Apple has four new iPhones 16 models, and each one is a little different from the others. All four phones share several features, including an Action Button, Camera Control, and Dynamic Island. They also share the same main and selfie cameras, radio systems, and iOS 18 software. It might seem that little separates them, but looking closely at the specs reveals some key differences that set the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus apart from the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. Here’s everything that makes all four members of the iPhone 16 family unique.
Apple iPhone 16
Bottom Line
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Bottom Line
Pricing: From $799 to $1,599
Cost is a big factor when selecting a mobile phone. Even though most US buyers split the cost of new phones over 24 or 36 months via their service plan, every little decision adds up on that monthly bill. Here’s a breakdown of iPhone pricing.
Apple charges $799 for the iPhone 16 with 128GB of storage, $899 for 256GB, or $1,099 for 512 GB. The Plus models cost $100 more across the board, or $899 for the 128GB model, $999 for 256GB, or $1,199 for 512GB.
The Pro models carry an increase of $200. The iPhone 16 Pro with 128GB costs $999, the 256GB model costs $1,099, the 512GB model costs $1,299, and the 1TB model costs $1,499. Moving to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, you’ll pay $1,199 for the 256GB model (there is no 128GB model), $1,399 for the 512GB model, or $1,599 for the 1TB model.
If you’re more interested in the monthly breakdown, you should expect to pay about $33 per month for two years for the base iPhone 16 and $67 per month for two years for the 1TB Pro Max iPhone. Those prices are valid if you finance the phone directly with Apple. Since AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon break down costs over three years, you can expect the monthly price to drop to about $22 for the base model and $44 for the top model. Your pricing will likely be different if you trade in an old iPhone.
Winner: Apple (ka-ching!)
Sizing and Design
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 families were available in two basic sizes, but Apple has expanded the lineup this year and now offers four sizes from which to choose.
The iPhone 16 is the smallest and lightest of the new iPhones, measuring 5.81 by 2.82 by 0.31 inches (HWD) and 6.00 ounces. The 16 Pro is slightly larger, measuring 5.89 by 2.81 by 0.32 inches and 7.03 ounces. Then comes the 16 Plus, which measures 6.33 by 3.06 by 0.31 inches and weighs 7.03 ounces. The Pro Max is the biggest and heaviest, measuring 6.42 by 3.06 by 0.32 inches and 7.99 ounces. You can put the Pro Max in the “pretty darned big” category.
In terms of design, the iPhone 16s aren’t that hard to tell apart thanks to their different color palettes. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are available in five shades: Black, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine, or White. The 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max come in four options: Black Titanium, Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, or White Titanium.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are made with aluminum frames and Apple’s Ceramic Shield, while the Pro models upgrade the frame to titanium. All four models have an IP68 rating for protection against dust and water.
The buttons and controls are identical. The left side features the Action Button and separate volume keys, while the right edge holds the power button and the Camera Control—this new feature lets you quickly open the camera and take photos or videos, as well as access tools like zoom by sliding your finger across the sapphire glass. None of the iPhones for US buyers has a physical SIM card because US iPhone models rely on eSIM only. International models do include a SIM card tray. Each iPhone has a USB-C port on the bottom, but they aren’t all the same. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have USB 2.0 ports, while the 16 Pro and Pro Max have USB 3.1.
The biggest visual difference between the iPhones, other than their color, is the camera module. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have two camera lenses stacked vertically, and the 16 Pro and Pro Max have three cameras arranged in a triangle that rest on a large, squarish bump.
