iPhone 16 models comparison, specifications, colors, designs, camera, storage?
iPhone 16 Models comparison
The iPhone 16 lineup, announced in September 2024, includes four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. A fifth model, the iPhone 16e, was introduced in February 2025 as a budget option.
Below is a detailed comparison of these models based on specifications, colors, designs, cameras, and storage, including the 16e for completeness, as it’s part of the broader lineup.
All information reflects the state of these devices, based on official sources and reliable reviews.
Overview of iPhone 16 Models
- iPhone 16: The base model, balancing performance and price, ideal for most users.
- iPhone 16 Plus: Larger screen and battery than the 16, same features otherwise.
- iPhone 16 Pro: Premium model with advanced cameras, display, and performance.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Largest display, best battery life, and top-tier features.
- iPhone 16e: Budget-friendly, fewer features, released post-2024 but part of the family.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.3″ Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.9″ Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 (460 ppi) | 2796 x 1290 (460 ppi) | 2622 x 1206 (460 ppi) | 2868 x 1320 (460 ppi) | 2556 x 1179 (460 ppi) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz (ProMotion) | 120Hz (ProMotion) | 60Hz |
| Brightness | 2000 nits (outdoor), 1 nit min | 2000 nits (outdoor), 1 nit min | 2000 nits (outdoor), 1 nit min | 2000 nits (outdoor), 1 nit min | 1600 nits (HDR), 1 nit min |
| Chip | A18 (3nm, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU) | A18 (3nm, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU) | A18 Pro (3nm, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU) | A18 Pro (3nm, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU) | A18 (3nm, 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU) |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB | 6GB (estimated) |
| Battery Life | Up to 22 hrs video playback | Up to 27 hrs video playback | Up to 27 hrs video playback | Up to 33 hrs video playback | Up to 24 hrs video playback |
| Charging | 25W MagSafe, 40W wired (USB-C) | 25W MagSafe, 40W wired (USB-C) | 25W MagSafe, 40W wired (USB-C) | 25W MagSafe, 40W wired (USB-C) | 20W wired (USB-C), no MagSafe |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, 5G (sub-6GHz, mmWave US) | Wi-Fi 6E, 5G (sub-6GHz, mmWave US) | Wi-Fi 7, 5G (sub-6GHz, mmWave US) | Wi-Fi 7, 5G (sub-6GHz, mmWave US) | Wi-Fi 6, 5G (sub-6GHz, no mmWave) |
| Modem | Snapdragon X71 | Snapdragon X71 | Snapdragon X71 | Snapdragon X71 | Apple C1 (custom, 25% more efficient) |
| Weight | 170g (6.00 oz) | 199g (7.03 oz) | 199g (7.03 oz) | 227g (7.99 oz) | 167g (5.88 oz) |
| Dimensions (mm) | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 | 163.0 x 77.6 x 8.25 | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 |
| OS | iOS 18 (upgradable to 18.4) | iOS 18 (upgradable to 18.4) | iOS 18 (upgradable to 18.4) | iOS 18 (upgradable to 18.4) | iOS 18 (upgradable to 18.4) |
Notes:
- A18 vs. A18 Pro: A18 Pro has a 6-core GPU (vs. 5-core) and 15-20% faster CPU/GPU performance, optimized for pro tasks like 4K video editing.
- ProMotion: Only Pro models have 120Hz adaptive refresh for smoother scrolling/gaming.
- Battery: Pro Max leads, followed by Plus/Pro, due to larger sizes. 16e’s custom C1 modem boosts efficiency.
- Wi-Fi 7: Pro models support faster, lower-latency Wi-Fi 7, ideal for gaming/streaming.
Colors
| Model | Colors |
|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | Black, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine, White |
| iPhone 16 Plus | Black, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine, White |
| iPhone 16 Pro | Black Titanium, Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | Black Titanium, Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium |
| iPhone 16e | Black, Pink, White |
Details:
- Standard Models (16/Plus): Vibrant, color-infused glass backs with bold, darker tones compared to iPhone 15’s pastels.
- Pro Models: Subtle, microblasted titanium finishes; Desert Titanium replaces Blue Titanium, offering a bronze/rose gold hue.
- 16e: Limited palette, no color-infused glass, uses a simpler design to cut costs.
Designs
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum frame, color-infused glass | Aluminum frame, color-infused glass | Titanium frame, frosted glass | Titanium frame, frosted glass | Aluminum frame, standard glass |
| Front Glass | Ceramic Shield (2x tougher) | Ceramic Shield (2x tougher) | Ceramic Shield (2x tougher) | Ceramic Shield (2x tougher) | Ceramic Shield (standard) |
| Camera Layout | Vertical dual lenses | Vertical dual lenses | Triple lenses (square module) | Triple lenses (square module) | Single lens |
| Buttons | Action, Camera Control, Volume, Power | Action, Camera Control, Volume, Power | Action, Camera Control, Volume, Power | Action, Camera Control, Volume, Power | Action, Volume, Power |
| IP Rating | IP68 (6m water, 30 min) | IP68 (6m water, 30 min) | IP68 (6m water, 30 min) | IP68 (6m water, 30 min) | IP68 (6m water, 30 min) |
| Notch | Dynamic Island | Dynamic Island | Dynamic Island | Dynamic Island | Notch (no Dynamic Island) |
Details:
- Standard Models (16/Plus):
- Aerospace-grade aluminum frame, lighter than Pro models.
