The iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro represent two different tiers within Apple’s latest smartphone lineup. While both boast excellent features, they cater to different audiences with their design, hardware, and pricing. In this article, we’ll compare the two devices across various aspects to help you decide which one suits your needs better.
Design and Build Quality
- iPhone 16 Plus: The iPhone 16 Plus sticks with an aluminum frame and glass back, offering a lightweight yet durable design. It comes in several vibrant colors targeted at casual users.
- iPhone 16 Pro: The Pro model ups the ante with a titanium frame, making it significantly more premium and durable. It also sports a brushed finish for a professional look, but comes in more muted, professional color options like Graphite and Silver.
Verdict: The iPhone 16 Pro is the clear winner for users seeking a luxury build and premium materials, while the iPhone 16 Plus may appeal to those preferring lightweight and colorful options.
Display Technology and Screen Size
- iPhone 16 Plus: Features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. It delivers excellent brightness and color accuracy but lacks ProMotion technology.
- iPhone 16 Pro: Also features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display but with an adaptive 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and Always-On Display. The Pro model allows for smoother scrolling and better HDR performance.
Verdict: If you value exceptional display performance and smoother visuals, the iPhone 16 Pro is superior. The iPhone 16 Plus still offers a great display but lacks the advanced refresh rate.
Performance and Chipset
- iPhone 16 Plus: Powered by the A17 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, delivering excellent performance for daily tasks and gaming.
- iPhone 16 Pro: Takes it a step further with the A17 Pro chip, offering an even faster 6-core CPU and a 6-core GPU for professional tasks like 3D rendering and high-end gaming.
Verdict: The A17 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro is better suited for power users who need cutting-edge performance, while the A17 Bionic in the iPhone 16 Plus is more than sufficient for most consumers.
Camera Capabilities and Features
- iPhone 16 Plus: Dual-camera setup with a 48MP primary sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. It offers Night Mode, Cinematic Mode at 4K, and Smart HDR 5, catering to casual photographers.
- iPhone 16 Pro: Triple-camera system with a 48MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP telephoto lens offering up to 5x optical zoom. ProRAW and ProRes options make the Pro model a favorite for photography enthusiasts.
Verdict: Professionals and photography lovers will appreciate the telephoto lens and advanced shooting modes on the iPhone 16 Pro, while the iPhone 16 Plus provides quality cameras for everyday use.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
- iPhone 16 Plus: Boasts a larger battery, delivering up to 28 hours of video playback. Supports 20W wired charging and 15W MagSafe charging.
- iPhone 16 Pro: Slightly smaller battery capacity, offering up to 26 hours of video playback. Features the same 20W wired and 15W MagSafe charging.
Verdict: The iPhone 16 Plus edges out the Pro model in battery life due to its larger battery. If longevity is crucial, the Plus is the better choice.
Storage Options and RAM
- iPhone 16 Plus: Offers storage configurations of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, paired with 6GB RAM.
- iPhone 16 Pro: Starts at 256GB and goes up to 1TB, equipped with 8GB RAM for enhanced multitasking and professional-grade apps.
Verdict: The iPhone 16 Pro is better for users needing more storage and RAM for demanding tasks, while the iPhone 16 Plus's options are more budget-friendly and sufficient for everyday use.
Software and User Interface
- Both models run on iOS 17, delivering a seamless and intuitive experience, complete with new widgets, enhanced customization, and improved FaceTime.
Verdict: There's parity here, as both phones offer the same software experience.
5G and Connectivity Features
- iPhone 16 Plus: Supports Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology.
- iPhone 16 Pro: Provides the same connectivity features but adds support for Wi-Fi 6E for faster and more reliable connections in compatible environments.
Verdict: The iPhone 16 Pro holds a slight edge thanks to Wi-Fi 6E, but most users will find the connectivity on the iPhone 16 Plus more than adequate.
Special Features Unique to Each Device
- iPhone 16 Plus: Focused on simplicity and great value, with minimal features aimed at the everyday user.
- iPhone 16 Pro: Includes advanced features like LiDAR Scanner, ProRAW, and ProRes, catering to professionals and tech enthusiasts.
Verdict: The iPhone 16 Pro shines with professional-grade features, while the iPhone 16 Plus keeps it simple and accessible.
Price and Value for Money
| Model | Starting Price | Max Storage Price |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Plus | $899 | $1,199 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | $1,199 | $1,599 |
Verdict: The iPhone 16 Plus offers significant value for its price, while the iPhone 16 Pro justifies its higher cost with premium features and superior performance.
When choosing between the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro, consider your priorities. The 16 Plus is ideal for users seeking great performance and battery life at a more affordable price. In contrast, the 16 Pro is better suited for professionals and tech aficionados who value unparalleled performance, a premium build, and advanced photography capabilities. Both are excellent choices depending on your budget and needs.
