Deciding between the latest iPhone models can be a challenge, especially when Apple offers compelling options like the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. While the gap in features may have narrowed slightly, the iPhone 16 Pro still boasts several exclusive enhancements and generational upgrades that might sway your decision. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of these two smartphones to help you determine which best suits your needs.
One of the most immediately noticeable distinctions, aside from the new Action button available on all iPhone 16 models, is the display size. The iPhone 16 Pro now sports a larger 6.3-inch screen, a step up from the 6.1-inch display of its predecessor and the standard iPhone 16. This increase in screen real estate is achieved through slimmer bezels, keeping the overall phone size only marginally larger than the iPhone 16. However, the iPhone 16 Pro does carry a bit more weight, tipping the scales at 199 grams (7.03 ounces) compared to the iPhone 16’s 170 grams (6.00 ounces). Furthermore, the Pro models retain exclusive display technologies such as the Always-On display and the super-smooth ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, features that have been hallmarks of the Pro lineup for generations.
Alt text: Close-up comparison of iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 screens, highlighting the larger display and reduced bezel size of the Pro model.
Color selection is another area where Apple differentiates its iPhone models. The standard iPhone 16 typically embraces a more consumer-oriented approach with vibrant and playful color options. In contrast, the Pro models lean towards a more sophisticated, business-like aesthetic, characterized by micro-blasted metallic finishes. The iPhone 16 Pro color palette for this year remains largely consistent with the iPhone 15 Pro, with the introduction of Desert Titanium, a new shade replacing Blue Titanium. Desert Titanium offers an elegant hue that shifts between bronze and a subtle rose gold depending on the lighting conditions. Ultimately, the color might be a minor consideration for many, as protective cases are often used despite Apple’s claims of enhanced durability with their next-generation Ceramic Shield technology, advertised to be twice as resilient as any smartphone glass.
Alt text: Image showcasing the Desert Titanium color variant of the iPhone 16 Pro, emphasizing its bronze and rose gold color shifting effect under different lighting.
While the external design might appear subtly refined, significant changes lie beneath the surface. Internal design enhancements, including modifications to the aluminum thermal substructure and optimized back glass, contribute to improved heat dissipation. Apple claims these improvements result in up to 20 percent better sustained performance compared to the iPhone 15 Pro.
Powering the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max is the advanced A18 Pro chip, a step above the A18 chip found in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. Benchmark tests, such as Geekbench, demonstrate this performance gap. In tests, the iPhone 16 Pro Max achieved a score of 8,146, outperforming the iPhone 16’s score of 7,828. The A18 Pro also boasts twice the speed in hardware-accelerated ray tracing, promising enhanced gaming experiences. In everyday use, the raw processing power of the A18 Pro might not be fully utilized unless you engage in demanding tasks like professional video editing or play graphically intensive games such as “Resident Evil Village” at maximum settings. However, this has been a consistent distinction of the Pro models, offering headroom for power users and future-proofing.
Alt text: Chart displaying Geekbench benchmark scores comparing the performance of the A18 Pro chip in iPhone 16 Pro Max versus the A18 chip in iPhone 16.
Photography is a key differentiator where the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max truly excel compared to the iPhone 16 and Plus. While in some previous generations, the Pro Max held a camera advantage, this year, the iPhone 16 Pro shares the same advanced camera system as the 16 Pro Max.
Staying true to tradition, the Pro model features a triple-lens rear camera array, while the iPhone 16 utilizes a dual-lens setup. For 2024, a new 48MP Fusion camera with a second-generation quad-pixel sensor takes center stage in the Pro models. The rear camera system comprises a 48MP f/1.78 Fusion lens, a 48MP f/2.2 Ultra Wide lens, and a 12MP f/2.8 Telephoto lens. Notably, the telephoto lens now offers 5x optical zoom capabilities on the Pro, a feature previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The introduction of a new 48MP Ultra Wide camera with a more sophisticated quad-pixel sensor further elevates the Pro models, enabling high-resolution 48MP ProRAW and HEIF photos. Macro photography, a feature present in Pro iPhones for some time, is now also available on the iPhone 16. To maintain a Pro advantage, the iPhone 16 Pro now offers 48MP macro photos. Furthermore, second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization is incorporated into the Pro models for enhanced image and video stability.
Alt text: Close-up view of the iPhone 16 Pro’s rear camera module, showcasing the triple-lens array and advanced sensor technology.
The new 48MP Fusion camera unlocks Cinematic Slo-mo for the Pro iPhones, enabling 4K 120fps Dolby Vision video recording, an upgrade from the 4K/60fps capability of the iPhone 15 Pro. Apple has also incorporated what they describe as a studio-quality four-mic array for superior audio capture. Additionally, users can now remix audio within videos, allowing for the reduction or modification of specific audio elements like background noise or off-screen conversations.
While these advanced camera features are undeniably impressive, their significance might be more pronounced for professional photographers and individuals pursuing filmmaking aspirations. For the average user, the iPhone 16 Pro offers a compelling set of upgrades, particularly in display and camera technology, justifying its position as the premium choice within the iPhone lineup when Comparing Apple Iphones.
