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Friday, September 13, 2024

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: All the Key Specs Compared - CNET

iPhone 16 Pro vs. 15 Pro 

vs. 14 Pro vs. 13 Pro: 

Should You Upgrade 

This Year?

How the iPhone 16 Pro 

compares with its predecessors 

in terms of design, cameras 

and features.

Sareena Dayaram

pro-versus
CNET

A new iPhone Pro series often includes 

a number of additional perks to justify 

a premium price over the entry-level 

iPhone. These perks usually include 

third telephoto camera -- which has 

remained exclusive to the Pro series -- 

and other newer features that debut on 

a Pro model and roll out to the standard

iPhone a year later. For instance, the 

Action button debuted on last year's 

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, 

but now it's also available on the 

iPhone 16.

But while Apple keeps its base level 

iPhone on sale typically for two years 

after its initial launch, the Pro model 

usually gets discontinued after one 

year. That doesn't mean you can't 

find last year's iPhone 15 Pro -- 

it's likely still in stock at physical 

stories while supplies last or available 

as a refurbished model -- but the 

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will 

otherwise displace last year's 15 Pro 

and Pro Max.
iPhone 16 preroders are live: 

See today's iPhone 16 deals and trade-in 

details

The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max 

each offer a slightly new design over 

last year's Pro phones that could make 

a noticeable difference in how you use 

the phone. Both of this year's Pro devices 

are shipping with larger screens, with 

the smaller Pro getting a larger 6.3-inch 

display (up from 6.1 inches on the 15 Pro) 

and the Pro Max getting even bigger with 

a 6.9-inch display (up from last year's 

6.7-inch display). 

The 16 Pro now has an identical 

camera to its corresponding Pro Max 

model, whereas typically the Pro Max 

would get a smaller enhancement. 

This includes a 5x optical zoom, which 

wasn't available on last year's 15 Pro 

but was on the Pro Max. All of the 

iPhone 16 devices, including the 

base and Plus models, get a new 

Camera Control button that provides 

quick access to photo and video modes. 

The iPhone 16 Pro will gain access to 

various AI features from Apple 

Intelligence, including a Visual 

Intelligence feature, which uses 

the camera and AI to identify 

objects and places around you. 

While the iPhone 15 Pro will 

also gain access to these features, 

the iPhone 14 Pro and earlier 

Pro models will not. These features 

will also include note summarization, 

an enhanced Siri assistant and Genmoji -- 

a method of generating new emoji 

using a prompt.   

Apart from AI-enabled hardware, 

iPhone 16 Pro also shares features 

with the iPhone 15 Pro that aren't 

available on theiPhone 14 Pro and 

iPhone 13 Pro. Those premium 

iPhones have a titanium finish 

introduced last year, which helps 

make the phones lighter than most 

earlier models despite their larger 

screen size. Both the 15 Pro and 16 Pro 

have USB-C ports instead of Lightning 

connectors, and both can record spatial 

video, which is a type of 3D video that 

you can watch on the Apple Vision Pro 

headset. An always-on display, Dynamic Island camera cutout and satellite 

connectivity for Emergency SOS are 

features available across all of these 

Pro models apart from the iPhone 13 Pro. 

We've outlined in the below specs chart 

all of the other differences between 

each of these iPhone Pro models, so 

you can see how the phone has evolved 

over the years. In recent years, upgrading 

year over year typically offers small 

differences, but jumping from an 

iPhone 13 Pro or earlier to the 

iPhone 16 Pro would be an impactful 

change.

