r/AppleWhatShouldIBuy

16 pro or 17 base

I'm planning on buying an iPhone after I haven't had one since 2023, I had the 7. I switched to a budget android since it was what is convenient for my mom, so all I mostly remember is my old iPhone so I am planning on getting it for myself as a birthday gift.

anyway, most of my usage is not too much, I'm mostly just playing games, recording videos or just occasionally taking pictures of myself/pretty things I see, I do want the newest ones but I don't want to pay too much. the 16 pro currently in my country (new) goes for about R29000 which is $1,750 and a 17 base goes for about R20000 which is $1,200

I have about R30k which is $1,812 so I can afford both and I've been researching about them and I genuinely don't know the differences

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u/Kauriwari — 14 hours ago

Should i buy iphone 17 or wait for the 18

I have been using iphone 13 for more than 4 years now, and i think i have really exhausted it. Should i buy iphone 17 or wait for 5-6 months for iphone 18?

I need to change the phone as i work in content

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u/barelyyexistingg — 6 hours ago

16e or 17e

Hii, I’m upgrading from a Samsung S21 FE and switching to iPhone for the first time. I’m on a pretty tight budget and and can choose only between 16e and 17e. The price difference in my country is $125. What I care about most is good camera (I like taking photos), great battery and smooth performance. Thanks!!

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u/dressedotter — 8 hours ago

17E is free

Debating on buying a 17e. Free through Verizon with a new line. This phone will be for a teen. Are there any features missing on the 17e that my teen will miss? She currently has an old 14 pro that she uses on Wifi but doesn't have cell service.

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u/FutureAntelope3448 — 8 hours ago

Is the 17e a good option for my situation?

I am moving into a new office manager position and have the approval to purchase a new phone. I was looking at the 17e and wondering if it would be the best choice to try and keep the costs down.

It would be mostly used as an after hours phone, mainly calls, texting and email. Apps added will be basic such as square, maybe a pdf scanning app. It won’t be needed for high end photography, perhaps photos at events for social media and taking payments at events via the square app.

My manager is hoping for a lifetime of about 5-6 years. I think I this is doable, with a painful end, as the current phone being used by my predecessor is an iPhone 6 (2014).

Thanks for any input!

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u/blk_flutterby — 11 hours ago

15, 16, or 17?

I am currently looking into upgrading my phone and honestly anything is fine as I am upgrading from an Iphone 7 I've had since 7th grade but I'm curious if the changes from each gen + is worth the extra couple hundred $.

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u/ApprehensivePrompt63 — 5 hours ago

iPhone 17 vs 18

Seen some rumours saying the iPhone 18 might actually be a downgrade?? Tbh I don’t see how they can improve it from the 17 its not like they can add an extra camera bc that will but people off from buying the pro .

Also what colours do you think they’ll do?

I’ve got a 15 rn and can trade it in, so not sure if I should wait or just upgrade. What should I do?

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u/RevolutionarySide507 — 12 hours ago

Ok I’ve been lurking on this sub a lot but haven’t really posted. Here’s something I had on my mind. I have 14. I’m in India, but I can get a phone from US.

Battery is at 80%, and I’ve had this for 3 years now, so I need a change badly. I can afford the 17, Pro or Pro Max. I need to use my next phone for at least 3 more years.

My usage:

  1. I travel worldwide for job. So almost always between flights and airports.

  2. Not a big camera user

  3. Top apps would be Instagram, Reddit, WhatsApp, YouTube.

  4. Since I’ve never had a pro, I want one. So I’m ruling out 17.

  5. I like the Air, but I’m worried about battery life and updates over next 3 years.

  6. I like the pro, no complaints.

  7. I’ve never had a pro max. I feel it might be a bit bulky in my hand.

So, gang. Enlighten me with your wisdom. Please help with my confusion.

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u/FloorExpensive6502 — 3 hours ago

Should I get iPhone 17 Pro Max or wait for iPhone 18 Pro Max?

Hey guys, I’ve been an android user for some time, and back in 2025 decided to switch to iPhone when 16 series released.

I bought a 16 Pro, 256 gb. ZA/A version.

So here are some questions that would like to ask you guys, since you have more knowledge of iPhones.

First I didn’t know that iPhone’s photos (in RAW mode) take too much space… so I’m planning to go all out and get either 1 tb or 2 tb storage.

Also people say that the pro models have weaker battery due to strong cpu and a small battery, is it true?

And is it a good idea to get 17 Pro Max now, or wait for 18 Pro Max?

Which version should I get?

Is there anything I should look out for?

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u/Thortony99 — 14 hours ago

17 Pro max or 16 pro max

Hi guys and thinking of buying an iPhone but I couldn't understand what should I buy the 16 Pro max or the 17 Pro max I don't care about the new features or something I just want to use it for like daily use age and I also like the looks of the 16 Pro max please can you tell me what should I buy if I like to buy a premium looking phone which should I choose

And I have the oneplus 15 as a spare so which should I choose

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u/Dense_Remove_5718 — 19 hours ago

Anyone manage to snag an iPhone 17 Pro for cheap

Everywhere I look it’s still priced insanely high unless you’re doing some carrier trade in or locking into a plan for years been seeing people mention getting them for a lot less but never any real details on how they pulled it off not really trying to switch carriers or do anything complicated, just wondering if there are legit ways people are getting good deals or if it’s mostly timing, promos or getting lucky would be interested to hear what worked for people or if I’m just chasing something that doesn’t really happen.

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u/DefinitionEastern340 — 23 hours ago

iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max

How’s everyone’s phones holding up? I’ve got the 17 pro and whilst I love it, I don’t know whether to swap it out and get the 17 pro max or wait for the 18 at this stage. Thoughts? Any regrets with your choice for 17?