- Vertical camera layout (unlike iPhone 15’s diagonal) enables spatial video/photo capture for Vision Pro.
- Action Button (customizable for flashlight, camera, etc.) and new Camera Control Button (touch/pressure-sensitive for camera functions).
- USB-C port at USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbps).
- Pro Models:
- Grade 5 titanium frame, more durable but heavier.
- Thinner bezels, larger displays (6.3″/6.9″ vs. 6.1″/6.7″ on 15 Pro).
- Camera Control Button with advanced gestures (e.g., zoom, Visual Intelligence).
- USB-C at USB 3 speeds (10 Gbps) for faster transfers.
- Always-On display and ProMotion (not on standard models).
- 16e:
- Simplified design: no color-infused glass, single camera.
- Uses older notch design (like iPhone X), not Dynamic Island.
- No Camera Control Button or MagSafe—cost-saving measures.
- Same aluminum frame as 16/Plus but slightly lighter.
Source Notes: Design details align with Apple’s specs and reviews from PCMag, MacRumors, and Macworld, emphasizing material differences and new buttons.
Cameras
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP Fusion, f/1.6, 2x telephoto | 48MP Fusion, f/1.6, 2x telephoto | 48MP Fusion, f/1.78, 2x telephoto | 48MP Fusion, f/1.78, 2x telephoto | 48MP Fusion, f/1.6, 2x telephoto |
| Ultra Wide | 12MP, f/2.2, macro | 12MP, f/2.2, macro | 48MP, f/2.2, macro | 48MP, f/2.2, macro | None |
| Telephoto | None | None | 12MP, f/2.8, 5x optical (tetraprism) | 12MP, f/2.8, 5x optical (tetraprism) | None |
| Video | 4K 60fps, Spatial, Dolby Vision | 4K 60fps, Spatial, Dolby Vision | 4K 120fps, Spatial, Dolby Vision | 4K 120fps, Spatial, Dolby Vision | 4K 60fps, Dolby Vision (no Spatial) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9 | 12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9 | 12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9 | 12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9 | 12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9 |
| Features | Photographic Styles, Audio Mix | Photographic Styles, Audio Mix | Photographic Styles, Audio Mix, ProRAW | Photographic Styles, Audio Mix, ProRAW | Basic styles, no Audio Mix |
Details:
- iPhone 16/Plus:
- 48MP Fusion camera combines 48MP and 12MP modes for detail and low-light performance.
- 12MP ultrawide with autofocus for macro shots.
- Supports spatial video/photo (for Vision Pro) due to vertical lens alignment.
- Camera Control Button enables quick access, zoom, and Visual Intelligence (AI object recognition in iOS 18.2+).
- Audio Mix (In-Frame, Studio, Cinematic) adjusts video audio post-capture.
- iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max:
- Upgraded 48MP ultrawide for sharper wide-angle and macro shots.
- 5x telephoto (120mm) now on both Pro models (previously Pro Max only).
- 4K 120fps Dolby Vision video with zero shutter lag for 48MP ProRAW/HEIF.
- Enhanced Photographic Styles for real-time color adjustments.
- Studio-quality mics for better audio recording.
- iPhone 16e:
- Single 48MP Fusion camera, no ultrawide or telephoto.
- Lacks spatial video and advanced Audio Mix features.
- Still supports basic Photographic Styles and decent low-light shots.
Source Notes: Camera specs confirmed via Apple’s tech specs and hands-on reviews from Tom’s Guide, PhoneArena.
Storage Options and Pricing
| Model | Storage Options | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | $799 |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | $899 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | $999 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | $1,199 |
| iPhone 16e | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | $599 |
Details:
- Standard Models: Start at 128GB, sufficient for most users (photos, apps, 4K video).
- Pro Models: Pro Max skips 128GB, starting at 256GB, reflecting its “pro” focus (e.g., video editing, large files). 1TB option for professionals.
- 16e: Matches 16/Plus storage but at a lower entry price, appealing for budget buyers.
- Note: No expandable storage—choose wisely based on usage (e.g., 512GB+ for heavy video recording).
Key Differences and Recommendations
- iPhone 16 ($799): Best for most users. Compact, powerful A18 chip, great dual cameras, and Apple Intelligence support. Ideal if you don’t need ProMotion or telephoto.
- iPhone 16 Plus ($899): Same as 16 but with a larger screen and longer battery life. Choose if you prefer a bigger display without Pro features.
- iPhone 16 Pro ($999): For photography enthusiasts and power users. 120Hz display, 5x telephoto, and A18 Pro chip shine for gaming/editing. Slightly larger than 16.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1,199): Ultimate iPhone with the biggest screen, best battery, and all Pro features. Worth it for those needing max storage or display size.
- iPhone 16e ($599): Budget pick, but sacrifices Dynamic Island, dual cameras, and MagSafe. Best for basic use or cost-conscious buyers.
Design Notes:
- All models are durable (IP68, Ceramic Shield), but Pro’s titanium is premium.
- Standard models offer bolder colors; Pro colors are understated.
- Camera Control Button enhances usability across 16/Plus/Pro models.
Performance Context: All models support Apple Intelligence (iOS 18.1+), but Pro models handle intensive tasks (e.g., 4K 120fps editing) better due to A18 Pro and USB 3 speeds.
Sources
- Apple’s official specs:
apple.com/iphone-16,apple.com/iphone-16-pro,apple.com/iphone-16e. - Reviews and comparisons: PCMag, MacRumors, Tom’s Guide, PhoneArena, Macworld.
