Choosing Between iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro: Quality ‘Base’ Model or Advanced Flagship?

Apple knows how to surprise. In September of this year, the new iPhone 16 series was released, featuring a powerful processor, a new button for controlling the camera, and other features. Some of these will be useful for everyone, while others are aimed at those who professionally create content. The capabilities of the models differ. Let’s compare the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro and examine their key characteristics.

Comparing the Screens

Both models have a high-quality Super Retina XDR display with fantastic detail and clarity. However, only the Pro version supports ProMotion technology to increase the refresh rate. While the base model has a 60 Hz refresh rate, the iPhone 16 Pro can reach up to 120 Hz. This means smoother frame transitions in animations, videos, games, and scrolling, which is more comfortable for the eyes.

А еще Pro-версия поддерживает Always On Display — эта функция позволяет отображать ограниченный контент, когда телефон находится в режиме сна. На экран выводятся оповещения, время.

Processor — Why Does a Smartphone Need Extra Power?

The base iPhone 16 is powered by the new A18 chip, built on a 3-nanometer process — it outperforms the previous generation’s A16 Bionic chip in terms of speed and performance.

The Pro version is equipped with an even more advanced A18 Pro chip, which includes an additional graphics core. It handles image and video processing more efficiently. The improved chip is designed for working with demanding software and resource-intensive games.

Both devices come with a large 8 GB of RAM and powerful hardware — more than enough for everyday tasks. The processor is designed to work seamlessly with Apple Intelligence. However, if you frequently work with resource-heavy professional software or shoot and edit high-resolution video/photos, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro would be the better choice.

Which iPhone Takes Better Photos and Videos: 16 or 16 Pro?

The base model has two main cameras, while the Pro model features three. Both smartphones capture excellent selfies thanks to the high-quality 12 MP TrueDepth front camera with an ƒ/1.9 aperture. This camera is also used for Face ID facial recognition.

Photos and videos are excellent on both smartphones: bright, clear, with no overexposure or distortions. Both models feature lenses with anti-glare coating and optical image stabilization. Shots taken in low light or while on the move will be sharp, with no blurring or overexposure.

All models in the new lineup include a new side button called Camera Control, or the Capture Button. It provides instant access to camera settings.

The iPhone 16 Pro supports professional technologies, making it a versatile tool for vloggers and photographers. A compact alternative to expensive cameras and camcorders.

Here are just some of its superpowers:

• Extended dynamic range with Dolby Vision HDR — for bright, clear, high-contrast photos and videos in any lighting.
• ProRes — for multi-threaded editing while preserving original image quality.
• Portrait mode in Night mode.
• ProRAW — expands exposure, color, and other setting adjustments.
• True Tone flash (also available in the base model) — controls the light and adapts colors to improve shots.
• Records 4K video (120 fps) in Dolby Vision, as well as in ProRes format.

The iPhone 16 Pro also includes other tools for professional photo and video shooting, as well as post-production. Add to that 4 microphones that capture studio-quality audio and spatial sound during immersive video recording — and you have a true “monster” for content creation.

Classic Familiarity vs Premium Elegance

The iPhone 16 features the classic Apple design. It has an elegant aluminum frame and a durable glass back panel. The display is protected by ultra-tough Ceramic Shield glass.

The iPhone 16 Pro, on the other hand, has a super-slim titanium frame — it looks stunning and is also resistant to wear. The display is protected by the impact-resistant Ceramic Shield coating, and the back panel is covered with matte textured glass. The device is larger and heavier compared to the base model.

When purchasing the iPhone 16, you can choose from five colors: Teal, Pink, Ultramarine, Black, and White. These colors are brighter compared to the premium model. The iPhone 16 Pro offers a more elegant and restrained color palette with four shades: Natural Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium, and the new Desert Titanium.

Which Model Has Better Battery Life?

Both phones offer excellent battery life, but the Pro model lasts longer. The base iPhone 16 can play video for 22 hours without recharging, while the iPhone 16 Pro can last for 27 hours. The additional five hours are a significant advantage if there’s no power outlet nearby or if you don’t want to carry a charger.

The built-in storage capacities are the same, but only the Pro version offers a maximum configuration of 1 TB. The larger storage is perfect for vloggers and users who shoot content in ProRAW/ProRes formats. With such a device, you can store more files and apps.

Another exclusive feature of the iPhone 16 Pro is the LiDAR Scanner, which measures distances and creates 3D models. This feature is not available on the base version.

How Much Do the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Cost?

Let’s compare the prices of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16. The Pro model is more expensive: the flagship costs 419,900, while the base model is priced at 529,900.

The final price depends on the configuration (storage size) — the more memory, the more expensive the device.

Which iPhone 16 Model Should You Buy?

It depends on your personal needs. If you need the latest smartphone for everyday use, the iPhone 16 is a great choice. It has a powerful chip, a good camera, and a comfortable, eye-friendly screen with stunning image quality. You won’t need to upgrade for several years.

Who Would Benefit from the Base Model:

• Those who need a device for social media, messaging, calls, browsing, and popular apps.
• People who take photos and videos “for themselves,” for family archives, or social media. The content quality will be high, as it’s Apple tech.
• Those who don’t want to pay extra for features they won’t use. The base model costs less.

The Differences in iPhone 16 Pro — Design and “Under the Hood.” Its Key Features:

• Professional tools for photography and videography. Valuable for bloggers, videographers, and photographers.
• Ample storage, maximum speed, and performance, especially when working with graphics. The super-powerful A18 Pro chip handles demanding software, next-gen games, and multitasking without lag.
• High refresh rate thanks to ProMotion technology. It makes frame transitions smoother, allowing for long, comfortable work with text, images, and, of course, gaming.
• Durability and premium design — the body is made of durable titanium.

Buying the iPhone 16 means covering all the everyday tasks you need a smartphone for. For those who professionally create media content, it’s worth considering the iPhone 16 Pro. The flagship will be appreciated by gamers, photographers, vloggers, and anyone who frequently uses zoom. For other users, the base version offers more than enough capabilities and is priced lower.

Where to Find the Perfect iPhone

Visit iSpace for the latest models. Our stores carry all the current Apple devices, including those from the 16th series. In this review, we only looked at two of them. There’s also the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The former features a large 6.7-inch screen (great for content viewing) and impressive battery life — 27 hours. The latter has all the flagship features, including camera capabilities, as well as a record battery life — 33 hours. The choice for gamers, photographers, and vloggers.

To figure out which iPhone is best for you, try each model in action. At iSpace, you can personally test all the latest devices, and our consultants will show you their most interesting features.

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