Every iPhone 16 model compared: Should you buy the standard, Plus, Pro, or Max?

Apple unveiled its latest handsets earlier this week, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. While the lineup embodies Apple’s push for larger displays, improved performance, and significant camera upgrades, all models have key differences that you should consider going into this year’s buying cycle.

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The entire lineup features support for Apple Intelligence, Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) tools that will be released for some iPhone models with iOS 18 over the next few months. Aside from the iPhone 16, the only iPhones compatible with Apple Intelligence are the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. 

However, other features make the iPhone 16 lineup a good choice for an upgrade. Here’s how you can choose the best one for you:

You should buy the iPhone 16 if…

1. You want Apple Intelligence features for less

Thankfully, you won’t have to buy the largest, most expensive iPhone to access the Apple Intelligence features, as all four iPhone 16 models will support Apple’s new AI tools. Apple Intelligence requires an A17 chip or newer and at least 8GB of RAM. The iPhone 16 features the A18 Pro chip to support AI processes and more advanced machine learning tasks. 

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Apple Intelligence requires considerable processing power, largely dependent on RAM capacity. Higher RAM capacity allows natural language processing (NLP) and AI-powered photo editing. The A18 chip is built with second-generation 3nm technology, a six-core CPU with two performance cores and four efficiency cores, and is 30% faster than the iPhone 15’s CPU while using 35% less power than the A16 Bionic chip. 

The iPhone 16 also has an upgraded neural engine for more efficient AI task processing. The neural engine powers AI tasks like voice commands, image recognition, and predictive text.

2. The Camera Control feature speaks to you

All the new iPhone 16 models will feature a capture button that works as a shortcut for the camera function. The touch-sensitive capture button will let users control the focus, zoom, and camera trigger with different gestures. This dedicated capture button is new to the iPhone experience and is available on the base model, which is noteworthy.

Also: Four reasons I’m not upgrading to an iPhone 16 Pro from my iPhone 14

The iPhone 16 will also get the Action button, which was introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max in place of the mute switch.

You should buy the iPhone 16 Plus if…

1. You want a big screen that isn’t too big

The iPhone 16 Plus features a 6.7-inch screen, which is still large, just the same size as the iPhone 15 Plus, but slightly smaller than the iPhone 16 Pro Max screen. It also supports Apple Intelligence and features the A17 chip and some RAM enhancements.

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2. You’d rather stick with a price that’s more midrange

The iPhone 16 Plus features midrange pricing at $899, sitting squarely between the base and Pro versions. For a lower price, you can get the enhanced performance featured in the iPhone 15 Pro models last year and the same capture button available in the iPhone 16 Pro models.

You should buy the iPhone 16 Pro if…

1. You want a photographer’s camera in your pocket

The iPhone 16 Pro models feature the best camera systems of any iPhone, but you don’t have to splurge for the Pro Max to enjoy them. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 48-MP ultra-wide camera, up from 12 MP on the iPhone 15 and 14 Pro models. The new lineup brings the iPhone 16’s UW camera in line with the main sensor, which is expected to reduce noise and improve image quality significantly

Also: Apple just gave me a compelling reason to buy the smaller iPhone 16 Pro over the Max this year

Aside from a new camera layout, the iPhone 16 Pro has more image capture features that make it appealing for photography enthusiasts, including a 5X optical zoom, new and improved camera sensors, 4K video support at 120fps (including slo-mo) and spatial video recording. You can enjoy your pictures in the larger 6.3-inch display, up from the 6.1-inch screen in the older Pro models, and choose a model with up to 2TB of storage. 

2. You want Wi-Fi 7 support

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus both support Wi-Fi 6E, but the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max also support Wi-Fi 7. Wi-Fi 7 translates into faster speeds, lower latency, and more efficient spectrum use, which is beneficial for high-demand tasks like online gaming, video conferencing, streaming 8K video, virtual reality (VR), and downloading large files.

3. Fast charging is important to you

The iPhone 16 Pro supports up to 40W wired charging and 20W MagSafe wireless charging. While the iPhone 16 Pro’s battery is only about 2.5% larger than the iPhone 15 Pro, the charging speeds are a definite upgrade from the iPhone 15’s 15W charging with MagSafe and 27W with wired chargers.

You should buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max if…

1. You want the largest iPhone display ever

The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a huge display, growing to 6.9 inches with the update. It features thinner bezels than previous models to maximize real estate display and a slightly taller frame for more space. 

2. A long battery life is important to you

The iPhone 16 Pro Max also has a larger 4,676 mAh battery, about 5.7% larger than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. If 5.7% does not sound like a big difference, think of how often your phone dies and how badly you wish you could have a few extra battery percentage points. 

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The 4,676 mAh battery on the iPhone 16 Pro Max is still smaller than I hoped, especially considering that the direct competitor, the Samsung Galaxy Ultra, has a 5,000 mAh battery. We’ll see what we can expect from the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Alternatives to consider

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