New iPhone 16: A Breakdown of the Main Differences Between the New Four Models

On Monday, Apple introduced the new four models of the iPhone 16. In this post, we’ll look at the key differences so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

First, let’s have a look at the which models Apple introduced:

• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max

There are two simple ways to distinguish them: While the “Pro” models are the most powerful and have superior design and camera capabilities, the “Plus” and “Max” models are larger.

Now, let’s break it down by section.

Design: The Pro Models Are More Resistant and Come in Metallic Colors

The design differences between the iPhone 16 models are primarily related to the materials used and the available finishes. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come in vivid colors, while the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max feature metallic finishes with a focus on the titanium design.

Additionally, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have an aluminum design and tinted glass back, while the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max feature a titanium design and textured matte glass back.

The available finishes are as follows:

• iPhone 16 / iPhone 16 Plus: Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine.
• iPhone 16 Pro / iPhone 16 Pro Max: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium.

Screen: The Pro Models Have Smaller Bezels

This year, the Pro models have slightly larger screens than the standard iPhone 16 due to reduced bezels. For the first time, there are four iPhones with four different screen sizes.

Here’s a breakdown of the 2024 iPhone’s sizes:

• iPhone 16: 6.1 inches
• iPhone 16 Pro: 6.3 inches
• iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7 inches
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9 inches

All models feature an OLED panel with a resolution of 460 ppi and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. However, the Pro’s panel adds 120 Hz ProMotion and an Always-On display. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus remain at 60 Hz.

Performance and Battery Life

The iPhone 15 featured the A16 processor, while the iPhone 15 Pro had the A17 Pro chip. This year, Apple addressed the branding issue with the new iPhone 16, which has the A18 chip, and the iPhone 16 Pro, which comes with the A18 Pro.

Both the A18 and A18 Pro are built on a second-generation 3 nm process. However, the A18 Pro boasts a more advanced GPU with 6 cores compared to the A18’s 5 cores. According to Apple, the A18 Pro enables ProRes video recording, better image processing, and USB 3.0 support.

Regarding battery capacity, Apple never provides the official mAh amount. Instead, it offers official battery life figures. As expected, the Pros outperform the standard models.

On paper, the battery life for video playback of the 2024 models is as follows:

• iPhone 16: Up to 22 hours
• iPhone 16 Plus: Up to 27 hours
• iPhone 16 Pro: Up to 27 hours
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to 33 hours

Additionally, the models have no differences in fast or wireless charging.

In terms of connectivity, all new iPhone 16 models offer Wi-Fi 7, Ultra Wideband, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.3. The Pro models also support dual-frequency GPS and include a LiDAR scanner.

Camera: The Wide Lens and the Zoom Make a Difference

The camera systems in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are identical. Similarly, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max also share the same camera setup.

The main differences lie in the wide lens (which is larger in the Pro models) and the telephoto (with a dedicated sensor in the most expensive iPhones).

Below is a comparison table detailing each sensor:

The processor upgrade enables the Pro models to record up to 4K at 120 fps with Dolby Vision.

However, the new Camera Control button is a common addition across all new iPhone 16 models. Additionally, all models sport a 12 MP front camera.

Regarding sound, the Pro models feature four microphones for improved audio recording.

Price: How Much Do the iPhone 16 Models Cost?

We end this post focusing on another important difference: the price. The Pro models are clearly more expensive, just as the Plus and Max variants also increase in price by offering more screen and battery than their smaller siblings. That said, despite being smaller, the iPhone 16 Pro is more expensive than the iPhone 16 Plus.

Considering the iPhone 16 Pro Max isn’t available with 128 GB of storage, here’s a comparison of prices in its 256 GB versions:

• iPhone 16: $799
• iPhone 16 Plus: $999
• iPhone 16 Pro: $1,099
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199

As you can see, each model is around $100 more expensive than the one immediately below it.

Image | Apple

Related | AirPods 2024: A Breakdown of Apple’s New Headphone Lineup