU. Nevertheless, the cooling enhancements Apple has made are more likely to imply that the Professional iPhones could make higher use of the highly effective chip.

The iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone so far at 5.64mm (0.22in) thick. Whereas some might query the necessity for such a skinny iPhone, its recognition is evidenced by the MacBook Air. Nevertheless, a skinny system might be much less sturdy. The iPhone 6, the earlier thinnest iPhone at 7.1mm, was affected by bendgate. Hopefully these points received’t plague the iPhone Air, which Apple describes as “probably the most sturdy iPhone ever.”

This sturdiness is achieved by means of varied options. The iPhone Air is crafted from titanium and options the brand new Ceramic Defend 2 on each the back and front. The brand new Ceramic Defend presents 3 times higher scratch resistance and 4 instances higher crack resistance. It’s obtainable in Sky Blue, Gentle Gold, Cloud White or House Black.

The 6.5-inch show options 120Hz ProMotion and At all times-On performance. It has a peak brightness of three,000 nits and a minimal brightness of 1 nit.

The iPhone Air encompasses a A19 Professional processor with a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU. That’s one much less graphics core than the iPhone 17 Professional fashions, however a greater processor than the A19 within the iPhone 17.  

Like the opposite late 2025 iPhones, the iPhone Air options the 18MP front-facing Centre Stage digital camera with a sq. sensor able to taking photographs in any orientation with out requiring the consumer to rotate the cellphone. All telephones can file video from each the back and front cameras concurrently.

The iPhone Air presents a single 48MP “Fusion” rear digital camera (26mm equal). Nevertheless, a 2x telephoto impact might be achieved digitally, enabling 12MP optical-quality 2x Telephoto (52mm equal). This technique is just like the 16e mannequin. The Air lacks the macro and spatial pictures options obtainable on different iPhones. The optical zoom choices are restricted to 1x and 2x.

The iPhone 17 Air’s battery capability is barely decrease than the opposite iPhone 17-series telephones. The case’s decreased thickness implies that Apple has to make use of a smaller battery, however it nonetheless delivers 27 hours of video playback, which is adequate. For extra battery life, Apple presents an iPhone Air-specific $99 MagSafe Battery accent. As well as, a 40W adapter can fast-charge the iPhone Air to 50 per cent in 20 minutes.

Who should purchase the iPhone Air?

When it was launched we thought the iPhone Air was for customers who prioritize a cutting-edge, ultra-thin design. Nevertheless, because the introduction it has change into established as an excellent possibility for older iPhone customers who prioritise a big, straightforward to learn display screen. Plus it’s mild and skinny kind issue means it’s straightforward to carry – supreme if in case you have arthritis or a weaker grip. Positive, there are some trade-offs: decreased battery life and a single rear digital camera.

iPhone Air additional issues:

The iPhone Air has a single digital camera on the rear, which can be one drawback too far for some customers. Apart for the assorted iterations of the iPhone SE and the iPhone 17e, each iPhone because the iPhone XS in 2018 has had at the very least two lenses on the again. Nevertheless, that is unlikely to be an enormous limitation until you might be an avid photographer, wherein case we suggest the iPhone 16 Professional as an alternative. One other factor to notice is that the SIM card slot has been eliminated, making the iPhone eSIM solely.

The Professional Max is actually the identical cellphone because the iPhone 17 Professional, however with a bigger show and higher battery life.

The iPhone 17 Professional Max has the identical 6.9-inch show because the 2024 mannequin, which is barely bigger than the 6.7-inch 15 Professional Max from 2023.

There’s the identical A19 Professional and Fusion 48MP trio of cameras on the again, in addition to the 18MP front-facing digital camera with Centre Stage and Twin Seize, for merging video from the entrance and rear cameras to seize your reactions.

Battery life is the massive beneficiary, although, with iPhone 17 Professional Max getting as much as 37 hours of video playback, in comparison with 33 hours for the 16 Professional Max and 31 on the iPhone 17 Professional. That’s the very best battery life ever in an iPhone.

