iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro: Expected differences
Intro
Apple's iPhone 17 series is slowly but surely coming towards us, and with the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro both in the spotlight, it's important to understand how they will compare.
We expect changes to the design of both models, their displays and their processors. Of course, the Pro version will have the more powerful chip, although latest news states that it probably won't be built on the 2nm process as previously rumored.
The iPhone 17 Pro is also expected to come with a brand new 48 MP telephoto camera, resulting in a triple 48 MP camera setup at the back. Meanwhile, the most notable change said to be coming with the iPhone 17 is a 120Hz display refresh rate, making it the first non-Pro iPhone to have one.
Update: Also worth noting — Apple just announced iOS 26, and it brings a huge visual refresh. We'll cover what’s new in the ‘Performance and Software’ section below.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro expected differences:
| iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro |
|---|---|
| A19 chip, 8GB RAM | A19 Pro chip, 12GB RAM |
| 6.27-inch M14 OLED, 120Hz ProMotion | 6.3-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, smaller Dynamic Island |
| Dual-camera setup | Triple-camera setup with 5x zoom |
| 48 MP main 12 MP ultra-wide --- 24 MP selfie | 48 MP main (custom sensor) 48 MP ultra-wide 48 MP telephoto (5x) 24 MP selfie |
| ~3,600 mAh | ~3,700 mAh vapor chamber cooling |
| 128 GB 256 GB 512 GB --- | 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB |
Table of Contents:
Design and Size
No more sharp edges
The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro are both expected to introduce fresh design changes, but to different extents.
The iPhone 17 will reportedly adopt a "splicing" frame design, replacing sharper edges with smoother transitions between the back and sides for better ergonomics. It will also feature slimmer bezels across all sides, benefiting from Apple's new BRS (Border Reduction Structure) technology, which debuted with the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The base model was also reported in a new lavender color option — a fresh purple finish that’s reportedly more striking than previous "purple" attempts. The base model may also be thinner and lighter than its predecessor.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro will receive an even bigger design update. Early leaks pointed to a new camera island and possibly a full switch from titanium to aluminum frames — though this remains somewhat uncertain, and some reports claim it is not true. So, chances are that the 17 Pro will still differentiate itself with a more premium build.
The iPhone 17 will reportedly adopt a "splicing" frame design, replacing sharper edges with smoother transitions between the back and sides for better ergonomics. It will also feature slimmer bezels across all sides, benefiting from Apple's new BRS (Border Reduction Structure) technology, which debuted with the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro will receive an even bigger design update. Early leaks pointed to a new camera island and possibly a full switch from titanium to aluminum frames — though this remains somewhat uncertain, and some reports claim it is not true. So, chances are that the 17 Pro will still differentiate itself with a more premium build.
Dummy unit leaks and case manufacturer data suggest the iPhone 17 Pro may adopt a bold new camera bar stretching across the top rear of the phone. This change might even push Apple to move the iconic Apple logo lower on the back — a first since the iPhone 11.
The leaked dummies also show a noticeably thicker camera bump with protruding lens rings, possibly hinting at beefed-up hardware, but also raising questions about comfort and fit in-hand or in-pocket.
Both models will retain the new Camera Control Button first seen on the iPhone 16 series and might have their Action and Volume buttons merged into one.
In the box, both models are expected to come with a USB-C charging cable, but no power adapter.
In the box, both models are expected to come with a USB-C charging cable, but no power adapter.
Display Differences
The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro will both see upgrades in their screens, but once again, the Pro version will push the boundaries further.
The iPhone 17 is now expected to feature a 6.3-inch OLED panel, up from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 16. That means it will match the iPhone 17 Pro in size, although the Pro is still expected to deliver better display quality with its LTPO tech, Always-On Display, and higher brightness.
The best news, however, is that the base model will finally gain ProMotion support (120Hz), and both phones are expected to use Samsung's latest M14 OLED tech for improved efficiency and longevity.
The Pro might also use an improved "metalens" technology to shrink the Dynamic Island, and an anti-reflective display coating.
The Pro might also use an improved "metalens" technology to shrink the Dynamic Island, and an anti-reflective display coating.
As for biometrics, both devices are expected to continue using Face ID.
Performance and Software
The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to run on the A19 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process. While not a massive leap, this should offer modest improvements in both performance and battery efficiency over the A19 in the regular iPhone 17.
The Pro also gets a generous 12 GB of RAM—up from 8 GB in the 16 Pro—paving the way for better multitasking and smoother operation of Apple Intelligence features. The base iPhone 17 is rumored to still run on 8 GB, though some sources hint that it too might finally receive the 12 GB bump.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are also now expected to feature a vapor chamber cooling system — a first for iPhones — which could significantly improve sustained performance during gaming and demanding tasks. The base iPhone 17, on the other hand, is said to stick to traditional heat dissipation methods like graphite sheets and metal battery shielding.