iPhone 13 Pro vs. 14 Pro vs. 15 Pro vs. 16 Pro


iPhone 13 ProiPhone 14 ProiPhone 15 ProiPhone 16 Pro
Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate6.1-inch OLED; 2,532x1,170 pixels6.1-inch OLED; 120Hz ; 2,556x1,179 pixels6.1-inch OLED; 2,556x1,179 pixels; 120Hz adaptive6.3-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel resolution
Pixel density460 ppi460 ppi460 ppi460 ppi
Dimensions (inches)5.78 x 2.82 x 0.3 in5.81 x 2.81 x 0.31 in.2.78 x 5.77 x 0.32 in5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches
Dimensions (millimeters)147 x 72 x 7.65 mm147.5 x 71.5 x 7.85mm70.6 x 146.6 x 8.25 mm149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25mm
Weight (grams, ounces)7.19 oz; 204g206g (7.27 oz)187g (6.6 oz)199 g, 7.03oz
Mobile softwareiOS 15iOS 16iOS 17iOS 18
Camera12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (telephoto)48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (telephoto)48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (3x telephoto)48-megapixel (fusion), 48-megapixel (ultrawide) 5x telephoto 
Front-facing camera12-megapixel12-megapixel12-megapixel12-megapixel
Video captureProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB storage)*4K at 60 fps4K4K up to 120fps; spatial video at 1080p at 30fps
ProcessorApple A15 BionicApple A16 BionicA17 ProA18 Pro
RAM/storage128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TBRAM NA; 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Expandable storageUndisclosedNoneNoneNo
BatteryNoUndisclosed; Apple claims 23 hours of video playbackUndisclosed; Apple claims up to 23 hours of video playback (20 hours streamed)Up to 27 hours video playback; up to 22 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W
Fingerprint sensorUndisclosed; Apple lists 22 hours of video playbackNone (Face ID)None (Face ID)None (Face ID)
ConnectorLightningLightningUSB-C (USB 3.0)USB-C
Headphone jackNoneNoneNoneNone
Special featuresProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz; lidar scanner; 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) Dynamic Island; Always-On display; 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (e-SIM) 5G (mmw/Sub6), Action Button, Always-On display, IP68 rating, MagSafe, Dynamic Island, 5x optical zoom (120mm equivalent), satellite connectivity, eSIM, Thread networking technologyApple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, 4x audio mics, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance. Colors: black titanium, white titantium, natural titanium, desert titanium.
US price starts at$999 (128GB), $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB), $1,499 (1TB)$999 (128GB), $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB), $1,499 (1TB)$999 (128GB, $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB), $1,499 (1TB)$999 (128GB), $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB), $1,499 (1TB)
Watch this: Hands-On with iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

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Inside the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: Here's How They Compare and Which to Buy

Apple gives us a lot to consider when 

buying an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro beyond just the cameras. And don't 

think you need to pay $1,000 or more 

to get a great iPhone.

Patrick Holland
Matt Elliott
4 min read
iPhone 15 next to iPhone 15 Pro on a white background
Apple

On the surface, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 

15 Pro have a lot of similarities, but there 

are several significant differences that 

make choosing between the two a bit 

of a challenge. Both phones were 

released last September at Apple's 

"Wonderlust" event alongside updates 

to the Apple Watch. And we are now 

at a time where it might be best to 

hold off on buying a new iPhone

That's because the rumored 

iPhone 16 and 16 Pro will likely 

to be released on Monday Sept. 9 

at Apple's Glowtime event.

Of course, you might just need 

a new phone now and the 

iPhone 15 and 15 Pro are still 

outstanding options even 11 months 

after their release. The iPhone 15 

is basically a repackaged iPhone 14 Pro 

without the telephoto camera or 

one-grand price tag. The iPhone 15 Pro 

comes with Apple's latest processor, 

cameras and a new titanium design 

but it also costs $200 more than the 

regular iPhone 15.

Ultimately you should focus on 

which iPhone suits your needs 

better. Not everyone needs an 

iPhone 15 Pro, in fact most 

people will be more than 

happy with an iPhone 15. 

Save that extra money 

for a case and a nice steak 

dinner.

iPhone 15 vs. 15 Pro: Display and enclosure

iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro's display has a variable refresh rate that tops out at 120Hz and helps makes system animations, scrolling and video games look smooth.

