Apple's newest Pro landed this month, and if you're still carrying last year's model, the question is simple: is it worth the jump? Here's the honest breakdown.
Image credits: ZONEofTECH
Chip: A20 Pro vs A19 Pro
The iPhone 17 Pro runs on the A19 Pro. The iPhone 18 Pro steps up to the A20 Pro, built around a new vapor chamber and a dual 16-core Neural Engine. On paper, that's up to 40% better GPU performance than the 17 Pro Max, a real difference if you game, edit video, or lean on AI features daily. If your phone mostly handles calls, texts, and social media, you won't feel it.
Camera: Same Megapixel Count, Smarter Glass
Both phones shoot with a 48MP main sensor, so the spec sheet looks identical at a glance. The difference is in the details: the 18 Pro's Fusion Main camera adds a variable aperture, giving you better control in low light and more depth in your shots. The front camera also grows to 18MP with Center Stage, useful if FaceTime and selfies are part of your daily routine.
Display and Build
Display size holds steady: 6.3" on the Pro, 6.9" on the Pro Max, both Super Retina XDR. What's new is the glass: Ceramic Shield 2 up front and Ceramic Shield on the back, Apple's strongest combination yet against scratches and drops.
Battery and Charging
This is where the 18 Pro pulls ahead the most. Up to six more hours of video playback than the 17 Pro Max, plus faster wired charging, up to 50% in about 15 minutes with a compatible adapter. If battery anxiety is what's pushing you to upgrade, this is your answer.
Price: What You'll Actually Pay (with Rogers)
iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
Chip | A19 Pro | A20 Pro |
Main camera | 48MP Triple | 48MP Fusion, variable aperture |
Front camera | 12MP | 18MP Center Stage |
Display | 6.3" Super Retina XDR | 6.3" / 6.9" Super Retina XDR |
Starting price | $12.58/mo | $37.47/mo |
24 mo total | $301.92 + tax | $899.28 + tax |
Buyout after 24 months | $1,342.08 + tax | $900.00 + tax |
Full price | $1,644.00 + tax | $1,799.28 + tax |
Prices shown are with a Rogers 5G+ plan, 24-month term, and Save & Return, our lowest available rate on both devices. Buyout is what you'd pay to keep the phone instead of returning it at the end of the term.
Which One Should You Get?
If you're coming from an iPhone 15 or earlier, the 18 Pro is the clear move; the chip, camera, and battery gains all stack up together. If you're on an iPhone 16 or 16 Pro, it's still a worthwhile jump, just less dramatic. If you're already carrying a 17 Pro, the case is different: you're paying more for a faster chip and better low-light shots, not a full redesign, so it comes down to how much those two things matter to you day to day.
Get Yours Through Connect With Rogers
Whichever one you land on, book an appointment at one of our 40+ stores across the GTA and walk out same day, or get free shipping anywhere in Canada. Questions first? Call us at +1 (844) 202-0642.
