iPhone 17 Pro camera upgrade: is it worth leaving your 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 Pro behind?

Each year, Apple’s iPhone launch event devotes considerable time to its newest flagship, the iPhone Pro, which always features the company’s most advanced cameras. For photography and video enthusiasts who want Apple’s latest imaging technology, the iPhone Pro is the clear choice.

And every year, Apple tries to convince us that its cameras are better than ever, and that this is the year to upgrade to make your photos more magical than ever before.

But is it worth it? Most people upgrade their smartphones only every few years, and it can be hard to know when an upgrade will truly make a difference to your photos. We’re here to help sort the noise from the facts. In this photography-focused comparison, we’ll examine every iPhone Pro model from the last five years – back to 2020’s iPhone 12 Pro – to help you decide if an upgrade makes sense.

Before we dive into older models, let’s review what’s new with the iPhone 17 Pro.

Or, you can jump directly to a comparison with your current model:

• iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
• iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max
• iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max
• iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max

The iPhone 17 Pro’s headline feature is that, for the first time, all three of the iPhone cameras use 48MP “Fusion” imaging sensors. Image: Apple

Like its predecessors, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max feature a triple-camera system with main, ultrawide, and telephoto modules. The headline feature is that, for the first time, all three camera modules use 48MP imaging sensors.

Apple brands these as “Fusion” sensors, but they are essentially a Quad Bayer design. This design allows the smartphone to computationally combine data from a four-pixel group (pixel binning) with individual pixel data to create a more detailed image. This technology also enables virtual lenses like the 2x and 8x “zoom,” which use cropped regions of one of the camera’s sensors. Apple calls these virtual lenses “optical quality,” but they’re essentially a digital zoom enhanced with machine learning-based upsampling.

The only truly new camera on the iPhone 17 Pro is the telephoto, which was upgraded to a larger 48MP sensor. It’s 56% larger than the 12MP telephoto sensor in the iPhone 16 Pro, and even larger compared to earlier models, and can deliver better photo quality, particularly in low light.

The iPhone 17 Pro is the first iPhone to capture video using Apple’s ProRes RAW, a Raw video format used by professional and advanced videographers. Image: Apple

The iPhone 17 Pro also adds two advanced video features: ProRes RAW recording for greater editing flexibility, and Genlock, a professional feature for frame-perfect multi-camera synchronization via a hardware accessory.

Finally, the iPhone 17 Pro introduces a new 18MP front camera with a square multi-aspect sensor, replacing the 4:3 sensors on all previous models. Dubbed the Center Stage camera, it allows you to capture horizontal or vertical video without reorienting the phone and provides improved video stabilization.

To learn about these features in more detail, see our article iPhone 17 Pro cameras: What’s new, what’s unchanged.

Buy boxes

The big picture

Before diving into individual comparisons, let’s look at how the iPhone Pro’s camera system has evolved. In the table below, green boxes represent significant upgrades from previous models. At a high level, this is what to look for:

• Sensor size: All other factors being equal, a larger sensor captures more light for higher quality photos, especially in low light.
• Resolution: More megapixels mean higher-resolution images and the ability to maintain resolution with ‘virtual’ zoom lenses.
• Focal lengths: While the main and ultrawide cameras have been pretty consistent, telephoto cameras have had more varied configurations.
• Video features: Know which features you need – and which ones you don’t – when deciding whether to upgrade.

Editor’s note: All focal lengths in this article are full-frame equivalents.

*All focal lengths are full-frame equivalents

Historically, the main camera received notable upgrades on the iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro, but has been largely unchanged since the 48MP sensor was introduced on the 14 Pro.

The ultrawide camera was upgraded on the 13 Pro and 14 Pro, and again on the iPhone 16 Pro, which also gained a 48MP sensor.

The telephoto camera has seen more variability, with focal lengths between 52mm (2x zoom) to 120mm (5x zoom), with the most significant upgrade being the iPhone 17 Pro, which gained a 48MP sensor that’s substantially larger than in previous models.