James Martin/CNET

Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 

15 Pro feature the same size 

screen -- a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR

 display with a 2,556x1,179-pixel 

resolution. The Pro's display, 

however, features ProMotion 

technology, which is Apple's 

way of saying it has a variable 

refresh rate between 10Hz and 

120Hz. It results in smoother 

motion in videos, games and 

just scrolling through web 

pages compared with the the 

iPhone 15's fixed 60Hz refresh 

rate. When you aren't watching 

YouTube or gaming on your phone, 

the Pro will lower the refresh rate 

to conserve battery life. 

The iPhone 15 Pro also has an 

always-on display that keeps it 

on and dimmed when charging so you can use StandBy mode. Unfortunately 

the iPhone 15 lacks an always-on display.

An iPhone 15 Pro with its Standby screen active

The iPhone 15 Pro in Standby mode on a MagSafe charging stand.

Patrick Holland/CNET

The 15 and 15 Pro are made from 

different materials. The iPhone 15 

has an aluminum enclosure with a 

color-infused glass back, and the 

iPhone 15 Pro is made from 

titanium with a textured matte 

glass back. 

The iPhone 15 comes in more 

colorful options. You can get 

it in pink, soft yellow, light 

green, pale blue or black. 

The iPhone 15 Pro is available 

in more staid hues: black, white, 

dark blue and natural titanium 

that looks beige. 

Side view of four iPhone 15 Pro devices

The new iPhone 15 Pro titanium colors, from left to right: black, white, blue and natural.

Apple/Screenshot by CNET

In terms of overall size, the 

iPhone 15 is ever-so-slightly larger 

but lighter than the iPhone 15 Pro. 

Titanium is lighter than aluminum, 

but the iPhone 15 Pro weighs more 

than the iPhone 15, in large part 

because it has a third camera. 

The iPhone 15 weighs 6.02 ounces 

(171 grams), and the iPhone 15 Pro 

weighs 6.6 ounces (187 grams). 

The iPhone 15 Pro has ultrathin 

bezels and shaves a millimeter 

off the width and height of the 

iPhone 15's dimensions while 

also being a fraction of a 

millimeter thinner.

Action button on the side of the Apple iPhone 15 Pro

The Action button (small one on the far right) on the iPhone 15 Pro.

Nelson Aguilar/CNET

One last difference between the two 

enclosures is the introduction of the 

Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro

It replaces the mute switch that's still 

on the side of the iPhone 15. 

By default, a long press on the Action

 button will mute and unmute the phone.

 But you can customize it to trigger a 

number of shortcuts like turning on 

the flashlight, recording a voice 

memo or opening the camera app 

and snapping a photo.

iPhone 15 vs. 15 Pro: Cameras

iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro nets you a third camera.

James Martin/CNET

As with previous iPhone lines, the 

iPhone 15 features two cameras 

on the back, and the iPhone 15 Pro 

has three. You get a 48-megapixel 

wide lens and a 12-megapixel 

ultrawide lens with either model, 

and the iPhone 15 Pro adds a 

12-megapixel telephoto lens 

that has a 3x optical zoom that 

lets you get closer to your subject. 

We should note that the Pro phone's 

main camera has a larger 48-megapixel 

sensor, which helps improve performance 

in low light.

Both models support night mode, 

but only the iPhone 15 Pro lets 

you take night mode shots in portrait mode.

iPhone 15 vs. 15 Pro: Components

Inside, the iPhone 15 has an A16 

Bionic chip, while the iPhone 15 Pro 

has an A17 Pro chip. Both models 

ought to be plenty fast; each processor 

is a six-core CPU with two performance 

and four efficiency cores. The iPhone 

15 Pro is better suited for graphics and 

gaming; the A17 Pro Bionic processor 

has a six-core GPU to the A16 Bionic's 

five-core GPU.

Both models are available in 128GB, 

256GB and 512GB capacities, and 

the iPhone 15 Pro offers a 1TB option.

