Compare iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro
Which one is best for you?
Deciding which iPhone 17 model to get can be a tricky decision. Let’s compare iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro to see which one is right for you. There are a few similarities between the two: both models offer Super Retina XDR Always-On displays¹ with adaptive 120Hz refresh rates, A19 chips, 48MP Fusion cameras and Apple Intelligence – Apple’s AI feature. However, there are some key differences in the specs which might influence your decision.
Both models are housed in aluminium, but while the iPhone 17 has an aluminium frame, the iPhone 17 Pro has an aluminium unibody – which gives it greater structural integrity. Similarly, both models have Ceramic Shield 2 front with 3x better scratch resistance, but only the iPhone 17 Pro has a Ceramic Shield back too. If you’re prone to dropping your phone, the iPhone 17 Pro might be the sturdier option for you!
If you love taking snaps, both iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro can give you great results with their 48MP Main and Ultra Wide rear cameras, and new 18MP Centre Stage front cameras. However, iPhone 17 Pro offers an extra 48MP Telephoto lens giving you 4x and 8x zoom – far exceeding the 2x zoom of iPhone 17. iPhone 17 Pro captures photos and videos in ProRAW and ProRes RAW – ideal for independent colour grading and high-quality footage – and offers USB 3 for 20x faster transfers, helpful for transferring large raw files from phone to computer. For avid photographers and videographers, iPhone 17 Pro is the better choice.
Overall, both iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro are fantastic devices, with long battery lives (up to 33 and 30 hours of video playback respectively). If you’re more budget focused, then iPhone 17 offers great quality at a lower price. If sturdiness and the highest camera specs are important to you, then iPhone 17 Pro is likely to be your phone of choice.
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Frequently asked questions
While both phones take stunning photos, the iPhone 17 Pro has the superior camera system. It features a triple 48MP setup, whereas the iPhone 17 has a 48MP + 48MP + 18MP configuration. The Pro model also adds advanced features like ProRes video recording up to 4K at 120 fps.
No, both the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro feature the same screen size. You'll enjoy a beautiful 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display on either device, complete with Dynamic Island and True Tone technology.
Both models support fast charging and Qi2 wireless charging, so you'll get the same charging experience whichever you choose.
If you need maximum storage, the iPhone 17 Pro is the winner. While the iPhone 17 offers generous 256GB and 512GB options, the iPhone 17 Pro adds a massive 1TB option for power users who store lots of high-res video and large files.
Yes, the iPhone 17 Pro packs a bit more power under the hood. It uses the A19 Pro chip with a 6-core GPU, while the iPhone 17 uses the standard A19 chip with a 5-core GPU. Both are incredibly fast, but the Pro handles intense graphics slightly better.
Absolutely. Both the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro are fully equipped with 5G, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6, and NFC. You'll get the same lightning-fast download speeds and reliable connections on either device.
The iPhone 17 Pro weighs 206g, compared to 177g for the iPhone 17, so it feels a bit heavier in the hand.
Yes, you can easily use an eSIM with either phone. Both the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro support Dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use a physical nano-SIM alongside an eSIM.
No, they have different colour options. The iPhone 17 comes in shades like Lavender, Mist Blue, and Sage, while the iPhone 17 Pro is available in colours such as Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver.
The iPhone 17 offers fantastic value for most users, delivering a premium 6.3-inch display and great cameras for everyday use. However, if you're a creator who needs ProRes video and a triple 48MP camera, the iPhone 17 Pro is worth the extra investment.