How to pick between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro
What exactly makes an iPhone "Pro"? Given how often features from the high-end model also make their way to the standard iPhone, it's a tricky question to answer, but there are a number of additional “pro-level” features designed to tempt buyers to upgrade from an older regular iPhone to the newest "Pro" model.
The simplest way I can describe the difference between the standard phone and the Pro is that all the newest features tend to launch on the Pro first, but many have gradually made their way to the more affordable handset. And, as I said in Good Housekeeping's iPhone 16 review, this year's model is a seriously powerful phone.
When deciding between Apple’s iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Pro, the key factors I'd consider are performance, features, and price. Both models are impressive in their own right, but the Pro version does deliver a few more advanced capabilities for those after the latest and greatest from Apple. At the same time, the regular iPhone 16 is an excellent choice if you don't think you'd make use of those features.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Display
The iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch screen, which is already a great size for everyday use. However, the iPhone 16 Pro features a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, which, while not a huge jump, gives you a bit more screen space.
There's a similar difference between the iPhone 16 Plus (6.7 inches) and the iPhone 16 Pro Max (6.9 inches), and it's worth noting that these changes are mostly from thinner black edges (also called bezels) around the display.
The real difference is the display technology. The iPhone 16 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is fine for most tasks, but the iPhone 16 Pro has a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This means the screen is smoother, especially when scrolling or playing games. In use, you may or may not notice the difference.
The Pro model also has an always-on display feature, allowing you to see important information like the time or notifications without unlocking the phone (especially with the iPhone's StandyBy feature, which works on charging stands) – something the iPhone 16 does not offer at all unfortunately.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Design
In terms of build, the iPhone 16 is made from lightweight and durable aluminium, while the iPhone 16 Pro has a titanium frame. You can feel the difference if you hold them side-by-side. The iPhone 16 is lighter while titanium gives the Pro a slightly more premium feel in the hand.
The available buttons are the same now too, with both the iPhone 16 and the 16 Pro having the “Camera Control” button and a customisable “Action Button” to replace the mute switch on the left-hand side. Both models have MagSafe and wireless charging, as well as a USB-C port for wired charging and file transfers.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Colours
There's also a difference in available colours to consider. This year, Apple has refreshed its colour lineup for the iPhone 16 models, bringing back a simple White in addition to Ultramarine (a deep blue), Teal, Pink, and Black. These are bolder and more exciting colours than on the iPhone 15, and less subtle and neutral than the iPhone 16 Pro's colours.
The Pro is offered in a range of titanium finishes: Black, White, “Natural Titanium” and “Desert Titanium” (a new bronze shade). They're sophisticated colours, but not quite as fun as the ones available in the standard iPhone.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Cameras
The biggest difference between the two models comes in the camera department. The iPhone 16 has an impressive dual-camera system, including a 48-megapixel (MP) main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, perfect for most users.
However, the iPhone 16 Pro adds a third lens: a 12MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. This makes the Pro model the better option if you’re into photography, as it allows for much sharper zoomed-in shots without losing quality – and it's worth mentioning that it also has an upgraded 48MP ultra-wide lens.
The Pro has more advanced photo and video editing tools with support for "ProRAW" formats that the iPhone 16 lacks, making it a potentially better pick if you love to take photos.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Performance and battery life
The iPhone 16 is powered by Apple’s A18 chip, which is super fast and efficient no matter what you're doing on your phone.
The iPhone 16 Pro, however, has the A18 Pro chip. The difference between these processors is more minor this year than in previous years, but the A18 Pro is marginally more powerful and better equipped for handling demanding tasks like heavy gaming. I don't think the difference in performance will be noticeable for the average buyer. However, those who use their phones for intensive tasks may appreciate the extra power in the Pro.
Battery life is improved on the Pro models too, with the iPhone 16 Pro lasting for up to 27 hours of video playback in Apple’s tests, compared to 22 hours on the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 Plus should also deliver up to 27 hours of video playback, but it's outperformed by the 16 Pro Max, which is claimed to get up to 33 hours of video playback from a full battery.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Price and storage
The other big difference is price, of course. Apple has stuck with the same prices from last year with the iPhone 16 starting at £799 and the iPhone 16 Plus starting at £899. Meanwhile, stepping up to the Pro will cost you a fair bit more.
The iPhone 16 Pro starts from £999 for 128GB of storage, while the bigger iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at £1,199 for 256GB of space (it's not offered with 128GB).
It's also worth knowing that there's one extra storage option if you go with the Pro models – they're available with either 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of space, while the iPhone 16 is only offered with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB.
Verdict: Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro
In the end, the choice between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro really just comes down to how much you’re willing to spend and how you use your phone.
If you need the extra camera capabilities, smoother display, and a bit more processing power, the Pro is worth the upgrade.
But if you’re looking for a fantastic phone at a lower price, the iPhone 16 delivers on all the essentials and more.
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