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There’s been a lot of rumours swirling around about Apple’s next smartphone, the iPhone 16 Pro and so far it looks like it’s going to be an exciting upgrade. But for those who want a new phone now, you might be wondering if you should just buy the iPhone 15 Pro instead of waiting around.
In this guide, we’ll be looking at the iPhone 16 Pro vs the iPhone 15 Pro (despite the fact Mark Ellis traded the Max version in for the S24 Ultra), and we’ll answer the question:
Is the iPhone 16 Pro worth the wait?
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: The Overview
Here’s a quick overview comparing the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro:
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Durability | Titanium frame | Potential unibody design, all-capacitive buttons |
| Display | 6.1-inch panel | 6.3-inch panel, 20% brighter |
| Camera | 3x telephoto lens, 12MP ultrawide | 5x telephoto lens, 48MP ultrawide |
| Processor | A17 Pro | A18 Pro, 10% performance improvement |
| Battery | 3,274mAh | Slight increase in capacity (up to 2%) |
| Charging | 20W wired charging | Up to 30W wired charging |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Software | iOS 18 (when available) | iOS 18 with potential exclusive AI features |
| Pricing | Starting at $999 | Likely similar, with a potential modest increase |
| Release Date | September 2023 | Expected September 2024 |
Now onto the more detailed stuff!
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: Design and Durability
One of the most notable changes from the 15 Pro to the iPhone 16 Pro is a potential shift in its design.
While the iPhone 15 Pro boasts a sleek titanium frame, the iPhone 16 Pro could introduce even more durable materials, such as a unibody design that seamlessly integrates the frame and back panel.
Rumours suggest Apple may experiment with an all-capacitive button layout, eliminating traditional physical buttons in favor of haptic feedback-enabled solid-state controls. This
approach could provide a more streamlined and water-resistant user experience.
In terms of display, the iPhone 16 Pro is rumoured to feature a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen, up from the 6.1-inch panel on the iPhone 15 Pro.
Additionally, the new model may boast a brighter display, potentially with a 20% increase in maximum brightness compared to its predecessor. This enhancement could significantly improve outdoor visibility and overall visual clarity.
So if you spend a lot of time outside, possibly taking video calls or working on your phone, the iPhone 16 Pro may be worth the wait. But the iPhone 15 Pro is plenty bright enough already, so this shouldn’t be the ultimate factor in your decision making process.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: Camera Upgrades
The camera system has always been a key selling point for Apple’s Pro iPhones, and the iPhone 16 Pro is expected to raise the bar higher.
One of the most anticipated upgrades is the inclusion of a 5x telephoto lens, which was previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
This longer optical zoom range will enable users to capture sharper, more detailed images of distant subjects.
Moreover, rumors suggest the ultrawide camera may receive a significant boost, with a potential upgrade from 12MP to 48MP.
This higher-resolution sensor could deliver enhanced image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Additionally, the camera processing algorithms are expected to see refinements, further improving features like Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Smart HDR.
Photo quality is often a key reason in phone selection, so if you’re big into your photography, the iPhone 16 Pro is worth the wait.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, the iPhone 16 Pro is poised to feature Apple’s latest A18 Pro chip, which is rumoured to offer a modest but noticeable performance upgrade over the A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro.
Benchmarks indicate the A18 Pro could deliver up to 10% better multi-core performance and a maximum single-core score of 3,570, compared to the 2,890 achieved by the A17 Pro.
Beyond raw processing power, the A18 Pro is expected to bring enhanced power efficiency, thanks to its transition to a more advanced 3nm manufacturing process. This could translate to improved battery life, with the iPhone 16 Pro potentially offering up to a 2% increase in capacity compared to the iPhone 15 Pro’s 3,274mAh cell.
In terms of performance and efficiency, the modest upgrade may not be worth the wait when considering purchasing an iPhone 16 Pro over the 15 Pro.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: Connectivity and Charging
One of the most significant changes for the iPhone 16 Pro could be the introduction of faster wired charging speeds.
While the iPhone 15 Pro is limited to 20W, the new model may support higher-wattage charging, potentially up to 27W or even 30W. This would significantly reduce the time required to replenish the battery, especially when paired with the anticipated efficiency gains from the A18 Pro chip.
In terms of wireless connectivity, the iPhone 16 Pro is expected to feature Wi-Fi 6E, offering up to twice the wireless speeds of the iPhone 15 Pro’s Wi-Fi 6 implementation.
Additionally, the new model may include support for the latest Bluetooth 5.3 standard, further enhancing the seamless integration with wireless accessories.
So connectivity and charging is a compelling factor when it comes to deciding between the iPhone 16 Pro or the iPhone 15 Pro.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: Software and Ecosystem Integration
Both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro will ship with the latest version of iOS, which in this case would be iOS 18.
However, the newer model may have some exclusive software features that leverage the capabilities of the A18 Pro chip, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
One such feature could be enhanced integration with Apple’s upcoming AI platform, dubbed “Apple Intelligence”, which we’ve spoken about here before.
This technology is poised to bring advanced natural language processing, image generation, and other AI-powered capabilities directly to the device, potentially offering a more robust and responsive user experience.
However, it’s hard to say just how impactful it will make the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, so don’t let this factor into your upgrade decisions.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: Pricing and Availability
Historically, Apple has maintained a consistent pricing structure for its flagship iPhone models, and the iPhone 16 Pro is not expected to deviate significantly from the $999/ £999 starting price of the iPhone 15 Pro.
However, with the potential addition of more premium features and the ongoing global supply chain challenges, a modest price increase cannot be ruled out.
As for availability, the iPhone 16 Pro is likely to follow the traditional September release timeline, with pre-orders and in-store availability expected around the same timeframe as the iPhone 15 Pro’s launch.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: Upgrade Considerations
For current iPhone 15 Pro owners, the decision to upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
If the camera improvements, particularly the 5x telephoto lens, are a priority, the iPhone 16 Pro may be a worthwhile investment.
Similarly, those who value the latest connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, may find the upgrade compelling.
However, for users who are primarily interested in the core performance and day-to-day user experience, the iPhone 15 Pro remains a highly capable device that does not necessarily warrant an immediate upgrade. It’s still got a great camera and performance capabilities and will soon be able to upgrade to iOS 18.
The modest improvements in the camera, A18 Pro chip and battery life may not be enough to justify the cost of a new device for some users.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to feature a more durable design, potentially with a unibody construction and all-capacitive buttons.
- The display may see a slight size increase to 6.3 inches and a brightness boost of up to 20%.
- Camera upgrades include a 5x telephoto lens and a potential 48MP ultrawide sensor.
- The A18 Pro chip is rumored to offer a 10% performance improvement over the A17 Pro.
- Faster wired charging speeds and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity are anticipated.
- Software enhancements may leverage the A18 Pro’s AI capabilities, including integration with Apple Intelligence.
- Pricing is expected to remain in line with the iPhone 15 Pro’s $999 starting cost, with a potential for a modest increase.
