Hi all, quick backstory. I’ve used Samsung phones for almost my whole life. I’ve owned devices like the J7 NXT, A7 2018, S10, and my current phone is the S22, which still works smoothly. The only time I switched was in 2021 when I used an iPhone X for about a year, and I still remember how insanely smooth Snapchat and Instagram felt on it.

Now I’m thinking of switching back to iPhone. My budget is around the Pro level. The problem is I absolutely hate the design and colors on the 17 Pro, and I’ve never liked the non-Pro iPhones at all. That’s why I’m seriously considering the 16 Pro. It looks premium and honestly sexy to me, and it feels like the last proper premium iPhone design.

I know the 17 Pro has better specs, but for daily use like social media, reels, stories, messaging, I don’t think the extra specs will really matter. A month ago the 16 Pro was considered a top-tier flagship anyway, so it’s not suddenly bad just because the 17 exists. Another option is waiting for whatever the 2026 Ultra ends up being, if it’s actually worth the wait.

What I mainly want is a premium, smooth experience for social apps and good camera quality.

Which route would you take and why? Buy the 16 Pro now since design matters more than small spec gains

Get the 17 Pro despite disliking the design

Wait for the 2026 Ultra

Any real-world differences I might regret later? Thanks.