iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Is it worth going Pro?

of Apple iPhone 16 lineup is here, and you can wonder whether to go with the $800 base model or pay more for iPhone 16 Prowhich starts at $1000.

For the first time in years, Apple’s regular iPhone has received a significant upgrade. iPhone 16 has two new hardware buttons (Action button and Camera control key), a bigger battery, a new ultra-wide camera and a new A18 chip. Plus, it will eventually get Apple Intelligence.

But the iPhone 16 Pro also has impressive extras. All three rear cameras are new or new to the phone. The Pro also has a larger screen with a thinner bezel, a new processor (Apple’s A18 Pro chip), and unique features like 4K 120fps slow-motion video recording. 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 a challenge. But here’s a rundown of key specs and features for each device to help you with that decision.

See more: The best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases

Price 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 vs iPhone 16 Pro specs

	Apple iPhone 16	Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Screen size, technology, resolution, refresh rate	6.1-inch OLED screen; 2556 x 1179 pixels; 60 Hz refresh rate; 2000 nits	6.3-inch OLED screen; 2622 x 1206 pixels; 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate; 2000 nits
Pixel density	460 ppi	460 ppi
Dimensions (inches)	5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches	5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches
Dimensions (millimeters)	147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm	149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm
Weight (grams, ounces)	170 g, 6 oz	199 g, 7.03 oz
Mobile software	iOS 18	iOS 18
cAMERA	48 megapixels (wide), 12 megapixels (ultrawide)	48 megapixel (wide), 48 megapixel (ultrawide), 12 megapixel (5x telephoto)
Front camera	12 megapixels	12 megapixels
Video capture	4K at 60 fps; space video in 1080p at 30fps	4K up to 120 fps; space video in 1080p at 30fps
maker	A18	A18 Pro
RAM/storage	128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Expandable storage space	No.	No.
The battery	Video review up to 22 hours; up to 18 hours of video playback (streamed). MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W or higher adapter; Qi2 to 15W	Video review up to 27 hours; video playback up to 22 hours (streamed). MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W or higher adapter; Qi2 to 15W
Fingerprint sensor	None (Face ID)	None (Face ID)
connective	USB-C	USB-C
Headphone jack	No.	No.
Special features	Apple Intelligence, Action Button, Camera Control Button, Dynamic Island, Screen Brightness Range from 1 to 2000 nits, IP68 Resistance, Colors: Black, White, Pink, Brown, Ultramarine	Apple Intelligence, Action Button, Camera Control Button, Dynamic Island, Screen Brightness Range from 1 to 2000 nits, IP68 Resistance, Colors: Titanium Black, Titanium White, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium
US pricing starts at	$799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB)	$999 (128GB), $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB), $1,499 (1TB)
UK pricing starts at	£799 (128GB), £899 (256GB), £1,099 (512GB)	£999 (128GB), £1,099 (256GB), £1,299 (512GB), £1,499 (1TB)
Pricing in Australia starts at	AU$1,399 (128GB), AU$1,599 (256GB), AU$1,949 (512GB)	AU$1799 (128GB), AU$1999 (256GB), AU$2349 (512GB), AU$2699 (1TB)

Cameras: The Pro’s big selling point

A major draw for Apple’s iPhone Pro models is the top-notch camera, both for photos and videos.

When it comes to rear cameras, the base iPhone 16 has a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, while the 16 Pro has a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera with a larger image sensor and fast, 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera and 12-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. Both phones have the same 12-megapixel TrueDepth front-facing camera.

For video, the iPhone 16 can shoot in 4K at 60 frames per second, in addition to 1080p spatial video at 30 frames per second. The 16 Pro has the same spatial video capacity, but can also shoot 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’re looking to do more with your camera (or just zoom in on a gig without losing quality), the Pro’s premium features may be tempting.

Screens, size and weight

The iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch OLED screen, while the 16 Pro is 6.3 inches. 16 has a 60Hz refresh rate, while the Pro has a 120Hz refresh rate, making animations, movements and games look smoother. Both have a pixel density of 460 ppi and a maximum brightness of 2000 nits.

The iPhone 16 is 5.81 inches long, 2.82 inches wide and 0.31 inches thick. The 16 Pro’s dimensions aren’t far off: 5.89 inches tall, 2.81 wide, and 0.32 inches thick. The base 16 weighs 170g (6 ounces), while the Pro is 199g (7.03 ounces). Materials also differ, with the iPhone 16 featuring an aluminum enclosure, while the 16 Pro is made with a titanium alloy.

Both include Dynamic Island, as well as the action button and camera control button.

The iPhone 16 comes in Black, White, Pink, Brown and Ultramarine, while the iPhone 16 Pro comes in Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium and Desert Titanium. Each is water resistant, with an IP68 rating.

Both support USB-C charging. There’s no fingerprint sensor, so you’ll need 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 of streaming), while the 16 Pro has up to 27 hours of video playback (22 hours of streaming). Both have wired charging (Apple doesn’t disclose the speed), and MagSafe wireless charging up to 25 watts with a 30-watt or higher adapter. They also support Qi2 charging, up to 15 watts.

The 16 is powered by an A18 chip, while the 16 Pro packs the more powerful (and aptly named) A18 Pro chip. Each comes with iOS 18 and will support Apple Intelligence when it arrives later this year.

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

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

But if you’re looking for even better cameras with the ability to zoom in closer to your subjects or just want a better display experience, the iPhone 16 Pro is worth a look. The phone has plenty of charm and offers creative photography and videography types plenty of artistic options — albeit at a higher price. If you have an iPhone 12 Pro or older, then upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro makes sense. If you’re rocking an iPhone 13 Pro and the battery capacity is running low, the 16 Pro is also worth considering. But if you have an iPhone 14 Pro or 15 Pro, there’s no need to upgrade.