The highly awaited release of Apple’s iPhone 16 series has sent tech enthusiasts, amateur photographers, and even casual users into a frenzy. But one question that everyone would want to have an answer for is *which one should you buy? The new lineup consists of four models: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, starting at $829 and going all the way up to $1,199.
Each model has a set of exclusive features, and this article will go over both similarities and differences to help you decide which fits your needs best.
Why Upgrade to the iPhone 16?
The decision to upgrade is always tricky. Should you replace your current iPhone, or will one more year go by? But before going into the features of the iPhone 16 lineup, the question that first needs to be asked is: do you really need an upgrade? If your current iPhone is in decent shape, you may want to look into an Apple battery replacement as a way to extend its life. The service is fairly inexpensive at the Apple store.
However, if you’re feeling held back by performance, or would like to harness the new capabilities coming via Apple in artificial intelligence (AI), then it’s a good time to upgrade. Apple has introduced Apple Intelligence, a collection of AI-powered features supported only on the iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro models that will arrive with iOS 18 in October.
If you’re determined to upgrade, make sure to read our guide on how to sell your iPhone and back up your data before setting up your new device.
iPhone 16 Models: Key Features Explained
The iPhone 16 series line-up includes four models:
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
Let’s take a closer look at what each model offers and how they differ.
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Plus
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly update, the iPhone 16 starts at $829 and is the cheapest way to buy into the lineup. There’s a 6.1-inch OLED display that goes up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate. Pictured: the A18 processor, really pushing the pace in this device by 30% over the performance found in the iPhone 15.
The iPhone 16 Plus, starting at $929, features almost identical specifications to that of the iPhone 16 but provides a larger 6.7-inch screen and a larger battery. If battery life is crucial, this Plus model will offer extended use between charges. Both models have MagSafe wireless charging and are made with aluminum in five vibrant colors, including Pink, Teal, Ultramarine, White, and Black.
Key Features:
- Screen: 6.1″ on the iPhone 16, 6.7″ on the iPhone 16 Plus, OLED display with 2,000 nits brightness
- Processor: A18 Chip
- Camera: Main: 48MP primary camera, ultrawide: 12MP shooting, with Macro mode enabled
Battery: Is better on the iPhone 16 Plus since it’s larger.
Move up to the iPhone 16 Pro, and new features abound, such as a 120Hz ProMotion display and always-on display tech. The 6.3-inch OLED screen on the Pro carries with it even smoother scrolling and more responsive touch, which is great for gamers or pros that need that kind of responsiveness. The Pros are also made from titanium, so they’re tougher than their aluminum brethren, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus.
Where the iPhone 16 Pro Max ups the ante with its 6.9-inch screen, it is also talked about as offering the longest battery life seen on an iPhone to date. Both Pro models get the A18 Pro chip, with its extra graphics core, making them ideal for gamers and creatives alike.
Where the Pros truly stand out is in camera capabilities. Both pack a 48MP Fusion camera, 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with up to 5X zoom. If you are into photography or videography, Pro Max would be the best option, considering it supports ProRes video capture, Night mode portrait photography.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.3″ in the iPhone 16 Pro, 6.9″ in the iPhone 16 Pro Max; OLED with ProMotion technology, 120Hz
- Processor: Chip A18 Pro
- Camera: 48MP Fusione, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto with 5X zoom
Material-Extra-Durable: The body is manufactured from titanium.
For those looking for the ultimate iPhone experience, it’s hard to go past a Pro model. But if you don’t need all the frills and fancies of the pro series, excellent performance and a great display mean the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus won’t disappoint.
New Features Galore
Whichever your choice may be for the iPhone 16 series, make sure to explore some of the several new features:
- Action Button: Replacing the traditional Mute switch, the Action button offers more choices that one can set up, such as toggling the flashlight on/off or opening an application.
- Camera Control Button: A new button dedicated to camera control for easy access to modes and zooms while on the move.
- Audio Mix: New in video editing, you can adjust the audio profiles. The In-Frame profile focuses on audio in the frame, while Studio takes away the background noise, and Cinematic mixes in the ambient noise for a pro touch.
- Apple Intelligence: Most aptly fitted are the Pro models for bringing in Visual Intelligence, Apple’s AI-driven tool that’s similar to Google Lens, offering information about real-world objects through the camera.
These features really enrich both the user experience and the creative potential of your iPhone, especially if you’re a content creator.
Buying and Pricing Options
The official launch date for the iPhone 16 series is September 20, with pre-orders starting on September 13. Here’s how pricing looks:
- iPhone 16: $829 and up
- iPhone 16 Plus: $929 and up
- iPhone 16 Pro: $999 and up
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199 and up
Another option when purchasing is whether to purchase an unlocked iPhone. The great thing about purchasing an unlocked phone is that any time you want to switch carriers, you easily can, and Apple does have unlocked versions of each model available except when paying through certain cell providers.
Check out the promotions from T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon for carrier-locked model deals, as they have trade-in discounts that could get you hundreds of dollars off. For complete pricing and purchase options, check out Apple’s iPhone 16 page.
Conclusion: Which iPhone 16 Model Is Right for You?
Which iPhone 16 model to choose is all about your priorities. The iPhone 16 or 16 Plus is your answer if you’re looking for value with great performance; the extra dollars will be money well spent in the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max if you need any of an upgraded camera, ProMotion display, or even the best battery life. Whichever you choose, you’ll be getting one of the most advanced smartphones on the market, capable of supporting all Apple’s latest features, from AI-driven tools to advanced photography modes and performance.
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