iPhone comparison guide: iPhone 18 Pro vs 17 vs 16 vs 15 vs 14

Five iPhone generations are still in wide use in the UK, from the iPhone 14 to the new iPhone 18 Pro, and on paper they look closer than they really are. This guide compares them on screen, chip, camera, battery and price, then tells you which one is the best buy for how you actually use your phone, and when it is worth upgrading at all.

The short version: the iPhone 16 is the best value for most people, the iPhone 17 is the one to pick if you want the newest camera and a 120Hz screen, and the iPhone 15 is the budget choice. The iPhone 14 is the only one that feels dated, mainly because of its 60Hz screen and Lightning port.

The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max went on sale in the UK in September 2026, from £1,199 and £1,299. They bring the new A20 Pro chip, a main camera with variable aperture and a smaller Dynamic Island. Apple did not launch a standard iPhone 18 alongside them. Reports point to spring 2027 for the cheaper models, so the iPhone 17 stays the newest standard iPhone until then. The next two sections cover what’s new in the 18 Pro and how it compares with the 17 Pro, and our iPhone 18 guide tracks the latest on the standard model.

In this guide: what’s new in the iPhone 18 Pro, how it compares with the 17 Pro, what changed in the 17, every model compared, the 14 vs 17 jump in full, a full spec table, how to choose, and when to sell your old iPhone.

What’s new in the iPhone 18 Pro series

Apple launched two models in September 2026, the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Both run the new A20 Pro chip, both get a main camera with a variable aperture, and both last longer on a charge than the 17 Pro range. Prices start at £1,199 for the 18 Pro and £1,299 for the 18 Pro Max, both with 256GB, and storage now goes up to 2TB on both.

There is no standard iPhone 18 yet. Reports point to spring 2027 for the cheaper models, so this section covers the two Pro phones only. Our iPhone 18 guide covers what is expected from the standard model.

Design and durability

The 18 Pro keeps the aluminium unibody design Apple introduced with the 17 Pro, with Ceramic Shield 2 on the front. The visible change is on the screen: the Dynamic Island is smaller. Both phones are heavier than the 17 Pro models they replace.

• iPhone 18 Pro: 211g, 8.75mm thick
• iPhone 18 Pro Max: 249g, 8.75mm thick
• Colours: black, silver, glacier and a new burgundy

Display

Screen sizes stay at 6.3 inches for the 18 Pro and 6.9 inches for the 18 Pro Max. Both are 120Hz ProMotion OLED screens that reach 3,000 nits outdoors, the same peak as the 17 Pro. The difference you see every day is the smaller Dynamic Island, which leaves more of the top of the screen free.

Chip and performance

The A20 Pro is built on a 2nm process, down from 3nm on the A19 Pro. It pairs a 6-core CPU with a 7-core GPU, one GPU core more than the A19 Pro. Apple also fits a vapour chamber with three times the surface area of the 17 Pro’s, so the phone holds its speed for longer before it heats up.

• Up to 40% faster graphics than the A19 Pro (Apple’s figure)
• Up to 40% better sustained performance in long gaming or video export sessions (Apple’s figure)
• Apple’s own C2 modem and N1 wireless chip, with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6

Battery and charging

Battery life is the biggest upgrade, most of all on the Pro Max. Apple rates the 18 Pro Max at up to 43 hours of video playback, four hours more than the 17 Pro Max. The 18 Pro reaches up to 34 hours, one more than the 17 Pro.

• Wired: up to 50% in around 15 minutes with a 60W adapter
• MagSafe and Qi2: up to 25W wireless charging

Camera

All three rear cameras are 48MP, as on the 17 Pro. The new part is the main camera’s variable aperture, which moves between f/1.48 and f/4. Wide open lets in more light at night. Stopped down keeps more of a group shot sharp and gives natural background blur without Portrait mode.

• Main: 48MP, variable aperture from f/1.48 to f/4
• Ultra Wide: 48MP
• Telephoto: 48MP, 4x optical and 8x optical-quality zoom
• Front: 18MP Center Stage camera

Who the iPhone 18 Pro range is for

The two models split by size and battery more than by features, since both share the same chip and cameras. Pick the one that matches how long your day runs away from a charger.

• iPhone 18 Pro: photographers who want the variable-aperture camera in a phone that fits one hand.
• iPhone 18 Pro Max: heavy users and travellers who want the longest battery life on any iPhone so far.

iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro: what changed

From the outside the 18 Pro and the 17 Pro look almost the same. Screen size, brightness and the 4x telephoto are identical, so the table below lists only what changed between the two generations.

