iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Size Comparison
Complete analysis of physical dimension differences between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 series. How much bigger is the iPhone 17?
Quick Size Difference Summary
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 (Standard)
- Height: +2.0mm taller (149.6mm vs 147.6mm)
- Width: -0.1mm narrower (71.5mm vs 71.6mm)
- Thickness: +0.15mm thicker (7.95mm vs 7.8mm)
- Screen: Same 6.3" display
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs 16 Pro Max
- Height: +0.4mm taller (163.4mm vs 163.0mm)
- Width: +0.4mm wider (78.0mm vs 77.6mm)
- Thickness: +0.5mm thicker (8.75mm vs 8.25mm)
- Screen: Same 6.9" display
New: iPhone 17 Air
The iPhone 17 Air is a completely new model with no iPhone 16 equivalent:
- Dimensions: 156.2mm × 74.7mm × 5.64mm
- Screen: 6.5" OLED display
- Weight: 165g (Lightest in 2025 lineup)
Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison
| Specification | iPhone 17 | iPhone 16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 149.6mm | 147.6mm | +2.0mm |
| Width | 71.5mm | 71.6mm | -0.1mm |
| Thickness | 7.95mm | 7.8mm | +0.15mm |
| Screen Size | 6.3" | 6.3" | Same |
Pro Max Comparison
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 163.4mm | 163.0mm | +0.4mm |
| Width | 78.0mm | 77.6mm | +0.4mm |
| Thickness | 8.75mm | 8.25mm | +0.5mm |
| Screen Size | 6.9" | 6.9" | Same |
What Do These Differences Mean?
Will You Notice the Size Difference?
The 2mm height increase in the standard iPhone 17 is noticeable but not dramatic. Most users will adapt quickly. The thickness increase of 0.15mm is imperceptible to most people.
Case Compatibility
Important: iPhone 16 cases will NOT fit iPhone 17 models due to the size differences. You'll need new cases if upgrading.
Pocket-ability
The standard iPhone 17 will feel slightly larger in your pocket due to the 2mm height increase. The Pro Max models remain similar to previous generations.
One-Handed Use
The slightly narrower width of the iPhone 17 (71.5mm vs 71.6mm) may marginally improve one-handed grip, though the difference is minimal.
Key Takeaways: iPhone 17 vs 16
-
1.
The iPhone 17 is 2mm taller than the iPhone 16 (149.6mm vs 147.6mm)
-
2.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is 0.5mm thicker due to enhanced camera system (8.75mm vs 8.25mm)
-
3.
The iPhone 17 Air introduces the thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.64mm
-
4.
Screen sizes remain the same (6.3" for standard, 6.9" for Pro Max)
-
5.
Cases are not compatible between iPhone 16 and 17 due to size changes
Should You Upgrade Based on Size?
Consider Upgrading If:
- • You want the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air
- • You don't mind slightly larger dimensions
- • You prioritize other features over size
- • You're upgrading from iPhone 14 or older
Stay with iPhone 16 If:
- • You prefer the current size
- • You have cases you want to keep using
- • Thickness is important (17 Pro is thicker)
- • You recently purchased iPhone 16