Apple has continued to add video features, but all models in the table can capture photos using Apple’s ProRaw mode.

If you have an iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro was the first iPhone Pro to add a 48MP ultrawide camera, complementing the 48MP main camera. Image: Apple

For current iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max owners, the year-over-year upgrade is difficult to recommend unless you are a heavy telephoto user or require the advanced video features exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro.

The iPhone 16 Pro has the same main and ultrawide cameras as the 17 Pro. While Apple claims an improved image processing pipeline, which is almost certainly true, it’s unlikely to be noticeable in day-to-day use.

The major camera upgrade is the telephoto module. The iPhone 17 Pro gets a 48MP sensor that’s over 50% larger than the one in the 16 Pro, giving it significantly more light-gathering capability. The telephoto focal length has also changed, decreasing from 120mm (5x zoom) on the 16 Pro to 100mm (4x zoom) on the 17 Pro.

That may sound like a downgrade, but a common complaint on the iPhone 16 Pro was the large gap between its main and telephoto cameras. This forced mid-range zoom shots to rely heavily on computationally-enhanced crops from the main sensor. The 17 Pro’s 4x telephoto narrows that gap, allowing the phone to switch to the dedicated telephoto lens, and its full sensor area, sooner.

“A common complaint on the iPhone 16 Pro was the large gap between its main and telephoto cameras.”

Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro and all older models used Apple’s previous 4:3 front-facing selfie camera. The new Center Stage camera could be a reason to upgrade if you take many selfies or shoot video on the move.

The only new video features are ProRes RAW and Genlock, both aimed at advanced videographers. Unless you have a specific need for them, these features alone don’t justify an upgrade.

If you have an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro series bifurcated the telephoto camera, with the smaller iPhone 15 Pro featuring a 3x telephoto lens while the iPhone 15 Pro Max featured a 5x lens and a slightly larger sensor. Image: Apple

For iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max users, there are some additional considerations. The main camera on the 15 Pro series uses the same lens and sensor as the iPhone 17, effectively delivering the same image quality. However, the 16 Pro introduced a ‘second-generation’ version of this sensor with 2x faster readout, enabling “zero shutter lag” even when shooting Raw photos. If you’ve been bothered by this lag on your 15 Pro, it could be a reason to upgrade.

The telephoto cameras are another story. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max use different modules, with 77mm (3x) and 120mm (5x) lenses, respectively. This means upgrading to the 17 Pro’s 100mm (4x) telephoto could result in either more or less reach than you’re used to. In either case, the upgrade will get you the 17 Pro’s new 48MP sensor, which is over 50% larger than the 15 Pro Max’s and almost double the size of the 15 Pro’s.

Image stabilization is another factor to consider, particularly for low-light situations requiring slower shutter speeds. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s telephoto module uses sensor-shift image stabilization. In contrast, the smaller iPhone 15 Pro’s telephoto uses Apple’s older, less effective optical image stabilization system. Sensor-shift stabilization didn’t come to the smaller iPhone Pro’s telephoto module until the iPhone 16 series. Therefore, iPhone 15 Pro users should experience improved telephoto stabilization after upgrading.

The iPhone 15 Pro and earlier models don’t include Apple’s Camera Control button (seen on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, above). It allows you to launch the camera from anywhere, change key settings with a slide of the finger, and works as a shutter button. Photo: Dale Baskin

Ultrawide and macro photographers may be drawn to the iPhone 17 Pro’s 48MP ultrawide camera. Like Apple’s other 48MP sensors, it’s a Quad Bayer design, so the resolution gain isn’t as large as the numbers suggest. Still, it captures more detail and provides more latitude for cropping macro shots. The sensor size remains unchanged, however, so don’t expect low-light improvements.