Prices are Apple UK starting prices for 256GB at launch. Check apple.com/uk for current pricing.

Three changes you notice in daily use:

• Battery on the Pro Max. Up to 43 hours of video against 39 on the 17 Pro Max. The 18 Pro gains about an hour.
• Speed that holds. The bigger vapour chamber keeps the A20 Pro fast through long games and video exports.
• More control in the camera. The variable aperture gives brighter night shots and sharper group photos.

The 18 Pro Max is 18g heavier than the 17 Pro Max. If you found the 17 Pro Max heavy, that is worth handling in store first.

Who should upgrade: 15 Pro, 14 Pro and older owners get the biggest jump. 16 Pro owners gain Apple’s newer chip and camera, plus a real battery gain on the Max. 17 Pro owners can skip a year unless battery life is the problem.

If you’re moving from a 17 Pro to the 18 Pro, get an instant quote for your iPhone 17 Pro first. Its value took the first launch drop in September and keeps sliding from here. If you already have an 18 Pro or an 18 Pro Max and want to see what it’s worth, the iPhone 18 Pro sell page has the live quote.

What changed in the iPhone 17 series vs the iPhone 16

Design changes and durability

The iPhone 17 range shifts the design in a way you feel straight away. The weight sits at 177g for the iPhone 17, 204g for the 17 Pro and 231g for the 17 Pro Max, so everything still feels comfortable in the hand even though the 17 Pro Max is about 4g heavier than the 16 Pro Max. Apple leans harder into its durable materials this year, with Ceramic Shield 2 on the front, which Apple rates at three times the scratch resistance of the previous generation. The finish sits comfortably in the hand, especially on the standard 17, while the Pro and Pro Max models push the premium feel even further with refined textures and sturdier edges. For anyone upgrading from a 15 or earlier, the difference in durability is obvious from day one.

Display and resolution improvements

The iPhone 17 line brings brighter screens across all models. Here are the exact display specs:

Outdoor visibility is better, colours stay accurate in direct sunlight, and scrolling feels smoother thanks to Apple’s tuning of the 120Hz refresh rate across the entire 17 line-up. Whether you are watching HDR content, gaming, or checking maps in bright daylight, the screens hold up in real-world conditions.

Processor and RAM boosts

Apple’s new A19 chip pushes the 17 series ahead of last year’s devices. Performance gains over the A18 are in the region of 20–25% faster CPU performance and around 30% faster GPU performance, with noticeable improvements in neural processing for AI-driven features. RAM also improves:

• iPhone 17: 8GB RAM
• iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max: 12GB RAM

App load times drop, multitasking feels effortless, and demanding tasks such as editing video or running graphics-heavy apps show noticeably smoother frame rates. The improvement is most noticeable for users upgrading from a 15 or earlier, where the leap in speed feels immediate.

Battery performance and charging updates

Battery life increases across the 17 models:

• iPhone 17: up to 30 hours video playback
• iPhone 17 Pro: up to 33 hours video playback
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: up to 39 hours video playback

Apple focuses on efficiency this year rather than raw battery capacity, so you get longer screen-on time with similar sized batteries to the iPhone 16 range. Charging is still handled via USB-C with around 20–30W wired charging speeds, and wireless charging remains available via MagSafe. The Pro Max holds the crown for all-day endurance, making it the go-to option for heavy users, commuters, and travellers.

Camera upgrades across the 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max

Camera improvements are where the 17 series stands out, especially if you take a lot of photos at night or zoom in often.

Across the board, you get richer colours, faster focusing, and more reliable portrait shots in challenging lighting conditions. If you often shoot indoors, at concerts, or while travelling, the 17 range cuts blur and noise in a way older models simply can’t match.

Best users for the iPhone 17 range

The 17 family is clearly split by use case, which makes it easier to pick the right one for how you actually use your phone.

• iPhone 17: Everyday users who want a reliable upgrade without premium pricing.
• iPhone 17 Pro: Creators, photographers, and anyone who wants more control over video.
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Power users, gamers, or anyone needing the best battery of the 17 range (up to 39 hours of video) and the largest display (6.9").

