iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro: What to Know Before You Upgrade
- If you thought the iPhone 15 Pro was impressive, the 16 Pro just took things to the next level.
- With bigger screens and a bolder design, is the upgrade actually worth it?
- Apple's new chip is powerful, but battery life might steal the show.
- Keep reading to discover the key differences between Apple's 2023 and 2024 Pro models.
Apple’s new iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max devices bring a vast array of improvements compared to last year’s iPhone 15 Pro models. From subtle design tweaks to major performance boosts, here's an in-depth look at what has changed this year.
Design & Display Enhancements
At first glance, the design changes may seem incremental, but they significantly impact the user experience.
The iPhone 16 Pro introduces a 6.3-inch display (vs. 6.1 inches on the iPhone 15 Pro), and the Pro Max model jumps to 6.9 inches. Bezels are now 30% thinner, making the larger display feel immersive without drastically increasing the phone's size.
Photo via Tom's Guide // This article focuses on the differences between iPhone 15 Pro (left) and iPhone 16 Pro (right).
- New Finish: The iPhone 16 Pro sports a fresh blasted titanium frame, which feels smoother compared to the brushed titanium of its predecessor.
- Brighter in the Dark: The screen’s minimum brightness is now just 1 nit, ideal for low-light environments.
- Tougher Protection: Apple upgraded to a next-gen Ceramic Shield that is twice as strong, offering more durability.
Size & Weight: A Slight Growth
While both models maintain a sleek form factor, the iPhone 16 Pro does show minor growth in dimensions and weight. The following table compares notable features and functionalities of iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro.
| Specifications | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED 120Hz, 2,000 nits max | 6.1-inch OLED 120Hz, 2,000 nits max |
| Weight | 199g | 187g |
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro | Apple A17 Pro |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB and 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB of storage | 8GB of RAM and 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB of storage |
| Battery | 27 hours of video playback | 23 hours of video playback |
| Camera | 48MP Fusion camera, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto; 12MP front | 48MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto; 12MP front |
| Colors | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium |
| Price | Starting at $999 | Starting at $999 |
Although these changes may seem small, the additional 6.42% in weight could be noticeable for users who prioritize portability. Yet, this trade-off is balanced by a more substantial display and improved heat dissipation.
Photo via Apple Inc. // All of Apple's 2024 iPhone models compared to all of Apple's 2023 iPhone models. Top left: iPhone 16 Pro. Top right: iPhone 16. Bottom left: iPhone 15 Pro. Bottom right: iPhone 15.
Battery Life: A Closer Look
Apple's iPhone 16 Pro has several significant battery updates that you should know about. Below we discuss the top changes, as outlined by Apple during their "It's Glowtime" Apple Event on September 9, 2024.
| iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Video Playback | 27 hours (+17%) | 23 hours |
| Video Streaming | 22 hours (+10%) | 20 hours |
| Audio Playback | 85 hours (+13%) | 75 hours |
A18 Pro Chip: More Power, Greater Efficiency
At the core of the iPhone 16 Pro is the A18 Pro chip, Apple’s latest leap in silicon, built on TSMC's N3E process. Compared to the A17 Pro, this chip offers:
- 15% faster CPU performance
- 20% faster GPU performance
- 2x faster hardware-accelerated ray tracing
- 17% more memory bandwidth for the 16-core Neural Engine
This translates to more fluid gaming, improved AI-driven features, and enhanced video encoding capabilities. With the Snapdragon X75 5G modem, the iPhone 16 Pro offers faster, more reliable connectivity than ever before, particularly with its support for Wi-Fi 7.
Photo via PhoneArena // iPhone 16 Pro (left) vs. iPhone 15 Pro (right).
Camera: Refining the Excellence
The iPhone 16 Pro takes its photography game to new heights with some subtle but meaningful improvements.
- 48-megapixel Fusion Camera: The new second-gen quad-pixel sensor offers faster readouts and zero shutter lag, enhancing quick, responsive shooting.
- Ultra Wide Camera: Now packing 48 megapixels, up from 12MP on the iPhone 15 Pro, this sensor greatly improves low-light and macro photography.
- Optical Zoom: Both models now offer 5x optical zoom, leveling the playing field between the Pro and Pro Max models.
Perhaps the most interesting feature is the Camera Control Button, which integrates a sapphire crystal cover for a premium feel. This button offers trackpad-like control, allowing for zoom adjustments, quick capture modes, and third-party app integration.
A single press captures a photo, while a press and hold lets you record a video.— Apple
The button also supports Visual Intelligence, which can pull up contextual info about scenes in your camera's view, like restaurant details or product information.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Apple’s integration of Visual Intelligence into the Camera Button could be a game-changer in future updates.
Video Recording: Dolby Vision at 120 FPS
If video recording is your focus, the iPhone 16 Pro introduces 4K Dolby Vision video recording at up to 120 frames per second (fps), compared to just 60 fps on the iPhone 15 Pro. This improvement makes the iPhone 16 Pro one of the best mobile devices for content creators looking for ultra-smooth, high-quality footage.
Other Notable Upgrades
- Faster MagSafe Charging: Enjoy quicker wireless charging with MagSafe improvements.
- Audio Recording: Improved microphones now provide clearer audio capture, perfect for vlogging and live-streaming.
- Thermal Management: Heat dissipation is 20% better, preventing overheating during demanding tasks.
Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
For users coming from an older iPhone, the iPhone 16 Pro offers a meaningful leap in performance, especially with its A18 Pro chip and camera enhancements. The larger screen, combined with the thinner borders, delivers a more immersive experience, while its new color options and materials provide a refined aesthetic.
That said, iPhone 15 Pro users may find the changes relatively incremental. The slightly larger display, improved durability, and enhanced low-light camera performance are nice-to-haves, but not revolutionary.
For anyone prioritizing photography, gaming, or future-proofing their device for upcoming AI-driven tasks, the A18 Pro chip and Fusion camera on the iPhone 16 Pro make a compelling case for the upgrade.
Final Thoughts: If you're ready to take advantage of the latest in Apple's tech—especially in areas like camera performance, chip power, and display size—then the iPhone 16 Pro is worth every penny. But if you're satisfied with your iPhone 15 Pro, the upgrade may not feel essential... yet.
Recommended by the editors:
Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.Published to Apple Scoop on 12th September, 2024.
No password required
A confirmation request will be delivered to the email address you provide. Once confirmed, your comment will be published. It's as simple as two clicks.
Your email address will not be published publicly. Additionally, we will not send you marketing emails unless you opt-in.