Why is 17 as strong as Goku?

In the Dragon Ball Super anime and manga, Android 17 is portrayed as being stronger than most characters, including Goku, in certain situations, due to a combination of factors. Here's an exploration of why Android 17 is considered to be as strong as Goku in some respects:

1. Endless Energy Supply

• Android 17 is a cyborg, meaning he is a human who has been modified with mechanical enhancements. One of his most notable attributes is that his energy is limitless. Unlike regular fighters, who tire out after extended battles, Android 17's energy supply never depletes. This gives him a major advantage in prolonged fights, allowing him to maintain peak performance for much longer than Goku, whose stamina can be worn down in long fights.

2. Strategic Intelligence and Stamina

• Android 17 has incredible strategic thinking and is highly calculated during battles. Unlike Goku, who tends to rush into fights and rely on his raw power, 17 takes his time and carefully plans out his moves. This gives him an advantage, especially in situations where strategy and endurance are key. This was evident during the Tournament of Power, where 17's intelligence and resourcefulness played a huge role in his success.

3. Superior Defensive Abilities

• 17's combat style is often defensive, using his barrier techniques to protect himself and others. One of his most powerful abilities is his barrier, which can withstand devastating attacks. During the Tournament of Power, he used his energy shield to protect himself from massive explosions and attacks. This defensive capability allowed him to conserve energy and survive longer than many of the other fighters, including Goku.

4. Fighting Without Limits

• Since Android 17 doesn't have the same biological limits as a human, he can fight continuously without needing to rest or recharge. This is particularly useful in battles where endurance plays a crucial role. During the Tournament of Power, while Goku would need to recharge his energy or even resort to techniques like the Instant Transmission to escape, Android 17 was able to keep fighting at full capacity without needing a break.

5. Unexpected Power Boost

• In Dragon Ball Super, Android 17's strength is often underestimated, but it’s revealed that his power is far greater than initially thought. Over time, his enhancements have made him one of the strongest fighters in the multiverse, even on par with Goku and other top-tier fighters. His constant training and the enhancements made to his body allow him to surpass expectations and match the strength of seasoned fighters like Goku, especially with his seemingly limitless energy.

6. Final Showdown in the Tournament of Power

• In the Tournament of Power arc, Goku, Vegeta, and other top fighters pushed their limits. However, it was Android 17 who survived until the very end, outlasting even Goku and Frieza. This is a testament to the power and endurance of Android 17, as he was able to hold his ground against some of the most powerful beings in the universe, including Goku and Jiren.

While Goku is certainly one of the strongest characters in the Dragon Ball universe, Android 17's energy efficiency, strategic mind, and defensive skills make him a force to be reckoned with. His combination of natural power, tactical brilliance, and endless stamina helped him prove that he could stand toe-to-toe with Goku and even be on par with him in certain situations.

In essence, Android 17's power is not just about raw strength, but rather the ability to fight endlessly and intelligently, which allows him to rival Goku in battles that require more than just power.