iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE: Which iPhone is Right for You?
A detailed comparison of the latest iPhone models, including the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, and iPhone SE.
Updated : 2 months ago
Introduction: Choosing the Right iPhone
With Apple's latest lineup, it can be challenging to decide which iPhone is best for you. From the high-performance iPhone 16 Pro to the budget-friendly iPhone SE, each model offers unique features tailored to different users. This guide compares the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, and iPhone SE to help you make the right choice.
Display & Design
The iPhone 16 Pro offers a Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology and an Always-On feature, available in 6.9-inch and 6.3-inch sizes. The iPhone 16, iPhone 15, and iPhone SE all feature smaller displays, with the iPhone 16 having the same Super Retina XDR display but without ProMotion. The iPhone SE, meanwhile, has the smallest 4.7-inch Retina HD display, ideal for users who prefer a compact design.
1. iPhone 16 Pro: 6.9" or 6.3" Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion 2. iPhone 16: 6.7" or 6.1" Super Retina XDR display 3. iPhone 15: 6.7" or 6.1" Super Retina XDR display 4. iPhone SE: 4.7" Retina HD display
Performance: A18 Pro vs A16 Bionic vs A15
When it comes to performance, the iPhone 16 Pro stands out with its A18 Pro chip, which includes a 6-core GPU and enhanced AI features for demanding tasks. The iPhone 16 also features the A18 chip, though with a slightly less powerful 5-core GPU. The iPhone 15 is powered by the A16 Bionic chip, while the iPhone SE uses the older A15 Bionic, making it a good option for basic users.
1. iPhone 16 Pro: A18 Pro chip with 6-core GPU 2. iPhone 16: A18 chip with 5-core GPU 3. iPhone 15: A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU 4. iPhone SE: A15 Bionic chip with 4-core GPU
Camera Capabilities
If photography is a priority, the iPhone 16 Pro is your best bet, featuring a 48MP Fusion camera with up to 10x optical zoom and the ability to take spatial photos and videos. The iPhone 16 offers a similar camera setup but with a 4x optical zoom. The iPhone 15 offers solid photography features with its advanced dual-camera system, while the iPhone SE, with its 12MP single camera, is more suited for casual photographers.
1. iPhone 16 Pro: 48MP Fusion camera, 10x optical zoom 2. iPhone 16: 48MP Fusion camera, 4x optical zoom 3. iPhone 15: 48MP main camera, dual-camera system 4. iPhone SE: 12MP single-camera system
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life varies across these models. The iPhone 16 Pro boasts up to 33 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 16 offers 27 hours, and the iPhone 15 delivers up to 26 hours. The iPhone SE, being the most compact, supports up to 15 hours of video playback. Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro support USB-C with faster charging, while the iPhone SE sticks with a Lightning connector.
Price Comparison
Pricing plays a significant role in deciding which iPhone to buy. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999, while the iPhone 16 is priced from $799. The iPhone 15 starts at $699, and the iPhone SE is the most affordable at $429, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers.
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch OLED, ProMotion, Always-On, HDR10, 120Hz | 6.1-inch OLED, HDR10, 60Hz | 6.1-inch OLED, HDR10, 60Hz |
| Processor | A18 Bionic, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, Neural Engine | A17 Bionic, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, Neural Engine | A16 Bionic, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, Neural Engine |
| RAM | 8GB RAM | 6GB RAM | 6GB RAM |
| Camera | Triple 48MP (wide) + 12MP (ultra-wide) + 12MP (telephoto), LiDAR scanner, 3D depth sensing | Dual 48MP (wide) + 12MP (ultra-wide) | Dual 48MP (wide) + 12MP (ultra-wide) |
| Zoom | Optical Zoom up to 5x, Digital Zoom up to 15x | Optical Zoom up to 2x, Digital Zoom up to 10x | Optical Zoom up to 2x, Digital Zoom up to 10x |
| Video Recording | 4K ProRes, Cinematic Mode, Action Mode, HDR Video, Night Mode | 4K, Cinematic Mode, HDR Video | 4K, Cinematic Mode, HDR Video |
| Face ID | Yes, TrueDepth Camera with Face ID | Yes, TrueDepth Camera with Face ID | Yes, TrueDepth Camera with Face ID |
| Battery Life | Up to 28 hours (video playback) | Up to 24 hours (video playback) | Up to 22 hours (video playback) |
| Charging | MagSafe Wireless Charging, 27W Wired Charging | MagSafe Wireless Charging, 20W Wired Charging | MagSafe Wireless Charging, 20W Wired Charging |
| Water Resistance | IP68, 6 meters for up to 30 minutes | IP68, 6 meters for up to 30 minutes | IP68, 6 meters for up to 30 minutes |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Operating System | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 17 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Ultra-Wideband 2 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Price | Starting at $1,099 | Starting at $899 | Starting at $799 |
Conclusion: Which iPhone Should You Choose?
If you're after the latest and greatest, the iPhone 16 Pro is the ultimate choice, especially for power users and photographers. The iPhone 16 offers most of the same features with a more accessible price tag. For users who want solid performance at a lower cost, the iPhone 15 is a great option, while the iPhone SE is perfect for those looking for an affordable iPhone with essential features.
FAQ: iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE
1. What are the main differences between iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 Pro offers a 48MP Fusion camera with 10x optical zoom, ProMotion display, and an A18 Pro chip, while the iPhone 16 has a 4x optical zoom, no ProMotion, and a regular A18 chip.
2. Is the iPhone SE still a good option in 2024?
Yes, the iPhone SE is a great budget option for users who need basic features and performance with a compact design. It still runs on the A15 Bionic chip and supports essential functions like Touch ID and a 12MP camera.
3. What camera features are unique to the iPhone 16 Pro?
The iPhone 16 Pro features a 48MP Fusion camera, 10x optical zoom, and the ability to take spatial photos and videos, providing high-end photography capabilities not found in other models.
4. Which iPhone has the best battery life?
The iPhone 16 Pro has the longest battery life, offering up to 33 hours of video playback, followed by the iPhone 16 with 27 hours. The iPhone SE has the shortest battery life, with up to 15 hours of video playback.
5. How does the A18 chip in the iPhone 16 compare to the A16 in the iPhone 15?
The A18 chip is faster and more efficient than the A16 Bionic chip, offering improved performance for gaming, AI tasks, and general processing. The A18 also includes a 5-core GPU for enhanced graphics capabilities.
6. Is Dynamic Island available on all models?
Dynamic Island, a feature that provides real-time notifications and app controls, is available on the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 15, but not on the iPhone SE.
7. Which iPhone is best for photography?
The iPhone 16 Pro is the best option for photography, thanks to its 48MP Fusion camera, macro capabilities, and the ability to capture spatial photos and videos.
8. Does the iPhone 16 support USB-C?
Yes, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro support USB-C charging, with the iPhone 16 Pro supporting USB 3 for faster data transfer, while the iPhone SE still uses the Lightning connector.
9. What’s the starting price for each model?
The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999, the iPhone 16 at $799, the iPhone 15 at $699, and the iPhone SE at $429, making the SE the most budget-friendly option.
10. Can the iPhone SE handle intensive tasks like gaming?
While the iPhone SE can handle basic tasks with ease, it is not optimized for intensive tasks like high-end gaming or video editing compared to the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16.
