iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Don’t buy the wrong one
From Apple iPhone 16 line-up is now known. And you might be wondering whether you should go for the $800 base model or pay more iPhone 16 Prowhich starts at $1,000.
For the first time in years, Apple’s regular iPhone has received a significant upgrade. The iPhone 16 has two new hardware buttons, a larger battery, a new ultrawide camera, a new A18 chip and will eventually have Apple Intelligence.
But the iPhone 16 Pro also has some impressive additions. All three rear cameras are new or ‘new to phone’. The Pro also has a larger screen with a thinner bezel, a new processor (Apple’s A18 Pro chip) and unique features like 4K 120fps slow motion video recording. Like the regular iPhone 16, the Pro has a new Camera Control button and a larger battery.
Choosing between the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro can be a challenge. But here’s a rundown of the key specs and features for each device to help you make that decision.
Prices and storage
The iPhone 16 starts at $800 for 128GB of storage, $900 for 256GB and $1,100 for 512GB. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $1,000 for 128 GB, $1,100 for 256 GB, $1,300 for 512 GB and $1,500 for 1 TB.
iPhone 16 specs vs iPhone 16 Pro
| Apple iPhone 16 | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | |
| Screen size, technology, resolution, refresh rate | 6.1-inch OLED screen; 2,556 x 1,179 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate; 2,000 nits | 6.3-inch OLED screen; 2,622 x 1,206 pixels; 120Hz adaptive refresh rate; 2,000 nits |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches | 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25mm |
| Weight (gram, ounce) | 170g, 6oz | 199g, 7.03oz |
| Mobile software | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Camera | 48 megapixel (wide), 12 megapixel (ultra-wide) | 48 megapixel (wide), 48 megapixel (ultra-wide), 12 megapixel (5x telephoto) |
| Front camera | 12 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
| Video recording | 4K at 60 fps; 1080p spatial video at 30 fps | 4K up to 120 fps; 1080p spatial video at 30 fps |
| Processor | A18 | A18 Pro |
| RAM/storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Expandable storage | No | No |
| Battery | Up to 22 hours of video playback; up to 18 hours of video playback (streamed). MagSafe wireless charging up to 25 W with 30 W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W | Up to 27 hours of video playback; up to 22 hours of video playback (streamed). MagSafe wireless charging up to 25 W with 30 W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W |
| Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | No | No |
| Special features | Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera control button, Dynamic Island, Screen brightness range from 1 to 2000 nits, IP68 resistance, colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine | Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera control button, Dynamic Island, Screen brightness range from 1 to 2000 nits, IP68 resistance, colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium |
| US price starts at | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) | $999 (128GB), $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB), $1,499 (1TB) |
| UK price starts at | £799 (128GB), £899 (256GB), £1,099 (512GB) | £999 (128GB), £1,099 (256GB), £1,299 (512GB), £1,499 (1TB) |
| Price in Australia starts at | AU$1,399 (128GB), AU$1,599 (256GB), AU$1,949 (512GB) | AU$1,799 (128GB), AU$1,999 (256GB), AU$2,349 (512GB), AU$2,699 (1TB) |
Cameras: the Pro’s big selling point
The iPhone 16 Pro has three rear lenses: a wide-angle lens, ultra-wide-angle lens and 5x telephoto lens.
A key feature of Apple’s iPhone Pro models is the high-quality camera, for both photos and videos.
When it comes to rear cameras, the iPhone 16 has a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, while the 16 Pro has a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera with a larger and faster image sensor, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and a 12-megapixel megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. Both phones come with the same 12-megapixel TrueDepth front-facing camera.
For video, the iPhone 16 can record in 4K at 60 frames per second, in addition to 1080p spatial video at 30 frames per second. The 16 Pro has the same spatial video capability, but can also record in 4K at up to 120 frames per second, bringing slow motion effects to the iPhone.
See more: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Review: Compelling upgrade with my favorite iPhone feature in years
So if you want to do a little more with your camera (or just zoom in on a concert without sacrificing quality), the Pro’s premium features could be tempting.
Displays, size and weight
The iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch OLED display, while the 16 Pro is 6.3 inches. The 16 has a 60Hz refresh rate, while the Pro has a 120Hz refresh rate to make animations, scrolling, and gaming look smoother. Both have a pixel density of 460 ppi and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits.
Here’s the iPhone 16 family: (from left to right) iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 is 5.81 centimeters long, 2.82 centimeters wide and 0.31 centimeters thick. The dimensions of the 16 Pro are not far off: 5.89 centimeters long, 2.81 wide and 0.32 centimeters thick. The Baseline 16 weighs 170 g (6 ounces), while the Pro weighs 199 g (7.03 ounces). The materials also vary: the iPhone 16 has an aluminum body, while the 16 Pro is made of titanium alloy.
Both feature Dynamic Island, as well as an action button and camera control button.
The iPhone 16 is available in Black, White, Pink, Teal and Ultramarine, while the iPhone 16 Pro is available in Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium and Desert Titanium. They are all water resistant and have an IP68 rating.
Both support USB-C charging. There’s also no fingerprint sensor, so you’ll need Face ID or a passcode.
Apple’s iPhone 16, 16 Plus show off brighter colors and buttons
View all photosBatteries, processors and software
Apple isn’t disclosing battery capacity, but says the iPhone 16 can deliver up to 22 hours of video playback (18 hours streamed), while the 16 Pro can deliver up to 27 hours of video playback (22 hours streamed). Both feature wired charging (Apple isn’t disclosing the speed) and MagSafe wireless charging up to 25 watts with a 30 watt or higher adapter. They also support Qi2 charging, up to 15 watts.
The 16 is powered by an A18 chip, while the 16 Pro contains the more powerful (and aptly named) A18 Pro chip. They all ship with iOS 18 and will support Apple Intelligence when it arrives later this year.
iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, which one should you buy?
Here’s the iPhone 16 Pro with a preview version of Apple Intelligence that brings a number of improvements to Siri, including a new glowing border.
For the majority of people, the iPhone 16 has more than enough to offer. The cameras are great for photos and videos. The phones run iOS 18 with notable features like the ability to customize your home screen and apps, new emoji tapbacks for iMessages, and support for satellite texting. They even come in a variety of bright, saturated colors. The biggest drawback of the iPhone 16 is the screen, which still has a 60Hz refresh rate and just looks good compared to professional iPhones. If you have an iPhone 13 or older, the iPhone 16 is a wonderful upgrade.
But if you want even better cameras with the ability to zoom in really close to subjects, or just want a better display experience, the iPhone 16 Pro deserves a look. The phone has plenty of nice features and offers creative types into photography and filmmaking plenty of expressive options – although it comes at a higher price. If you have an iPhone 12 Pro or older, an upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro makes sense. If you’re rocking an iPhone 13 Pro and are running low on battery capacity, it’s also worth considering the 16 Pro. But if you have an iPhone 14 Pro or 15 Pro, you don’t need to upgrade.
Check this out: Review: Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro is an impressive upgrade
