Apple has finally revealed the new iPhone 16 series, and the company has significantly changed the non-Pro Apple iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. In the past, the Pro series has been much better than the non-Pro, but this year, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are more similar. Both phones have the latest generation of processors, similar camera experiences, and even the same Action Button and Camera Control buttons, making it harder to decide which one to buy.
Do you need the additional features of the iPhone 16 Pro, or is the iPhone 16 the best iPhone to buy this year? Let’s compare and explore the differences.
Apple iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: specs
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro | |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm (5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches) | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm (5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches) |
| Weight | 6.00 ounces (199 grams) | 7.03 ounces (199 grams) |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display 2566 x 1179 pixels 460 ppi pixel density 60Hz refresh rate 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio 1000 nits max brightness (typical); 1600 nits peak brightness (HDR); 2000 nits peak brightness (outdoor) Ceramic Shield | 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display 2622 x 1206 pixels 460 ppi pixel density 1-120Hz refresh rate 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio 1000 nits max brightness (typical); 1600 nits peak brightness (HDR); 2000 nits peak brightness (outdoor) Ceramic Shield Always-On display |
| Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes) | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes) |
| Colors | Black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine | Black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine |
| Processor | A18 Two performance and four efficiency cores Five-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine | A18 Pro Two performance and four efficiency cores Six-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Software | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Updates | Seven years of expected upgrades | Seven years of expected upgrades |
| Rear cameras | Fusion: 48-megapixel, f/1.6 aperture Ultra Wide: 12MP, f/2.2 aperture, 120° field of view | Fusion: 48MP, f/1.78 aperture Ultra Wide: 48MP, f/2.2 aperture Telephoto: 12MP, f/2.8 aperture (5x optical zoom) |
| Front camera | 12MP, f/1.9 aperture | 12MP, f/1.9 aperture |
| New camera features | Anti-reflective lens coating 4K Dolby Vision video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps 1080p Dolby Vision video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps | Anti-reflective lens coating 4K Dolby Vision video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps 1080p Dolby Vision video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps ProRes video recording at up to 4K at 120fps Log video recording Studio-quality four-mic array |
| Battery | Up to 22 hours of video playback | Up to 27 hours of video playback |
| Charging | Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter 25W with MagSafe ChargerMagSafe, Qi2 and Qi wireless charging support | Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter 25W with MagSafe ChargerMagSafe, Qi2 and Qi wireless charging support |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, VoLTE, NFC | 5G, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, VoLTE, NFC |
| Price | Starting at $799 | Starting at $999 |
| Review | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
Apple iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: design
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro look very similar in design, but unlike last year, when the Pro phone was significantly different, the changes are much smaller this year. Instead of the iPhone 16 missing several features that the iPhone 16 Pro has, this year you get a virtually identical experience from both phones.
The iPhone 16 gains the Action Button that the non-Pro phones were missing last year, and both phones also feature the new Camera Control button that enables a range of new camera experiences. This button is located on the bottom-right side of the frame and features a physical button with an integrated touch sensor that sits flush with the frame and enables swipe, press, and half-press gestures.
The non-Pro iPhone has always been Apple’s most colorful smartphone range, and this year is no different. Sure, there’s black and white, but you’ll also find a pink model Barbie would love and a lovely teal colorway too. The new ultramarine color is a stunning mix of blue and purple.
It is worth noting that the colors of the iPhone 16 models and new buttons aren’t the only design differences between it and last year’s models. The iPhone 16 also features a new rear camera design much smaller than previous generations and very reminiscent of the iPhone X. The square cutout, which has been present for a long time, has reverted to a tiny pill shape that looks marvelous.
The iPhone 15 Pro series saw Apple move to a titanium frame for its Pro phones, and the iPhone 16 Pro continues this trend. The iPhone 16 Pro is available in three of the same titanium colors found on the iPhone 15 Pro Max — Black Titanium, White Titanium, and Natural Titanium — while the Blue Titanium option has been replaced with a new, more neutral Desert Titanium option.
The iPhone 16 Pro is very similar to the 2023 model, with only minor differences in colors, the addition of the Camera Control button, and a small change in display size. The similarities don’t make the newer model a bad phone; it would have been better if Apple had updated the design of its most expensive handset lineup.
