iPhone 17 Pro vs. 18 Pro: Which iPhone Should You Get?
Comparing the Pro Models
The Pro Camera System
The camera system is a major difference between the iPhone 17 Pro and 18 Pro. Before we get into the new Pro camera system, let's explore the camera features both phones share: they both have an 18MP Center Stage front camera for better selfies and FaceTime, as well as Dual Capture so you can see your face and what's in front of you. Both phones also support Dolby Vision up to 4K at 120 fps, which can be helpful for content creators or videographers. But the iPhone 18 Pro's camera is even better thanks to the upgraded Pro camera system. It features new Pro Controls, which are manual controls over shutter speed, white balance and aperture. Variable aperture is one of the most noteworthy features on iPhone 18 Pro as it allows you to adjust how much light is let in, for the best low-light photography on an iPhone. The upgrade is undeniable, but that doesn't automatically mean the 18 Pro is the better phone for you; if you have an iPhone 14 or older, the 17 Pro is still a major upgrade at a lower price. In general, we don't recommend paying more for features you won't use.
Unlock Advanced Capabilities with Siri AI
The release of the iPhone 18 Pro also marked the release of Siri AI, with major improvements to Apple's iconic assistant, now with a dedicated app. Now, Siri can use personal context understanding to help you find what you need or get the information you're seeking; Siri AI can retrieve an important email buried in your inbox or understand flight info. Siri AI is available on iPhone 17 Pro as well, so you can take advantage of these superior functionalities and in-app activities no matter which phone you purchase.
What's Inside Each iPhone
While the 17 Pro was the most powerful phone in Apple's lineup upon its release, the A19 Pro chip still doesn't compare to the A20 Pro. A19 Pro features a 6-core CPU, a 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators and a 16-core neural engine, while the A20 Pro features a 6-core CPU with 2 super cores, 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators that's up to 40% faster than A19 Pro and a Dual 16-core neural engine for double the processing power of A19 Pro. Beyond the power of the A20 Pro chip, iPhone 18 Pro houses a new and improved vapor chamber that further improves performance by cooling the chips inside the phone. Here, iPhone 18 Pro offers undeniably superior performance; however, if you're looking to spend less or like the colors of the 17 Pro better, it's still a major step up if you have a 13, 14 or 15 series iPhone.
Design & Durability
The build on each Pro model is surprisingly similar: they both feature a Ceramic Shield 2 front and Ceramic Shield back for added durability compared to previous models. Both phones share the same dimensions and screen size, as well. However, the iPhone 18 Pro is slightly heavier as it houses the new A20 Pro chip with its incredible vapor chamber. It also features a smaller Dynamic Island that takes up less of the display. Both iPhones are IP68 rated for water resistance up to 6 meters, for up to 30 minutes. In short, iPhone 17 Pro got a huge upgrade in durability over the iPhone 16 models; 18 Pro maintained that durability and got a boost in performance.
Comparing Storage Options
Both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro offer 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage options; notably, the iPhone 18 Pro also has a 2TB option. Most people probably won't need 2TB of storage on their phone, but if your job involves taking a lot of photos or videos, or you're an avid mobile gamer, you might find the 2TB option helpful.
Exploring Different Color Options
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max come in Silver, Deep Blue and the polarizing Orange hue. iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max come in Silver, Black, Glacier and Burgundy. As we've said before, the color obviously doesn't impact performance, but if you're going to splurge on a new iPhone, you should like how it looks. iPhone 18 Pro's Burgundy shade is making waves online, and it really does look great; it's a rich, deep red that you won't want to cover with a case.
All-Day Battery Life on Both Phones
If long-lasting battery is a major consideration when you shop for a phone, both the iPhone 17 Pro and 18 Pro are great contenders. iPhone 17 Pro offers up to 31 hours of video playback on a full charge, while iPhone 18 Pro offers up to 34 hours of playback. They both offer all-day battery life, which is perfect if you're traveling or do a lot of mobile gaming. Additionally, both phones support MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W. As with most of the features we've compared, the 17 Pro is good, and the 18 Pro is great.
iPhone 17 Pro vs. 18 Pro: Which Pro iPhone is Best for You?
The iPhone 17 Pro and 18 Pro share more features than it initially seems: they're both durable, powerful phones with all-day battery life. So how do you choose? If you want the best camera possible, the pro-level features on 18 Pro are worth it; the larger 2TB memory option will come in handy if you are interested in taking a lot of photos and videos. If you have an older iPhone, the 17 Pro is still a great upgrade that's slightly less expensive. If you want to do a deeper dive into either Pro model, we have an expansive comparison of the iPhone 17 vs. 17 Pro as well as an overview of the 18 models and iPhone Duo. Ready to order your iPhone? Call us at 800-860-3577 or shop in-store at Abt's dedicated Apple boutique.
iPhone 17 Pro vs. 18 Pro FAQs
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The iPhone 18 Pro definitely has improved processing power and improved camera, but both phones share a durable design and all-day battery life.
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If your job requires taking photos or videos, or you just want the best camera possible, go with the 18 Pro. If you have a much older iPhone, the 17 Pro is still a major upgrade.
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The major differences are the processing power and camera system. The 18 Pro features the new A20 Pro chip, with a 6-core CPU with 2 super cores, a 7-core GPU and Dual 16-core neural engine. The 18 Pro also features a new vapor chamber that keeps the phone cool for better performance. It also features the new Pro camera system with Pro controls to manually adjust aperture, shutter speed and white balance.
