Here's some good news if you're torn between these two: the displays are basically identical now. Let me explain why that's actually a big deal.
The 120Hz Situation
For years, you had to buy a Pro iPhone to get that silky smooth 120Hz display. Not anymore. The iPhone 17 finally brings ProMotion to the base model.
Scrolling through social media, swiping between apps, playing games... it all feels the same on both phones. That's a huge win for the iPhone 17.
Screen Size
Both are 6.3 inches. Apple bumped up the base iPhone 17 to match last year's Pro size. If you're coming from an older phone, both of these will feel spacious.
How Bright Can They Get?
Both max out at 2,000 nits in bright sunlight. You'll be able to see your screen at the beach or in the park without squinting. (The iPhone 17 Pro goes to 3,000 nits, but we're not comparing that here.)
The Pixel Density
Around 460 pixels per inch on both. Text looks razor sharp, photos look crisp. You'd need a magnifying glass to spot any difference.
Always-On Display
Both have it. The iPhone 16 Pro's version is technically more efficient because of the LTPO tech, but in practice? You won't notice a difference in battery drain.
Bottom Line
If display quality was your main reason for considering the iPhone 16 Pro, that argument is gone now. The iPhone 17 matched it. Call this one a draw.
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Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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