Apple’s new iPhone 16 lineup features four models, but we’re zooming in on the two smaller ones: the iPhone 16 Pro and the standard iPhone 16. If you’re not a fan of giant phones, these are likely the models you’re considering.
Choosing between these two can be tricky, and this year there are some significant differences to weigh. The iPhone 16 Pro boasts a slightly larger screen, a dedicated 5X telephoto camera, and a longer-lasting battery. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 does have a few noteworthy upgrades, but it still lacks the smooth ProMotion display found on the Pro model, sticking with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
Let’s delve deeper into the differences to help you determine if the iPhone 16 Pro is worth the extra cost or if the standard iPhone 16 is the right fit for you.
Design and Display: Pro Gets a Size Boost
For years, the regular iPhone and the Pro model have shared a similar compact size, around 6.1 inches. This year,however, the iPhone 16 Pro gets a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, while the standard model retains the familiar 6.1-inch size.
Fans of compact phones might be a bit disappointed with the larger Pro model, but the increase in size isn’t drastic. The Pro’s slimmer bezels also help keep the overall dimensions in check.
Other familiar design elements remain: a triple camera setup on the Pro and a dual camera system on the standard model (now housed in a pill-shaped island). The iPhone 16 Pro also features a premium titanium frame, while the standard iPhone 16 utilizes an aluminum frame. Both have a frosted glass back, but the standard model offers a more vibrant selection of colors.
All four iPhone 16 models introduce a couple of new buttons. The Action Button sits above the volume keys on the left side, and a new Camera Control button is located below the power button on the right.
The Action Button, familiar from the iPhone 15 Pro series, offers customizable shortcuts. The new Camera Control button acts like a traditional camera shutter: a light press focuses, a full press captures a photo. Its capacitive nature also allows for zooming and other functions.
Both models feature a USB-C port, but the Pro supports faster USB 3 transfer speeds compared to the standard model’s USB 2 speeds. Both offer the same IP68 water and dust resistance.
When it comes to the display, the iPhone 16 Pro’s slightly larger 6.3-inch screen provides a bit more room, while the iPhone 16 sticks with 6.1 inches. Unfortunately, the standard iPhone 16 still lacks the smooth 120Hz ProMotion display found on the Pro model, which is a letdown for some, especially considering its price point.
Both models do get some smaller screen upgrades. They can now dim down to just 1 nit, making them more comfortable for nighttime use. Additionally, they both feature a new Ceramic Shield cover that is said to be tougher than any other smartphone glass.
Performance and Software: Both Get an AI Boost
Apple’s focus on AI with the iPhone 16 series necessitates increased processing power. Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro come equipped with new 3nm chipsets, albeit slightly different ones. The iPhone 16 Pro houses the A18 Pro, while the standard model has the A18.
Both chips utilize the same advanced 3nm manufacturing technology and appear to have the same CPU configuration.The main difference lies in the graphics department, with the Pro model sporting a 6-core GPU compared to the standard model’s 5-core GPU.
Improved heat dissipation materials in both models should benefit extended gaming sessions and AI tasks. The standard iPhone 16 also catches up in terms of RAM, with both models now offering 8GB, likely due to the increased demands of AI features.
In terms of storage, both models start with a 128GB base option. However, the Pro model is available with a massive 1TB storage capacity, while the standard iPhone 16 maxes out at 512GB.
Camera: Pro’s Zoom and Low-Light Prowess
Camera capabilities have traditionally been a major differentiator between Pro and non-Pro iPhones. This year, the gap widens further. The iPhone 16 Pro not only features a more capable 5X zoom camera but also a brand-new 48MP ultra-wide lens with improved low-light performance. ProRes video, recording to an SSD, and other advanced features remain exclusive to the Pro model.
The standard iPhone 16 retains the same 48MP main camera as the Pro model, and it also gains Spatial Video support,previously a Pro-only feature. Spatial Video creates 3D videos that look incredibly realistic on devices like the Apple Vision Pro and other AR/VR headsets.
