iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Which is right for you?

Dylan Crismale - Digital Content Editor

Last updated 10 September 2024

Contents

In this iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro guide:

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Price
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Camera
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Connectivity
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Design
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Display
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Performance
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Battery
Should you get the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro?

The new iPhone 16 range has finally been unveiled. Each year prospective buyers are left scratching their heads, asking is it worth forking out for the Pro? What do I miss out on if I get the base model?

No need to fret because we've got the handy breakdown between both the regular iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 16 Pros.

Before we break them down feature by feature here's a handy summary:

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro models

	iPhone 16	iPhone 16 Plus	iPhone 16 Pro	iPhone 16 Pro Max
Display	6.1-inch OLED	6.7-inch OLED	6.3-inch OLED	6.9-inch OLED
Resolution	Super Retina XDR	Super Retina XDR	Super Retina XDR	Super Retina XDR
Refresh Rate	60Hz	60Hz	120Hz	120Hz
Rear Cameras	48MP + 12MP	48MP + 12MP	2x 48MP + 12MP + LiDAR	2x 48MP + 12MP + LiDAR
Front Camera	12MP	12MP	12MP	12MP
Processor	A18	A18	A18 Pro	A18 Pro
Storage	128GB - 512GB	128GB - 512GB	128GB - 1TB	256GB - 1TB
Water-Resistance	IP68	IP68	IP68	IP68
5G	Sub 6	Sub 6	Sub 6	Sub 6
Build	Aluminium frame	Aluminium frame	Titanium frame	Titanium frame
Colours	Ultramarine Teal Pink White Black	Ultramarine Teal Pink White Black	Desert Titanium Natural Titanium White Titanium Black Titanium	Desert Titanium Natural Titanium White Titanium Black Titanium
Price	From $1,399	From $1,599	From $1,799	From $2,149

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Price

There's no surprise that if you opt for either the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max you'll need to fork out a fair bit more.

That's a $750-sized difference between the cheapest storage variant of the iPhone 16 and the cheapest storage variant of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

There's some good news when it comes to price, every iPhone 16 model is cheaper than it's predecessor at launch. The iPhone 16 is $100 cheaper than the iPhone 15 and the rest each start $50 cheaper.

Here's a look at the full outright pricing for the iPhone 16 range.

iPhone 16 (128GB): $1,399
iPhone 16 (256GB): $1,599
iPhone 16 (512GB): $1,949

iPhone 16 Plus (128GB): $1,599
iPhone 16 Plus (256GB): $1,799
iPhone 16 Plus (512GB): $2,149

iPhone 16 Pro (128GB): $1,799
iPhone 16 Pro (256GB): $1,999
iPhone 16 Pro (512GB): $2,349
iPhone 16 Pro (1TB): $2,699

iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB): $2,149
iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB): $2,499
iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB): $2,849

And here's how much the cheapest storage variant of each iPhone 16 costs on a 36-month repayment plan from Vodafone, Telstra and Optus:

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $73.68/mth Min. cost $1,287.48 Go to Site	$73.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,287.48	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $103.68/mth Min. cost $1,317.48 Go to Site	$103.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,317.48	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $104.68/mth Min. cost $1,318.48 Go to Site	$104.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,318.48	Go to Site
#4	Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $111.47/mth Min. cost $1,422.92 Link not supplied	$111.47/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,422.92	Link not supplied
#5	Telstra	Telstra $74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments $111.47/mth Min. cost $1,422.92 Link not supplied	$111.47/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,422.92	Link not supplied
#6	Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $121.47/mth Min. cost $1,432.92 Link not supplied	$121.47/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,432.92	Link not supplied
#7	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $124.68/mth Min. cost $1,338.48 Go to Site	$124.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,338.48	Go to Site

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $77.86/mth Min. cost $1,437.96 Go to Site	$77.86/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,437.96	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $107.86/mth Min. cost $1,467.96 Go to Site	$107.86/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,467.96	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $108.86/mth Min. cost $1,468.96 Go to Site	$108.86/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,468.96	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $128.86/mth Min. cost $1,488.96 Go to Site	$128.86/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,488.96	Go to Site

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $98.68/mth Min. cost $2,187.48 Out of stock	$98.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,187.48	Out of stock
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $128.68/mth Min. cost $2,217.48 Out of stock	$128.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,217.48	Out of stock
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $129.68/mth Min. cost $2,218.48 Out of stock	$129.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,218.48	Out of stock
#4	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $149.68/mth Min. cost $2,238.48 Out of stock	$149.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,238.48	Out of stock

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16: Camera

The cameras are always an obvious point of difference between the base models and the Pros. As with previous years, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have a dual-camera system while the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are equipped with a tri-camera setup.

