Does the iPhone 17 really have 120 Hz on the standard model?

Yes. Apple finally brought ProMotion to the cheapest 17. Biggest improvement in years.

Is the iPhone 17 worth it for photographers?

If ultrawide shots matter to you, yes. The 48 MP ultrawide is a real jump over the 12 MP lens in the 16. For tele, get the 17 Pro instead.

How long will the iPhone 16 keep getting updates?

iPhone 16 (released 2024) likely supported through iOS 21-22 — so 2029-2030.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 refurbished — Save or get the latest?

With the iPhone 17 Apple delivered the biggest standard update in years: 120 Hz finally, a bigger 6.3" display, 48 MP ultrawide. In 2026 the question is: pay the premium refurbished or grab the 16 instead?

Key iPhone 17 upgrades

ProMotion (120 Hz) on the standard model: the most important addition. Apple kept this Pro-only for years. The scrolling and feel difference is noticeable.

6.3" display instead of 6.1": a bit more screen with barely larger body.

48 MP ultrawide: second lens finally with real resolution. Was 12 MP. Real upgrade for landscape and detail.

A19 chip: ~15-20 % more CPU and GPU.

What still slaps on the iPhone 16

Apple Intelligence runs here too. Camera Control button identical. Action Button identical.

Main 48 MP camera very close to the 17. In 90 % of shots you won't see a difference.

Refurbished often 200-350 € cheaper.

Current refurbished gap

Early 2026 the 17 refurbished is still high — usually 750-850 €. The 16 sits at 550-650 €.

Over the year the gap should compress. Patience pays.

Spec comparison

Spec	iPhone 17	iPhone 16
Chip	A19	A18
Display	6,3" ProMotion OLED · 120 Hz	6,1" OLED · 60 Hz
Main camera	48 MP Weit + 48 MP Ultraweit	48 MP Weit + 12 MP Ultraweit
Camera system	Dual-Kamera Fusion (48 MP)	Dual-Kamera Fusion
Battery	ca. 23 h Video	ca. 22 h Video
Weight	177 g	170 g
Released	2025	2024
iOS support	iOS 22+	iOS 21+

Our verdict

Right now, the iPhone 16 refurbished is the better deal. The 200-350 € premium for 120 Hz and 48 MP ultrawide only makes sense for 4-5 year holds.

Once the gap drops under 150 € (likely end-2026), the 17 gets attractive — 120 Hz feels like a generation marker.

→ Compare current prices

Models from this article

iPhone 16

A18

iPhone 17

A19

Frequently asked

Does the iPhone 17 really have 120 Hz on the standard model?: Yes. Apple finally brought ProMotion to the cheapest 17. Biggest improvement in years.
Is the iPhone 17 worth it for photographers?: If ultrawide shots matter to you, yes. The 48 MP ultrawide is a real jump over the 12 MP lens in the 16. For tele, get the 17 Pro instead.
How long will the iPhone 16 keep getting updates?: iPhone 16 (released 2024) likely supported through iOS 21-22 — so 2029-2030.