The 17 Pro includes other features not on the 15 Pro, like the Camera Control button and an updated Photographic Styles system that lets you change a look after the photo is taken. Video upgrades include 4K/120p capture (up from 4K/60p) for more dramatic slow-motion, along with ProRes RAW and Genlock support.

If you have an iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max

The iPhone 14 Pro was the first iPhone Pro to feature a 48MP sensor on the main camera. Image: Apple

The camera modules in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are broadly similar to those in the 15 Pro, except for the 15 Pro Max’s 5x telephoto. As a result, much of the same upgrade logic applies.

The iPhone 14 Pro was the first model with the higher resolution 48MP main camera sensor still used today, though 17 Pro will benefit from the faster readout speed that first arrived on the iPhone 16 Pro. Additionally, the 14 Pro defaults to 12MP photos binned from its 48MP sensor, compared to the 24MP default on more recent models. (Full 48MP resolution is still available via a settings change, however.)

Upgrading to the 17 Pro will get you the newer 48MP sensors on the ultrawide and telephoto modules, including the 50% larger telephoto sensor. Neither iPhone 14 Pro model includes sensor-shift image stabilization on the telephoto camera, relying instead on the older, less effective optical image stabilization system. Upgrading to the 17 Pro will provide superior sensor-shift stabilization on the telephoto camera, where it’s needed most, and which is especially helpful in low light.

“Upgrading to the 17 Pro will get you the newer 48MP sensors on the ultrawide and telephoto modules, including the 50% larger telephoto sensor.”

Newer iPhones like the 17 Pro also feature lens coatings not found on the 14 Pro, which can reduce lens flare when shooting into bright light. (Though models with updated coatings still have the green flare balls that have almost become a calling card of iPhone photos.) Newer models can also capture 3D spatial images, a feature the iPhone 14 Pro lacks.

The iPhone 14 Pro and older models don’t include the almost universal USB-C plug (seen on the iPhone Pro Max, above), relying instead on Apple’s older Lightning connector. Photo: Dale Baskin

Video capabilities may be the most compelling reason to upgrade. The iPhone 14 Pro captures ProRes video, but not the ProRes Log format desired by videographers for its color grading flexibility. Furthermore, its ProRes recording is limited to 4K/30p or 1080/60p, restricting 4K slow-motion options.

The 14 Pro was also the last model with a Lightning connector. Newer models use the more universal USB-C, which offers data transfer speeds up to 10Gbit per second – 20 times faster than the Lightning port’s USB 2.0 speeds.

If you primarily use the main camera, upgrading to the 17 Pro is a toss-up, as it’s mostly unchanged from the 14 Pro. However, for frequent users of the ultrawide and telephoto cameras, or for videographers who want Log video, the upgrade becomes a compelling, no-brainer decision.

If you have an iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max

The iPhone 13 Pro was the last iPhone Pro with 12MP imaging sensors on all three camera modules. Image: Apple

With older models, the differences in technology become more stark, and for iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max owners, upgrading to the 17 Pro will improve the camera experience in nearly every way.

The iPhone 13 Pro was the last to use a smaller, 12MP main camera sensor before Apple’s switch to the 48MP sensor that became standard, and the 17 Pro’s sensor is 63% larger. The 13 Pro has a faster F1.5 aperture versus the F1.78 lens on newer models. However, when factoring in both sensor size and aperture, the 13 Pro has about a fifth of a stop less light-gathering ability than the 17 Pro. The 13 Pro also lacks the benefits of the 48MP sensor, which uses pixel binning for extra detail and enables the ‘2x’ zoom option found on newer models.

The situation is similar for the ultrawide camera. Its 12MP sensor is roughly half the size of the 17 Pro’s. While its F1.8 aperture is faster than the 17 Pro’s F2.2, the 13 Pro’s ultrawide is still about a third of a stop behind in total light gathering and lacks the benefits of the 48MP sensor.

