Apple’s iPhone Pro model is one of the most popular smartphones available. The classic three-camera array can be found everywhere you go, and that’s not surprising since these devices still represent the best combination of iPhone technology and features. But now that the iPhone 16 Pro is out, should you upgrade from the iPhone 15 Pro? Or, if you find the iPhone 15 Pro on sale, is it still worth buying now that the 16 Pro is here? Do you have one? Find out which iPhone is the best choice in terms of specs and budget with our comparative review of iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro: Designed and built
At first glance, there’s not much to differentiate between the two devices, but once you pick them up, you’ll notice that they’ve been redesigned. The iPhone 16 Pro is slightly larger than its predecessor to accommodate a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 15 Pro only needs to accommodate a 6.1-inch panel.
Anilon Koopman / Foundry
Comparative dimensions are:
- iPhone15 pro – 146.6 mm (5.77 in) x 70.6 mm (2.78 in) x 8.25 mm (0.32 in); 187 grams (6.60 oz). 6.1 inch display
- iPhone16 pro – 149.6 mm (5.89 in) x 71.5 mm (2.81 in) x 8.25 mm (0.32 in). 199 grams (7.03 ounces). 6.3 inch display
As you can see, the new model is taller, wider, and heavier than the previous generation, making it a little easier to grip. Of course, there’s also the larger Pro Max model, which has the same specs as its counterpart but boasts a larger screen. The iPhone 15 Pro Max measures 6.7 inches, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max measures a whopping 6.9 inches. The latter will be the largest display on an iPhone to date.
Their dimensions are:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max – 159.9 mm (6.29 in) x 76.7 mm (3.02 in) x 8.25 mm (0.32 in). 221 grams (7.81 ounces) 6.7-inch display
- iPhone 16 Pro Max – 149.6 mm (5.89 in) x 71.5 mm (2.81 in) x 8.25 mm (0.32 in). 199 grams (7.03 ounces). 6.9 inch display
All these iPhones have titanium chassis and textured matte glass backs. The iPhone 15 Pro comes in natural titanium, blue titanium, white titanium, and black titanium, and the iPhone 16 Pro comes in desert titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and black titanium.
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iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro: Features
The new model also features Apple’s new camera control button, which acts as a shortcut to various settings within the camera app, as well as quick launch and shooting controls. In previous reviews, I was pretty skeptical about its location, as it’s hard to reach in landscape mode unless you have long fingers. This may be better suited to the new Visual Intelligence feature introduced in iOS 18.2 (essentially Apple’s version of Google Lens), intended for use in Portrait mode. The camera will be explained in detail below.
Both generations of iPhone Pro/Max feature action buttons that can be used for various shortcuts, volume controls, and side/power buttons. USB-C is now standard on iPhones and has been since it was introduced with the iPhone 15 series, so it’s equivalent here. You’ll also be happy to see an overall IP68 waterproof rating, as well as MagSafe support. However, the iPhone 16 Pro also supports fast charging with MagSafe, while the iPhone 15 Pro does not.
In our battery tests, the iPhone 16 Pro performed significantly better than the 15 Pro, lasting a whopping 54% longer in our benchmark tests. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is an improvement over its predecessor, running 43% longer in benchmarks compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. While this doesn’t directly translate into improved daily activities, it definitely means that the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will last longer than older models.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro: Display
Other than the new size, there’s not much to differentiate between the displays. Both feature Dynamic Island, ProMotion, Always-On, HDR, True Tone, Wide Color (P3), and Super Retina XDR panels with 1,000 nits max brightness (standard), 1,600 nits max brightness (HDR), and up to 2,000 nits max brightness is included. Brightness (outdoor). The only new feature on the iPhone 16 Pro (and Pro Max) is a 1 nit minimum brightness that saves power in darker settings.
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iPhone displays have always been great, and there’s little that differentiates both generations of displays. Not surprisingly, the iPhone 16 Pro’s larger 6.3-inch panel has a different resolution (2622 x 1206 versus 2556 x 1179 for the iPhone 15 Pro’s 6.1-inch panel). However, they have the same 460ppi, so they are just as sharp as each other.
Similarly, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s larger 6.9-inch panel has a resolution of 2868×1320, as opposed to the 2796×1290 resolution of the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 6.7-inch panel, but it’s equally sharp at the same 460ppi. .
If you need a larger display, you might be drawn to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is slightly larger than its predecessor and larger than the screen on the iPhone 16 Plus. This is the largest display ever seen on an iPhone. If you find the Pro Max model unwieldy, we recommend choosing the iPhone 16 Pro. Prefer a more compact handset? iPhone 15 Pro.
