iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Is it worth switching to Pro?

Apples iPhone 16 The lineup is there, and you may be wondering whether you should go for the $800 base model or pay more for it 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 features two new hardware buttons (the action button and Camera control button), a larger battery, a new ultrawide camera and a new A18 chip. Plus, it will get Apple Intelligence at some point.

But the iPhone 16 Pro also has impressive additions. All three rear cameras are new or new to the phone. The Pro also has a larger screen with thinner bezels, a new processor (Apple’s A18 Pro chip), and unique features like 4K slow-motion video recording at 120 frames per second. Similar to 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 challenging. But here’s a breakdown of the key specs and features for each device to help you make that decision.

See more: Best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases

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 128GB, $1,100 for 256GB, $1,300 for 512GB, and $1,500 for 1TB.

iPhone 16 specs vs. iPhone 16 Pro

	Apple iPhone 16	Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Display size, technology, resolution, refresh rate	6.1-inch OLED display; 2,556 x 1,179 pixels; Refresh rate 60Hz; 2,000 nits	6.3-inch OLED display; 2,622 x 1,206 pixels; 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate; 2,000 nits
Pixel density	460ppi	460ppi
Dimensions (inches)	5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches	5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches
Dimensions (mm)	147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm	149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25mm
Weight (grams, ounces)	170g, 6oz	199g, 7.03oz
Mobile software	iOS 18	iOS 18
camera	48 megapixels (wide), 12 megapixels (ultrawide)	48 megapixels (wide angle), 48 megapixels (ultra wide angle), 12 megapixels (5x telephoto)
Front-facing camera	12 megapixels	12 megapixels
Video recording	4K at 60 fps; spatial video at 1080p and 30 frames per second	4K up to 120 fps; spatial video at 1080p and 30 frames per second
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 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 to 15W	Up to 27 hours of video playback; Up to 22 hours of video playback (streamed). MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 to 15W
Fingerprint sensor	None (face recognition)	None (face recognition)
Plug	USB-C	USB-C
Headphone jack	NO	NO
Special features	Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera control button, Dynamic Island, Display brightness range from 1 to 2000 nits, IP68 resistance, Colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine	Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera control button, Dynamic Island, Display 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)
The price for 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

A main advantage of Apple’s iPhone Pro models is the higher quality camera for photos and videos.

As for the rear cameras, the base model iPhone 16 has a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, while the 16 Pro has a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera with a larger and faster 48-megapixel image sensor. Ultra wide-angle camera and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. Both phones feature the same 12-megapixel TrueDepth front camera.

For videos, the iPhone 16 can shoot 4K recordings at 60 frames per second in addition to spatial 1080p videos at 30 frames per second. The 16 Pro has the same spatial video capacity, 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

If you want to do more with your camera (or just want to zoom in on a concert without losing quality), the Pro’s premium features might be tempting.

View, 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, making animations, scrolling and gaming look smoother. Both have a pixel density of 460 ppi and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits.

The iPhone 16 is 5.81 inches tall, 2.82 inches wide and 0.31 inches thick. The 16 Pro’s dimensions aren’t too far off: 5.89 inches high, 2.81 inches wide, and 0.32 inches thick. The Baseline 16 weighs 170g (6 ounces), while the Pro weighs 199g (7.03 ounces). The materials also vary: the iPhone 16 has an aluminum housing, while the 16 Pro is made of titanium alloy.

Both have Dynamic Island as well as an action button and a 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. All are waterproof and have an IP68 rating.

Both support charging via USB-C. Since there’s no fingerprint sensor, you’ll have to use Face ID or a passcode.

Batteries, processors and software

Apple doesn’t disclose battery capacity, but says the iPhone 16 has up to 22 hours of video playback (18 hours streamed), while the 16 Pro has up to 27 hours of video playback (22 hours streamed). Both feature wired charging (Apple doesn’t disclose the speed) and MagSafe wireless charging at up to 25 watts with a 30-watt adapter or higher. They also support Qi2 charging up to 15 watts.

The 16 is powered by an A18 chip, while the 16 Pro features the more powerful (and aptly named) A18 Pro chip. They each come with iOS 18 and will support Apple Intelligence when it launches later this year.

iPhone 16 and 16 Pro: Which one should you buy?

For the majority of people, the iPhone 16 has more than enough to offer. Its cameras are great for photos and videos. The phone runs iOS 18, features notable updates like customizable home screens and apps, new emoji tapbacks for iMessages, and supports satellite SMS. It even comes in a variety of bright, saturated colors. The iPhone 16’s biggest downside is its screen, which still has a 60Hz refresh rate and looks pretty decent compared to Pro iPhones. If you have an iPhone 13 or older, the iPhone 16 is a wonderful upgrade.

However, if you’re looking for even better cameras with the ability to zoom in closer to subjects, or just want a better viewing experience, the iPhone 16 Pro is worth a look. The phone offers enough amenities and offers creative photographers and filmmakers many artistic options – but at a higher price. If you have an iPhone 12 Pro or older, upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro makes sense. If you’re carrying an iPhone 13 Pro and running low on battery capacity, it’s also worth considering the 16 Pro. However, if you have an iPhone 14 Pro or 15 Pro, no upgrade is required.