The differences are subtle, but we still recommend the iPhone 16 Pro
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While the two phones are very similar, they have a few key differences.
This article pits iPhone 16 vs 15 to help you make the right choice.
Overall Findings
Price: $899-$1,499.
Processor: A17 Pro.
Camera Control: No.
Apple Intelligence: Yes.
Satellite Safety Features: Yes.
Photo and Video: up to 48 megapixel and 4K HD.
Battery Life: 75-95 hours audio streaming.
Weight: 6.60-7.81 ounces.
Price: $999-$1,599.
Processor: A18 Pro.
Camera Control: Yes.
Photo and Video: up to 48 megapixel and Dolby Vision 4K HD.
Battery Life: 85-105 hours audio streaming.
Weight: 7.03-7.99 ounces.
Still, they have a few key differences.
We have a different article if you’re interested inhow the base and Plus models compare.
iPhone 15 Pro: 6.1", Always-On, HDR, 120hz refresh, Retina Display.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9", Always-On, HDR, 120hz refresh, Retina Display.
iPhone 16 Pro: 6.3", Always-On, HDR, 120hz refresh, Retina Display.
The screens on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro are virtually identical.
And that’s good news because they’re impressive.
However, both iPhone 16 Pro models have screens that are 0.2 inches bigger than the equivalent 15 Pro.
It’s a noticeable difference, but not a major one.
Macro and spatial photography: Yes.
Portrait Lighting: Yes.
Spatial Video capture: Yes.
Camera Control button: No.
Camera Control button: Yes.
Both phones offer impressive cameras on the front and back.
The user-facing cameras take 12-megapixel photos and 4K HD video.
So what’s different?
Lastly, only the 16 Pro offers the new Camera Control button.
iPhone 15 Pro Size: 5.77" x 2.78" x 0.32".
iPhone 15 Pro Weight: 6.60 ounces.
iPhone 16 Pro Max Size: 6.42" x 3.06" x 0.32".
iPhone 16 Pro Max Weight: 7.99 ounces.
iPhone 16 Pro Size: 5.89" x 2.81" x 0.32".
iPhone 16 Pro Weight: 7.03 ounces.
Not surprisingly, the 16 Pro is also heavier.
Still, it pays to hold each model to find out how it feels in your hand.
Charging Speed: Up to 50% in 30 minutes.
Battery Life: 85-105 hours audio playback.
Charging Speed: Up to 50% in 30-35 minutes.
In both cases, the iPhone 16 Pro series beats out the 15, but not by a ton.
The other internal difference that almost all users will notice is battery life.
Safety features: Emergency satellite calls and messages; Crash Detection; Roadside assistance.
Networking: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth.
Colors: 4 (tan, gray, white, blue).
Networking: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth.
By doing that, you get the best battery life, processor, screen, and more.
Spend the extra $100 and enjoy the iPhone 16 Pro for years to come.
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro here: