iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro: Best Pro Variant Phone for Filming

iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Camera Comparison

Both iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro deliver exceptional camera performance for filming videos. Whether you're capturing landscapes or vlogging, these compact Pro phones pack professional-level camera capabilities in a pocket-friendly design.

Comparing the iPhone 16 Pro and 17 Pro

While the main camera sensors are very similar, the iPhone 17 Pro brings subtle improvements, including a higher-resolution telephoto camera and enhanced selfie lens—perfect for travel and vlogs.

iPhone 17 Pro RAW Photography Features

Shooting in RAW on iPhone 17 Pro allows photographers to extract maximum detail and dynamic range. The new liquid glass interface and 48MP main camera produce stunning images, ideal for editing in apps like Lightroom.

iPhone 17 Pro RAW Unedited vs. RAW Edited, side by side.

iPhone 16 Pro remains a strong contender, offering RAW support across all lenses including ultra-wide and telephoto, making both phones excellent choices for serious mobile photography.

iPhone 16 Pro RAW Edited vs. iPhone 17 Pro RAW Edited.

iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Telephoto Camera

The iPhone 17 Pro features a 4x telephoto lens, compared to 5x on the 16 Pro. In practical use, both deliver similar results at standard zooms, though 17 Pro offers slightly crisper details in telephoto shots.

iPhone 16 Pro 2x Zoom Vs iPhone 17 Pro 2x Zoom

iPhone 16 Pro 8x Zoom Vs iPhone 17 Pro 8x Zoom

Maximum digital zoom shows the iPhone 17 Pro retains some detail better, but extreme zoom is rarely usable.

Freewell iPhone 17 Pro & 16 Pro Accessories: Cases, Cages, Lenses & Filters

Freewell’s accessories for the iPhone 16 Pro and 17 Pro take your mobile filmmaking to a whole new level. Their range includes sleek protective cases made of Kevlar and cages that keep your phone safe while offering easy access to controls and mounting options.

For those looking to capture cinematic shots without the bulk of traditional gear, offers a variety of lenses, from Anamorphic to telephoto - that let you shoot with professional-level quality. Their VND, CPL filters give you full control over light and atmosphere, ideal for both video and RAW photography.

iPhone accessories by Freewell

Whether you’re vlogging, filming cinematic sequences, or experimenting with RAW photography, Freewell makes it easy to transform your iPhone into a creative powerhouse.

iPhone 17 Pro Selfie Camera Upgrade

One of the biggest improvements on the iPhone 17 Pro is its selfie camera. Wider field of view and better framing make it ideal for vloggers and travel content creators.

iPhone 17 Pro selfie with a wider field of view vs iPhone 16 Pro Selfie Camera

This upgrade ensures your video content looks more natural and professional without needing additional gear.

iPhone 17 Pro Cinematic Video and Open Gate Recording

The iPhone 17 Pro supports cinematic mode and introduces open gate recording, capturing the full sensor area in H.265 for maximum framing flexibility.

iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Cinematic Mode

While stabilization is limited in open gate mode, it's perfect for tripod or gimbal setups. Both 16 Pro and 17 Pro still lead mobile video quality with excellent dynamic range and colors.

iPhone 16 Pro 4K Open Gate Format Vs iPhone 17 Pro 4K 16:9 Format

The iPhone 17 Pro Open Gate mode captures the full sensor for ultimate framing flexibility—but pair it with the Steven Divish x Freewell 1.55x Anamorphic Lens, and your videos go next-level. Enjoy cinematic widescreen, stunning lens flares in Gold, Blue & Neutral, and full-resolution detail in a lightweight, travel-ready setup. Perfect for creators who want Hollywood-quality shots right from their pocket.

Steven Divish Anamorphic Lens

iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Battery Life

For travelers and content creators, battery life matters. The iPhone 17 Pro shows noticeable improvements in endurance during heavy use, including filming across multiple countries. Users opting for eSIM-free versions may see even better performance. The 16 Pro remains reliable but slightly shorter in runtime.

iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro: Which Should You Buy?

If you already own the iPhone 16 Pro, upgrades may feel minor. However, the iPhone 17 Pro offers:

Better battery life
Improved telephoto camera
Wider selfie camera
Open gate video recording
Dual capture mode

For users upgrading from iPhone 14 Pro or older, the 17 Pro is the clear choice for filming, editing, and portability.

Conclusion: Compact Powerhouses for Filmmakers

Both iPhone 16 Pro and 17 Pro are compact, durable, and capable video tools that fit in your pocket. The 16 Pro Titanium remains a strong performer, while the 17 Pro pushes mobile filming with subtle but meaningful upgrades. For creators seeking the perfect balance of size, power, and camera quality, these phones remain top contenders.