Regarding manufacturing materials, here we find a clear difference. While the standard iPhone opts for an aircraft-grade aluminum casing on the edges, the iPhone Pro opts for a titanium finish, which conveys a feeling of most premium device and translates into greater durability. The back, on both devices, is textured matte glass.
As for colors, iPhone Pros tend to have more sober and elegant options, while standard models offer a range of more varied and vivid colors, which can attract those looking for a more personal and striking touch. For example, the new iPhone 16 Pro is available in Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium and Black Titanium, in the 6.3 and 6.9 inch versionsthe latter being exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the largest version of the device.
For its part, the standard iPhone 16 is available in two sizes as well. A first 6.1″ device and a 6.7″ alternative, called iPhone 16 Plus. Both models are available in Ultramarine Blue, Teal Green, Pink, White and Black.
Which screen is better?
The display is another aspect where the iPhone and iPhone Pro differ significantly. Both models feature high-quality OLED displays, but the Pro series includes ProMotion technologywhich enables an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. This results in a smoother viewing experience when scrolling through menus, playing games or watching multimedia content.
The standard models, on the other hand, maintain a 60 Hz refresh rate, more than enough for daily use, but without the same fluidity that the Pro offers.
Screen resolution also tends to vary slightly, with the iPhone Pro offering a higher pixel density and maximum brightness that makes it easier to use outdoors in direct sunlight. However, for most users, the difference in screen quality is most noticeable under heavy use, such as watching HDR content or playing video games.
Performance and processor: are there differences?
Apple equips its iPhones with its own high-end processors. This means that while the performance of the standard iPhone is still excellent and is more than capable for most daily tasks, the iPhone Pro leads in processing speed and energy efficiency.
To be more precise, the new iPhone 16 equips an A18 chip with 5 GPU cores, while the iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the brand new A18 Pro processor, with a 6-core GPU.
In addition, the iPhone Pro usually has more RAM, which allows better performance in intensive tasks and multitasking, especially useful for those who use their device for photo and video editing or games that demand more resources.
Cameras: what sets the iPhone Pro apart
In the camera section, the differences between the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Pro are notable, especially if you are looking to get the most out of photography and video.
The iPhone 16 Pro stands out with a Pro camera system that includes three lenses: a 48 Mpx Fusion camera, a 48 Mpx ultra wide angle and a telephoto lens, thus allowing greater versatility when capturing different frames and scenes. Its ability to take super high resolution photos of 24 and 48 Mpx adds extra detail, ideal for those who want to capture even the smallest detail. Additionally, portraits on the iPhone 16 Pro include advanced features such as Depth and Focus Control, offering almost professional editing in real time.
Added to this is the option to take 48 Mpx macro photography, perfect for capturing extreme details in close objects. As for video, this model achieves an impressive resolution of up to 4K at 120 fps with Dolby Vision, ideal for capturing moving scenes with exceptional cinematic quality and fluidity. In addition, both models incorporate the option to take spatial photos and videos, which improves the visual experience and the immersive quality of the captured memories.
As for the iPhone 16, its camera system, although advanced, is limited to two lenses. It has a 48 Mpx Fusion camera and a 12 Mpx ultra wide angle, offering more than enough quality for most users, although without the extreme level of detail and advanced options of the Pro model. This model also allows you to capture photos of super high resolution in 24 and 48 Mpx and has the same advanced control for portraits, although it lacks some key capabilities such as telephoto or macro photography in 48 Mpx.
For those looking for something simpler but of quality, the iPhone 16 more than delivers. However, if your main interest is high-quality photography and video, the iPhone 16 Pro justifies its extra price with a much more complete and flexible experience.
Battery: who lasts longer?
Battery life is a key point for many users, and both the iPhone and iPhone Pro offer similar battery life in daily use. However, in some recent generations, the Pro models have shown to have a slight advantage thanks to a Optimizing your hardware more efficiently and sometimes a higher capacity battery.
Additionally, if you choose the Pro Max model, you will see a notable increase in battery life.
It must also be taken into account that the energy management The more advanced chip in the iPhone Pro contributes to slightly better battery life, especially when using high-performance features. In moderate use, most users will not notice a significant difference, but those who use the device intensively will appreciate the greater autonomy of the Pro range.
Price: is it worth the investment?
Price is one of the biggest determining factors when choosing between a standard iPhone and an iPhone Pro. The Pro models are significantly more expensive due to their high-end components and additional features. However, the key question is if you really need those extra features. The iPhone 16 starts at €959, while the iPhone 16 Pro starts at €1,219.
For users who want a reliable device for daily tasks, such as browsing, sending messages, taking occasional photos, and using commonly used apps or social networks, the standard iPhone is the best value for money. On the other hand, if you dedicate yourself to photography, video editing, graphic design or play games on your mobile, the iPhone Pro will provide you with a more complete and satisfying experience, with greater versatility.
Which one should you buy?
The decision between a standard iPhone and an iPhone Pro comes down to your priorities. For most users, the standard iPhone is more than enough, offering excellent performance and outstanding quality in an affordable package. However, if you are a tech enthusiast and want the latest in advanced features, better battery life, and a device that will stay up to date without losing performance, the iPhone Pro is the ideal option for you.
