iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Key Differences and Upgrade Guide

Apple’s iPhone Pro lineup consistently delivers cutting-edge technology, and the latest iPhone 16 Pro models have introduced some incremental yet notable upgrades over the iPhone 15 Pro. Despite minimal design changes, the iPhone 16 Pro is slightly larger and heavier, accommodating a 6.3-inch display compared to the 6.1-inch panel on the iPhone 15 Pro. The Pro Max versions also follow suit, with the 16 Pro Max boasting a 6.9-inch display, Apple’s largest to date.

Both the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro feature Titanium chassis with textured matte glass backs, though the color options differ slightly. The new Camera Control button, exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro, offers quick access to camera settings but may be challenging to reach in landscape mode. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro includes MagSafe fast-charging, an enhancement over the 15 Pro.

Battery performance marks a significant improvement, with the iPhone 16 Pro lasting 54% longer than its predecessor in benchmark tests, while the 16 Pro Max achieves a 43% improvement. The displays are comparable, both featuring Super Retina XDR technology, Dynamic Island, and 460 ppi sharpness, although the iPhone 16 Pro has a new 1-nit minimum brightness setting to save power in low-light conditions.

Under the hood, the iPhone 16 Pro is powered by Apple’s A18 Pro chip, which provides increased memory bandwidth, a 15% faster CPU, and a 20% faster GPU. These upgrades make the iPhone 16 Pro particularly appealing for high-performance tasks like gaming and video production. Apple’s focus on the Apple Intelligence features, accessible on both the 15 Pro and 16 Pro, highlights enhancements in Writing Tools and Image Playground capabilities.

The camera setup receives a boost as well. The iPhone 16 Pro’s primary camera, rebranded as a ‘Fusion’ sensor, now includes a 48MP wide-angle lens for improved clarity in ultra-wide shots. Video recording capabilities are also enhanced, with 4K Dolby Vision now reaching up to 120fps on the iPhone 16 Pro, compared to 60fps on the iPhone 15 Pro.

Pricing for the iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999/£999 for the 128GB model, while the 16 Pro Max begins at $1,199/£1,199. Apple has discontinued the iPhone 15 Pro series, but they remain available through third-party retailers, often at reduced prices.

The iPhone 16 Pro is undeniably powerful, with advances in processing, camera functionality, and battery life. However, for those focused on value, the iPhone 15 Pro remains a highly capable and more affordable option. The choice ultimately depends on individual needs for cutting-edge features versus overall value.