New iPhone 16 models compared: Which one should you buy?

Four iPhones, four different sizes

The iPhone 16 series comes in four sizes. The iPhone 16 is the smallest of the lot, featuring a 6.1-inch screen. Then comes the iPhone 16 Pro featuring a 6.3-inch screen. The iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7-inch screen, and lastly, the iPhone 16 Pro Max with a massive 6.9-inch screen, the biggest iPhone ever.

Screen size isn’t the only display-related difference on the iPhone 16 series. Just like the previous generation models, Apple has limited 120Hz high-refresh-rate panels to the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, while the regular iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus come with a 60Hz screen, which is the same as the original iPhone, launched in 2007.

 

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The bezels around the iPhone 16 Pro series are also much thinner, offering a more premium look and feel. While all four models still include a dynamic island, from a distance, they look almost identical from the front. Thanks to the faster refresh rate, the iPhone 16 Pro series will feel a tad smoother, and some games can also benefit from the higher refresh rate panels.

A18 chip across the board, pros get more graphics power

The iPhone 16 series brings several notable upgrades over its predecessor. (Express Photo)

The A18 chip powering the iPhone 16 series, and the A18 Pro chip on the iPhone 16 Pro series are fabricated using TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process, with each consisting of a six-core CPU unit with four high-performance cores and two efficient cores. The major difference between the two chips is the GPU, while the A18 has a five-core GPU, the A18 Pro gets an additional graphics core. Overall, there is said to be a 20 per cent performance difference between the two.

All four models offer 8 GB RAM. For storage, the iPhone 16, and the iPhone 16 Plus are available in 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB variants. Similarly, the iPhone 16 Pro is available with 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB storage. Whereas the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at 256 GB and is also available in 512 GB and 1 TB storage options.

The major difference lies in the camera

The newly launched iPhone 16 does bring some notable and much-needed improvements in areas like performance. (Express Photo)

The iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus have a dual-camera setup with a 48 MP primary wide-angle lens and a 12 MP ultra-wide angle lens with a 12 MP selfie camera, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro series has a 48 MP wide-angle, 48 MP ultra-wide angle, 12 MP 5x telephoto lens, and a 12 MP selfie camera. The iPhone 16 Pro series can also record 4K videos with up to 120fps, while the same is limited to 60fps on the iPhone 16 series.

All four models have camera control, a new physical button that adds a DSLR-like shutter button, which can also be used to access various camera settings.

Apple intelligence across the lineup

All four iPhone 16 models now support Apple Intelligence, but one has to wait to experience the same. Although the iPhone 16 series ships with iOS 18, Apple will only introduce its AI features with a future iOS 18.1/18.2 software update, which will come later this year or early next year.

Which one should you get?

Apple has evenly spread out the iPhone 16 series to cater to a range of needs. The iPhone 16 is meant for those who want either the smallest or the most affordable option. For anyone seeking a larger iPhone without a hefty price tag, the iPhone 16 Plus is a solid choice. The iPhone 16 Pro offers the best iPhone experience in a compact form, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is designed for those who want the ultimate premium experience.