On the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus you'll find a 48MP main lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max feature a 48MP main lens, 48MP ultrawide lens and 12MP telephoto lens. The latter enables up to 5x optical zoom whereas the base models stop at 2x optical zoom.

With the Pro models, you can shoot Dolby Vision up to 4K at 120 FPS and take 48MP macro photography. The Pro's also come with second-generation image stabilisation, adaptive true tone flash and you can even take portrait photos in night mode. The base models also have macro photography for the first time.

If you're a keen photographer or creative then the iPhone 16 Pro models have the advantage.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Connectivity

There's no competition here, literally. Each of the iPhone 16 models features a USB-C charging port and supports 5G connectivity.

They all come with a physical SIM card slot but you can also opt for eSIM.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Design

Apple pivoted this year and apart from juiced-up specs didn't withhold much from the base models.

Each of the phones in the iPhone 16 range comes with the new camera control "button". It allows you to quickly open the camera app and take snaps. It's got a sensor so that you can slide your finger across to switch between different shooting modes or do things like zoom. The action button that was introduced on last year's Pro models is also common to all iPhone 16 handsets.

In terms of build, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are made from aluminium, while the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are built from titanium. This doesn't make too much of a difference when it comes to feel, however.

In the colour department its once again the base models that end up with the "fun" colours. This year they come in classic Black, and White as well as Teal, Ultramarine and Pink. The iPhone 16 Pro phones come in more "serious" titanium colours of Black, White, Natural and Desert. The latter being a more demure version of the rumoured Bronze colourway.

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iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Display

The iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus retain their display sizes from the 15 models at 6.1 and 6.7 inches respectively. The 16 Pro models however jumped up in size by 0.2 inches each.

The Pro has a 6.3-inch display and the Pro Max has a 6.7-inch display. Thankfully Apple was able to prevent the phones from becoming behemoths, it was able to reduce the bezels to accommodate the extra screen real estate. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, for example, is only 3mm taller and 0.9mm wider than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The Pro models also come with 120Hz refresh rates.

The Dynamic Island makes its return this year as well and features on all iPhone 16 models. They also all have the latest generation of ceramic shield glass fronts. Apple says the iPhone 16 models are 50% more durable than the iPhone 15 range.

If you subscribe to the thinking that bigger is better, the iPhone 16 Pros win out.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Performance

If you're looking for performance, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have the fastest processors in any phone: the A18 Pro. The processor CPU is up to 15% faster than the A17 Pro processor on the iPhone 15 Pro handsets with a GPU that's 20% faster.

That's not to say the standard models miss out. They're powered by the standard A18 processor, which is up to 40% faster than what you'd find in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus last year. It's fast enough to play AAA games and enable Apple Intelligence features.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Battery

Things are a little more distinct when it comes to battery. According to Apple, the iPhone 16 range of phones are rated as follows:

iPhone 16 is rated for up to 22 hours of video playback
iPhone 16 Plus is rated for up to 27 hours of video playback
iPhone 16 Pro is rated for up to 27 hours of video playback
iPhone 16 Pro Max is rated for up to 33 hours of video playback

Aside from better processor and camera systems, the iPhone 16 Plus becomes a very viable option for those who want a larger phone but without the higher price tag. It and the iPhone 16 Pro are rated for the same battery life. However, it's important to note these figures aren't an indication of real-world performance.

All of the iPhone 16 range of phones have increased battery life compared to their iPhone 15 counterparts.

Should you get the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro?

The Pro models are usually the clear winner but with upgraded chipsets, the camera control button and meaningful upgrades to the battery life and cameras for both sets of phones. It's a pretty close race this year and the dynamic feels right with the base models not being "the ones without X feature".

If you want a splash of colour and want to save then the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are very respectable candidates for your next upgrade - they are still flagship phones after all. They'll stand out on their own with high-quality cameras for photographers and creatives, fast processors for gamers, and will be able to do everything with Apple Intelligence the Pro models can when it arrives on the device.

The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will still feel a little more premium and are worth getting if you want the telephoto lens, slick 120Hz refresh rate, faster processor and larger displays.

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Dylan Crismale

Digital Content Editor

Dylan Crismale is a Digital Content Editor at WhistleOut, has been writing for almost a decade across a variety of Australian publications. He previously worked as a writer at Finder covering energy, internet and mobile plans. Dylan is passionate about finding the best deals to save people money and educating people about tech. When he's not sat at his desk Dylan loves working out, bingeing TV and hanging out with friends.

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