Who should purchase the iPhone 17 Professional Max?

The iPhone 17 Professional Max shares its key options with the iPhone 17 Professional so if you’re in search of superior pictures and video capabilities, contemplate your self to be an influence consumer, an expert creator, or a gamer, it would swimsuit you. In reality, we predict it’s a good selection for gaming due to the display screen measurement. The principle distinction is the dimensions: there are individuals who need a massive display screen and that is the most important iPhone you will get, particularly now that Apple isn’t promoting a Plus mannequin.

iPhone 17 Professional Max additional issues:

In case you are selecting between the iPhone 17 Professional and Professional Max then the choice comes down as to if you need the massive display screen or not. If a giant display screen is necessary to you, however energy and pictures aren’t then you definately may wish to take a look at the older iPhone 16 Plus whereas Apple continues to be promoting it.

The iPhone 17e has the identical processor because the iPhone 17 (albeit with one fewer GPU core) for $200/£200 much less, however there are a number of trade-offs you’ll want to just accept if you wish to save the cash.

The iPhone 17e, which arrived in March 2026, is Apple’s “funds” iPhone, beginning at $599/£599. That’s fairly a bit dearer than the earlier funds mannequin, the iPhone SE, which value $429/£429 earlier than Apple discontinued it at first of 2025.

If you happen to liked the House button on the iPhone SE, it’s gone. The iPhone 17e additionally doesn’t have a Dynamic Island. As a substitute, it makes use of a notch, just like the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 14. So in the event you really feel strongly about how a lot house on the high of your iPhone is taken up by the Face ID {hardware}, that will have an effect on your alternative. That stated, the notch actually isn’t unhealthy sufficient that we’d suggest spending extra simply to get the Dynamic Island, which isn’t dramatically smaller.

One other distinction from the iPhone SE is measurement. The SE was a small cellphone, whereas the iPhone 17e isn’t. It’s related in measurement to the iPhone 15 and 16, although barely lighter. If you happen to’re proud of that measurement however would like a lighter handset, the 17e might be a very good possibility.

You’ll be able to count on 26 hours of video playback on the 17e, in comparison with 30 on the 17, based on Apple, in order that’s one more reason to choose the 17. We’ll be working our personal battery assessments quickly.

Who should purchase the iPhone 17e?

The iPhone 17e is Apple’s most reasonably priced iPhone designed for the budget-conscious and informal customers who aren’t bothered about having the most recent options and simply need a cellphone that works. In case you are seeking to improve from an outdated iPhone, akin to an iPhone 11, XR or SE then it is a nice possibility. It’s additionally a very good worth for these in search of a cellphone for a kid. It helps Apple Intelligence options, which is one other good cause to improve from older iPhones.

iPhone 17e additional issues:

You can contemplate the iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 instead. Each of these iPhones supply a twin digital camera arrange meaning you will get extremely wide-angled photographs and might take macro and portrait-style photographs. Cinematic mode and Motion mode are additionally included. If you happen to had been contemplating spending the additional $100/£100 to get the iPhone 16 we wouldn’t as a result of you’ll get half the storage. If you happen to had been considering of spending $200/£200 extra to get the iPhone 17 that may be extra worthwhile as additionally, you will profit from ProMotion expertise and an At all times-On display screen.

The iPhone 16 Plus is actually an even bigger model of the iPhone 16. It options the identical digital camera and processor. Every thing we point out concerning the iPhone 16 (beneath) applies right here too. Nevertheless, there are each advantages and drawbacks to the bigger kind issue. 

The iPhone 16 Plus presents 27 hours battery life. That’s higher than the iPhone 16 (22 hours) and the 16e (26 hours) however behind the iPhone 17 (30 hours). It’s nonetheless great distance behind the opposite massive cellphone Apple sells – the iPhone 17 Professional Max – which boasts 37 hours.  