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro: Technical specifications
Here’s a breakdown of the iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro tech specs comparison: For reference, the Pro Max model has the same specs as its smaller sibling apart from dimensions, screen size, and battery, all of which are slightly larger.
| iPhone 15 Pro/Max | iPhone 16 Pro/Max | |
| screen | 6.1″/6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED panel, 2556×1179, 460ppi. 1,600/2,000 nits peak brightness (HDR/outdoor). Dynamic island, ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, Always On display | 6.3 inches/6.9 inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel, 2622 x 1206 resolution, 460ppi, ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, 1,600/2,000 nits peak brightness (HDR/outdoor), 1 nit minimum brightness;Dynamic island, always visible |
| processor | A17 pro | A18 pro |
| storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB |
| rear camera | 48MP f/1.78 main, 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide, 12MP f/2.8 telephoto, 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x optical zoom, Smart HDR 5 | 48MP f/1.78 fusion, 48MP f/2.2 ultra wide angle12MP f/2.8 telephoto, 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x, x5 optical zoom, Smart HDR 5, 48MP macro, spatial photography |
| front camera | 12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9 | 12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9 |
| video recording | 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps, ProRes video recording up to 4K 60 fps with external recording, cinematic mode, action mode, macros, log video, Academy Color Encoding System | 4K Dolby Vision video recording up to 120fpsup to ProRes video recording 4K at 120 fps With external recording, cinematic mode, action mode, macros, log video, Academy color encoding system |
| biometric security | face recognition | face recognition |
| Wifi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| LTE | 5G | 5G |
| charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| wireless charging | Yes, use MagSafe | Yes, with MagSafe, Includes fast charging with 30W charger |
| bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Apple Pay | yes | yes |
| like water off a duck’s back | IP68 | IP68 |
| SIM | Dual (nano and eSIM, except in the US where physical SIM cards are not supported) | Dual (nano and eSIM, except in the US where physical SIM cards are not supported) |
| size | 146.6mm×70.6mm×8.25mm | 149.6mm×71.5mm×8.25mm |
| weight | 187g | 199g |
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro: Performance
Since these are Pro iPhones, there is always plenty of power available. The iPhone 15 Pro is powered by Apple’s A17 Pro chip, which has a 6-core CPU (2 Performance, 4 Efficiency), a 6-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, and is compatible with Apple Intelligence features.
The new A18 Pro in iPhone 16 Pro offers the same arrangement of CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine cores. But under the hood, Apple claims the new silicon has some decent improvements. Apple says it increases total system memory bandwidth by 17%, making it easier to run Apple Intelligence features such as Writing Tools and Image Playground. Additionally, the GPU is 20% faster and the CPU has been redesigned to be 15% faster with 20% less power.
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So if you use your iPhone for demanding tasks like gaming or video production, these improvements might be worth the extra money to buy the iPhone 16 Pro.
Apple takes Apple Intelligence features very seriously. Note that these same features are also available on iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, Pro, Max, and iPhone 15 Pro and Max. Therefore, Apple intelligence is no reason to choose the iPhone 16 Pro over the iPhone 15 Pro.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro: Camera
Again, it’s pretty much the same when it comes to cameras. And this year, there’s no difference between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max when it comes to cameras. Since these are Pro devices, they have a three-camera array on the back. However, Apple has improved the optics on the iPhone 16 Pro, and the main 48Mp f/1.78 sensor is now called the “Fusion” camera, rather than just a camera like the iPhone 15 Pro. This seems to boil down to it being able to function as not only a 2x zoom but also a 48Mp shooter, but there may be more complex features hidden beneath the surface.
One obvious improvement is that the iPhone 15 Pro’s 12Mp f/2.2 Ultra Wide sensor has been replaced with the iPhone 16 Pro’s 48Mp f/2.2 sensor, which provides better images when shooting wide. Ta. The 12Mp f/2.8 telephoto camera remains.
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That means upgraded hardware, higher quality macro photos, and the ability to take aerial photos that work with Apple’s Vision Pro headset. It’s a bit of a niche then.
Video is clearly where the Fusion camera shines, boosting 4K Dolby Vision recording up to 120fps, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro can only reach 60fps (which is just standard 4K). The maximum slow motion speed is 4K Dolby Vision 120fps, which is a step up from the previous model’s 1080p/240fps.
The 16 Pro also has a four-microphone array with stereo quality and supports wind noise reduction and a new audio mix that lets you highlight specific parts of the soundtrack in your video.
The front camera remains the same 12Mp f/1.9 TrueDepth module as before, but the video now includes 4K Dolby Vision, which suggests the A18 Pro chip is making it possible.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro: Price
iPhone 16 Pro is available from Apple and other technology retailers in the following configurations and prices:
- iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) – $999/£999
- iPhone 16 Pro (256GB) – $1,099/£1,099
- iPhone 16 Pro (512GB) – $1,299/£1,299
- iPhone 16 Pro (1TB) – $1,499/£1,499
Here are some of the best deals we’ve found right now. Find the best deals in our roundups of the best iPhone 16 deals (US) and the best iPhone 16 deals (UK).
If you want a larger display on your iPhone 16 Pro Max, you have the following options:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) – $1,199/£1,199
- iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB) – $1,399/£1,399
- iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB) – $1,599/£1,599
Again, here are the best iPhone 16 Pro Mac deals right now.
$1199
$1199.99
With the introduction of the iPhone 16 Pro model, Apple has discontinued the 15 Pro model, but third-party retailers should still have some in stock. Find the best deals and deals in our roundups of Best iPhone 15 Deals (US) and Best iPhone 15 Deals (UK).
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: Should you buy the iPhone 16 Pro?
The iPhone 15 Pro is a great device with plenty of power and photo capabilities to deliver an exemplary iPhone experience. The iPhone 16 Pro ups the ante with improvements in processing, camera technology, and battery life, but it all feels marginal rather than groundbreaking. It’s also large, heavy, and the design already looks a little dull when compared to some Android devices. If you want the best iPhone, it’s the 16 Pro. If you’re looking for the best value for money, we recommend hunting down some decent deals you can find on the iPhone 15 Pro.