Watch this: Review: The iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max Are Impressive

iPhone 15 vs. 15 Pro: USB-C speeds

All iPhone 15 series models have 

USB-C charging, but only the iPhone 

15 Pro supports the faster 10Gbps 

speeds of USB 3. You'll need to 

supply your own USB-C 3 cable 

for a 15 Pro since Apple ships a 

USB 2 cable with both phones, 

but the iPhone 15 supports only 

USB 2 speeds of 480Mbps.

iPhone 15 Pro Max

Here's the iPhone 15 Pro's USB-C port.

James Martin/CNET

iPhone 15 vs. 15 Pro: Price

Finally, we arrive at the difference in price. 

No surprises here: As in past years, Apple 

charges an extra $200 for the iPhone 15 Pro 

compared with the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15

 starts at $799 (£799, AU$1,499), while the 

iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999 (£999, 

AU$1,849).

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

See all photos 

Apple iPhone 15 vs. Apple iPhone 15 Pro


iPhone 15iPhone 15 Pro
Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate, brightness6.1-inch OLED; 2,556x1,179 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate; 1,000 nits6.1-inch OLED; 2,556x1,179 pixels; 120Hz adaptive refresh rate; 1,000 nits
Pixel density460 ppi460 ppi
Enclosure materialAluminum with color-infused glass backTitanium with textured matte glass back
Dimensions (inches)2.82 x 5.81 x 0.31 in.2.78 x 5.77 x 0.32 in.
Dimensions (millimeters)71.6 x 147.6 x 7.8 mm70.6 x 146.6 x 8.25 mm
Weight (grams, ounces)171 g (6.02 oz)187 g (6.6 oz)
Mobile softwareiOS 17iOS 17
Camera48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel telephoto (3x optical)
Front-facing camera12-megapixel12-megapixel
Video capture4K4K
ProcessorA16 BionicA17 Pro
RAM/storage128GB, 256GB, 512GB128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Expandable storageNoneNone
Battery/charging speedsUndisclosed; Apple claims up to 20 hours of video playback (16 hours streamed)Undisclosed; Apple claims up to 23 hours of video playback (20 hours streamed)
Fingerprint sensorNone (Face ID)None (Face ID)
ConnectorUSB-C (USB 2.0)USB-C (USB 3.0)
Side button/switchMute switchAction button
Headphone jackNoneNone
Special features5G (mmw/Sub6), IP68 rating, MagSafe (up to 15W), Qi wireless charging to 7.5W, Dynamic Island5G (mmw/Sub6), IP68 rating, MagSafe (up to 15W), Qi wireless charging to 7.5W, Dynamic Island, 3x optical zoom
US price off-contract$799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB)$999 (128GB, $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB), $1,499 (1TB)
UK price£799 (128GB), £899 (256GB), £1,099 (512GB)£999 (128GB), £1,099 (256GB), £1,299 (512GB), £1,499 (1TB)
Australia priceAU$1,499 (128GB), AU$1,699 (256GB), AU$2,049 (512GB)AU$1,849 (128GB), AU$2,049 (256GB), AU$2,399 (512GB), AU$2,749 (1TB)

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iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Battle of the Big iPhones

Apple has released the largest iPhone yet, but the distance between the larger phones has shrunk in the iPhone 16 era.

David Lumb
5 min read
Two iPhones, the iPhone 16 Plus (left) and the iPhone 16 Pro Max (right) on a bright background.

The iPhone 16 Plus (left) vs. the iPhone 16 Pro Max (right).

Tharon Green/CNET

At Apple's Glowtime event, the company unveiled its latest lineup of iPhone 16 handsets. While the new phones share a lot of new features, there's an even bigger difference between the two big phones -- regular and premium -- this year. Here's the iPhone 16 Plus versus the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The most prominent distinction between the two bigger phones is size, as they're no longer tied for largest iPhone on record. The iPhone 16 Plus still has a 6.7-inch display, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display, giving it the crown for the biggest iPhone ever made.

