If you're making video content for YouTube, TikTok, or client work, the iPhone 16 Pro has features the iPhone 17 simply doesn't offer.
The ProRes Situation
The iPhone 16 Pro can record in ProRes, a professional video format that editors love. It gives you way more flexibility in post-production.
The iPhone 17? No ProRes. If you're serious about video quality and editing, this alone might be a dealbreaker.
Apple Log (Color Graders Rejoice)
The 16 Pro also has Log video recording. It provides maximum color flexibility for pro editors using DaVinci Resolve or Final Cut Pro.
Again, iPhone 17 doesn't have it.
For Regular Videos
Here's the thing: if you're recording birthday parties, vacation clips, or quick Stories for Instagram, both phones are fantastic. They both shoot gorgeous 4K video at 60fps. You'll be happy with either one.
Cinematic Mode
Both phones have Cinematic mode, which gives you that dreamy background blur effect in videos. Works great on both.
The Stability Thing
Both have Action mode too, so you can walk around filming without your video looking like an earthquake struck.
Spatial Video
Both can record Spatial Video for Apple Vision Pro, if you're into that.
Audio Quality
The 16 Pro's mics are slightly better. Most people won't notice, but audio enthusiasts might.
The Verdict
Making videos for fun or social? Either phone is excellent. Making videos as a creator or professional? iPhone 16 Pro, hands down.
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How ShopSavvy makes money
How we researched this
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.
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices across tens of thousands of stores, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more.
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
More Answers
If you're still curious about the , here are some other answers you might find interesting:
- Are iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 Pro cases and accessories compatible?
Nope, they're not interchangeable. Let me save you some frustration and explain what works and what doesn't. The camera bump on these two phones is completely...
- Will iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 17 get software updates longer?
Good news: both of these phones will get iOS updates for a long time. Apple is pretty great about this. Apple typically supports iPhones for about 5-6 years...
- Should I get the iPhone 17 Pro instead of choosing between iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17?
Wait, before you decide between iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17, have you thought about the iPhone 17 Pro? Hear me out. The iPhone 17 Pro is basically what happens...
- How does iPhone 17 5G and wireless connectivity compare to iPhone 16 Pro?
Here's a surprise: the iPhone 17 actually wins this category. Apple finally made its own wireless chip, and it's pretty good. For years, Apple used Qualcomm...
- For photographers, should I buy iPhone 17 or iPhone 16 Pro?
As someone who cares about photography, let me make this simple: the iPhone 16 Pro is the better camera phone. It's not even close. The iPhone 16 Pro has a...
- What are the storage options for iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 Pro?
The storage situation is actually pretty different between these two phones. Let me break it down. iPhone 16 Pro options: 128GB: $999 256GB: $1,099 512GB:...
- Do iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 Pro have the same Apple Intelligence features?
Short answer: Yes, they have the same features. But there's some nuance worth understanding. Both phones get the full package: Writing Tools: Fix your emails,...
- Which is better for gaming: iPhone 17 or iPhone 16 Pro?
This one might surprise you: the older phone is actually better for gaming. Here's why. When you're deep into Resident Evil 4 or grinding through Genshin...
- What's the difference between iPhone 16 Pro titanium and iPhone 17 aluminum design?
These two phones feel genuinely different in your hand, and it's not just about the spec sheet. Let me break down what actually matters. The iPhone 16 Pro uses...
- How does the iPhone 17 display compare to the iPhone 16 Pro screen?
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. For years, you...