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u/NorthSun418 — 13 hours ago

What IPAD is best for my situation?

I’m looking for advice on the right iPad to buy. I currently have a deployment coming up and need a device to keep me entertained in downtime I have on the ship. I’ll have some access to WiFi but minimum so I always keep all my entertainment on SSD and HDD externals. I’ve read that some iPads don’t have the power to run these drives, is that true? I’m use to my MacBook but it’s just not convenient and would only get in the way. I’d like to be able to read books, watch media, and record my electric guitar via my KatanaGo interface. I’ve looked at the iPad Pro but it seems like over kill.

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u/BidAmbitious2826 — 13 hours ago

Should I stick with my iPhone?

I've had an iPhone 12 and it was purchased around the time the 13 came out.

As of today, I've used about ~85GB of its available 128GB and the battery capacity is at 73%. The physical condition of the phone is still perfect.

I don't go to school much anymore as my semester is far less busy, paired with the fact that I'll barely even touch my phone at work and that I charge it to 100% every day. By the end of the night, it'll have around 60% or so left.

The iPhone 17 looks like a major upgrade to my eyes. A significantly improved screen, battery, speed and storage. I just have no idea if I want to pull the trigger.

My biggest concern is if the iPhone 18 will have a new mind boggling feature or button or just marginal upgrades from the last generation, because I've never experienced the feeling of upgrading my iPhone even once.

I feel that while I could just change the battery, I also may want a new phone soon because major iOS updates will soon stop supporting the 12.

I've considered waiting for the iPhone 18 to come out. Once it does, I still have the option to purchase a 17 new. But what should I do. I'm lost on this one.

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u/HypersomniK — 21 hours ago

Should I buy the 17PM or wait for the 18PM?

I’ve had my 12 pro max for 5 years now and while it still works well it becomes rly laggy at times and the battery is horrendous plus I think it’s about time I upgrade lol. I was thinking of getting a 17 pro max but the 18 pro max is right around the corner, at the same time I’m gonna assume that it’s not gonna be a massive change from the 17 pro max but I’m not sure yet as I haven’t seen any leaks or whatever. Should I just get the 17PM now?

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u/AdBrave139 — 21 hours ago

Where are ppl finding decent used iPhone 17 deals right now?

My iPhone 13 is starting to die and I really don’t want to pay full price for a new one. Been checking Marketplace and eBay but I’m a little paranoid about getting burned on battery health or hidden issues. Mostly just want sth reliable and not crazy expensive. Where would you actually look first for a cheap second-hand iPhone 17?

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u/PSGCampus — 16 hours ago

Currently have an iPhone 13 Pro Max, should I wait for 18 or do the upgrade now to 17?

Hey everyone,

I have been rocking my 13 pro max for a few years now and haven’t had any issues with it. The battery is understandably not what it used to be and has been replaced but aside from that no issues. I am debating staying with Verizon or switching to att and am wondering if I should hold off for a few months until the new stuff or take the plunge now and get a 17.

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u/QuitSelect2821 — 3 hours ago
▲ 3 r/AppleWhatShouldIBuy+1 crossposts

Returning College Student - Need Help!

Hello Reddit,

I am a returning college student after 8 years of patience for the right time go back.

To make a long story short, my plans are to go to community college, then transfer to a 4 year university, either a Cal State or a UC. My major is going to be in the Business and Financial areas, as I work in Insurance. (Making a long term career out of it!)

My current desk is as follows - x2 LG Ultrawide Monitors; x1 Work Laptop; x1 2017 MacBook Pro 1TB Intel i7 (Ventura); x1 iPhone 16 Pro Max 512gb, and a 1 week old M5 iPad Pro 512gb.

Would like to mention I have 2TB of iCloud also.

My question, after a week of having the iPad Pro is - Is it worth keeping the iPad Pro along with my MacBook for school? Is it better to upgrade to a newer MacBook and downgrade the iPad to an Air? I would like to have some sort of iPad for travel, movies, and notes, as I really do enjoy having it along with my phone.

I would like to have at least 512GB of storage on an iPad, and at least 1TB on a MacBook. Total ideal budget is equal to, or less than $2,500.

TLDR; Returning Business Major College Student is unsure to keep old MacBook Pro and new iPad Pro, or get a newer MacBook and an iPad Air/ older Pro.

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u/Local-Ad2109 — 19 hours ago

Used 15 Pro vs Used 16 Pro vs New Base 17 (coming from 13)

I’m upgrading from a base iPhone 13 and trying to decide between:

  • Used iPhone 15 Pro (~$530, 1.0×)
  • Used iPhone 16 Pro (~$600, ~1.1×)
  • New base iPhone 17 (~$725, ~1.35×)

Main goal is long-term usage (around 4 years) and getting the best value for money over time, not just upfront savings.

From what I understand:

  • 15 Pro and 16 Pro have ProMotion (120Hz), better cameras, and more “pro” features
  • 16 Pro has some upgrades like better battery, slightly bigger display, improved ultrawide, and performance bump
  • Base 17 is newer (longer software support, fresh battery, warranty), but missing Pro features (negligible?)

What I’m trying to figure out:

  1. Is going older Pro > newer base still the move in 2026?
  2. Which one gives the best price-to-longevity ratio?

I don’t do anything super heavy — mostly daily use, social media, photos/video taking occasionally.

Would appreciate opinions, especially from people who’ve used any of these 👍

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u/Various_Funny_526 — 1 day ago

iPhone 17 vs 17 pro vs 16 pro

I've been using Samsung s23+ for 2.5 years now. With a couple green lines on screen, i now want to switch to iphones. I would prolly not change a phone for like 4-5 years at least. I'm not a pro camera/video user. I don't play games. I do click pictures, but not very much. Which one should I go for?

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u/SadakPremi — 17 hours ago