There are knock-on effects of that decision: Everything the iPhone 16 Plus is, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a little bit more. That comes at a literal price, with the iPhone 16 Plus with 128GB of storage starting at $899 (£899, AU$1,599) and the iPhone 16 Pro Max with 256GB of storage starting at $1,199 (£1,199, AU$2,149). 

iPhone 16 Pro camera

A highlight of the 5x optical telephoto in the iPhone 16 Pro Max during the Apple Glowtime event.

Apple/Screenshot by James Martin/CNET

That's a sizable price gulf between the two, but there are a handful of things the even bigger phone packs that its now-smaller sibling doesn't. The iPhone 16 Plus has a 48-megapixel fusion camera (with a neat new 12-megapixel 2x digital zoom feature) and 48-megapixel ultrawide camera; the iPhone 16 Pro Max has that and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. Both phones have a 12-megapixel TrueDepth front-facing camera for selfies and FaceID.

The Pro Max also has a higher video ceiling, recording 4K video at 120 frames per second, which is good for converting to slow motion; the Plus tops out at 4K video with 60 frames per second. Both phones can shoot Spatial Video, the depth-focused format of videos watchable only in Apple Vision Pro, at 1080p at 30 frames per second. 

apple audio and video features

A moment showing the three Audio Mix options available for recording video.

Apple/Screenshot by James Martin/CNET

What the Pro Max does have over its cheaper sibling is more sensitive audio recording thanks to its four microphones over the Plus's 3. Both phones get Audio Mix, a trio of professional toggles to direct the phone to record certain sound sources over others when recording a video: in-frame captures who's speaking in front of the camera (even if people nearby are speaking off-camera), studio is built for podcasters and vloggers to make them sound like they're nestled in the sound-damped walls of a studio and cinematic combines sounds toward the front of the screen (much like a standard movie mix). 

Unsurprisingly, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a more advanced A18 Pro chipset than the iPhone 16 Plus's A18 silicon, though both support Apple Intelligence. The bigger phone has more maximum storage with 256GB, 512GB and 1TB options, while the Plus has 128GB, 256GB and 512GB configurations. Apple has not released the RAM on each model. 

iPhone 16 Pro

Colors of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Apple/Screenshot by James Martin/CNET

Where the Plus is 6.33x3.06x0.31 inches (160.9x77.8x7.8mm), the Pro Max is 6.42x3.06x0.32 inches (163x77.6x8.25mm). That also means the smaller phone is lighter at 199 grams (7.03 ounces), while the bigger handset is 227 grams (7.99 ounces). The Pro Max comes in a titanium frame with four colors: black, white, a silver-ish natural and a tan desert hue. The Plus has a more vibrant range of colors: black, white, pink, teal and ultramarine. Both phones are IP68 rated for dust and water resistance, and both pack USB-C ports.

iphone 16

Colors of the iPhone 16 Plus.

Apple/Screenshot by James Martin/CNET

Both phones' displays have OLED Super Retina XDR and 460 pixels-per-inch resolution, so they're equally as sharp, though the larger Pro Max logically has more pixels in its screen (2,868x1,320-pixel resolution) than the relatively smaller Plus (2,796x1,290-pixel resolution). The big difference is in display refresh rate, with the Pro Max topping out at 120 Hz with its ProMotion tech while the Plus retains the 60 Hz refresh rate that base iPhones have had for years. Both phones max out at 2,000 nits of brightness in direct sunlight, but they can dip down to a single nit in darkness, which helps preserve battery.

That extra space means more battery life (though in typical Apple fashion, we don't have rough hourly usage rather than exact capacity figures). The iPhone 16 Pro Max tops out at up to 33 hours of video playback (or up to 29 hours if streaming the video), while the iPhone 16 Plus has up to 27 hours of video playback (or up to 24 hours if streaming it). Both phones have the same wired charging (up to 20 watt) as the previous generation, though MagSafe wireless charging has been bumped up to 25 watts if using a 30-watt or faster charger. 

