Apple has presented us with the new-generation iPhone 16 series consisting of iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. Both phones bring Artificial Intelligence, a Camera Control button, and better batteries, but they also possess some noticeable differences between the two likely to pose a challenge in choosing either of them. Here, we present to you the iPhone vs iPhone 16 Pro post to help you explore the differences and why you should choose either of the two.
The iPhone 16 series replaces the iPhone 15 series and is rightly placed to offer the best flagship smartphones in Nepal in Nepal after launch in Nepal which shouldn’t take long either. The series consists of iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max variants just like last year, and comes with their own share of features.
The differences are obvious as one is a standard lineup while the other is a Pro one. However, users would be pushed hard in choosing as variables come into play while deciding between the two. So, here, we take a closer look at the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro to find out what separates them apart. Here’s the breakdown:
Check out: All iPhones available in Nepal | Latest update
Design and display
In terms of design, both iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro don’t carry many differences from their immediate predecessors iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. But there is a difference between the two. The baseline model- the iPhone 16 weighs 170 gm with 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm dimensions while the iPhone 16 Pro sports 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm body and weighs 199 grams. The biggest difference maker between the two here is perhaps the camera design as the Pro model features a triple-camera module on the back that gives it a much more distinct look. Both handsets get IP68 dust and water resistance while the screen has a new Ceramic Shield for protection.
Likewise, the base model comes in a 6.1-inch display with an 1179 x 2556-pixel resolution while the Pro variant gets a 6.3-inch display with a 1206 x 2622-pixel resolution. The size is not different by huge but still noteworthy. However, both phones have the same typical brightness of 1,000 nits and the same peak brightness of 2000 nits and are backed by Super Retina XDR OLED technology. One key difference here is that the base model features a 60 Hz refresh rate while the Pro variant comes with a 120 Hz refresh rate. For some, it’s a big difference and they might also argue that Apple should have bridged the gap in this department.
Talking of the similarities, both phones also get the Dynamic Island, the new Camera Control button, and the Action Button. So, users of either of the devices won’t feel at a disadvantage in terms of additional features and functions.
iPhone 16 Pro can boast about its cameras
The biggest difference between the two devices is in their camera setups. The standard model iPhone 16 only has a dual camera on the back to triple-camera of the iPhone 16 Pro. The vanilla iPhone lineup comes with a 48 MP fusion (wide) camera and a 12 MP ultra camera. Not much difference from last year’s iPhone 15, other than the vertical alignment Vs diagonal one.
But the iPhone 16 Pro has an advantage with 3 cameras adorning the top back comprising a 48 MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 12 MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom capacity. But both carry a 12 MP TrueDepth front camera.
The difference in camera specs also translates to video recording capacity. The iPhone 16 Pro can record videos in 4K resolution up to 120 fps, for the first time in iPhones. The standard sibling can record 4K too but its framers are limited to 60 per second.
One would have wished that Apple had included high-specced camera specifications in the standard variant, as Google did with the Pixel 9. However, Apple chose to stick with a 48+12 MP rear camera setup. So, the optical zoom capability gives the iPhone 16 Pro a good advantage.
Performance and battery
Apple has used two different processors in the iPhone 16 lineup- the base variant comes with an A18 chipset while the Pro lineup features an A18 Pro chip, both built on a 3nm fabrication process. But unlike the iPhone 15 lineups, the base variant of the chipset also supports Apple Intelligence which starts with iOS 18.1. Both the standard and Pro processors also differ in GPU cores- the base model comes with a 5-core GPU while the Pro one boasts a 6-core GPU.
Also, the iPhone 16 gives up to 512 GB of internal storage while the Pro model offers up to 1 TB option. It can be a deal differentiator to those who are into extreme multimedia and like to take lots of photos in high resolution. But let’s give it to Apple for providing all the iPhones with 8 GB of RAM.
Both phones also come with differing processors and battery efficiency. According to Apple, the iPhone 16 provides 22 hours of video playback and 18 hours of streaming. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro gives up to 27 hours of video playback and 22 hours of streaming. However, charging specs are uniform across the two. Apple doesn’t give exact details about their phone’s battery capacity but the improvements are made in hardware and software levels. So, we believe that the claims will turn out real in real-life usage too.
Both iPhones include 20W wired charging, 25W MagSafe wireless charging, and 15W Qi2 charging. In addition to the battery improvements, there are other enhancements under the hood. Apple says that all the iPhone 16 devices come with the biggest battery improvements.
Other differences
There are other differences between the two high-end 5G phones too. The baseline iPhone comes in Black, White, Pink, Teal, and ultramarine colorways. The Pro model comes in Black, White, Natural, and Desert Titanium colors. Also, the standard variant gives as far as USB Type-C 2.0 for port connectivity while the Pro one offers USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 which makes data transfer efficient.
Price
The price is certainly a big difference maker in the iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro battle. The iPhone 16 officially starts at Rs 152,500 while the iPhone 16 Pro starts at Rs 193,000 in Nepal. So, the difference in price between the two phones could also make or break the deal for you.
| iPhone 16 Series | Variants | Price in Nepal (Official) |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 128 GB | Rs 193,000 |
| 256 GB | Rs 212,000 | |
| 512 GB | Rs 251,500 | |
| 1 TB | Rs 288,500 | |
| iPhone 16 | 128 GB | Rs 152,500 |
| 256 GB | Rs 171,000 | |
| 512 GB | Rs 207,500 |
So, there is a sizeable difference between the price. Which one does your budget seek or are you willing to sacrifice some of the features like an additional camera and larger battery for a more affordable variant?
You may also be interested: Best 5G phones in Nepal from midrange to premium
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro Specs Comparison
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro | |
| Dimension | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, 170 gm | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm, 199 gm |
| Display | 6.1-inches, 60 Hz, 200 nits of peak brightness, LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, IP68 | 6.3-inch, 120 Hz, 2000 nits of peak brightness, LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, IP68 |
| Processor | A18, 3nm | A18 Pro, 3nm |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear Camera | 48 wide (OIS), 12 MP ultrawide | 48 MP wide/12 MP (periscope telephoto), 5x optical zoom/48 ultrawide |
| Video recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@120fps |
| Front Camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Battery | 22 hours of video playback | 27 hours of video playback |
| Charging | 25W wireless (MagSafe), 15W wireless (Qi2), 4.5W reverse wired | 25W wireless (MagSafe), 15W wireless (Qi2), 4.5W reverse wired |
| OS | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Network | 5G | 5G |
| Connectivity | WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0 | WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Colors | Black | White | Pink | Teal | Ultramarine | Black | White | Natural | Desert Titanium |
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Which one to choose and why?
It’s a tricky question but less tricky than choosing one between the two Pro models (sic). If you are ready to splash out a bigger sum and want more camera capacity with zooming but at not so large a phone, the iPhone 16 Pro is for you, definitely. But if you are fine with two cameras and the standard A18 chipset, the iPhone 16 is a good choice. That’s because, both phones support Apple Intelligence, IP68 ingress protection, and feature the new conveniently-placed Camera Control button.
Related: Android vs iOS: Which one is for you?
It also works for the other two variants as well
The iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro shall work in a gist for the other two- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro Max as key differences are size and battery, etc. So, for reference, you can also take this post to gather your impression of the other two iterations and see how they would line up against each other.
What do you think of the comparison between the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Pro? Are there other key differences that you would like to draw our attention to? Do share with us in our comment section below or leave your opinion in our social media post.