However, the iPhone 16 Pro’s exclusive 4K120 slow-motion video capability is a significant advantage for videographers.
Both models benefit from the new Audio Mix feature, which enhances voices and isolates them from background noise in videos. All iPhone 16 models also share the same AI-powered image and video editing features.
Audio, Haptics, and Battery: Pro’s Edge in Sound and Endurance
Improvements in loudspeaker quality are touted for the Pro models. The iPhone 16 Pro also features four new “studio-quality” microphones, ideal for recording voice notes and videos, while the standard iPhone 16 sticks with regular microphones.
Haptics are expected to be the same on both models, as they both utilize the same Taptic Engine.
While the exact battery sizes remain unconfirmed, official battery life estimates indicate that the iPhone 16 Pro outlasts the standard model. It’s rated for 27 hours of video playback compared to 22 hours on the standard model, and 85 hours of audio playback versus 80 hours on the iPhone 16.
We were hoping for faster charging with the iPhone 16 series, but that’s only partially true. Wired charging speeds remain unchanged, with both models supporting up to 20W.
However, MagSafe wireless charging now reaches 25W, making it faster than wired charging, a first for any smartphone.To take full advantage of this, you’ll need the new 25W MagSafe charging puck and at least a 30W power adapter. With those, you can expect a 50% charge in 30 minutes, a noticeable improvement over the previous generation.
Which One Should You Buy?
The price difference between in the UAE for base 128GB iPhone 16 and the 16 Pro is $200 in the US, and AED 900 in the UAE.
For that extra $200, you get a slightly larger screen, slightly longer battery life, a 5X zoom camera, and the smooth 120Hz ProMotion display on the Pro model. Several other features, such as 4K120 slow-motion video, fast USB 3 data transfer,ProRes and ProRaw recording, and a better GPU, are also exclusive to the Pro.
The gap between the Pro and standard models has widened this year, making the iPhone 16 Pro a more compelling option if you can afford the premium. However, if you prioritize a compact size and essential features, the standard iPhone 16 still offers a solid experience.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget. Consider which features matter most to you and choose accordingly.
Full Spec compared
| Apple iPhone 16 | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | |
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display; 2,556 x 1,179 pixel resolution; 60Hz refresh rate; 2,000 nits | 6.3-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel resolution; 120Hz adaptive refresh rate; 2,000 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 7.8mm | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 170 g, 6 oz | 199 g, 7.03oz |
| Mobile software | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Camera | 48MP fusion camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera | 48-megapixel fusion camera, 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera, 12-megapixel telephoto camera (w/ 5x optical zoom) |
| Front-facing camera | 12MP TrueDepth camera | 12MP TrueDepth camera |
| Video capture | 4K at 60fps; spatial video at 1080p at 30fps | 4K up to 120fps; spatial video at 1080p at 30fps |
| Processor | A18 | A18 Pro |
| RAM/storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Expandable storage | No | No |
| Battery | Up to 22 hours video playback; up to 18 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W | Up to 27 hours video playback; up to 22 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W |
| Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | No | No |
| Special features | Apple Intelligence, Action Button, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2000 nits display brightness range, IP 68 resistance colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine | Apple Intelligence, Action Button, Camera Control button, 4x audio mics, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2000 nits display brightness range, IP 68 resistance colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium |
| US price starts at | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) | $999 (128GB), $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB), $1,499 (1TB) |
| UAE price starts at | AED 3,399 (128GB), AED 3,799 (256GB), AED 4,649( 512GB) | AED 4,299 (128GB), AED 4,699 (256GB), AED 5,549 (512GB), AED 6,399 (1TB) |
| AU$1,399 (128GB), AU$1,599 (256GB), AU$1,949 (512GB) | AU$1,799 (128GB), AU$1,999 (256GB), AU$2,349 (512GB), AU$2,699 (1TB) |