Both phones run iOS 18 out of the box, and both will get Apple Intelligence when it drops later in September. Apple didn't reveal much more about its AI capabilities than was shown off at WWDC back in June. The generative AI will supercharge Siri, offer suggestions for spiffing up the tone of a message, automatically arrange your photos and offer more accurate contextual searches among them. 

Apple's also added AI-generated emoji, which you can whip up by submitting prompts -- say, a cowboy frog on a diving board. 

iphone-16-camera-capture

The iPhone 16's Camera Control "button" lets you launch the camera without touching the screen. 

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

The big reveal is Visual Intelligence, which sees Apple's AI applied to the camera. Visual Intelligence is able to search for whatever is in your viewfinder. This is summoned with a new hardware feature: the Camera Control button, which is found on both phones on the right side below the lock button. It's capacitive and physically clicky, so you'll be able to push in for Visual Intelligence or tap it to bring up its second functionality: acting as an extra camera setting toggle. 

For example, when your camera app is open, you can run your finger along it to zoom in and out or change the aperture -- and it'll work as an extra menu within third-party apps, too. The Apple presentation showed it functioning in Snap. 

Similarly, the Action Button is now on both the premium and standard phones, taking the place of the ringer-silent switch to act as a customizable app shortcut. It's no longer exclusive to the premium handsets. 

That shrinks the number of exclusives that the Pro Max holds over the Plus, making its $300 price differential harder to justify. True, it's larger, with a third rear camera (telephoto), titanium frame and bigger battery. But with Apple Intelligence coming to both phones (it's only drifting back to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models), the premium phones are harder to justify over their cheaper siblings.

For a more detailed comparison, check our specs sheet below:

iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 16 PlusApple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate, brightness6.7-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display; 2,796 x 1,290 pixel resolution6.9-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display; 2,868 x 1,320 pixel resolution
Pixel density460 ppi460 ppi
Dimensions (inches)6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 inches6.42 x 3.06 x 0.32 inches
Dimensions (millimeters)160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8mm163 x 77.6 x 8.25mm
Weight (grams, ounces)199 g, 7.03 oz227 g, 7.99oz
Mobile softwareiOS 18iOS 18
Camera48-megapixel (fusion), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)48-megapixel (fusion), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 5x telephoto 
Front-facing camera12-megapixel12-megapixel
Video capture4K at 60fps; spatial video at 1080p at 30fps4K up to 120fps; spatial video at 1080p at 30fps
ProcessorA18A18 Pro
RAM/storage128GB, 256GB, 512GB256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Expandable storageNoNo
BatteryUp to 27 hours video playback; up to 24 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15WUp to 33 hours video playback; up to 29 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W
Fingerprint sensorNone (Face ID)None (Face ID)
ConnectorUSB-CUSB-C
Headphone jackNoNo
Special featuresApple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine. Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, 4x audio mics, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance. Colors: black titanium, white titantium, natural titanium, desert titanium.
US price off-contract$899 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,199 (512GB)$1,199 (256GB), $1,399 (512GB), $1,599 (1TB)
UK price£899 (128GB), £999 (256GB), £1,199 (512GB)£1,199 (256GB), £1,399 (512GB), £1,599 (1TB)
Australia priceAU$1,599 (128GB), AU$1,799 (256GB), AU$2,149 (512GB)AU$2,149 (256GB), AU$2,499 (512GB), AU$2,849 (1TB)
Watch this: Hands-On with iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

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iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14: How These Phones Stack Up

Thinking of upgrading from that iPhone 14? Here's what is new and different on Apple's latest.

Eli Blumenthal
2 min read
appleevent-glowtime-iphone16-ai

The iPhone 16 has arrived.

CNET

When the iPhone first came out, upgrading every two years was commonplace in the US. Now? Holding onto your phones for three-plus years is increasingly more standard. That said, there still could be plenty of temptation to see what is new with this year's devices and if an upgrade might make sense for you. 

