IF you're eyeing the new iPhone 16 but unsure which model suits your needs, you're not alone. Apple has rolled out four models this year: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
With so many options, it can be a challenge to decide which one to go for.
Let me take you through, which might just help you make an informed choice.
First impressions
When I first got my hands on the iPhone 16, I was struck by how familiar, yet refined, it felt.
This year Apple has decided to pack in features that were once exclusive to the Pro models, such as the new Camera Control system and the highly capable A18 chip. These two upgrades alone bring a level of sophistication to the iPhone 16 lineup that was previously reserved for the more premium models.
Okay, if you want a larger display, go for the iPhone 16 Plus as it is essentially larger and it's perfect for those who prefer more screen real estate without jumping into Pro territory. The 6.7-inch screen is fantastic for watching videos and browsing, offering a big but manageable feel in hand. Battery life, thanks to that bigger size, is also commendable, lasting comfortably over a day even with heavy use.
Now, stepping up to the iPhone 16 Pro was a noticeable upgrade. For starters, the Pro's larger 6.3-inch display, paired with the thin borders and Super Retina XDR technology, is nothing short of stunning. The difference in clarity and smoothness, courtesy of the ProMotion technology, is immediately evident when scrolling or gaming. The Pro Max pushes this to an even larger 6.9-inch display, making it the go-to for those wanting the absolute biggest iPhone display on the market.
But it's not just about screen size. The titanium design feels incredibly light and durable. The Pro series is also built to be tougher with its new Ceramic Shield, which gives peace of mind for those of us who fear the occasional drop.
Camera showdown
This is the part I'm always excited about when reviewing phones. Over the years, what I can say is that smartphones have become more capable when it comes to photography, what more with the availability of technologies like AI, smart HDR, computational photography and so on.
In the iPhone 16 series case, I managed to take both the non pro and pro model (iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max) for photography sessions involving several photography genres to test out the camera capabilities of these models.
Both models truly shine in their camera capabilities. The cameras on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max models offer impressive features, but the Pro versions deliver several significant upgrades that make them ideal for users seeking advanced photography and videography capabilities.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are equipped with an enhanced 48MP camera system, capable of 4K120 fps video recording in Dolby Vision. The Pro models introduce a 5x optical zoom, which blew me away with its clarity from a distance. This telephoto lens is exclusive to the Pro series, and for those who love capturing distant subjects, this alone might be worth the upgrade.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus offer 48MP Fusion main camera, 2x optical-quality zoom, and 12 MP Ultra Wide Camera 12MP with autofocus for macro photography, allowing for close-up shots and gathering up to 2.6x more light, improving low-light performance.
What I like about the new iPhone 16 series is the introduction of a dedicated Camera Control button on the below left side of the phone. The Camera Control system is a game changer on all models, letting you tweak settings like zoom, exposure, and depth with just a quick slide of your finger. If you're someone who takes photos casually but wants them to look great with minimal effort, the non-Pro models will serve you well.
The Pro models also feature Camera Control, but they take it further with pro-level features like a two-stage shutter for precise focus control, the ability to capture 48MP Ultra Wide images, and better integration into pro apps like Kino.
In terms of photos produced, I feel both non pro and pro models offer about the same quality. I tested them in day light, low light, landscape, macro, and portraits and got excellent results. If you're just a casual shooter, I feel both models will give you amazing photos.
The Pro models feature a more advanced 48MP Ultra Wide camera, compared to the 12MP one in the non-Pro models, resulting in better resolution, especially for macro shots.
On the video side, the iPhone 16 Pro models can record 4K120 fps video in Dolby Vision, including ProRes and Log formats, making them the best choice for professional videographers. The non-Pro models don't support this level of high-performance video recording. Besides that, the Pro models are equipped with the A18 Pro chip, allowing the camera system to deliver faster data reading and advanced processing for demanding tasks like ProRAW shooting and 4K120 fps video. The Pro models also introduce additional tools such as ProRAW, ProRes, and advanced editing features like Audio Mix and frame-by-frame cinema-quality colour grading, which are absent on the standard iPhone 16 models.
Performance
Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, as well as the Pro models, feature the new A18 chip. But the A18 Pro, found only in the Pro models, takes it up a notch with its industry-leading performance in graphics-intensive tasks like mobile gaming and computational photography.
I put the iPhone 16 Pro through its paces with some of the most demanding games available, and it didn't even break a sweat. The efficiency of the A18 Pro also means that even with all this power, the battery life remains solid.
However, for most day-to-day tasks, like social media, streaming, and casual photography, the A18 chip in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is more than sufficient. Unless you're a power user or someone who relies heavily on intensive apps, the non-Pro models will deliver outstanding performance without any hiccups.
Why go Pro?
For anyone who wants the best of the best—whether it's the superior camera system, larger and smoother display, or the durable titanium design—the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max is the way to go. These models are built for those who want top-tier performance, enhanced creative controls, and professional-level camera features.
The Pro models are ideal for mobile photographers, videographers, and gamers. If you're someone who uses your phone for work, especially in creative fields, the extra features, such as the 48MP Ultra Wide camera and the ability to shoot in ProRAW, are tools you'll appreciate.
Why stick with the non-Pro?
However, not everyone needs the Pro features, and that's where the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come in. They offer a balanced experience at a lower price point, while still packing a punch with the A18 chip and solid camera system. If you're upgrading from an older iPhone or looking for a capable device for everyday use, these models provide excellent value without skimping on performance.
In my experience, if you're someone who enjoys a capable phone for general use - browsing, social media, taking good-quality photos—the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus will meet your needs perfectly. They give you access to Apple's latest innovations, like the Camera Control and improved battery life, without pushing you into the Pro-level pricing.
Colour wise and prices, it really up to your preference and budget. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max come in black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and desert titanium, and starts from RM4,999, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at RM5,999. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are available in ultramarine, teal, pink, white, and black starts at RM3,999, while the iPhone 16 Plus starts at RM4,499.
Verdict
Whether you should go for the Pro models or stick with the non-Pro versions comes down to how you use your phone.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are fantastic options for most users, offering plenty of power and features at a more affordable price. On the other hand, if you want the ultimate Apple experience with the best camera, display, and performance, the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max will not disappoint.
In either case, Apple's latest lineup is a win. You just need to decide how much you want to invest in the future of your smartphone experience.