I've had the Pro versions ever since they came out, and generally the Max size so currently have the 16 Pro Max. I'm a bit older and my eyesight is not what it used to be which is why I eventually moved up to the larger Max size. However, for me, the Pro Max has become just too big and heavy to easily handle and I want to go with something lighter. I really don't need the top end cameras so at first I was thinking about downgrading to the Air but now that I'm reading more about how nice the base 17 is, and how the Air does have some fairly significant compromises, I'm thinking about going from the 16 Pro Max to the base 17. A bit concerned about the smaller screen size, though. Anyone else in this situation and if so, what are you doing?
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iPhone 17 Seriously thinking about downgrading from 16 Pro Max to 17 Base
- Thread starter motm95
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This is my dilemma too, except I have the smaller 16 Pro. My eyes aren’t what they used to be either but I just can’t imagine carrying/holding the huge phones all day. So for me it’ll come down to whether I’d miss the big zoom (kinda sucks on the 16 Pro anyway but looks like it’ll be meaningfully improved on the 17 Pro). I imagine it’s a substantially trickier issue when you also have to get significantly less information on your screen.
It's not a downgrade per se. A19 in 17 has around 10% more powerful GPU and 5% more powerful CPU.
I would be more worried about the materials and feel of the phone. For me 16 just didn't feel as premium as 16Pro. And 17 is supposed to be nearly the same chassis as regular 16. Except for bigger screen and smaller bezels so that may change things up a bit.
As for the size aspect, you can also get 16Pro (non Max). I would just look at them at the store if I were you. Other than cameras, which I assume is not a deal breaker to you, there's really not much to choose between 16P and 17. It should all come down to which design do you prefer mostly.
I went from ProMax to iPhone 16. I love the size, but I hated the screen and battery life.
Now, with the iPhone 17, the screen deficiency has been fixed, and I think it will be great.
A19 or vapour chamber… they don’t really matter if people don’t play graphic-intensive games or shoot 4K video.
Now, with the iPhone 17, the screen deficiency has been fixed, and I think it will be great.
A19 or vapour chamber… they don’t really matter if people don’t play graphic-intensive games or shoot 4K video.
Honestly, I don't think of the Air as a downgrade unless your a major camera buff.
When I had the 16 PM, I would get awful wrist cramps. With the 17 PM approaching a half a pound according to Apple website
I'm having 2nd thoughts. Now I'm leaning toward the Air since it has everything I want from the Pro.I would say with this year's Pros they are certainly moving into watch ultra segment type of product. Function over form, and the specs most people would not need. But some may want that and don't care much about the looks or portability so now there's an option.Honestly, I don't think of the Air as a downgrade unless your a major camera buff.
When I had the 16 PM, I would get awful wrist cramps. With the 17 PM approaching a half a pound according to Apple website