With the iPhone 16 now official, we finally know what's new when it comes to the company's latest iPhones. Along the sides the Action button (introduced last year on the 15 Pro and Pro Max) is now present as is a new Camera Control button, while under the hood there is a faster A18 processor and around the back are improved cameras (once again vertically aligned, similar to older iPhones like the iPhone X, XS. XR, 11 and 12). Apple touts that the newer phones are also ready to take full advantage of its forthcoming Apple Intelligence features. 

Plus, compared with the iPhone 14, there should be better battery life and you can use USB-C for wired charging instead of Lightning. Pricing starts at $799 for the 128GB iPhone 16. 

Those looking for a bigger screen will need to check out the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max. The iPhone 16, and its larger 16 Plus sibling, have the same size displays as their 14 and 14 Plus counterparts. 

Is all this enough to warrant switching devices? We'll let you be the judge. Here's how the new iPhone 16 stacks up against the iPhone 14 on specs, and stay tuned to CNET for more including our first impressions, deals guides and reviews of the iPhones as well as the new Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4.

Watch this: CNET Editors React to Apple's iPhone 16 'Glowtime' Event

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14


iPhone 16iPhone 14
Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate, brightness6.1-inch OLED; 2,556x1,179 pixels, 60Hz refresh rate, 2,000 nits6.1-inch OLED; 2,532x1,170 pixels
Pixel density460 ppi460 ppi
Dimensions (inches)2.82 x 5.81 x 0.31 in5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 in
Dimensions (millimeters)71.6 x 147.6 x 7.8 mm147 x 72 x 7.8 mm
Weight (grams, ounces)170 g (6 oz)172 g (6.07 oz)
Mobile softwareiOS 18iOS 18
Camera48-megapixel Fusion, 12-megapixel Ultra Wide12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)
Front-facing camera12-megapixel12-megapixel
Video captureUp to 4K at 60 fps4K at 60 fps
ProcessorA18Apple A15 Bionic
RAM/storageRAM NA; 128GB, 256GB, 512GBRAM NA; 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Expandable storageNoneNone
Battery/charging speedsUndisclosed; Apple claims up to 22 hours of video playback (18 hours streamed) and 80 hours of audio playbackUndisclosed; Apple claims 20 hours of video playback
Fingerprint sensorNone (Face ID)None (Face ID)
ConnectorUSB-C (USB 2.0)Lightning
Headphone jackAction button, Camera Control, Side button, Volume up/downNone
Special featuresApple Intelligence, 5G (mmWave/Sub-6); MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; eSIM; satellite connectivity5G (mmWave/Sub-6); MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; eSIM; satellite connectivity
US price off-contract$799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB)$799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB)
UK price£799 (128GB), £899 (256GB), £1,099 (512GB)£849 (128GB)
Australia priceAU$1,399 (128GB), AU$1,599 (256GB), AU$1,949 (512GB)AU$1,399 (128GB)

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iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: All the Key Specs Compared

Here's how everything from cameras to battery life to displays compare.

Abrar Al-Heeti
3 min read
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro
Tharon Green/CNET

Now that Apple's iPhone 16 lineup is here, you may be wondering whether to go with the $800 baseline model or pay more for the Pro model, which starts at $1,000. Here's a breakdown of the key specs for each device to help with that decision. 

Preorders for the iPhone 16 series starts Friday, with availability beginning Sept. 20. 

Looking to preorder the latest Apple devices? We're rounding up the best iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4deals at launch.

Cameras: The Pro's big selling point

A key draw for Apple's iPhone Pro models is the higher-grade camera, for both photos and videos. 

When it comes to rear cameras, the baseline iPhone 16 sports a 48MP fusion camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera, while the 16 Pro has a 48MP fusion camera, 48MP ultrawide camera and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. Both phones feature a 12MP TrueDepth front-facing camera. 

For video, the iPhone 16 can shoot in 4K at 60 frames per second, in addition to 1080p spatial video at 30 frames per second. The 16 Pro has the same spatial video capacity but can also shoot in 4K up to 120 frames per second -- bringing slow-motion effects to the iPhone.