The Digicam Management button could also be a little bit of a stretch to make use of comfortably on the iPhone 16 Plus if in case you have small arms. You probably have small arms the Plus most likely isn’t going to be that snug to carry anyway. In case you are fortunate sufficient to not be deprived by hand measurement, the massive display screen is an efficient cause to decide on the Plus measurement over the smaller iPhone.

For some customers the larger display screen implies that the textual content might be greater, and in case your eyes aren’t what they as soon as had been, and also you battle tapping on the tiny keyboard, then this cellphone is perhaps your best option for you.

Who should purchase the iPhone 16 Plus?

The iPhone 16 Plus is greatest for customers looking for a large-screen iPhone with out having to pay the premium worth of the Professional Max. It fits people who need a massive show and a very good battery life, however don’t care concerning the digital camera options of the iPhone 17 Professional Max (or wish to pay the excessive worth for that cellphone).

iPhone 16 Plus additional issues:

The iPhone 16 Plus lacks lots of the options of the iPhone 17, such because the brighter (3,000 nits) display screen with Professional Movement and Aways-On. Two 48MP cameras on the again and an 18MP digital camera on the entrance. The iPhone 17 comes with 256GB storage for $799, whereas the iPhone 16 Plus is $799 for 128GB or $899 for 256GB. So frankly you’ll actually ned to need the massive display screen to pay extra for a similar capability cellphone.

The iPhone 16 Plus display screen is 6.7-inches. Now the iPhone 17 display screen is now bigger, at 6.3-inch quite than 6.1-inch the dimensions distinction isn’t as massive because it as soon as was.

Learn our full
iPhone 16 Plus overview

The iPhone 16 was a giant leap from the earlier technology, on the time we felt that it was catching the Professional mannequin up. Within the iPhone 16 we had a brand new cellphone with a greater processor, the Digicam Seize and Motion buttons, and improved battery life.

The colours on supply are Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, Black. Shade selections are a matter of private choice, however we might counsel that selecting a brand new iPhone based mostly on the colour can be a foul concept as you can be protecting it in a case if you’re wise.

The iPhone 16 gained a two-in-one ‘Fusion’ digital camera presents inbuilt 2x telephoto performance and a brand new 48-megapixel sensor for higher decision and light-weight depth. On the iPhone 17 each rear cameras boast this identical 48-megapixel sensor.

The 12MP Extremely Extensive digital camera on the entrance had a bigger aperture and larger pixels than the earlier technology – capable of seize 2.6x extra mild and might now shoot shut‑up macro photographs or wider photographs. The brand new iPhone 17, like the opposite late 2025 telephones, presents a greater 18MP digital camera on the entrance.

In the case of video the iPhone 16 can shoot 4K/60fps, which is greater than sufficient for most individuals. It options Audio Combine, that permits you to alter the way in which voices sound in movies. You’ll be able to lower background sound, or simply concentrate on the voices which are in body, for instance.

The A18 was a formidable chip. In our Geekbench 6 multi-processor take a look at the iPhone 16 reveals a big 25% improve in efficiency from 6,242 factors within the earlier technology to 7,828 factors. Efficiency jumps within the graphics benchmarks had been much more pronounced.

Who should purchase the iPhone 16?

The iPhone 16 is simply actually suited to somebody upgrading from a a lot older iPhone, however we suggest that you just look elsewhere as a result of the iPhone 16 solely presents 128GB storage, doesn’t characterize good worth for cash now the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e begin at 256GB storage.

iPhone 16 additional issues:

There isn’t any good cause to purchase the iPhone 16. It can save you $100/£100 and purchase the iPhone 17e as an alternative, or spend $200/£200 extra to get the iPhone 17 – each choices offers you twice as a lot storage, which is value each penny. The one cause to choose the iPhone 16 is in the event you see a very whole lot on one.

Additionally learn: Greatest iPhone 16 offers (US) and Greatest iPhone 16 offers (UK)