If you are coming from a 14 or earlier, the jump feels significant. If you are on a 16, the difference depends on whether you value camera improvements, display brightness, and extra battery life.

iPhone 17 Models Compared

iPhone 17: everyday use and balanced performance

For most people, this is the default “new iPhone” choice – modern, fast, and not overkill. The iPhone 17 balances power and price. You get:

• 6.3" 120Hz display (2622×1206)
• A19 chip
• 48MP main camera
• Up to 30 hours of video playback
• 8GB RAM and 128GB–512GB storage options

It handles daily tasks smoothly, stays efficient, and sits comfortably as the value pick of the 17 generation.

iPhone 17 Pro: photography and video enhancements

If you care more about what comes out of the camera than the price tag, the 17 Pro is the sweet spot. The 17 Pro brings:

• 6.3" 120Hz ProMotion display (2622×1206)
• Larger 48MP sensor with better low-light performance
• Improved stabilisation for video
• 12GB RAM for better multitasking and pro apps
• Up to 33 hours of video playback
• Higher storage ceilings, up to 1TB

This is the creator-focused model with noticeably faster on-device editing and more consistent results across photo and video.

iPhone 17 Pro Max: gaming, productivity and battery endurance

The Pro Max is the “no compromise” option – biggest screen, strongest chip, and the longest-lasting battery. The Pro Max pushes performance with:

• 6.9" 120Hz ProMotion display (2868×1320)
• A19 Pro-level performance and GPU gains
• The best battery in the range, up to 39 hours of video playback
• 12GB RAM
• 48MP telephoto with 4x optical and 8x optical-quality zoom

If you use your phone heavily every day, this is the most reliable option.

Price differences across the 17 line-up

Pricing mainly reflects how much screen, camera, and power you actually get. Prices scale by:

• Display size
• Camera hardware (especially the 48MP 4x telephoto on the Pro models)
• A19 vs A19 Pro chip configuration
• RAM and storage options (128GB up to 1TB on Pro models)

Most users pick the standard 17 for value, while professionals naturally lean toward the Pro models.

iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: What Actually Changed

Display and brightness changes

Side by side, the 17 looks a bit punchier and easier to read outside, even if the difference on paper feels small. The iPhone 17 series delivers noticeable brightness gains:

• iPhone 16 HDR brightness: roughly 1,600–1,800 nits
• iPhone 17 HDR brightness: roughly 1,600–1,900 nits

Outdoor peak brightness also improves:

• iPhone 16: ~2,000 nits
• iPhone 17: ~2,000–2,500 nits depending on model

And most importantly, the standard iPhone 17 now upgrades from 60Hz to a 120Hz display, matching the Pro models and making scrolling and animations feel noticeably smoother.

Chip performance and speed differences

If you game, edit video, or keep a lot of apps open, the A19 upgrade is very noticeable. A18 → A19 brings:

• Around 20–25% faster CPU performance
• Up to 30% faster graphics
• Faster AI-driven processing for photography and on-device intelligence

Heavy apps such as games, editing suites, and 3D tools feel smoother and more responsive.

Camera upgrades: lenses, stabilisation, low-light

This is where the 17 series really pulls away from the 16 in real-world shooting. Low-light photos are around 20–30% cleaner thanks to improved processing. Video stabilisation is visibly smoother, especially when walking or panning, and the Pro models swap the 16 Pro’s 12MP 5x lens for a 48MP telephoto with 4x optical and 8x optical-quality zoom, giving more flexibility for portraits and distant subjects.

Battery life and charging comparison

The 17 doesn’t reinvent charging, but it stretches each charge further. The iPhone 17 adds up to 6 hours of video playback depending on model:

• iPhone 16 Pro Max: up to 33 hours video playback
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: up to 39 hours video playback

Charging remains similar at roughly 20–30W wired, but is more consistent and efficient in day-to-day use.

Material and design differences

The design changes are subtle, but you do feel them in the hand. The 17 series redesigns the frame. Weight changes vary by model, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max is about 4g heavier than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Stronger Ceramic Shield and refined edges improve grip.

The Pro models feel more premium with upgraded materials and finishes.

Who should upgrade from a 16 to a 17

Upgrading from a 16 is less about chasing specs and more about whether the new features solve real problems for you. Upgrade if you value:

• Better low-light photography
• Improved zoom, especially on the Pro Max
• Smoother gaming at 120Hz on the standard 17
• Longer battery life
• Brighter outdoor display

If your 16 still performs well and you do not need the camera and display improvements, you can wait another cycle.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Practical Differences

Design tweaks and screen improvements

On paper these two look similar, but the 16’s screen is easier to live with day to day. Both models have a 6.1" screen, but brightness steps up on the 16:

• iPhone 15: roughly 1,000–1,600 nits brightness
• iPhone 16: roughly 1,200–2,000 nits brightness

The 16 handles outdoor conditions better, especially in strong sunlight.

