The iPhone 16 lineup has arrived, offering a range of improvements that blur the line between the standard model and Apple’s premium handsets. With the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max all making their mark, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, pricing, design, display, cameras, performance, and battery life of each model to help you make an informed decision.
Starting with the specifications, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are essentially the same phone, differing mainly in screen size and battery capacity. Similarly, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max share many features, with screen size and battery capacity being the primary distinguishing factors. Unlike the previous iPhone 15 Pro lineup, where the Pro Max had a more powerful telephoto camera, both iPhone 16 Pro models now feature the same capabilities.
In terms of pricing, Apple has maintained the same starting prices as the iPhone 15 equivalents. The standard iPhone 16 begins at $799 for the 128GB model, followed by the iPhone 16 Plus at $899, and the iPhone 16 Pro at $999. The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199 and offers double the storage capacity of its base model at 256GB. Upgrading to a 256GB variant costs an additional $100, regardless of the specific model. The 512GB option is available for $300 more than the base models, while both Pro phones offer a 1TB version priced at $1,499 for the iPhone 16 Pro and $1,599 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Moving on to design, the iPhone 16 Pro models have increased in size to accommodate larger screens, while the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus continue to use aerospace-grade aluminum frames. All four models feature Apple’s Ceramic Shield glass, claimed to be 50% more durable than previous versions. The addition of the Camera Control button makes it easier to launch the Camera app and switch between models, with the Pro versions benefiting from a dedicated telephoto lens.
When it comes to display, the iPhone 16 Pro models offer thinner bezels and larger screens, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasting the largest display ever seen on an iPhone at 6.9 inches. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus retain the same screen sizes as their predecessors at 6.1 and 6.7 inches, respectively. The Pro models also support a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more immersive gaming experiences. All four models offer similar brightness levels and color accuracy.
In terms of cameras, the iPhone 16 Pro models enjoy several advantages. They feature a larger 48MP sensor for the ultrawide camera, a faster shutter speed, and a tetraprism telephoto lens that enables 5x zoom. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have improved ultrawide lenses that capture more light and include a new macro mode. Additionally, the rearrangement of the camera layout on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus allows for spatial photos and video, a feature previously limited to the Pro models. The Pro models also excel in video recording capabilities and microphone quality.
Performance-wise, all four iPhone 16 models are equipped with some version of the A18 system-on-chip. The standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus run on A18 silicon, while the iPhone 16 Pro models utilize the A18 Pro, which offers an additional graphics core. The Pro models outperform the standard models in graphics-intensive tasks, but all four models deliver strong overall performance.
Battery life has seen improvements across the board, with all iPhone 16 models lasting longer than their iPhone 15 counterparts. The iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts the best battery life of any iPhone tested, lasting over 18 hours in a web browsing test. The iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro also offer impressive battery life, while the standard iPhone 16 performs well for its size.
In terms of software, all four models ship with iOS 18 and will support Apple Intelligence features with the release of iOS 18.1. This means that even the standard iPhone 16 will have access to the same features as the Pro models, making it a more cost-effective choice.