As mentioned in our review, the iPhone 16 Pro looks almost the same as its predecessors, such as the iPhone 15 Pro, which in turn resembled the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro.
The new colors, updated placement of the camera system, and the introduction of Action and Camera Control buttons make the iPhone 16 the winner in terms of design.
Winner: Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: display
Last year, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro shared the same screen size, but Apple has made the Pro phones 0.2 inches larger this year. This means the iPhone 16 Pro is slightly taller at 5.89 inches (versus 5.81 inches), but just 0.01 inch narrower and thicker than the iPhone 16. It also features narrower bezels, which Apple says are the thinnest bezels of any Apple product.
If you’ve been waiting for a slightly larger iPhone display but find the iPhone 16 Plus or iPhone 16 Pro Max too large, the iPhone 16 Pro could be just right for you. This also means the iPhone 16 Pro has the same 6.3-inch display size as the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.
Both displays have 1,000 nits typical brightness, 1,600 nits for HDR content, and 2,000 nits peak brightness for outdoor use. They can also dim down to just 1 nit in dark conditions, which will help prevent them from blinding you in a dark room.
Beyond the size differences, these displays share many of the same characteristics. They both use Apple’s Super Retina XDR OLED display, but the iPhone 16 Pro has ProMotion features, which means an adaptable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz based on the displayed content. The iPhone 16 Pro also comes with an Always On Display – enabled by the ProMotion display – that is lacking from the iPhone 16.
Both displays are protected by Ceramic Shield, which Apple claims is the strongest glass on any iPhone. Based on the previous generation, it will protect against drops, but scratch protection may differ.
In 2024, the main distinction between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro lies in the display refresh rate. The iPhone 16 features a 60Hz refresh rate, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro boasts a higher 120Hz refresh rate. It’s disappointing to see such a significant difference in refresh rates, especially coming from a company like Apple.
Winner: Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Apple iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: cameras
With the iPhone 16 Pro, you get the same 48-megapixel Fusion camera, but an upgraded 48MP ultrawide sensor and the 5x telephoto lens previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The ultrawide sensor will take better photos and enable 48MP macro photography, while the upgraded telephoto lens is ideal if you like to zoom in before capturing pictures.
Both cameras come with a range of new software tricks that take advantage of the latest cameras, and the iPhone 16 Pro gains a few more exclusive ones. Both feature Audio Mix, which lets users adjust the sound with different effects after capturing a video. They can both also capture spatial photos and videos for use with the Apple Vision Pro, while the iPhone 16 Pro also gains Dolby Vision and 4k recording at 120 frames per second (fps).
We’ve been thoroughly impressed with the iPhone 16’s camera system. The main camera is a true standout. The level of detail captured is incredible; you can practically zoom in forever and still see sharp textures. Colors are vibrant but natural, especially noticeable in shots with greenery or flowers. Focus is lightning-fast and excels in low light, producing bright, clear images with minimal noise. While the ultrawide camera doesn’t quite match the primary lens, it’s still a solid performer, especially in landscapes where you want to capture a wider field of view. Macro photography is a real treat, allowing me to capture amazing closeups with incredible detail. Finally, the selfie camera is as reliable as ever, producing crisp, explicit self-portraits with accurate skin tones. Portrait mode continues to impress with its natural-looking background blur.
The iPhone 16 Pro’s camera isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a creative powerhouse. From stunning everyday shots to professional-level videography, this phone redefines what’s possible in mobile photography. This system’s heart is a 48MP primary camera that delivers exceptional results. Details are incredibly sharp, capturing textures and subtle nuances beautifully. Colors are vibrant without oversaturated, and the dynamic range is impressive, preserving detail in both highlights and shadows.
The new 48MP ultrawide camera expands your perspective, capturing sweeping landscapes and detailed macro shots with equal ease. The 5x telephoto opens up new creative possibilities, perfect for capturing distant subjects with clarity, like wildlife or architectural details, without sacrificing image quality.
Photographic Styles go beyond simple filters, letting you personalize your image style by adjusting Tone and Warmth. Imagine capturing a portrait with richer tones and a warmer feel or a landscape with cooler tones for a more dramatic effect. The best part? You can fine-tune these styles even after taking the shot. For aspiring filmmakers and content creators, the iPhone 16 Pro offers ProRAW for maximum editing flexibility and ProRes video recording for broadcast-quality footage. You can even shoot in Log format for greater dynamic range and color grading possibilities.
