Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs Apple iPhone 16
We compare the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Apple iPhone 16 head-to-head on performance, features, value, and more. Here's which one wins.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Scored 9.7/10 in our testing
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Best smaller Pro iPhone — A18 Pro with 5x zoom in a more manageable 6.3-inch size
Apple iPhone 16
Best iPhone for most people — A18 chip, Camera Control, and Action button at $799
Score Breakdown
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro | Category | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| 10/10 ✓ | Performance | 9.8/10 |
| 9.8/10 ✓ | Features | 9.3/10 |
| 9.5/10 | Ease of Use | 9.5/10 |
| 8.8/10 | Value | ✓ 9.5/10 |
| 9.7/10 ✓ | Overall | 9.5/10 |
Specs Comparison
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro | Spec | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| A18 Pro | Chip | A18 |
| 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED 120Hz ProMotion | Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED 60Hz |
| 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 5x 12MP telephoto | Camera | 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide, Camera Control |
| Up to 27 hours video playback | Battery | Up to 22 hours video playback |
| Titanium frame, textured matte glass back | Build | Aluminum frame, color-infused back glass |
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Pros
- + Full Pro feature set in a smaller 6.3-inch form factor
- + 5x optical zoom — same as Pro Max
- + A18 Pro chip identical to Pro Max
- + Lighter and more pocketable than Pro Max
Cons
- − Shorter battery life than Pro Max
- − $999 starting price — still premium
- − Smaller battery means heavier use may require evening top-up
Apple iPhone 16
Pros
- + Same A18 chip as the Pro — not a cut-down version
- + Camera Control button for new photo/video interactions
- + Aluminum build saves weight vs titanium Pro
- + MagSafe charging ecosystem compatibility
Cons
- − 60Hz display — no ProMotion smooth scrolling like Pro models
- − 2x zoom (digital crop) vs 5x optical on Pro
- − No ProRes video recording
Our Verdict
Based on our scoring, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro comes out on top with an overall score of 9.7/10. The iPhone 16 Pro gives you everything the Pro Max offers except the larger screen and longest battery life — same A18 Pro chip, same 5x telephoto, same Camera Control, same titanium build. The 6.3-inch display is a sweet spot between the compact standard iPhone and the large Pro Max. If you want Pro-tier features without carrying a large phone, this is the one. Battery life is good but not exceptional — if battery endurance is your top priority, step up to the Pro Max.
Buy the Apple iPhone 16 Pro on AmazonRead the full Best iPhones of 2026: Tested and Ranked guide for complete reviews of all 7 products.