Hello! I’ve tested every iPhone, from the low-cost $599 mid-range iPhone model to the super-powerful iPhone models that cost over $1,600.
Today, in this article, we’ll look at which is better, the iPhone 16 or the iPhone 16 Pro. Which iPhone should you get? In this process of choosing an iPhone, you could end up wasting your money on features that you may never use, and, worse, you could be missing out on some important features that you might really like.
Don’t worry — I’ll simply explain everything so you can be sure to understand which iPhone fits your lifestyle (and which ones you should avoid).
iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro Features
iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro Design
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Height: 147.6 mm Width: 71.6 mm Thickness: 7.80 mm | Height: 149.6 mm Width: 71.5 mm Thickness: 8.25 mm |
| Weight | 170 grams | 199 grams |
| Build Material | Back-Textured Matt Glass | Water resistant, IP68 (up to 30 minutes at a depth of 6 meters) |
| Water Resistance | Water resistant, IP68, (up to 30 minutes at a depth of 6 meters) | Back-Color-Infused Glass |
| Ruggedness | Dust proof | Dust proof |
iPhone 16 is smaller and lighter than iPhone 16 Pro. iPhone 16 measures 147.6 mm in height, 71.6 mm in width, and 7.80 mm in thickness. It weighs 170 grams. The iPhone 16 Pro is slightly taller (149.6 mm), slightly thinner (71.5 mm), but slightly thicker (8.25 mm). The phone weighs 199 grams, which is 29 grams more than the iPhone 16.
The back of the iPhone 16 is made of glass with a rough matte finish. It does not show fingerprints easily. The iPhone 16 Pro uses smooth and brightly colored glass, which looks shiny and expensive.
In short, the iPhone 16 Pro is thicker and heavier than the regular iPhone 16. This is because its larger camera system and additional technology inside require more space. The regular iPhone 16 is thinner and lighter, so it is easy to hold and put in your pocket. Both phones are equally strong. Both can withstand water, drops, and dust. The back of the two phones also looks different: the iPhone 16 has a matte finish (not glossy), while the iPhone 16 Pro has a smooth, glossy glass-like back.
iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro Display
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Excellent | Excellent |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR |
| Screen Size | 6.1″ (15.49 cm) | 6.3″ (16 cm) |
| Resolution | 1179×2556 px (FHD+) | 1206×2622 px (FHD+) |
| Peak Brightness | 2000 nits | 2000 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 19.5:9 | 19.5:9 |
| Pixel Density | 461 ppi | 458 ppi |
| Screen to Body Ratio (calc.) | 86.24% | 90.89% |
| Screen Protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bezel-less Display | ✓ with punch-hole | ✓ with punch-hole |
| HDR 10 / HDR+ Support | ✓ | ✓ |
The iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch screen, while the 16 Pro has a slightly larger 6.3-inch display – both use the same excellent Super Retina XDR technology and get equally bright (2000 nits) for easy outdoor viewing. The biggest difference is smoothness: the regular 16 refreshes at 60 times per second (60Hz), good for everyday use, but the Pro refreshes at 120 times per second (120Hz), making scrolling, games, and animations feel super smooth. The Pro also has thinner borders around the screen (90.89% screen-to-body ratio vs. 86.24% on the 16), giving you more display in a similar-sized phone. Both have the same hole-punch front camera design, strong screen protection, and support HDR for vibrant movies and shows. Sharpness is nearly identical too (461 vs 458 pixels per inch), so text and images look equally crisp on both models.
In short – Choose the Pro for a larger screen, smoother motion, and more immersive display. Choose the regular 16 if you prefer a compact size and don’t need the highest refresh rate. Both deliver top-notch quality.
Performance – iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Apple A18 Pro |
| CPU | Hexa Core (4.04 GHz, Dual core + 2.2 GHz, Quad core) | Hexa Core (4.05 GHz, Dual core + 2.42 GHz, Quad core) |
| Architecture | 64 bit | 64 bit |
| Fabrication | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| Graphics (GPU) | Apple GPU (Five-core graphics) | Apple GPU (Six-core graphics) |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5 | LPDDR5X |
Both phones are very fast and have the same 8 GB of RAM, but the iPhone 16 Pro has a more powerful chip for heavy tasks. The regular iPhone 16 uses the Apple A18 chip, while the Pro uses the stronger A18 Pro chip. Both chips have six cores (like six workers), but the Pro’s cores are faster – its two main “power” cores run at 4.05 GHz (vs. 4.04 GHz in the 16), and its four “efficiency” cores run at 2.42 GHz (vs. 2.2 GHz in the 16). For graphics (important in games and videos), the iPhone 16 has a 5-core GPU, while the Pro has a 6-core GPU – meaning the Pro handles demanding graphics better. Both chips are made with the same advanced 3nm technology, so they’re efficient and powerful.