Performance jump (chipset comparison)

If you keep phones for three or four years, the chip upgrade matters more than it seems. A16 → A18 brings:

• Around 20% faster overall performance
• Much better efficiency for battery life
• Smoother app switching and multitasking

Camera differences in real-world use

You won’t see a huge change on a spec sheet, but you will see it in tricky lighting. The iPhone 16 delivers:

• Better image processing and noise control
• More consistent ultrawide shots
• Improved low-light handling for both photo and video

Battery performance compared

Typical mixed-use estimates:

• iPhone 15: ~17 hours
• iPhone 16: 18–20 hours

You get 1–2 extra hours depending on usage, which makes a difference on busy days.

Price drops and value positioning

With the 16 now established, the 15 typically receives discounts and becomes the value pick for budget-focused buyers, while the 16 positions itself as the sensible mid-range choice with better headroom for long-term ownership.

When the 16 is worth the extra money

If you want longer lifespan, better performance, and improved battery stability, the 16 is worth paying more for. If price is the priority, the 15 delivers strong value.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14: Best Value Options

Display and brightness

This is the point where older iPhones start to feel dated outdoors. Brightness and HDR jump between the 14 and 15:

• iPhone 14 HDR: ~1,200 nits
• iPhone 15 HDR: ~1,600 nits
• Outdoor peak on iPhone 15 rises to ~2,000 nits

The 15 is noticeably easier to read outdoors and gives punchier HDR video.

Performance differences (A-series chips)

A15 → A16 brings:

• Roughly 15% faster processing
• Smoother animations and scrolling
• Better long-term performance as apps get heavier

Camera upgrades and stabilisation

If you record a lot of video or shoot at night, the 15 is a clear step up from the 14. The 15 adds:

• Better stabilisation for video
• Around 20% improved low-light quality
• Sharper portrait photography with improved edge detection

Battery life and charging

Typical estimates:

• iPhone 14: ~16 hours mixed use
• iPhone 15: ~17 hours mixed use

USB-C replaces Lightning on the 15, making charging simpler if you already use newer accessories.

Pricing, deals and who should buy each

The 14 often sits at excellent prices and still performs well for casual users. The 15 is the better long-term buy thanks to battery, camera, and chip upgrades. If your main goal is value, the 14 remains strong. If you want a device that lasts a few more years comfortably, the 15 is the safer choice.

iPhone 14 vs iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 Pro: is it worth upgrading?

If you are still on an iPhone 14, this is the biggest jump Apple has offered in years, and it is the upgrade most likely to feel like a genuinely new phone.

Three changes you notice on day one:

• The screen. The 14 runs at 60Hz and peaks around 1,200 nits. The 17 moves to a 120Hz ProMotion screen at up to 3,000 nits, so scrolling is smoother and the display stays readable in direct sun.
• The port. The 14 was Apple’s last Lightning iPhone. The 17 uses USB-C, so it charges from the same cable as a recent iPad, Mac or Android.
• The front. The 14’s notch becomes the Dynamic Island, and the selfie camera jumps from 12MP to 18MP.

Under the surface the gap is just as wide. The chip goes from the A15 to the A19, which is several years of speed and efficiency in one step. The main camera moves from 12MP to a 48MP system, so photos hold more detail and low-light shots are cleaner. Battery life stretches from around 16 hours of mixed use to close to a full day, and the 17 gains Apple Intelligence, which the 14 cannot run at all.

If you want to skip a step, the iPhone 18 Pro widens the gap further, because it upgrades the camera and battery you use every day. The 14 has no telephoto, so anything past 1x is a digital crop. The 18 Pro adds a 48MP telephoto with 4x and 8x optical-quality zoom, plus a main camera with variable aperture for brighter night shots. Its A20 Pro chip is five generations newer than the 14’s A15, and battery life jumps from up to 20 hours of video playback to 34.

Put simply: if you own an iPhone 14, the 17 is the upgrade worth making. The 18 Pro is only worth the extra if you want the best camera and battery, from £1,199. If you own a 16, the same jump is far smaller, so read the “iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16” section above before you decide.

If you do upgrade, your iPhone 14 is still worth a useful amount today, and that value only drops from here. Get a quote for your iPhone 14 before the next launch.

