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iPhone Q&A
Published September 26, 2024
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What are the major differences between the iPhone 16/iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro/iPhone 16 Pro Max? Which is best for my needs?
There are sixteen specific iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models (four of each), but this Everyi.com Q&A primarily covers the collective differences to make it straightforward to select which is best for you.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Left to Right: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max)
These four different iPhone models released in 2024 have much in common. However, there are some notable differences and some are subtle, as well, so a detailed comparison can be especially useful accordingly.
External Design & Functionality Differences
The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models look very similar upon casual inspection -- rounded rectangles with flat sides, a glass front and back, and nearly edge-to-edge displays. All of these models sport the "Dynamic Island" at the top of the displays and a new physical "Camera Control" button -- essentially a modern take on a camera shutter release -- to make photography potentially easier, too.
The two entry-level iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models use a case that is primarily aluminum whereas the higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max use a titanium frame over an aluminum substructure.
All of these models have a "Ceramic shield" on the front side for durability and are waterproof to the IP68 standard (IEC standard 60529) for up to 30 minutes of water exposure to a depth of six meters. They also all have stereo speakers, a USB-C port, magnetic "MagSafe" charging capability, and support for "wireless" charging. However, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have a higher quality four-mic array.
Models sold outside of the United States additionally have a side-mounted access panel for physical SIM access (US models only support eSIM).
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are smaller than the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The "Pro" models are slightly heavier, as well:
 16 |
16 Plus |
 16 Pro |
16 Pro Max |
|
| Material: | Aluminum/Glass | Aluminum/Glass | Titanium/Glass | Titanium/Glass |
| Four Mics: | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Height (In.): | 5.81 | 6.33 | 5.89 | 6.42 |
| Width (In.): | 2.82 | 3.06 | 2.81 | 3.06 |
| Depth (In.): | 0.31 | 0.31 | 0.32 | 0.32 |
| Weight (Oz.): | 6.00 | 7.03 | 7.03 | 7.99 |
Display Differences
The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max all use quality displays.
However, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max use displays that are even higher quality than the entry-level options; "Super Retina XDR with ProMotion" displays with "Always On" capability, and an adaptive refresh rate up to 120 Hz for faster frame rates:
16 |
16 Plus |
16 Pro |
16 Pro Max |
|
| Display Type: | XDR | XDR | ProMotion | ProMotion |
| Dimensions: | 6.1" | 6.7" | 6.3" | 6.9" |
| Resolution: | 2556x1179 | 2796x1290 | 2622x1206 | 2868x1320 |
| PPI: | 460 | 460 | 460 | 460 |
| Brightness: | 1000 nits | 1000 nits | 1000 nits | 1000 nits |
| HDR Max: | 1600 nits | 1600 nits | 1600 nits | 1600 nits |
| Outdoor Max: | 2000 nits | 2000 nits | 2000 nits | 2000 nits |
| Contrast: | 2 million:1 | 2 million:1 | 2 million:1 | 2 million:1 |
| Always On: | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Housing Color Differences
In addition to material differences, there are color differences between the entry-level iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus and the higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone 16/iPhone 16 Plus Colors)
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus (above) have five vibrant color options -- "Ultramarine" (Blue), Teal, Pink, White, and Black (right to left).
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max (below) have four "Titanium" color options (left to right): Black, Natural (Gray), White, and (Beige-Gold) "Desert."
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone 16 Pro/iPhone 16 Pro Max Colors)
In addition to material, Apple uses color to make the "Pro" models look more expensive than the entry-level iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
Camera Differences
The cameras in the entry-level iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus and the higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are the most substantial difference.
The front cameras provide the same capabilities, but the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max support ProRAW photography and ProRes video recording. The rear cameras in the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are significantly more capable, as well.
Front Cameras
The front-facing camera on all four of these models -- which Apple has dubbed "TrueDepth" -- support "Face ID" authentication, augmented reality (AR), still photos, and 4K video recording:
16 |
16 Plus |
16 Pro |
16 Pro Max |
|
| Megapixels: | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Aperture: | f/1.9 | f/1.9 | f/1.9 | f/1.9 |
| Video: | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| ProRAW: | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| ProRes: | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Rear Cameras
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus rear cameras both have an "advanced dual camera system" with a 48 megapixel "Fusion" and 12 megapixel "Ultra Wide" lenses that shoot still photos and 4K video with a variety of filters and processing options.