What this means for you –
- The iPhone 16 is excellent for everyday use like social media, photos, and streaming.
- The iPhone 16 Pro is better for intensive tasks like gaming, 4K video editing, or professional apps.
- Both feel smooth for daily activities, but the Pro gives extra power when you push it harder.
Camera – iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro
Main Camera – iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel Phase Detection autofocus | Dual Pixel Phase Detection autofocus |
| OIS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Flash | Dual-color LED Flash | Dual-color LED Flash |
| Image Resolution | 8000 × 6000 Pixels | 8000 × 6000 Pixels |
| Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control | Exposure compensation, ISO control |
| Shooting Modes | Continuous Shooting, HDR, Burst mode, Macro Mode | Continuous Shooting, HDR, Burst mode, Macro Mode |
| Camera Features | 10× Digital Zoom, Auto Flash, Face detection, Touch to focus | 5× Digital Zoom, Apple ProRAW, Auto Flash, Face detection, Touch to focus |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 4K@120fps, 1080p@240fps |
| Video Features | Slow Motion, Video HDR, Night Time-Lapse, Macro Video, Action Mode, Audio Zoom, Stereo recording | Slow Motion, Video HDR, Night Time-Lapse, Macro Video, Action Mode, ProRes Video, Audio Zoom, Stereo recording |
Front Camera – iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Best in Class | Best in Class |
| Resolution | 12 MP f/1.9, Wide Angle (23mm, 1/3.6″ sensor) | 12 MP f/1.9, Wide Angle (23mm, 1/3.6″ sensor) |
| Autofocus | – | – |
| Flash | Retina Flash | Retina Flash |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, 1080p@120fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@120fps |
Both phones take excellent photos and videos with many shared features. They have the same main camera autofocus system (Dual Pixel), the same image stabilization (OIS), the same 48MP photo resolution (8000×6000 pixels), and the same dual-color LED flash. Both can take burst shots, HDR photos, macro photos, and nighttime-lapses. Their front cameras are identical too – 12MP with Retina Flash – and both record 4K selfie videos at 60fps.
Here are some camera samples from the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. Check them out now!
iPhone 16 Series Camera SamplesHere’s where they differ –
- Zoom Ability –
- iPhone 16 offers 10× digital zoom (lets you get closer to faraway subjects).
- iPhone 16 Pro has 5× digital zoom but adds Apple ProRAW (a special feature for professional photo editing).
- Video Recording –
- iPhone 16 records 4K video at 60 frames per second (fps).
- iPhone 16 Pro records smoother 4K video at 120 fps (better for slow-motion) and supports ProRes Video (a high-quality format for filmmakers).
- Pro Features –
- Only the 16 Pro includes Apple ProRAW (for advanced photo editing) and ProRes Video (for professional video work).
What this means for you: You’ll get similar all-day battery life from both models. There’s no charging speed difference – they power up equally fast with cable or wireless. The iPhone 16 Pro’s slightly larger battery won’t affect your daily use at all.
Battery – iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Excellent | Excellent |
| Capacity | 3561 mAh | 3582 mAh |
| Battery Type | Li-ion | Li-ion |
| Quick Charging | 20W Fast Charging, 50% in 30 minutes | 20W Fast Charging, 50% in 30 minutes |
| Wireless Charging | 25W Wireless Charging | 25W Wireless Charging |
Both phones have excellent batteries that perform very similarly. The iPhone 16 has a 3,561 mAh battery, while the 16 Pro has a slightly larger 3,582 mAh battery – that’s just a 21 mAh difference (less than 1%), so you won’t notice any real-world difference in battery life. Both use the same Li-ion battery technology.
What this means – You’ll experience similar all-day battery life from both models, with no difference in charging speed – they power up equally fast whether you use a cable or opt for wireless charging. Furthermore, the iPhone 16 Pro’s slightly larger battery size won’t translate to any noticeable advantage or affect your daily usage at all.
