Apple's iPhone 17 Pro boasts significant upgrades over its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro, but is the jump substantial enough to justify an upgrade? Let's delve into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
**Display and Design:** The iPhone 17 Pro features a larger 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a stunning 3,000 nits peak brightness, compared to the iPhone 15 Pro's 6.1-inch OLED display with 2,000 nits. While the larger screen offers an immersive viewing experience, the 17 Pro is noticeably heavier and thicker, measuring 206 grams versus the 15 Pro's 187 grams. The 17 Pro's camera system also features a prominent, elongated bump, a design choice that might not appeal to all users.
**Performance and Power:** Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Pro houses the revolutionary Apple A19 Pro chip, promising a 40% performance boost over the iPhone 16 Pro and significantly outpacing the A17 Pro in the 15 Pro. Paired with 12GB of RAM (compared to the 15 Pro's 8GB), multitasking is exceptionally smooth. Gamers will appreciate the substantial GPU upgrade, offering double the speed of the previous generation. This enhanced power is supported by an advanced vapor chamber cooling system.
**Camera Capabilities:** Photography enthusiasts will find the iPhone 17 Pro's camera system a significant upgrade. It boasts a triple 48MP Fusion camera system, including ultrawide and telephoto lenses, and a remarkable 18MP front-facing camera with Center Stage. The optical zoom has been doubled to 8x, capturing incredibly detailed images, even in low light conditions. New software features like Dual Capture (simultaneous front and rear recording) and software-based photo orientation adjustments add further functionality.
**Battery Life:** Apple claims a substantial 10-hour improvement in video playback time – 33 hours for the 17 Pro versus 23 hours for the 15 Pro. Furthermore, the 17 Pro achieves 50% charge in just 20 minutes, 10 minutes faster than its predecessor. This enhanced battery life and faster charging are significant advantages.
**Software and AI:** Both phones run iOS 26, offering access to all the latest features, including Apple's suite of intelligence features. There are no exclusive AI features found only on the 17 Pro.
**The Verdict:** The iPhone 17 Pro is a powerful upgrade, boasting a superior display, significantly enhanced performance, an impressive camera system, and extended battery life. However, the increased size and weight, along with the more prominent camera bump, should be considered. If you prioritize these factors, and the A17 Pro in your iPhone 15 Pro is still meeting your needs, holding onto your current device might be the more sensible option. For users demanding the absolute best in performance and camera technology, the upgrade is undoubtedly worthwhile.
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Originally published at: https://www.zdnet.com/article/iphone-17-pro-vs-iphone-15-pro-my-buying-advice-after-comparing-the-upgrades/
