iPhone 16 vs 16 Plus vs 16 Pro vs 16 Pro Max: Which one is right for you?

Like the iPhone 15 before it, the iPhone 16 is being released in New Zealand in four versions, the standard model, the Plus, the Pro and the Pro Max. Pre-orders started on the 14th of September and the phone was available from Friday 20th of September.

With so many options, it can be a bit tricky figuring out what the key differences are between them, and which one is right for you. To help, we’ve compared all four models and pitted them against each other, the iPhone 16 vs the iPhone 16 Plus, vs the iPhone 16 Pro vs the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Below we’ve highlighted all the key differences you should know including the price, the performance capabilities, the camera array and more, so you can easily see the differences between them and be able to find the iPhone 16 model that is right for you.

iPhone 16 vs 16 Plus vs 16 Pro vs 16 Pro Max

Price 

The first difference you’ll notice is the price. These devices vary in price quite substantially depending on the model and the internal storage capacity. Below is a table highlighting the differences in price between the iPhone 16 models.

Display

All four of the iPhone 16 models have Super Retina XDR OLED screens, but there are some differences, mainly the refresh rates, the screen sizes and the Alway-On display.

Both the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus support a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz. The iPhone 16 is a smaller at 6.1-inches while the 16 Plus boasts a 6.7-inch display.

Both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max support what Apple calls ProMotion. This allows for a 120Hz refresh rate, which essentially means smoother animations, scrolling and gameplay. It also allows the screen to dynamically adjust the refresh rate in order to save battery. They also support the Always-On feature which allows you to show essential information like time, widgets and notifications when the screen is locked.

The iPhone 16 Pro boasts a 6.3-inch display while the Pro Max is a bit bigger at 6.9-inches.

Cameras

In regards to the cameras you can split the iPhone 16 models into two categories. The standard iPhone 16 and the Plus have the same dual-camera array, and the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have the same three-camera setup. You can see the specs below:

iPhone 16/16 Plus

• Main (Wide) Camera: 48 MP, f/1.6 aperture, sensor-shift OIS, 26mm focal length
• Ultra-Wide Camera: 12 MP, f/2.2 aperture, autofocus
• Front Camera: 12 MP, f/1.9 aperture, OIS (optical image stabilisation)

iPhone 16 Pro/16 Pro Max

• Main (Wide) Camera: 48 MP, f/1.8 aperture, sensor-shift OIS, 26mm focal length
• Ultra-Wide Camera: 48 MP, f/2.2 aperture, autofocus
• Telephoto Camera: 12 MP, f/2.8 aperture, 5x optical zoom, 120mm focal length
• Front Camera: 12 MP, f/1.9 aperture, OIS (optical image stabilisation)

The key difference here is the telephoto lens. Both the iPhone 16 Pro and the Pro Max will produce better zoomed-in photos due to the dedicated lens.

The standard and Plus models will need to utilise what Apple calls its Fusion camera system, in which the camera combines multiple 48 MP images into one 24 MP photo using AI (artificial intelligence). This essentially allows the user to crop the 48 MP image, giving it a 2x telephoto zoom effect.

All four of the devices are capable of filming in 4K resolution at 60fps (frames per second), and spatial video at 1080p, 30fps; however the “Pro” devices can now film in 4K resolution at 120 frames per second, which massively improves slow motion capabilities.

Performance/Chipset

Like the cameras, when it comes to the performance, you can split the iPhone 16 devices into two groups. The iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus both utilise the A18 Bionic chip while the Pro and Pro Max boast the more powerful A18 Pro chip.

The A18 chip boasts a six-core CPU (two performance & four efficiency), a five-core GPU and a 16-core neural engine. Apple claims this provides a 30% CPU performance increase over the A16 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. And the GPU is 40% faster.

The A18 Pro has a six-core CPU (two performance & four efficiency), a six-core GPU and a 16-core neural engine. Apple claims this provides a 15% CPU performance increase over the A17 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro models. And the GPU is 20% faster.

Apple also claims both of these chips will improve energy efficiency, using between 20-35% less power while achieving the same or better performance as their predecessors. This should result in longer battery life.

Battery

Apple does not disclose the sizes of the battery in its devices, instead it provides real world examples.

The “Pro” devices will last longer than the others. This is due to multiple factors like ProMotion, which allows the refresh rate to adapt to what you’re doing, a physically bigger battery and the more energy efficient A18 Pro chip.