Full Model Comparison Table (18 Pro, 17, 16, 15, 14)

Use the table below to compare display, performance, camera, design, and connectivity specs across the line-up at a glance.

The biggest generational jumps are the A20 Pro chip, variable-aperture camera and longer battery life (18 Pro), display brightness and refresh rate (17), Apple Intelligence support (16+), and the move from Lightning to USB-C (15). Newer models also gain more RAM and longer software support, which matters if you plan to keep the phone for several years.

How to Choose the Right iPhone for Your Needs

Best iPhone for photography

The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max now lead, because their main camera adds a variable aperture (f/1.48 to f/4) on top of three 48MP lenses. The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max stay close behind with their larger 48MP sensors, improved stabilisation, and the 48MP telephoto with 8x optical-quality zoom. If your camera roll is full of night shots, travel pictures, and video clips, these are the ones that will actually change how your photos look.

Best for gaming and performance

The 18 Pro Max is the new performance leader. Its A20 Pro chip has a 7-core GPU, and the larger vapour chamber lets it hold its speed for longer in graphically intense games. The 17 Pro Max, with its A19 Pro GPU, 120Hz 6.9" display, and up to 39 hours of video playback, is still a strong choice and handles long sessions without dropping frames or draining the battery too quickly.

Best for battery life

The 18 Pro Max is the new endurance champion, with up to 43 hours of video playback. The 17 Pro Max (39 hours) and 18 Pro (34 hours) follow, then the 17 Pro and 16 Pro Max. If you are tired of living next to a charger, these make the biggest difference.

Best value for money

The iPhone 16 delivers the best overall balance of price, performance, and longevity, while the 15 offers great performance at a lower price. If you want something that feels modern now and still comfortable in three years’ time, the 16 is the safest bet. The 18 Pro range starts at £1,199, so it is the premium choice rather than the value one.

When it’s worth upgrading

Upgrade if your current phone struggles with any of the following. If you’re ready to sell your old iPhone and upgrade, consider these factors:

• Battery life
• Low-light photography or zoom
• Performance-heavy tasks like gaming or editing

If you own a 14 or earlier, any jump to the 16, 17 or 18 Pro will feel significant in day-to-day use.

Planning for long-term ownership and resale value

Newer models hold their value longer. The 18 Pro, 17 and 16 lines will stay supported for years, making them strong picks if resale matters. Older models still resell well, especially if kept in good condition. If you plan ahead, choosing a 16, 17 or 18 Pro now makes it easier to get a stronger payout when you eventually decide to sell your phone.

When to sell your old iPhone for the most money

Your iPhone is worth the most the day you buy it, and it only loses value from there. There is no peak to wait for. There is one date to beat: the day Apple launches the next model, usually in mid-September. When the new iPhone is announced, older models fall around 9% almost overnight, then another 20% or so at release. Wait too long and you can lose £150 or more on the same phone.

In 2026 that date has passed for the Pro models. The iPhone 18 Pro launched in September 2026, so iPhone 17 Pro and 16 Pro values have already taken their first launch drop. The standard iPhone 17 and 16 have one more cliff ahead: the cheaper iPhone 18 models, expected in spring 2027. If you’re planning to sell a standard iPhone, selling before that launch gets you the better price.

The rest of the year works against sellers too. Right after the September launch is the worst time, because the new model knocks value off every older iPhone within weeks. Black Friday and Christmas look busy, but you are competing with discounted new phones, refurbished stock and every other seller, so offers get pushed down. January and February are worst of all: demand drops after the holidays while the market floods with phones people replaced at Christmas.

Most people are not just selling, though. They are upgrading, and they will not go a day without a phone. The fix is to line the sale up with the new one arriving. Get your new iPhone first, then send your old one to vendi. We pay you the same day we receive it, so you are never left without a phone, postage is covered, and there are no seller fees and no hidden deductions.

FAQs

Ready to upgrade? Sell your device with Vendi

You can:

• Get an instant quote online for your current phone
• Ship for free with £10 postage paid by us
• Get same-day payment when your device arrives before 2pm
• Use your payout to put money towards your next iPhone and make the upgrade feel easier

Sell before the next launch, get paid the same day, and put the cash straight towards your next iPhone. Whether you’re selling an iPhone 14, 15, 16, 17 or a new iPhone 18 Pro or 18 Pro Max, get an instant quote and lock in your price before it drops.