iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16: Which Model Is Worth Your Money?

Do you prefer a small phone or a big one? Would you rather have a no-frills, modern smartphone or a top-of-the-line release?

These two questions are the ones you need to ask yourself to determine the best iPhone model for your needs.

That being said, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro aren’t the only models out there. A total of four have been announced and launched last September 9, 2024. 

The other two phones in the lineup are the iPhone 16 Plus and the 16 Pro Max, both of which feature a larger screen and increased battery life when compared to their respective counterpart.

That being said, the iPhone 16 and Pro versions both still carry an excellent legacy under the Apple brand, featuring enhanced performance, camera features, and value in a distinct way from their predecessors and counterparts. They’re also the cheaper variant of their respective iPhone 16 variant.

If you’re wondering whether the iPhone 16 or the iPhone 16 Pro version is better, then you’re in the right place. We’ll break down the differences between the two and showcase their strengths and fallbacks in greater detail.

Let’s begin!

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Specs at a Glance

The technical differences of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are listed down below. 

Do note that there are functions unmentioned, such as SIM card and AI features, as they are the same for both iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro smartphone variants.

Feature	iPhone 16	iPhone 16 Pro
Chip	A18 chip; 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU	A18 Pro; 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU
Display	6.1” Super Retina XDR display	6.3” ProMotion technology
Weight	170 grams	199 grams
Size	5.8 x 2.8 x 0.31 inches	5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches
Material	Aluminium with glass back	Titanium with textured matte glass back
Camera	48 MP Fusion camera; 12 MP ultra-wide camera	48 MP Fusion camera; 48 MP ultra-wide; 48 MP macro photography; Apple ProRAW
Video	4K at up to 60 frames per second	4K at up to 120 frames per second
Battery	22 hours of video playback; 80 hours of audio playback	27 hours of video playback; 85 hours of audio playback
Screen size	2556-by-1179-pixel resolution at 460 ppi	2622-by-1206-pixel resolution at 460 ppi
Refresh Rate	60 Hz	120 Hz
Connector	USB-C; supports USB 2	USB-C, supports USB 3 for faster charging

Both iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro variants have a Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, Face ID features, 5G cellular connectivity, and AI functionality that will roll out in a few days. 

With all these features, you should have a general idea of the capabilities of the phone that you’re picking.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Pricing Plans

The price of the iPhone depends on your desired storage capacity. Here’s a breakdown of the price per storage size as of October 2024:

Size	iPhone 16 Price (in USD)	iPhone 16 Pro Price (in USD)
128 GB	$799	$999
256 GB	$899	$1,099
512 GB	$1,099	$1,299
1 TB	–	$1,499

You can spread out payment through a pre-arranged instalment basis that allows you to pay in a 12-, 24-, or 36-month contract to either Apple or your chosen retailer.

Typically, paying with these terms comes with interest rates—increasing the total purchase price of the phone. But there are some scenarios wherein you can qualify for 0% interest, such as if you own an Apple Card with monthly instalments enabled. 

Some retailers also give out special 0% interest promotion rates like Vodafone's iPhone 16 Pro and their $49.97 AUD a month payment term for a 36-month contract based in Australia. 

Be sure to review your provider’s contract and talk with an agent to ensure that you’re able to purchase a phone with your preferred payment terms.

Comparing The Models: A Closer Look

While the iPhone 16 Pro runs circles around the iPhone 16 on almost all fronts, it also comes at a much higher price tag. The question of whether these improvements warrant a jump in cost is ultimately up to the person deciding on the phone and their financial circumstances.

In any case, both models are powerhouses in the smartphone space—especially as soon as Apple Intelligence rolls out later in 2024. These two models deserve serious contemplation, especially in terms of the value proposition they bring to the table.

If you’re at the crossroads of making a final decision, we’ll help remove that blanket of haze. Let’s dive into the key differences in design, performance, and features to help you become more informed on the best iPhone 16 model for your needs.

Display

The standard iPhone 16 model has the standard 60 Hz refresh rate and a 6.1-inch OLED screen. This is usable and more than enough for texting, media consumption, and mobile gaming.

The iPhone 16 Pro comes with an enhanced ProMotion technology, enabling a 120 Hz refresh rate—making scrolling and responses feel buttery smooth. It also has a larger screen size which can make for a more immersive phone session, whether it’s reading, writing emails, or gaming.

Touch and Feel

The iPhone 16 uses an aluminium frame with a glass back, balancing both durability and lightweightedness. It has rounded corners and weighs less than 170 grams, making it the lightest among all other iPhone 16 variants released.

On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro has a premium titanium frame and a textured matte glass back. It’s also heavier at 199 grams. The combination of sturdy materials and a heavier weight gives the phone a more luxurious and high-end feel.

Performance

Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro have stellar performances that match their respective tier. The iPhone 16’s dedicated CPU and GPU have 6 cores and 5 cores respectively, which makes it a highly capable workhorse for everyday tasks.

However, the iPhone 16 Pro punches a weight higher with its dedicated A18 Pro chip, featuring 6-core CPU and GPU capabilities. This makes computer processing quicker and graphic fidelity richer and smoother. If you have an intensive workload, the 16 Pro is the undeniable top pick.

Camera and Video Quality

Both iPhone variants offer exceptional camera quality at 48 MP, particularly when taking standard shots. They also come with a dedicated Camera Control button—the brand’s first dedicated picture-taking button.

However, when it comes to overall camera quality, the iPhone 16 Pro is in a league of its own with a 48 MP ultra-wide camera and 4K and 60 Hz video settings. A powerful telephoto lens, macro functionalities, and .raw file extraction also allow users to create a wide range of compositions, which makes it a superior option for photographers.

Battery Life

Even with the better performance, the iPhone 16 Pro has a much better battery life compared to the iPhone 16. 

In particular, the Pro model offers 5 more hours of video playback (at 27 hours) compared to the iPhone 16 model (at 22 hours). This is because it has a more efficient chipset and a larger battery capacity.

Furthermore, the iPhone 16 Pro can also be fast-charged with a USB-C cord of 30 to 45W. This makes it a great option for people on the go who need a quick charge.

Storage

Both phones have 128, 256, and 512 GB storage options—making them capable of holding a vast majority of everyday files and photos with ease.

However, for people who require even more storage on their phones, the iPhone 16 Pro also offers a 1 TB option. This additional space helps people house more photos, videos, and apps within the phone.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: What Has Better Value?

Apple’s latest iPhone variants have brought forth a revolutionary new wave of features, thanks to its to-be-released AI integration. 

Hardware and software system enhancements have also been introduced in these models, helping shape the smartphone into becoming a more convenient tool for your daily life.

It also comes with the all-too-familiar Apple price tag. So what should you, as the buyer, pick as your next everyday smartphone?

The answer is: it depends! If you’re someone who needs a modern, reliable smartphone but doesn’t need all the fancy bells and whistles, you’ll be satisfied with the iPhone 16.

However, if you need a big display, want the best features, and enjoy dabbling in photography and intensive tasks on your phone, then the iPhone 16 Pro may be worth the extra $200 cost.

Ultimately, how you choose to spend your money is up to you and your financial abilities. Regardless, we hope the information above will help guide you into making the best purchasing decision.

Happy buying!