“The iPhone 13 Pro was the last to use a smaller, 12MP main camera sensor before Apple’s switch to the 48MP sensor.”

The telephoto camera is where you’ll see the most dramatic difference. The iPhone 17 Pro’s larger, higher-resolution sensor captures almost a full stop more light than the 13 Pro, and allows for more zooming. The 17 Pro also uses more effective sensor-shift stabilization on its telephoto module, compared to the older optical stabilization on the 13 Pro models.

As with the 14 Pro, video features could be a deciding factor, especially if you want ProRes Log for color grading latitude. With all three of the 13 Pro’s cameras still at 12MP, lower light-gathering capacity, and a shorter video feature list, this is an easy upgrade to recommend.

If you have an iPhone 12 Pro or Pro Max

The iPhone 12 Pro’s triple-camera array. Image: Apple

Five years feels like an eternity in technology, and the cameras on the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max are showing their age.

The iPhone 12 Pro’s main camera sensor is even smaller than the 13 Pro’s; in fact, the 17 Pro’s main sensor is 200% larger. Despite a slightly faster aperture on the 12 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro’s main camera captures about 1.25 stops – roughly 2.5 time – more light than the iPhone 12 Pro. That’s a dramatic difference.

Similarly, the ultrawide sensor on the iPhone 17 Pro is almost twice as large as the 12 Pro’s, which also has a slower aperture. The net result is that the 17 Pro’s ultrawide camera captures nearly 1.25 stops more light than the 12 Pro’s. Again, a dramatic difference.

“The iPhone 12 Pro’s main camera sensor is even smaller than the 13 Pro’s; in fact, the 17 Pro’s main sensor is 200% larger.”

The situation is more complexe for the telephoto modules. Although the 12 Pro models have smaller telephoto sensors, their much faster apertures allow them to keep pace with the iPhone 17 Pro’s newer module in terms of exposure. The catch is their focal length. At 2x (52mm) on the 12 Pro and 2.5x (65mm) on the Pro Max, they are much shorter than the 17 Pro’s 4x (100mm) telephoto, making them less useful for distant subjects.

Also, because the 17 Pro’s main sensor is so much larger, its ‘2x zoom’ (which uses a cropped area of the sensor) can capture a full stop more light than the 12 Pro’s telephoto camera, and its ‘2.5x zoom’ captures a half stop more than the 12 Pro Max’s. In effect, the iPhone 17 Pro’s main camera can outperform the 12 Pro’s dedicated telephoto cameras while also offering a superior 4x optical zoom.

The iPhone 12 Pro’s doesn’t include camera features like Apple’s newer Photographic Styles, which let you change styles on a photo after it’s taken, or most of the video features available on the iPhone 17 Pro. Image: Apple

Image stabilization is another key difference. The iPhone 12 Pro Max was the first to introduce sensor-shift stabilization on its main camera, but the smaller 12 Pro used older, less effective optical stabilization. Upgrading from the smaller 12 Pro will provide a noticeable improvement, as all Pro models since the 13 series have featured sensor-shift on their main cameras.

The 12 Pro models also show their age in video. While they capture Dolby Vision HDR and 4K/60p, they lack all the other video features Apple has introduced in the last five years.

If improving photo quality is your goal, this upgrade makes absolute sense. With 12MP sensors across the board, lower light sensitivity, and telephoto lenses that the 17 Pro’s main camera can effectively replace, you will see an across-the-board improvement in image quality.

Conclusion

Apple’s slick presentations make it easy to feel like you need the newest iPhone cameras, and I give Apple credit for being very good at that. The reality, however, is that most annual updates are incremental. Major improvements are the exception, not the rule.

Also, when considering an upgrade, keep in mind that it may not be necessary to buy Apple’s newest iPhone Pro, depending on the features you need or want. If an older model meets your requirements, you might save a chunk of change by buying a recent used phone, or even a refurbished phone from Apple, that’s still newer than your current phone and gives you the features you want.

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