9 Differences between iPhone 16 Series

Apple released the iPhone 16 Series on September 9, 2024 US time. The series consists of four models: iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16.

Apple introduced several notable improvements across the lineup, one of which is the new Camera Control button located beneath the power button, enhancing usability and camera accessibility.

AI capabilities also remain a major focus, with Apple rebranding its AI-based features as "Apple Intelligence." This aligns with the 2024 trend, where many smartphone manufacturers are emphasizing AI-driven advancements in their flagship devices.

If you're curious about the differences between the four iPhone 16 Series models, you’re in the right place. In this article, I'll break down the key distinctions between them. Read on to learn more!

Differences of iPhone 16 Series

There are several key differences among the four iPhone 16 Series models. I’ve narrowed them down to nine main points for easier understanding. Curious? Let’s go through them one by one!

1. Pro Models Use Titanium Frame, Non-Pro Models Use Aluminum

The design of the four iPhone 16 Series models is quite similar to that of the iPhone 15 Series. However, the iPhone 16 Series generally has a lighter weight than its predecessor, except for the iPhone 16 Pro.

For instance, the iPhone 16 Pro Max weighs 227 grams, making it 6 grams lighter than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro is heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro due to its larger screen size—6.3 inches compared to 6.1 inches—bringing its weight to 199 grams, 8 grams heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro.

Apple has introduced a few new features, such as a camera control button on all models and an action button, now also available on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. I’ll go into more detail about these features in the next section.

For now, let's focus on the design differences across the four models. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro share the same design, while the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are also nearly identical, with the only real difference being screen size and weight.

I’ve categorized the models into two groups: the Pro group (iPhone 16 Pro Max and 16 Pro) and the non-Pro group (iPhone 16 and 16 Plus). The Pro models retain the same camera layout as the iPhone 15 Pro Series, and they continue to feature a titanium frame.

The non-Pro models of the iPhone 16 Series, including the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, still feature an aluminum frame, just like their predecessors. However, a noticeable design change lies in the layout of the rear camera lenses.

Instead of the diagonal arrangement seen in the iPhone 15 Series, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus now have two camera lenses aligned vertically in a capsule-shaped module. Interestingly, the flash is located outside the module, unlike the iPhone 11 where it was inside the camera module.

This shift in camera design gives the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus a fresh look compared to previous models. As for the Pro models, the camera layout remains the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, but the non-Pro models' new layout stands out as a key difference.

When it comes to color options, there are distinctions between the Pro and non-Pro models. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max come in four titanium finishes: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus offer a broader range of five colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal (Green), and Ultramarine (Blue).

2. iPhone 16 and 16 Plus Have Finally Action Button

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have made a significant change by removing the traditional mute button on the left side of the frame, replacing it with an action button.

This new addition mirrors the action button introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. The action button allows users to customize its function, serving as a versatile shortcut for various tasks like launching the camera, turning on the flashlight, or activating Focus modes.

Another new feature on both the Pro and non-Pro models is the Camera Control button, which is located on the right side of the frame below the power button.

This button serves as a convenient way to quickly access the camera or control camera functions, adding an extra level of accessibility for users who frequently capture photos or videos. These updates reflect Apple's continued emphasis on user customization and convenience across all models in the iPhone 16 Series.

The new Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is designed with a slightly concave shape, reminiscent of the shutter buttons found on older smartphones and DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Its primary function is to act as a shortcut for taking photos and recording videos.

One standout feature is its sensitivity to pressure. A light press on the button helps to adjust the focus on the subject, while a full press captures the image or starts recording a video. Additionally, the Camera Control button is touch-sensitive, allowing users to swipe across it to adjust zoom levels smoothly.

3. iPhone 16 Pro Max's screen is the biggest, Non Pro models still limited to 60 Hz

As the flagship of the iPhone 16 Series, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts the largest screen, measuring 6.9 inches diagonally with a resolution of 1320 x 2868 pixels. Its display features an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel and supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which Apple refers to as ProMotion.

The iPhone 16 Pro also uses the same panel and refresh rate, but with a smaller 6.3-inch screen and a resolution of 1206 x 2622 pixels.

What about the standard models? The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come with a slightly different display. They use the Super Retina XDR OLED panel without LTPO technology, meaning their refresh rate is limited to 60 Hz.

In terms of size, the iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch screen (1179 x 2556 pixels), while the iPhone 16 Plus features a 6.7-inch display (1290 x 2796 pixels). Despite the lower refresh rate on the non-Pro models, there is no noticeable difference in visual quality.

All four models have a pixel density of around 460 ppi and can reach a brightness level of up to 2000 nits, achieved when High Brightness Mode (HBM) is activated in outdoor settings.

4. Apple A18 Pro SoC on Pro Models, Non Pro Rely on Apple A18

The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are powered by the Apple A18 Pro SoC, while the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus use the Apple A18. Both chips are new to this generation.

This time, Apple has taken a different approach in how it integrates SoCs into its latest iPhones. Previously, only the Pro models received the newest SoC, while the non-Pro models used the chip from the previous year.

As usual, Apple has not disclosed the exact clock speeds of the SoCs, but they did reveal that both the Apple A18 and A18 Pro feature a six-core CPU. This includes two performance cores and four efficiency cores.

Both chips also come with 16-core neural engines. However, the GPU in the Apple A18 Pro is more powerful, featuring six cores compared to the five cores in the Apple A18 GPU.

