iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro 2024 Comparison
The iPhone 16 Pro features Apple's faster A18 Pro chip (30% faster CPU), improved camera system with 12MP ultra-wide f/1.2 aperture, and new Camera Control button, while the iPhone 15 Pro uses the A17 Pro chip and maintains a traditional design with physical action button.
iPhone 15 Pro
Apple's 2023 flagship smartphone with A17 Pro chip and triple camera system.
Users prioritizing flagship performance who want to save money versus the latest model, or those satisfied with current camera capabilities.
iPhone 16 Pro
Apple's 2024 flagship smartphone with A18 Pro chip, Camera Control button, and improved ultra-wide camera.
Professional photographers, content creators who need better low-light photography, and users seeking the latest computational photography features and performance.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe iPhone 16 Pro features Apple's faster A18 Pro chip (30% faster CPU), improved camera system with 12MP ultra-wide f/1.2 aperture, and new Camera Control button, while the iPhone 15 Pro uses the A17 Pro chip and maintains a traditional design with physical action button.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose iPhone 16 Pro if you want the latest performance gains (30% faster CPU), better low-light photography with the new ƒ/1.2 ultra-wide camera, and the convenient Camera Control button for faster access to photography tools. Choose iPhone 15 Pro if you already own one and want to save $300+ on a still-capable flagship, as real-world performance differences will be minimal for typical users and the camera quality remains excellent.
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Choose iPhone 15 Pro if
Users prioritizing flagship performance who want to save money versus the latest model, or those satisfied with current camera capabilities.
Choose iPhone 16 Pro if
Best pickProfessional photographers, content creators who need better low-light photography, and users seeking the latest computational photography features and performance.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Processor Performance:✓ iPhone 16 Pro wins(A18 Pro (6-core CPU, 30% faster) vs A17 Pro (6-core CPU))
- Ultra-Wide Camera Aperture:✓ iPhone 16 Pro wins(ƒ/1.2 aperture (2x brighter) vs ƒ/2.4 aperture)
- Camera Control Button:✓ iPhone 16 Pro wins(Capacitive camera control button vs Not present)
Key Facts & Figures
64 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size(inches) | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR | |
| Peak Brightness(nits) | 2,000 nits | — | — |
| Telephoto Optical Zoom(x magnification) | 3x | — | — |
| Processor Single-Core Performance(Geekbench 6 score) | 2,900 | ~3,100 | |
| Processor Multi-Core Performance(Geekbench 6 points) | 7,200 | — | — |
| Battery Capacity(mAh) | 3,349 | 3,200 mAh | |
| Wired Charging Speed(watts) | 20W | 25W | |
| Base Model Price(USD) | $999 | — | — |
| Weight(grams) | 187g | 199 g | |
| Geekbench 6 Single-Core(points) | 2,850 | — | — |
| Starting Price (USD)(USD) | $999 | — | — |
| CPU Performance (Single-Core Geekbench)(points) | 3,450 | — | — |
| GPU Performance (Multi-Core Geekbench)(points) | 11,200 | — | — |
| Main Camera Resolution(MP) | 48MP with sensor-shift OIS | 48MP with sensor-shift OIS | |
| File Transfer Speed (USB)(Gbps) | USB 3.0 (10 Gbps) | — | — |
| Peak Display Brightness(nits) | 2000 nits | — | — |
| Battery Video Playback(hours) | 29 hours | — | — |
| CPU Performance (Geekbench 6 Score)(points) | 2,900 | — | — |
| Maximum Optical Zoom(x magnification) | 5x | — | — |
| Battery Life (typical usage)(hours) | 19 hours | — | — |
| Display Peak Brightness(nits) | 3000 | — | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $999 | $1,199 | |
| Titanium Frame Weight Reduction(percent) | 40% lighter than steel | — | — |
| CPU Performance Increase(%) | Baseline (A17 Pro) | — | — |
| Base Storage(GB) | 128GB | — | — |
| Main Camera Sensor(MP) | 48MP with OIS | — | — |
| