iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 Screen Size Comparison

Visual comparison of iPhone 17 (6.3") and iPhone 16 (6.1") screen size.

Last updated: Dec 2025

Detailed Comparison Analysis

Between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16, the screens are virtually the same size at 6.3" and 6.1", so other factors become more important. The 7% area difference between these displays is minimal in practice. iPhone 16 weighs 170g, 24g lighter than iPhone 17 at 194g. iPhone 17 has a 90Hz display versus 60Hz on iPhone 16.In daily use, this affects typing comfort, video watching, and portability. The iPhone 16's compact size makes it easier to use with one hand.

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The Verdict

The iPhone 17 is 6.7% larger than the iPhone 16 in screen area.

iPhone 17

15.1 sq in

iPhone 16

14.2 sq in

View full specs

iPhone 17 Screen Size

View full specs

iPhone 16 Screen Size

Quick Comparison

iPhone 17 wins 4/8
6.3"
Screen Size
6.1"
15.1 sq in
Screen Area
14.2 sq in
2.64"
Width
2.56"
458 PPI
Pixel Density
461 PPI
3850 mAh
Battery
3561 mAh
194g
Weight
170g
90Hz
Refresh Rate
60Hz
2000 nits
Brightness
2000 nits
iPhone 17
vs
iPhone 16

Use Case Comparison

👋

One-Handed Use

Ease of reaching corners with your thumb

iPhone 17
Comfortable
iPhone 16
Comfortable
🎬

Video Watching

Movies, streaming, and video content

iPhone 17
Very Good
iPhone 16
Good
👖

Pocket Fit

Comfort in jeans and jacket pockets

iPhone 17
Fits easily
iPhone 16
Fits easily
🎮

Mobile Gaming

Gaming performance and experience

iPhone 17
Very Good
iPhone 16
Good

Upgrade Insight

The iPhone 17 is 1 year newer, with incremental updates in camera, chip performance, software support.

iPhone 17 (Sep 2025) iPhone 16 (Sep 2024)

Which Should You Choose?

Choose iPhone 17

  • • You want a slightly larger screen for better visibility
  • • You value the extra screen space for daily tasks

Choose iPhone 16

  • • You want a more manageable device size
  • • You prefer easier one-handed use
  • • You prefer a lighter phone (170g vs 194g)

Detailed Specifications

Diagonal
iPhone 17
6.3"
iPhone 16
6.1"
Diff: 0.2"
Dimensions (W × H)
iPhone 17
2.6" × 5.7"
iPhone 16
2.6" × 5.5"
Screen Area
iPhone 17
15.1 sq in
iPhone 16
14.2 sq in
Diff: 0.9 sq in
Aspect Ratio
iPhone 17
2.17:1
iPhone 16
2.17:1
Resolution
iPhone 17
2622 x 1206
iPhone 16
2556 x 1179
Refresh Rate
iPhone 17
90Hz
iPhone 16
60Hz
Diff: 30 Hz
Screen Type
iPhone 17
OLED
iPhone 16
Super Retina XDR
Peak Brightness
iPhone 17
2000 nits
iPhone 16
2000 nits
Diff: 0 nits
Weight
iPhone 17
194g
iPhone 16
170g
Diff: 24 g
Battery
iPhone 17
3850 mAh
iPhone 16
3561 mAh
Diff: 289 mAh
Body Size (H×W×D)
iPhone 17
152.8×72.1×7.8mm
iPhone 16
147.6×71.6×7.8mm
Always-On Display
iPhone 17
No
iPhone 16
No
Category
iPhone 17
phone
iPhone 16
phone

Frequently Asked Questions

Are iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 the same size?
iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 are very similar in size, with only a 0.2" difference in diagonal (6.3" vs 6.1"). The iPhone 17 is 7% larger in screen area, but in daily use, the size difference is minimal.
Will both phones fit in my pocket?
Both phones will fit in standard pockets, but the iPhone 16 will be more comfortable. The iPhone 17 measures 2.64" wide and 5.72" tall, which may feel bulky in tight jeans or smaller pockets. The iPhone 16 at 2.56" × 5.54" offers better portability.
Which phone is lighter and easier to hold?
The iPhone 16 weighs 170g, which is 24g lighter than the iPhone 17 at 194g. This difference is noticeable during extended use, reading, or one-handed operation.
Which phone has a smoother display?
The iPhone 17 has a 90Hz display compared to 60Hz on the iPhone 16. The higher refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and more responsive touch input, which is especially noticeable in gaming and fast-scrolling content.

Related Comparisons

vs iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
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