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, on the other hand, both have a "Pro camera system" that combines three lenses -- a 48 megapixel "Fusion", 48 megapixel "Ultra Wide", and 12 megapixel "Telephoto." These models also support the Apple ProRAW photo format and ProRes video codec as well as other features geared toward professional photographers:
16 |
16 Plus |
16 Pro |
16 Pro Max |
|
| Megapixels: | 48/12 MP | 48/12 MP | 48/48/12 MP | 48/48/12 MP |
| Fusion: | f/1.6 | f/1.6 | f/1.78 | f/1.78 |
| Ultra Wide: | f/2.2 | f/2.2 | f/2.2 | f/2.2 |
| Telephoto: | No | No | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Macro Support: | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Zoom: | 2x-10x* | 2x-10x* | 2x-25x† | 2x-25x† |
| Apple ProRAW: | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Apple ProRes: | No | No | Yes | Yes |
* By combining an image from both cameras, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus emulate a 2x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 4x optical zoom range, and a digital zoom up to 10x.
† By combining an image from two or three cameras, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max emulate a 5x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 10x optical zoom range, and digital zoom up to 25x.
Identification Differences
The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max all are easy to mix up with any number of other iPhone models.
It is not possible to identify specific models within each line by appearance alone, either.
Accordingly, one relatively easy way to uniquely identify these models is by the Model Number listed on the cardboard shipping box and within the iOS "Settings" app among other places.
Consequently, for the purpose of this Q&A, it is sufficient to note that the following model numbers refer to these iPhone devices:
iPhone Model |
Model Number |
EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iLookup feature also can precisely identify these iPhone models by Order Number (referred to as "Model" within the iOS "Settings" app under General > About), and other identifiers, as well.
Battery Life Differences
The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max all have superb battery life:
16 |
16 Plus |
16 Pro |
16 Pro Max |
|
| Local Video: | 22 Hours | 27 Hours | 27 Hours | 33 Hours |
| Streaming: | 18 Hours | 24 Hours | 22 Hours | 29 Hours |
| Audio: | 80 Hours | 100 Hours | 85 Hours | 105 Hours |
The largest iPhone 16 Pro Max provides the longest runtime in all tasks.
All of these devices are "fast-charge capable" of charging to 50% capacity in 30 minutes, as well.
Wireless Connectivity & Data Differences
Collectively, the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models all provide the same connectivity. For example, each provides 5G support, Gigabit LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, "second generation"" Ultra Wideband, Thread networking, NFC capability, and more.
There also are a few 5G and 4G LTE bands that are supported by some models and not others. Specifically, for 5G, models sold in the United States support 5G mmWave bands n258 (26 GHz), n260 (39 GHz), n261 (28 GHz), but others do not. Models sold in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Saudi Arabia -- and a handful of other places -- support the 5G bands n14 (700 PS), n29 (700d MHz), n53 (TD 2500), and n71 (600 MHz). Models sold in other countries do not support these bands.
Supported 4G and 5G bands vary accordingly:
iPhone Model |
Model No |
Additional 4G/5G |
iPhone 16 (US) |
14 (700 PS) n14 (700 PS) n258 (26 GHz) |
|
iPhone 16 (CA/MX/JP/SA) |
11 (1500 MHz) n14 (700 PS) |
|
iPhone 16 (Global) |
No Differences |
|
iPhone 16 (China) |
No Differences |
All models support at least dual SIMs, but specifics vary. Models sold in the United States support dual eSIMs and models sold in China support dual physical Nano SIM. Models sold just about everywhere else have dual eSIMs and a single physical Nano SIM.
Internal Differences
Although specific parts are different, these models have a great deal in common internally. The higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have a slightly faster processor type, one more GPU core, and faster USB-C charging, as well as LiDAR support and the option of more storage:
16 |
16 Plus |
16 Pro |
16 Pro Max |
|
| Clockspeed: | 4.0 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 4.0 GHz |
| Processor: | A18 | A18 | A18 Pro | A18 Pro |
| CPU: | 6 Cores | 6 Cores | 6 Cores | 6 Cores |
| GPU: | 5 Cores | 5 Cores | 6 Cores | 6 Cores |
| RAM: | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage: | 128/256/512 | 128/256/512 | 128/256/512/1 | 256/512/1 |
| LiDAR: | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C: | USB 2 | USB 2 | USB 3 | USB 3 |
In terms of overall performance, the higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are in the neighborhood of 3% to 4% faster than the entry-level models.
iOS Support Similarities
The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max all originally shipped with iOS 18, the current version of the iOS, and all support the Apple Intelligence (AI) feature.
iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro & 16 Pro Max Comparison Chart
These differences as well as other details and pricing information is summarized below:
16 |
16 Plus |
16 Pro |
16 Pro Max |
|
| Introduced: | Sep 2024 | Sep 2024 | Sep 2024 | Sep 2024 |
| Discontinued: | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| Processor: | A18 | A18 | A18 Pro | A18 Pro |
| GPU Cores: | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| RAM: | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage: | 128/256/512 | 128/256/512 | 128/256/512/1 | 256/512/1 |
| Battery Life: | 18-80 Hours | 24-100 Hours | 22-85 Hours | 29-105 Hours |
| Display Size: | 6.1" | 6.7" | 6.3" | 6.9" |
| Display Type: | XDR | XDR | ProMotion | ProMotion |
| Resolution: | 2556x1179 | 2796x1290 | 2622x1206 | 2868x1320 |
| Always On: | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Front Camera: | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Rear Camera: | 48/12 MP | 48/12 MP | 48/48/12 MP | 48/48/12 MP |
| ProRes: | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Material: | Al/Glass | Al/Glass | Ti/Glass | Ti/Glass |
| 4 Mics: | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| LiDAR: | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi: | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Thread: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C: | USB 2 | USB 2 | USB 3 | USB 3 |
| Colors: | 5 Colors | 5 Colors | 4 Subdued | 4 Subdued |
| SIM Card: | Nano/eSIM | Nano/eSIM | Nano/eSIM | Nano/eSIM |
| Orig. iOS: | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Max. iOS: | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Apple AI: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Orig. USD: | US$799 US$899 US$1099 |
US$899 US$999 US$1199 |
US$999 US$1099 US$1299 US$1499 |
US$1199 US$1399 US$1599 |
| Orig. GBP: | £799 £899 £1099 |
£899 £999 £1199 |
£999 £1099 £1299 £1499 |
£1199 £1399 £1599 |
| Orig. CAD: | C$1129 C$1279 C$1579 |
C$1279 C$1429 C$1729 |
C$1449 C$1599 C$1899 C$2199 |
C$1749 C$2049 C$2349 |
| Orig. AUD: | A$1399 A$1599 A$1949 |
A$1599 A$1799 A$2149 |
A$1799 A$1999 A$2349 A$2699 |
A$2149 A$2499 A$2849 |
| Orig. JPY: | ¥124,800 ¥139,800 ¥169,800 |
¥139,800 ¥154,800 ¥184,800 |
¥159,800 ¥174,800 ¥204,800 ¥234,800 |
¥189,800 ¥219,800 ¥249,800 |
| Orig. CNY: | RMB 5,999 RMB 6,999 RMB 8,999 |
RMB 6,999 RMB 7,999 RMB 9,999 |
RMB 7,999 RMB 8,999 RMB 10,999 RMB 12,999 |
RMB
9,999 RMB 11,999 RMB 13,999 |
These original prices are for devices unlocked and paid in full upfront. Carrier subsidized options, leases, and trade-in discounts also are available.
For pricing in dozens of countries, see the "Global Prices" on the specs page for each iPhone as well as the "By Global Original Prices" section of EveryiPhone.com.
So, which is for me? Should I buy an iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Compared only to one another, and ignoring earlier models, the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, each are excellent quality and highly capable.
However, there essentially are two size options to consider and then two quality options to consider. These iPhone models are among the largest to date, so none are small by historical standards, but the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are smaller and the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max are larger.
The quality decision comes down to whether or not the "Pro" model of either size is worth the extra money to you (US$200 more for the non-Pro 16 to to the 16 Pro and US$300 more for the 16 Plus to 16 Pro Max).
The extra money gets you (1) a significantly better quality -- and slightly bigger -- display, (2) a much more advanced rear camera with support for more professional options and file formats, (3) slightly better performance, (4) a bit better battery life, (5) faster USB 3 charging over USB-C, (6) a better mic, and (7) LiDAR support. At additional cost, you also have (8) the option of more storage.
For those who love photography, the extra money for the camera alone is worth it (back in the day, and even now, plenty of photographers would drop far more than an extra US$200-US$300 for a lens alone). For some other users, the better quality display might be worth it, too. The other differences are worthwhile, but unlikely to be a big deal to most users.
However, for those on a bit of a budget, and who do not need truly professional photography options, the cheaper iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus should be plenty good enough.
Of course, for those on a budget, any number of older iPhone models are well worth considering to save more money, too.
In the US, site sponsor Other World Computing sell used and refurbished iPhone models also with free shipping. On the other hand, if you need to sell an iPhone, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPhone with an instant quote and prompt payment.
Please also see EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPhone model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.
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