Other What would I be missing if I got the 17 base?

[ab2c4]

If you are not using your 5X on 16 Pro then yeah, you will regret nothing. But remember that 2x is still digital zoom with tons of computations on top so you lose some natural image sharpness when you do it. Not much but might be noticeable in certain scenarios.

So if on the non pro the 2x is just digital zoom, is the 2x also digital zoom on the Pro?

 

[uacd]

So if on the non pro the 2x is just digital zoom, is the 2x also digital zoom on the Pro?

Yes, exactly. Apple says that it is “fusion camera”: digital zoom amplified with AI (neural engine) algorithms. I had tested it recently, doesn’t look bad at all but just for fun I cropped image from 1x camera to 2x state and it looks nearly the same as “fusion” 2x zoom

 

[GioGiusi]

You're not going to notice a significant weight difference. For one thing, the iPhone 17 is moving up to a 6.27" display, same as the Pro, so it is bound to get slightly heavier. But even without that, they are the same physical size. You don't really notice the weight difference unless you change display sizes, because the different distribution of weight makes it feel different in the hand. Ultimately, the difference is less than 1 ounce. About the weight of a pencil. You're not going to notice it. Not so much that its worth sacrificing all of the Pro features.

 

[ab2c4]

You're not going to notice a significant weight difference. For one thing, the iPhone 17 is moving up to a 6.27" display, same as the Pro, so it is bound to get slightly heavier. But even without that, they are the same physical size. You don't really notice the weight difference unless you change display sizes, because the different distribution of weight makes it feel different in the hand. Ultimately, the difference is less than 1 ounce. About the weight of a pencil. You're not going to notice it. Not so much that its worth sacrificing all of the Pro features.

I would disagree. Take any Pro vs a non pro of the same size but a one ounce weight difference and the feel in the hand is drastically different.

 

[GioGiusi]

I would disagree. Take any Pro vs a non pro of the same size but a one ounce weight difference and the feel in the hand is drastically different.

OK. It's not.

 

[Paddle1]

Not sure it'd be worth spending extra money if it's like this article says. https://www.macrumors.com/2025/05/30/iphone-17-rumored-a18-chip-8gb-ram/

OK. It's not.

It's pointless to argue as though there are actual specs. The hand feel is already different on the Pro just because of the balance with the larger camera array making it more top heavy than the 16 or 16 PM, never mind getting into the materials.

 

[Jackbequickly]

I have the 16 Pro, most because of the 120hz screen. I also really like the camera (I take tons of photos of my small kid)
However, I strongly dislike the weight. I dont understand why the make it with a heavier material. Also, it just feels much heaver because the camera house is larger so it feels more front heavy.

Now the 17 base is strongly rumored to also get 120hz.
It's also rumored to be the same size as the Pro (6.3" instead of 6.1").
And because of the much smaller camera house, it will feel much less front heavy.

So what would I be missing if I got the 17 base? Any surprises?
Maybe the RAM will be less, but I live in Europe so I don't get Apple AI anyway lol (and I'm fine just using the Claude or ChatGPT app)
What would I miss in the camera? I'm almost always just going to the camera and use the 1x or 2x zoom. And I often go to Portrait and use the 1x or 2x there. Would photos with those settings be worse on a 17 base, compared to the 16 Pro or 17 Pro? Or is the Pro camera just better at other stuff like 5x and panorama and cinematic and slow motion and stuff like that?

It does not sound like you will miss anything. This could be the first year I do not upgrade as from what I am reading, there will be mostly software updates with few improvements to the phone hardware. Looks like I will be saving $1400!

 

[JPack]

Base iPhone 17 gets A18/8GB.

You’re basically buying the new rear camera design and maybe 120Hz.

 

[snipr125]

Base iPhone 17 gets A18/8GB.

You’re basically buying the new rear camera design and maybe 120Hz.

And slightly increased display size (6.3”). Would be good value at £$699 for sure after third party discounts.

 

[Tsepz]

I have the 16 Pro, most because of the 120hz screen. I also really like the camera (I take tons of photos of my small kid)
However, I strongly dislike the weight. I dont understand why the make it with a heavier material. Also, it just feels much heaver because the camera house is larger so it feels more front heavy.

Now the 17 base is strongly rumored to also get 120hz.
It's also rumored to be the same size as the Pro (6.3" instead of 6.1").
And because of the much smaller camera house, it will feel much less front heavy.

So what would I be missing if I got the 17 base? Any surprises?
Maybe the RAM will be less, but I live in Europe so I don't get Apple AI anyway lol (and I'm fine just using the Claude or ChatGPT app)
What would I miss in the camera? I'm almost always just going to the camera and use the 1x or 2x zoom. And I often go to Portrait and use the 1x or 2x there. Would photos with those settings be worse on a 17 base, compared to the 16 Pro or 17 Pro? Or is the Pro camera just better at other stuff like 5x and panorama and cinematic and slow motion and stuff like that?

- Battery Life
- RAM
- Camera (you say you take pics of your kid, what happens on sports days when you may want to use more Zoom?)
- Fast Charging
- You will get less powerful WiFi/Cellular modem

If none of these really matter then you should be fine.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Doubt you will be missing anything you use often. After reading the rumors for the 17, this might be the first year I do not upgrade and hold onto my 16PM

 

[TgeekB]

I don’t see a reason to change from my 16 Pro at all.