The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are Apple's latest iPhones. Both offer top technology, a sleek design and Apple's latest software innovations. But which model is the right choice for you? In this buying guide, we compare the most important features of both devices so that you can make the right decision. Whether the camera, battery life, display or value for money is important to you - we'll help you find the perfect iPhone for your needs.
Technical Facts at a Glance
Technical facts of the iPhone 16
- display: 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR – high resolution, color-intensive and ideal for videos or games.
- camera: 48-megapixel main camera – offers razor-sharp photos day and night.
- New in this model: The AI-based adjustments ensure even better low-light shots.
- processor: A18 Bionic – powerful, energy efficient and suitable for all everyday applications. Apps start lightning fast and multitasking works smoothly.
- battery life: Up to 22 hours of video playback – enough power for the whole day.
- material: Aluminium and Ceramic Shield – robust and resistant to falls and scratches.
If you want to learn more about the iPhone 16, read here our buying guide through.
Technical facts of the iPhone 16 Pro
- display: 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR ProMotion – like the iPhone 16, but with up to 2000 nits of brightness for improved outdoor readability and an adaptive 120 Hz display for an even smoother user experience.
- camera: Triple camera system – main camera, ultra-wide angle and an improved telephoto lens. The 5x optical zoom offers more possibilities for creativity, while the new Magic Zoom enables impressive close-up shots.
- processor: A18 Pro – a variant of the A18 with even more GPU power for demanding applications such as gaming or video editing.
- battery life: Up to 27 hours of video playback.
- material: Titanium frame and Ceramic Shield – particularly light and yet very durable.
If you want to know more about the iPhone 16 Pro, read here our buying guide through.
camera comparison
The Tech YouTuber Steven Divish has extensively tested the camera of the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro in his video. Both devices offer new features such as adjusting tones and undertones to have a greater impact on the image effect. A camera control button is present on both models, but has been criticized as being a bit cumbersome in practice. In terms of photography, the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro have similar main cameras, although the Pro model offers a larger sensor and better low-light capabilities. In addition, the iPhone 16 Pro supports 4K video recording at 120 frames per second for better slow motion shots, while the iPhone 16 is limited to 4K at 60 frames per second.
purchase recommendation according to user profile
everyday users
For you, a smartphone is primarily a reliable companion in everyday life? Then the iPhone 16 offers you exactly what you need: It is fast, handy and easy to use. The camera takes great pictures, the performance is first-class - and you save the extra cost for features that you would hardly use in everyday life. A perfect device for people who don't care about technical details, but simply want a good iPhone.
creatives
Are you creative and want to fully exploit your ideas with your smartphone? Then the iPhone 16 Pro is ideal for you. The advanced camera with a larger sensor offers you more options for editing your photos, especially in low light. The Apple Log function allows you to professionally edit your videos, and thanks to the better zoom options you can take even more detailed shots. For creative projects, the Pro model simply offers more freedom and flexibility.
price-conscious people
If you want a top iPhone without breaking the bank, the iPhone 16 is the way to go. It has almost the same performance as the Pro model, offers a strong camera and is pleasantly light - all at a lower price. You get the latest technology from Apple without paying the extra for high-end extras that you may not need. Ideal for those who want a lot for their money without sacrificing quality.
high-tech fans
If you want the best of the best and enjoy trying out the latest technologies, then there is no way around the iPhone 16 Pro. It offers you the smooth ProMotion display, the ability to film in Apple Log and a more powerful camera. The additional features make the iPhone 16 Pro a real high-tech device that makes you feel like you are always at the forefront. If you want to use every feature and love technology, the Pro model is definitely the right one for you.
Review - What the Tech YouTubers say
The Tech YouTuber Nick Ackerman examined and compared the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro in his video. We have summarized his results here.
The iPhone 16 offers a convincing price-performance ratio this year. It comes with a 48-megapixel main camera and the A18 chip, which is only slightly slower than the A18 Pro. The device is lightweight and has a 6.1-inch display, which should be more than sufficient for most users. However, you have to do without the ProMotion screen, which enables a higher refresh rate. If you are looking for a user-friendly, lightweight iPhone, the iPhone 16 is still a good choice.
The iPhone 16 Pro offers some additional features that make it interesting for more demanding users. In addition to the 48-megapixel ultra wide-angle camera, there is also the ProMotion display, which ensures a smoother display, as well as some additional camera functions. The design of the Pro model looks particularly high-quality thanks to the titanium frame. The battery life is also slightly better and the display measures 6.3 inches, a little larger than the regular model. However, the Pro chip offers only minimal performance differences compared to the normal iPhone 16.The Pro model is particularly suitable for users who value the latest features and the highest quality design.
Both models, the iPhone 16 and the 16 Pro, have a lot in common. They offer the same iOS 18 functions, such as Apple Intelligence and the Action Button. In terms of performance, both devices are almost on par; the difference between the chips is barely noticeable. Both models are protected against dust and water with IP68 certification and start with a storage capacity of 128 GB.
Conclusion
For most users, the iPhone 16 is likely to be the better choice. It offers almost the same performance as the Pro model, a solid camera and a lightweight design - all at an attractive price. The differences between the models are smaller than ever this year, especially in terms of performance. If you just want a reliable, powerful smartphone without having to dig deep into your pockets, the standard iPhone 16 is perfectly sufficient.
The iPhone 16 Pro, on the other hand, is worth it if you really want to use the additional features. These include ProMotion technology for a smoother display, better zoom options on the camera and a high-quality titanium case. If you are looking for the best in terms of technology and the additional features are really important to you, the Pro model is worth considering. For most users, however, the iPhone 16 will already offer more than enough.
