Apple Event 2024: iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro, What’s New?

Apple Glowtime Event 2024: Previously, Apple’s Pro iPhone lineup consisted of two size options: a compact 6.1-inch Pro model and a roomy 6.7-inch Pro Max model. However, with the latest releases, that dynamic has changed. Both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have received screen size upgrades to keep up with our growing reliance on smartphones. Notably, the iPhone 16 Pro now has a larger 6.3-inch display. Let’s dive into this full comparison of the iPhone 16 Pro and its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro, to uncover all the key differences.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max

The most notable design update to the iPhone 16 Pro is the introduction of a larger 6.3-inch display, complemented by narrower screen borders. This subtle yet impactful improvement creates a more immersive viewing experience that takes full advantage of the device’s compact form factor. Here are the key differences:

iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro

The screen size is larger, at 6.3 inches

6.1-inch screen

1.2mm screen bezel size

1.71 mm bezel size

Slightly heavier, 199 grams

Weight 187 g

Faster A18 Pro chipset

Apple A17 Pro

New modems improve connectivity

Older Modem Models

New 5X Telephoto Camera

3X telephoto camera

New 48MP ultra-wide-angle camera

12MP ultra-wide-angle camera

New physical camera controls

No physical camera button

4K120 slow motion video

4K60 video only

Larger battery size

27 hours video playback

3,274 mAh battery

20 hours video playback

Faster MagSafe

25W wired charging

Source: apple.com

Design and size

The iPhone 16 Pro features a significant design improvement, with a larger 6.3-inch screen and slimmer bezels for a sleek, futuristic aesthetic. Despite these improvements, the device remains remarkably compact, maintaining the iPhone’s iconic size.

aspect

iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro

high

149.6 mm

146.6 mm

width

71.4 mm

70.6 mm

thickness

8.25 mm

8.25 mm

weight

199 g

187 g

Border size

1.2 mm

1.71 mm

While the overall shape is largely the same as its predecessor, the 15 Pro and 16 Pro use the same premium materials, including a sturdy titanium frame and a new ultra-durable “Ceramic Shield” glass cover. The color scheme remains unchanged, with four options available: deep black, crisp white, light gray, and warm gold (desert color).

Show Differences

The new 6.3-inch screen size strikes a perfect balance for many users, and we commend Apple for recognizing this sweet spot. Thinner screen bezels enhance the viewing experience, while maximum brightness remains unchanged. Notably, minimum brightness can now be reduced to an impressive 1 nit, perfect for nighttime use. One notable missing feature is an anti-reflective coating, which would significantly improve screen visibility outdoors. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra has successfully implemented this technology, and we hope Apple will consider it for future models. In the meantime, screen protectors can provide similar benefits. Face ID remains largely unchanged, with rumors that an invisible front-facing camera is in the works, but no specific release timeline is available. For now, this feature remains out of reach.

Performance and software

Apple’s A-series processors have historically set the bar high, but Qualcomm’s recent Snapdragon chips have narrowed the gap. The A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro didn’t perform as well as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in gaming and power efficiency, leaving room for improvement. Fortunately, the new A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro takes a major leap forward, using second-generation 3nm technology to greatly enhance CPU and GPU performance, with a focus on AI capabilities. While both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro share 8GB of RAM, the A18 Pro’s advances and AI-optimized design set it apart. Note that Apple’s AI features will roll out gradually, with some (like ChatGPT integration) arriving later this year and others (like the new Siri) expected in the first half of 2025. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro has a new Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 modem with enhanced connectivity and signal strength, while supporting Wi-Fi 7, which theoretically allows for faster speeds (2.4x) and lower latency than Wi-Fi 6E on the iPhone 15 Pro.

Specification

iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro

aspect

149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm

146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25 mm

weight

199 g

187 g

Screen

6.3 inches, OLED, 120Hz

6.1 inches, OLED, 120Hz

processor

Apple A18 Pro, new 3nm technology

Apple A17 Pro, 3nm

RAM, Storage

8/128GB; 8/256GB; 8/512GB; 8/1TB

8/128GB; 8/256GB; 8/512GB; 8/1TB

camera

48MP main camera, 48MP ultra-wide-angle camera, 12MP 5x zoom camera, 12MP front camera

48MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide angle, 12MP 3x zoom, 12MP front camera

Battery size

3,577 mAh, +9.2%

3,274 mAh

Charging speed

20W Wired, 25W MagSafe

20W wired, 15W MagSafe

camera

The iPhone 16 Pro retains the triple-camera setup of its predecessor, but with two major upgrades. First, the telephoto camera now has a longer 5x zoom, replacing the 3x zoom on the iPhone 15 Pro, allowing for greater detail to be captured over a wider range. This enhancement is perfect for concert shots or distant subjects. However, the absence of a 3x optical zoom option may be felt, especially in Portrait mode, where the 5x zoom may be too limiting. Second, the ultra-wide-angle camera now features a 48MP sensor, promising improved low-light performance and increased detail. The 48MP main camera appears to remain unchanged. In terms of video capabilities, the iPhone 16 Pro introduces a groundbreaking feature: 4K120 recording. Previous models were limited to 1080p and 120fps, but this new feature enables stunning cinematic shots. Apple demonstrated this capability with a 4K120 music video shot entirely on an iPhone, and we’re eager to test this impressive feature further.

Battery Life and Charging

The larger size of the iPhone 16 Pro gave Apple the perfect opportunity to improve battery life, and they did. The iPhone 16 Pro is rated for 27 hours of video playback, far exceeding the 20 hours of its predecessor. While the exact battery capacity is unknown (pending teardown), it is rumored to increase by 10% to 3,577mAh, up from 3,274mAh in the previous generation. While wired charging is still capped at 20W, MagSafe charging has been upgraded to 25W, a significant increase from the 15W on the 15 Pro. This enhancement will undoubtedly appeal to users looking for faster charging capabilities.