Apple
Apple iPhone 16
Best for: Lower-cost current iPhone
Maker's list price ₹79,900 · source
Check price at Amazon.in 3 more stores belowfirst productApple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone 17Smartphones compared: specs, who each suits, and where to buy
Updated 15 October 2026 · Specs from Apple's official pages
Pick the iPhone 16 if you want the lower-cost entry into Apple's current line-up and 128GB is enough; pick the iPhone 17 if you want the 120Hz ProMotion display, 256GB base storage and longer battery life.
Apple
Apple iPhone 17
Best for: Smooth display, more storage
Maker's list price ₹82,900 · source
Check price at Amazon.in 3 more stores belowsecond productStore links may earn us a commission. It never changes your price or the order stores appear in.
Specs side by side
Only the specs that matter for this decision, read from each manufacturer's spec page.
SpecApple iPhone 16Apple iPhone 17
Display6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2556×11796.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2622×1206
Refresh rate—ProMotion, adaptive up to 120Hz
Peak brightness (outdoor)2,000 nits3,000 nits
ChipA18 (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU)A19 (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU)
Rear cameras48MP Fusion Main + 12MP Ultra Wide48MP Fusion Main + 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide
Front camera12MP18MP Center Stage
Storage128GB256GB / 512GB
Video playbackUp to 22 hoursUp to 30 hours
Fast charging (wired)Up to 50% in about 30 min (20W adapter)Up to 50% in 20 min (40W adapter)
Weight170 g177 g
Sources: Apple iPhone 16 · Apple iPhone 17
Where to buy
Stores that sell each one. Prices move daily, so each button opens the store's own page.
StoreiPhone 16iPhone 17
Store links may earn us a commission. It never changes your price or the order stores appear in.
Strengths and trade-offs
Apple iPhone 16
- A18 chip with 16-core Neural Engine runs Apple Intelligence
- 48MP Fusion main camera with 2x optical-quality telephoto
- IP68 rating with MagSafe and Qi2 charging up to 25W
- Only a 128GB model is listed on Apple India now
- Up to 22 hours of video playback, eight hours less than iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 17
- 6.3-inch ProMotion display up to 120Hz, 3,000 nits outdoor
- Starts at 256GB, double the iPhone 16's entry storage
- Up to 30 hours of video playback and 50% charge in 20 minutes with a 40W adapter
- Launch price ₹3,000 higher than iPhone 16's launch price
- At 177 g, slightly heavier than iPhone 16's 170 g
How to choose
The questions that decide it, in the order most people should ask them.
Decide how much storage you need
The iPhone 16 is listed only in 128GB on Apple India, while the iPhone 17 starts at 256GB. If you shoot a lot of 4K video or keep large apps, the iPhone 17's base model avoids an upgrade.
Check whether a 120Hz screen matters to you
The iPhone 17 brings ProMotion with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz and an Always-On display. If smooth scrolling and gaming matter, that is the biggest visible difference.
Look at your daily battery use
Apple rates the iPhone 17 at up to 30 hours of video playback against 22 hours for the iPhone 16. Heavy users who end the day on low battery will notice the gap.
Compare the final price, not the launch MRP
Apple India's listed prices for both phones have changed since launch, and retailer offers vary. Check the current price and bank offers on the day you buy.
Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone 17 — common questions
What was the launch price of iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 in India?
Apple launched the iPhone 16 in India at ₹79,900 in September 2024. The iPhone 17 launched at ₹82,900 for the 256GB model in September 2025. Current prices on Apple's India store can differ from these launch figures.
Does the iPhone 17 have a 120Hz display?
Yes. The iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, which adapts the refresh rate up to 120Hz. It also supports an Always-On display.
How much better is the iPhone 17 camera than the iPhone 16?
Both have a 48MP Fusion main camera with a 2x optical-quality telephoto. The iPhone 17 upgrades the ultra wide to 48MP (from 12MP) and the front camera to an 18MP Center Stage sensor (from 12MP).
Is the iPhone 16 still sold by Apple in India?
Yes. As of October 2026, the iPhone 16 is listed on apple.com/in alongside the iPhone 17, iPhone 17e, iPhone Air, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. Apple India currently lists it in 128GB only.