In short: Your battery experience will be the same whether you choose the iPhone 16 or 16 Pro!
Storage – iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB/1 TB |
| Storage Type | NVMe | NVMe |
| External Storage | No | No |
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, both phones use the same super-fast NVMe storage technology and do not support external storage (you cannot add memory cards). The key difference is in the storage options –
- iPhone 16 offers 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage.
- iPhone 16 Pro offers 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB (1024GB) storage.
For most people who take photos, install apps, play music, or watch normal videos, both phones are the same. They come with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage. Both phones work quickly.
But if you take many 4K videos, play big games, or do professional work, only the iPhone 16 Pro has 1TB of storage. This is great if you need space for years of files.
Network & Connectivity – iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro (Same as iPhone 16) |
|---|---|---|
| SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| SIM Type | SIM1: Nano SIM2: eSIM | Identical |
| Network Support | 5G, 4G | Identical |
| VoLTE | ✓ | ✓ |
| 5G Bands (All SIMs) | FDD: N1/N2/N3/N5/N7/N8/N12/N14/N20/N25/N26/N28/N30/N66 TDD: N38/N40/N41/N48/N53/N70/N71/N75/N76/N77/N78/N79 | Identical |
| 4G Bands (All SIMs) | TD-LTE: 38/40/41/34/39/42 FD-LTE: 1/3/7/8/28/2/4/5/13/17/18/19/20/25/26/30 | Identical |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/be/ax) 5GHz/6GHz, MIMO | Identical |
| Wi-Fi Features | Mobile Hotspot | Identical |
| Bluetooth | v5.3 | v5.3 |
| GPS | A-GPS, Glonass | Identical |
| NFC | ✓ | ✓ |
Both phones work on all major carriers worldwide. You’ll get the same fast 5G speeds on either model. No connectivity differences – whether you choose iPhone 16 or 16 Pro, you get identical network performance. All modern features like Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC are equally supported
In short, your network experience will be identical regardless of which model you choose.
Multimedia – iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Stereo Speakers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Jack | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus |
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro have the same sound features. Both phones have two speakers: one at the top and one at the bottom. These speakers give clear, balanced sound for music, videos, and calls.
For headphones: Both phones use USB-C instead of a headphone jack. You need USB-C earphones or a USB-C adapter to plug in headphones.
Both phones also have the same audio tech –
- Dolby Atmos: 3D surround sound (like in movie theaters).
- Dolby Digital/Dolby Digital Plus: Sharp, clear sound for videos and music.
No matter which phone you pick, the sound quality will be the same. Choose between iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro based on other features—they sound identical.
Sensors – iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | No | No |
| Other Sensors | Light, Proximity, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Light, Proximity, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope |
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro have the same sensors. Both use Face ID for security (no fingerprint sensor). They have a light sensor that adjusts screen brightness automatically. There’s a proximity sensor that turns off the screen during calls. Both include an accelerometer to track motion for fitness apps, a barometer to measure altitude for hiking or weather apps, a compass for direction in maps, and a gyroscope for smooth augmented reality experiences. This means the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro work the same for gaming, navigation, and health tracking. Both support advanced features like AR and auto-rotation. There are no sensor differences between the two models. So, choose based on other features—sensor performance is the same in both phones.
Which iPhone Should YOU Buy?
✅ Budget Pick: iPhone 16E ($599) – Best for Casual users who just want a great iPhone for calls, social media, and photos in good light.
✅ Most People: iPhone 16 ($799) – Best for 90% of users. Modern Dynamic Island, great cameras, good battery, and AI. The sweet spot!
✅ Power User: iPhone 16 Pro ($999+) Best for Photo lovers, outdoor adventurers, or if you crave premium design. Max out for best battery.
❌ Skip: iPhone 16 Plus. Why? Too close in price to the Pro. Fewer features than Pro, not much cheaper.
Final Checklist Before Buying
- Compare models side-by-side on Apple’s website.
- Ask yourself:
- Do I take lots of zoom/night photos? → Pro
- Will I use AI features? → Any iPhone 16
- Is battery my #1 concern? → Pro Max
- Avoid older iPhones (like iPhone 14)—they won’t support future AI updates.
💬 Still unsure? Drop a comment below! I’ll help you decide.
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(Note – Prices are base models. Storage upgrades cost extra.)
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