iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro: Which One is Best?

There's no doubt that both the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro are two of the best smartphones on the market right now. Apple's latest flagship devices feature everything from improved battery life to a new Camera Control button that revolutionises the way we capture life's most precious moments.

As the premium pick of the bunch, it's clear that the iPhone 16 Pro is objectively the better phone – particularly when we consider the beautiful titanium design and upgraded camera system! But are these additional bells and whistles worth the $1,799 price tag, or should you stick with the impressive base model?

Keep reading as we compare the specs, battery life, cameras, and overall design of the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro to decide which model is the best choice for you.

Technical Specifications

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details of the 16 vs 16 Pro debate, let's compare the key technical specs of the two devices:

Display and Design

Some of the biggest differences between the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro come from their designs.

The iPhone 16 Pro features a stronger, yet lighter titanium alloy compared to the standard model's aluminium frame, offering extra durability and easier carrying. This titanium shell also has an exclusive internal thermal management system designed to tackle the overheating issues that came with the 15 Pro.

Apple devices within the same line usually have similar size configurations; however, the Pro is slightly bigger and weighs more than the base model this time. The iPhone 16's Super Retina XDR screen size remains the same at 6.1 inches, while the Pro sees an upgrade from the previous model, measuring two inches bigger at 6.3 inches.

In terms of refresh rate, the Pro certainly comes out on top; the iPhone 16 keeps the same 60Hz as the 15 and the Pro has been upgraded to 120Hz. This provides smoother scrolling and is great for gamers too.

Your new iPhone choice may also rest on your colour preferences; both are available in Black or White, but the base model also comes in brighter colours like Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine. The 16 Pro has a more neutral design palette, including Desert and Natural Titanium for a sleeker look.

Battery Life and Processors

Like other Pro models in Apple's range, the new iPhone 16 Pro delivers 5 hours more battery life than the standard 16. This is thanks to its A18 Pro chipset that facilitates the faster 120-HZ refresh rate and smoother scrolling.

Although it offers significantly more power than the 16's A18 processor, this chip remains a huge upgrade from that of the standard iPhone 15. In fact, it's designed to be 15% faster and 20% more efficient than the A17, which benefits 4K video recording capabilities and the range of new Apple Intelligence features that we'll touch on later.

In terms of charging, both devices feature a USB-C connector. They also support MagSafe wireless charging up to 25 watts, along with Qi2 charging up to 15 watts.

Camera Systems

Both the iPhone 16 camera and the 16 Pro feature a new vertical lens setup. This works exceptionally well with Apple's Vision Pro headset to shoot even more immersive spatial 3D video. The two devices can record spatial video in 1080p at 30 frames per second, but the iPhone 16 Pro also offers slow-motion video by shooting in 4K.

What makes the 16 Pro really stand out in this category is the quality of its rear camera lenses. While the standard model sports a 12-megapixel Ultrawide camera, the Pro's version is 48 megapixels, which promises a more vibrant image quality and improved low-light performance.

It also offers an additional 12-megapixel Telephoto camera, with a "tetraprism" lens taken from the iPhone 15 Pro Max that's now become standard across all Pro devices. This lens comes with a 5x optical zoom, which is like carrying a pair of binoculars around with you!

Features and Buttons

Spatial video may be exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro – but it doesn't mean that you'll be missing out on a range of new features if you choose the base model.

Perhaps the biggest similarities between the two devices are the inclusion of the Dynamic Island and the brand-new Camera Control button, which allows you to quickly access the Camera app without using the touchscreen.

And there's more! This button offers greater control over zoom, depth, aperture, and camera styles with just a few taps.

Originally limited to just the 15 Pro models, all iPhone 16 devices will also feature the Action button. This can be customised to create your very own shortcuts, including launching the camera, activating the torch, and triggering Do Not Disturb or silent mode.

No matter which device you go for, you'll also benefit from Apple Intelligence, Apple's generative AI platform that harnesses the power of OpenAI's ChatGPT. Every Apple Intelligence feature is currently available on all iPhone 16 models, plus the 15 Pro and Pro Max, and includes:

• Priority notifications
• Image Playground
• Genmoji personalised emoji creation
• Smart Reply for messages or emails
• AI images search
• Enhanced Siri capabilities

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Buy?

When it comes to making that crucial decision, the main differences between the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro lie in the design and camera systems. Users that go for the standard iPhone won't be missing features, however, and will benefit from the same button upgrades and Apple Intelligence functionality as the Pro range.

If you're planning on using the iPhone for taking photos and videos in a variety of modes, the Pro may be best for you. However, the 12MP Front and dual rear cameras of the standard model are more than good enough for capturing high-quality images.

The bottom line is that the iPhone 16 has plenty to offer for most standard smartphone users, particularly if you're upgrading from an iPhone 13 or older. For those who are into photography and filmmaking or are simply looking for a slightly faster processor, the Pro is a great choice – if you're willing to cover the $400 higher price tag.

Regardless of which model you go for, protecting your investment is essential. That's why we'd always recommend purchasing a shockproof phone case.

At Ghostek, our cases combine best-in-class engineering with sleek design, offering everything from military-grade drop protection to wireless charging compatibility. Check out our full range of high-quality iPhone 16 cases online today.