So if you want to do a bit more with your camera (or just zoom in at a concert without compromising quality), the Pro's premium features may be tempting. 

Displays, size and weight

The iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display, while the 16 Pro's is 6.3 inches.  The 16 has a 60Hz refresh rate, while the Pro has a 120Hz refresh rate. Both have a 460 ppi pixel density and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits.

The iPhone 16 is 5.81 inches tall, 2.82 inches wide and 0.31 inches thick. The 16 Pro's dimensions aren't too far off: 5.89 inches tall, 2.81 wide and 0.32 inches thick. The baseline 16 weighs 170g (6 ounces), while the Pro is 199g (7.03 ounces). The materials vary, too, with the iPhone 16 featuring an aluminum enclosure, while the 16 Pro is made with titanium. 

Both feature Dynamic Island, as well as an Action Button and Camera Control button.

The iPhone 16 comes in Black, White, Pink, Teal and Ultramarine, while the iPhone 16 Pro comes in Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium and Desert Titanium. Each are water resistant, with an IP68 rating.

Both support USB-C charging. There's no fingerprint sensor on either, so you'll need to use Face ID or a passcode.

Batteries, processors and software

Apple doesn't disclose its battery capacity but says the iPhone 16 has up to 22 hours of video playback (18 hours streamed), while the 16 Pro has up to 27 hours of video playback (22 hours streamed). Both feature 20W wired charging, and MagSafe wireless charging up to 25 watts with a 30-watt adapter or higher. They also support Qi2 charging, up to 15 watts.

The 16 is powered by an A18 chip, while the 16 Pro packs the more powerful (and aptly named) A18 Pro chip. They each come with iOS 18 and will support Apple Intelligence when it arrives later this year.

Pricing and storage

The iPhone 16 starts at $800 for 128GB of storage, $900 for 256GB and $1,100 for 512GB. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $1,000 for 128GB, $1,100 for 256GB, $1,300 for 512GB and $1,500 for 1TB.

Check out the spec chart below for a closer breakdown.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro


Apple iPhone 16Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display; 2,556 x 1,179 pixel resolution; 60Hz refresh rate; 2,000 nits6.3-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel resolution; 120Hz adaptive refresh rate; 2,000 nits
Pixel density460 ppi460 ppi
Dimensions (inches)5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches
Dimensions (millimeters)147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25mm
Weight (grams, ounces)170 g, 6 oz199 g, 7.03oz
Mobile softwareiOS 18iOS 18
Camera48MP fusion camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera48-megapixel fusion camera, 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera, 12-megapixel telephoto camera (w/ 5x optical zoom)
Front-facing camera12MP TrueDepth camera12MP TrueDepth camera
Video capture4K at 60fps; spatial video at 1080p at 30fps4K up to 120fps; spatial video at 1080p at 30fps
ProcessorA18A18 Pro
RAM/storage128GB, 256GB, 512GB128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Expandable storageNoNo
BatteryUp to 22 hours video playback; up to 18 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15WUp to 27 hours video playback; up to 22 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W
Fingerprint sensorNone (Face ID)None (Face ID)
ConnectorUSB-CUSB-C
Headphone jackNoNo
Special featuresApple Intelligence, Action Button, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2000 nits display brightness range, IP 68 resistance colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal, UltramarineApple Intelligence, Action Button, Camera Control button, 4x audio mics, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2000 nits display brightness range, IP 68 resistance colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium
US price starts at$799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB)$999 (128GB), $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB), $1,499 (1TB)
UK price starts at£799 (128GB), £899 (256GB), £1,099 (512GB)£999 (128GB), £1,099 (256GB), £1,299 (512GB), £1,499 (1TB)
Australia price starts atAU$1,399 (128GB), AU$1,599 (256GB), AU$1,949 (512GB)AU$1,799 (128GB), AU$1,999 (256GB), AU$2,349 (512GB), AU$2,699 (1TB)

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iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: All the Key Specs Compared - CNET