Design/Materials

Lastly, the materials and design are slightly different between the two groups. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus use an aluminium frame and a glass back, while the Pro devices use a titanium frame, which is stronger, and a textured matte glass back giving it a more refined finish.

iPhone 16/iPhone 16 Plus VS iPhone 16 Pro/iPhone 16 Pro Max: Summary

All four of the iPhone 16 models are undoubtedly good devices. If you’re deciding which model to buy, a good rule of thumb is, if it's more expensive it's probably better, and the same can be said when comparing the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro and the Pro Max.

The “Pro” devices are better than the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus others in almost all categories. They have a better 120Hz ProMotion screen for smoother navigation, a dedicated telephoto camera lens for sharper zoom photography, a more powerful A18 Pro chip, the ability to film in 4K at 120fps, and longer battery life. However, they cost more.

If you’re looking for the best-of-the-best in an Apple phone then one of the “Pro” devices will suit you. There’s very little to differentiate the iPhone 16 Pro and the Pro Max other than physical size.

If you’re not looking for the best of what Apple has to offer and you can’t justify spending close to $3,000 on a phone, the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus will serve you well. Again, the only difference between them is the physical size.

iPhone 16 FAQs

What are the display differences between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro?

• The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have 60Hz OLED displays, while the Pro models offer 120Hz ProMotion displays for smoother visuals and dynamic refresh rates. The Pro models also support the Always-On display feature, which the non-Pro models don’t.

Does the iPhone 16 have the same camera as the iPhone 16 Pro?

• No, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have a dual-camera system with a 48MP main and 12MP ultra-wide lens, while the Pro models add a 12MP telephoto lens for better zoom and a 48MP ultra-wide camera for more detailed shots.

Which iPhone 16 model has the best battery life?

• The iPhone 16 Pro Max has the longest battery life, offering up to 27 hours of video playback, while the standard iPhone 16 provides up to 22 hours. The Pro models generally last longer due to larger batteries and more power-efficient components.

Is the iPhone 16 Pro worth the extra money?

• The iPhone 16 Pro is worth it if you value a 120Hz display, better cameras with optical zoom, a titanium frame, and longer battery life. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus still offer great performance with fewer premium features.

What processor is in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro?

• The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus use the A18 chip, while the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max feature the A18 Pro chip, which is more powerful and better suited for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.

What are the material differences between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro?

• The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have aluminium frames, while the Pro models use titanium for a more durable, premium feel. The Pro models also have a textured matte glass back, unlike the smooth glass on the non-Pro models.

Do the iPhone 16 models support 4K video recording?

• Yes, all iPhone 16 models support 4K video recording, but only the Pro models can record in 4K at 120fps, which is ideal for capturing high-quality slow-motion footage.

How much more expensive is the iPhone 16 Pro than the iPhone 16?

• The iPhone 16 Pro models are significantly more expensive due to features like the ProMotion display, better camera system, titanium frame, and higher performance. Expect a price jump of several hundred dollars between the standard and Pro models.

Which iPhone 16 model is best for photography?

• The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are the best for photography, thanks to their 48MP ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, which provide superior zoom and detail compared to the dual-camera system on the standard iPhone 16 models.

Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max too big?

• The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display, making it the largest model in the lineup. It’s great for users who prefer a larger screen for media and productivity but may be too big for those looking for a more compact phone.

Does the iPhone 16 Pro have better build quality than the iPhone 16?

• Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro models have a more premium build with a titanium frame, which is stronger and lighter than the aluminium frame on the standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. The Pro models also have a textured matte glass back for a more refined finish.

What are the storage options for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro?

• The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, while the Pro models start at 256GB and go up to 1TB, making the Pro variants more suitable for users who need extensive storage for apps, photos, and videos.

How does the iPhone 16 Pro compare to the iPhone 16 for gaming?

• The iPhone 16 Pro is better for gaming due to its A18 Pro chip, which features a more powerful GPU and support for higher frame rates. The ProMotion display also provides a smoother experience with a 120Hz refresh rate, compared to the 60Hz display on the standard iPhone 16.

Does the iPhone 16 support MagSafe charging?

• Yes, all iPhone 16 models, including the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and Pro Max, support MagSafe wireless charging, which allows for faster wireless charging with compatible chargers.

Which iPhone 16 model is best for video recording?

• The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are the best for video recording, as they support 4K recording at 120fps and offer advanced video features like Dolby Vision HDR and ProRes. The standard iPhone 16 models are still capable, but they lack the advanced features found on the Pro versions.