Ultimately, the iPhone 16 Pro’s camera system is a game-changer. Whether you are a casual photographer looking to elevate your everyday shots or a serious creative seeking professional-level tools, this phone delivers an unparalleled mobile photography experience.
Where the camera system of the iPhone 16 is very good, the one on the iPhone 16 Pro is exceptional and that’s a difference worth considering.
Winner: Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Apple iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: software and performance
To quote Apple, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are designed from the ground up with Apple Intelligence in mind. In practice, they feature the latest 3nm processors, which offer big increases in memory bandwidth and much better gaming and AI performance.
This year’s iPhone 16 is the first non-Pro iPhone powered by the same technology standard as its Pro siblings. It’s powered by the A18 processor, which features a six-core CPU with two performance and four efficiency cores. The processor is designed to be up to twice as fast for on-device machine learning as the iPhone 15, is up to 30% faster in general tasks, and has a desktop-class five-core GPU that’s up to 40% faster than the iPhone 15.
The iPhone 16 Pro features the A18 Pro chipset, which offers many of the same benefits and has one more core in its GPU. With the same number of CPU and Neural Engine cores in both chipsets, performance is likely very similar, especially for everyday tasks and Apple Intelligence. Hardware-based ray tracing is present in both chipsets, which means the non-Pro iPhone can also run desktop-class games like Assassin’s Creed and Resident Evil 7 for the first time.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro run iOS 18 out of the box, and Apple Intelligence features will roll out over the coming weeks and months. In a software update later this year, the Camera Control button will gain new Vision Intelligence features similar to those offered by Google in Gemini AI.
If you’re a big mobile gamer, it would be better to choose the iPhone 16 Pro in order to make the most of the A18 Pro chip. Otherwise, the A18 chip in the iPhone 16 is excellent – and a significant improvement over the A16 Bionic chip in the iPhone 15 that it replaced.
Winner: Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Apple iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: battery life and charging
While the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro offer all-day battery life for average users, we found some notable differences in their performance.
With the iPhone 16, we consistently achieved around six hours of screen-on time, quickly getting us through a full day of moderate use, including social media, web browsing, photography, and some light gaming. However, the iPhone 16 Pro’s battery life was less impressive. With similar usage patterns, we averaged about four-and-a-half hours of screen-on time. While this should still be sufficient for most users, power users or those relying heavily on demanding apps might reach for a charger sooner. The discrepancy in battery life between the two models could be attributed to the iPhone 16 Pro’s more powerful processor and always-on display, which consumes additional power.
Both phones offer fast-charging capabilities. The iPhone 16 can be topped up from 5% to 60% in 30 minutes, providing a quick boost. The iPhone 16 Pro charges even faster, reaching 50% in about 30 minutes. While not the absolute fastest charging on the market, it’s still significantly improved over previous generations. While the iPhone 16 Pro’s charging speed is respectable, it lags behind competitors like the OnePlus 12, which boasts a full charge in 30 minutes.
Winner: Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: verdict
The iPhone 16 is a game-changer. It’s not just a fantastic deal; it’s possibly the best iPhone for most users, providing a nearly identical experience to the Pro model at a significantly lower cost. With a starting price of $799 for 128GB of storage, it’s $ 200 cheaper than the iPhone 16 Pro, making it a budget-friendly choice.
The iPhone 16 Pro pulls ahead with its telephoto lens, ideal for capturing distant subjects with clarity, and a slightly larger display featuring ProMotion’s buttery-smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Its ultrawide camera also boasts a higher resolution for even more detailed shots. While both phones feature Ceramic Shield front cover glass, the iPhone 16 Pro boasts a more durable titanium frame than the iPhone 16’s aluminum frame.
However, if those features aren’t essential, the iPhone 16 shines. If you crave personalization, the iPhone 16 comes in a wider array of vibrant colors to match your style, while the Pro models offer a more refined, professional palette.
The iPhone 16 offers an outstanding experience that competes with the Pro model in almost every aspect. Unless you absolutely need the telephoto lens or ProMotion display, the iPhone 16 is the top choice for most users, providing exceptional value and performance.