iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 17: Which One is Worth the Extra $10 Million Dong?

This year, Apple is making users think twice when choosing between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone 17 has received significant upgrades, closing the gap with the Pro model in many aspects, from the display to performance. However, with a price difference of $400, which is the better choice: the sleek and colorful iPhone 17 or the powerhouse iPhone 17 Pro with its professional-grade features?

Size and Design

Both models share a similar design with an aluminum frame and a Ceramic Shield 2 front. The iPhone 17 weighs 177g, lighter than the 206g iPhone 17 Pro. The Pro’s extra weight comes from its camera module, which spans the entire width of the back and is made of aluminum, giving it a robust feel. In return, the Pro features a Ceramic Shield back, offering four times better crack resistance than standard glass.

Display

For the first time, Apple has brought the 120Hz ProMotion display to the standard model. Both the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro feature a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 2,622 x 1,206 pixels, a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits, and support for True Tone and Haptic Touch. This means the display experience is nearly identical between the two devices.

Camera

The camera is where the biggest difference lies. The iPhone 17 features a dual-camera setup with 48MP main and ultra-wide lenses, offering 2x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro adds a 48MP Telephoto camera with a Tetraprism design, enabling 8x optical zoom and up to 40x digital zoom. The Pro also unlocks advanced features like ProRAW, ProRes, ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, Genlock, and 4K Dolby Vision slow-motion at 120fps. For photographers, videographers, or those needing professional-grade imaging, the Pro is the clear winner.

Performance and Cooling

Both models run on the A19 chip, but the Pro uses the A19 Pro variant with a 6-core GPU and vapor chamber cooling, sustaining performance 40% longer. This is a significant advantage for gamers or users handling intensive tasks over extended periods.

Connectivity and Ports

Both devices support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, 5G, second-generation Ultra Wideband, and satellite SOS. The difference lies in the ports: the iPhone 17 uses USB-C 2.0 with slower speeds, while the iPhone 17 Pro features USB-C 3.0, offering much faster data transfer—essential for professionals working with large image and video files.

Battery and Charging

Battery capacity differences are minimal: the iPhone 17 offers 30 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 17 Pro extends this to 33 hours. Both support 40W fast charging and 30W MagSafe wireless charging, reaching 50% in just 20 minutes.

Colors and Pricing

The iPhone 17 is available in 5 vibrant colors (Black, White, Lavender Purple, Mint Green, and Smoke Blue), starting at $999 for the 256GB model. The iPhone 17 Pro comes in 3 elegant colors (Silver, Cosmic Orange, and Deep Blue), starting at $1,399 for the same storage capacity.

iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro: Which Should You Choose?

If you need a lightweight iPhone with a variety of colors, a powerful display, and performance suitable for everyday tasks, the iPhone 17 is a cost-effective choice. However, if you prioritize photography, videography, high-intensity gaming, or heavy data processing, the iPhone 17 Pro justifies its $400 premium.

Overall, both the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro are excellent choices, especially with Apple’s upgrade to 256GB base storage, offering more value than previous generations.