Connectivity-wise, both models should support Wi-Fi 7, and custom-designed Apple 5G modems (codenamed "Centauri") are expected to debut, promising better speeds, lower latency, and improved energy efficiency.
Update: The all new iOS 26
Both devices will run iOS 26 out of the box, and this year’s update brings one of the biggest visual shakeups in recent memory. The new Liquid Glass aesthetic introduces a layered, semi-transparent look across menus, icons, and system apps — all of which can be subtle, although it can also be very over the top if you opt for the transparent "Clear Look" mode.
There are some of functional upgrades too. A new animated lock screen with a time-based dynamic wallpaper now responds to notifications, and Music gets a visual revamp with animated album art.
Meanwhile, the Camera app is even more simplified than before — it now shows only the essential modes by default, with a swipe to reveal the rest.
The Phone and Messages apps add Call Screening and Spam Message Filtering, and Live Translate makes its debut for real-time interpretation during calls — a long-awaited iOS counterpart to features Android has had for a while. Messages also gains typing indicators, custom chat backgrounds, and group polls.
There are also some other, smaller refinements: Apple Maps now learns your routine and offers smarter reroutes, and the Photos app has been decluttered for quicker album access.
Camera
A new selfie for both, and a new telephoto for the Pro
Big changes are coming to the iPhone 17 Pro's camera system. Apple is rumored to be replacing the 12 MP telephoto lens with a 48 MP periscope camera offering up to 10x lossless zoom. To make room, Apple has reportedly reshuffled the layout of the rear module, separating the lenses and moving the LiDAR sensor.
On the front, both models are set to get a 24 MP selfie camera—a huge leap over the 12 MP in the iPhone 16 series. And for the first time, 8K video recording might debut on the Pro.
Expected iPhone 17 camera setup is :
- 48 MP main camera
- 12 MP ultra-wide camera
- 24 MP selfie camera (an upgrade from previous 12 MP units)
While the iPhone 17 Pro camera setup is said to come with:
- 48 MP custom IMX903 main sensor (larger than before)
- 48 MP ultra-wide camera
- 48 MP 5x telephoto zoom camera
- 24 MP selfie camera
We expect the standard model to deliver excellent photo and video quality, with a significant bump in selfie performance thanks to that new 24 MP front-facing camera.
Battery Life and Charging
Reverse wireless charging might be available on the Pro
Both iPhones are expected to come with improved battery life, but not dramatically so.
- iPhone 17 battery size: around 3,600 mAh.
- iPhone 17 Pro battery size: around 3,700 mAh.
Both models are said to benefit from stacked battery technology, which improves energy density and longevity of the battery. The new battery adhesive system that came with the iPhone 16 generation should also make a comeback, making battery replacements easier and less invasive.
As for charging, rumors suggest the Pro models might introduce reverse wireless charging (up to 7.5W), a first for iPhones. Wired and wireless charging speeds are expected to remain similar to previous models.
Specs Comparison
Here's a quick overview of the iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro expected specs:
| iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro |
|---|---|
| Size, weight WRITE-HERE | Size, weight WRITE-HERE |
| Screen 6.7" OLED 120Hz ProMotion | Screen 6.1" OLED 120Hz ProMotion |
| Processor A17 Bionic 3nm | Processor A17 Bionic 3nm |
| Versions: 8/128GB 8/256GB 8/512GB 8/1TB LPDDR5 | Versions: 8/128GB 8/256GB 8/512GB 8/1TB LPDDR5 |
| Cameras: 48MP main 12MP ultra 12MP 5X-6X zoom 12MP front | Cameras: 48MP main 12MP ultra 12MP 3X zoom 12MP front |
| Battery: 4,323 mAh | Battery: 3,200 mAh |
| Charging: USB-C 27W wired MagSafe | Charging: USB-C 23W wired MagSafe |
Also read:
Summary
The iPhone 17 will finally introduce an upgrade that was sorely missing from its predecessors — a smooth 120Hz display. With the upgraded selfie camera and the new design, it will make for one solid base model.
The iPhone 17 Pro will kick things up a notch even further, with a rumored anti-reflective coating, better durability and battery efficiency, and a beast of a chipset, and a new 48 MP 5x telephoto camera.
If we take a bird's eye view of how these two phones compare to each other, and how their predecessor did, the differences have remained mostly consistent. The Pro is still more powerful, with more premium materials, and comes with several other benefits. This time, though, the 120Hz display on the base iPhone 17 might lure more people towards it, instead of the Pro model.
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