This difference in GPU power is due to certain features in the Pro models that require higher graphical performance, such as ProMotion, ProRes video recording, and Always-on display. The Pro models' support for USB 3.2 also demands a stronger GPU.

The more powerful GPU in the Apple A18 Pro enables it to handle AAA games smoothly, and its GPU now offers double the ray tracing capabilities of its predecessor.

Apple claims that the A18 Pro's CPU performance has improved by 15 percent, while its GPU performance has increased by 20 percent compared to the Apple A17 Pro, which powered the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. Additionally, the Apple A18 Pro is 20 percent more power efficient than its predecessor.

So, how does the Apple A18 compare? When measured against the Apple A16, which was used in the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, the Apple A18 is 30 percent more power efficient, and offers significant improvements in both CPU (30 percent) and GPU (40 percent) performance.

5. Memory Configuration: Same RAM, Different Storage Options

According to MacRumors, all models in the iPhone 16 series come with 8 GB of RAM. While the Pro models retain the same amount of RAM as their predecessors, the non-Pro models see an upgrade from the previous 6 GB.

Some leaks suggest that the iPhone 16 series uses LPDDR5X RAM technology, with the 8 GB of RAM paired with NVMe-based storage.

Storage options vary across models. The iPhone 16 Pro is available in 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB variants. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB options, while the non-Pro models come in 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB configurations.

6. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and 16 Pro Cameras: Enhanced Features and Superior Performance

The camera configuration of the iPhone 16 Series is no different from the previous series. Only the Pro model carries three rear cameras.

The three cameras on the Pro models include a 48 MP (f/1.8) main camera, a 12 MP (f/2.8) periscope telephoto camera, and a 48 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide camera, all equipped with autofocus.

Both the main and telephoto cameras offer sensor-shift OIS, with the telephoto lens supporting up to 5x optical zoom.

In contrast, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have a simpler rear camera setup. They feature two cameras: a 48 MP main camera (f/1.6, sensor-shift OIS) and a 12 MP ultrawide camera (f/2.2), which are less advanced compared to the Pro models.

Both rear cameras on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come with autofocus and can record videos at up to 4K resolution at 60 fps. The same video recording capabilities are also available on the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max.

However, the non-Pro models lack the ability to record videos in the ProRes format, which allows for 4K 120 fps recording. ProRes enables high-quality video recording with minimal compression (lossless), a feature exclusive to the Pro models.

In addition, the Pro models come with four microphones, which Apple claims deliver studio-quality audio recordings. This feature is not available on the non-Pro versions.

All four iPhone 16 Series models feature 12 MP front cameras with autofocus and support video recording at up to 4K 60 fps.

7. Enhanced Battery Life for All Models, Pro Max Still Reigns Supreme

Apple typically doesn’t disclose the battery capacity of its iPhones, instead providing estimates of each model’s endurance. However, according to a leak reported by Imaging Resources, the entire iPhone 16 Series features larger batteries.

The leak suggests that the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a battery capacity of 4676 mAh, the iPhone 16 Pro 3355 mAh, the iPhone 16 Plus 4006 mAh, and the iPhone 16 3561 mAh.

It’s important to note that these figures are only estimates. As of the time this article was written, no testers have disassembled the iPhone 16 Series to confirm the actual battery sizes.

In an official statement, Apple shared that the iPhone 16 Pro Max can play local videos for up to 33 hours, while the iPhone 16 Pro lasts 27 hours. The Pro Max offers 4 more hours of endurance compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Similarly, the iPhone 16 Plus is said to last 27 hours, while the iPhone 16 can play local videos for up to 22 hours. These endurance estimates are based on the same local video playback test.

8. Connectivity Differences: Pro Models Feature USB 3.2, Non-Pro Sticks with USB 2.0

A key difference between the Pro and non-Pro models of the iPhone 16 Series lies in the USB ports. The Pro models are equipped with a USB 3.2 port, while the non-Pro models stick with USB 2.0.

USB 3.2 offers significantly faster transfer speeds, capable of reaching up to 10 Gb/sec, compared to the much slower USB 2.0, which maxes out at 480 Mb/sec.

Interestingly, despite using a USB 2.0 port, both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus support the display out feature, just like the Pro models—an unexpected feature for a USB 2.0 connection.

9. Price Range of the Four Models

Apple announced the pricing for the iPhone 16 Series when it debuted in the United States on September 9, 2024. The iPhone 16 Pro Max remains the most expensive model, with the cheapest variant (256 GB) priced at $1,199.

On the other hand, the iPhone 16 is the most affordable model in the lineup, with its lowest-priced variant available for $799 . For more detailed pricing information, please refer to the table below.

Summary

Many people believe that even-numbered iPhone models do not bring significant changes compared to their odd-numbered counterparts, and this perception holds some truth. The four models in the iPhone 16 Series do not introduce drastic changes but rather enhancements.

Notable improvements include increased battery life, a larger screen size on the iPhone 16 Pro, and the addition of action buttons and camera controls.

In terms of hierarchy, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains the top model in the series. However, its camera capabilities are on par with those of the iPhone 16 Pro, which is a shift from previous generations, where the iPhone 15 Pro Max offered superior optical magnification compared to the iPhone 15 Pro.

Additionally, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus now feature a new SoC, revitalizing their performance since the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus relied on a modified SoC from the iPhone 14 Pro Max.