In September 2024, Apple introduced the new iPhone 16 lineup with an advanced processor and other improvements. Each model has its own advantages. For example, the flagship iPhone 16 Pro’s features are great for gamers, photographers, and bloggers. But does everyone else need to pay more for professional features, or is the base model enough for everyday tasks? Which iPhone is better: the iPhone 16 or the iPhone 16 Pro? To answer that, let’s compare the key parameters of both devices.
ProMotion and other display differences
Both models feature a Super Retina XDR display with stunning sharpness and detail. The difference lies in the Pro version’s ProMotion technology, which increases the screen’s refresh rate to 120Hz. This makes interface interactions smoother, especially when scrolling and viewing videos.
Only the Pro model includes the Always-On Display feature, which shows the time and notifications in sleep mode.
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
| Screen Size | 6.1 inches | 6.3 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Lock Screen | Dark in sleep mode | Always-On Display showing limited info |
Processor: faster, more powerful
The iPhone 16 comes with a 3-nanometer A18 chip, which is significantly faster and more powerful than the A16 Bionic chip from the previous lineup.
The iPhone 16 Pro features the enhanced A18 Pro chip. It shares a similar configuration but adds one extra GPU core, speeding up graphics processing. This more powerful processor provides advantages in gaming and resource-intensive apps.
Both smartphones boast 8 GB of RAM, plenty for routine tasks, and are equipped with hardware optimized for Apple Intelligence’s neural networks. However, the Pro version handles demanding programs much better, such as shooting and processing high-resolution photos and videos without delays.
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
| Processor | A18 | A18 Pro |
| CPU | 6 cores | 6 cores |
| GPU | 5 cores | 6 cores |
| Neural Engine | 16 cores | 16 cores |
Camera and sound: which iPhone is best for shooting?
The iPhone 16 has two rear cameras, while the iPhone 16 Pro has three. Both models feature a 12 MP (ƒ/1.9) TrueDepth front camera for excellent selfies and fast device unlocking.
Both smartphones take excellent photos and videos. With anti-reflective lens coatings and optical stabilization, even shots taken on the go or in low light won’t be blurry or overexposed.
All models in the lineup feature a side Capture Button (Camera Control) for quick access to camera settings.
The iPhone 16 Pro can easily replace professional photo and video equipment, supporting technologies and features like:
· Dolby Vision HDR with outstanding color reproduction and lighting range
· ProRes for preserving the highest quality footage for later editing
· Night Portrait Mode
· ProRAW for extended customization of settings
· True Tone flash (also in the base model) adapts lighting tones
· 4K video recording in Dolby Vision and ProRes up to 120 fps
This isn’t all the iPhone 16 Pro offers for shooting and processing material. It also has four microphones, allowing for studio-quality audio recording. Plus, it even supports spatial audio recording for immersive video shooting. It’s the ultimate tool for photographers and videographers.
Design: classic vs. premium
The iPhone 16 is a classic Apple smartphone with an aluminum frame and glass back panel.
The iPhone 16 Pro is noticeably larger and heavier than the base model. It has an ultra-thin, high-strength titanium frame, a textured matte glass back, and a front covered in Ceramic Shield.
The iPhone 16 comes in five vibrant colors: Ultramarine, Pink, Teal, Black, and White. If you prefer a more restrained palette, you’ll like the Pro model’s colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and a new Desert Titanium.
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm |
| Weight | 170 g | 199 g |
| Frame Material | Aluminum | Premium Titanium |
| Screen Size | 6.1 inches | 6.3 inches |
| Colors | 5 | 4 |
Battery life and other improvements
The iPhone 16 offers 22 hours of continuous video playback without needing a charge, while the iPhone 16 Pro lasts 27 hours. The extra 5 hours of battery life is perfect for those leading active lifestyles.
Another difference is internal storage. Both models offer the same capacity, but the iPhone 16 Pro has a 1 TB option. The additional space is ideal for those storing lots of software and content, or shooting in ProRAW/ProRes.
Unlike the base model, the flagship includes a LiDAR Scanner, which measures distances to objects and helps create digital copies for 3D modeling.
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | 22 hours | 27 hours |
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB and 1 TB |
| LiDAR Scanner | No | Yes |
Prices for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro
Let’s compare the prices of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. The first costs 3149 GEL, while the second is priced at 4049 GEL. The cost depends on the configuration: the larger the built-in storage, the higher the price.
Which iPhone is the best in the lineup?
The answer to this question depends on your preferences.
The iPhone 16 covers all the needs of the average user. It’s equipped with the high-performance A18 processor, a quality screen, and a camera that will last for many years of active use.
The base model is perfect if:
· You need a reliable phone for calls, messaging, internet browsing, social media, and standard apps.
· You don’t shoot professional content, but still value high-quality photos and videos. It’s an Apple product, so quality is guaranteed.
· Price matters to you. The base model costs less.
The iPhone 16 Pro stands out not only with its appearance but also its internals. Its strengths:
· Professional camera features — photographers and bloggers will love it.
· More memory and performance. The A18 Pro chip handles multitasking, resource-heavy apps, and demanding games with ease.
· Comfortable display. ProMotion technology and a 120Hz refresh rate make frame transitions smooth — great for gamers and graphic or text workers.
· Durability. Premium titanium and ceramic glass make the flagship highly resistant to wear and tear.
Thus, the iPhone 16 is ideal for everyday tasks, while the iPhone 16 Pro suits professionals and content creators. Choose the latter if you frequently shoot photos and videos, use zoom, or play resource-heavy games. For everyone else, paying extra for the Pro features may not be necessary.
Find the perfect iPhone at iSpace
We’ve only compared the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, but the lineup also includes the iPhone 16 Plus with a 6.7-inch screen and 27 hours of battery life, as well as the iPhone 16 Pro Max with a professional camera and record-breaking 33-hour battery life. The first is perfect for content consumption, while the second is ideal for gaming, photography, and videography.
To find the perfect smartphone for your needs, visit iSpace. Here, you can test and buy the iPhone 16 and other new Apple products, and we’ll help you explore their amazing features.
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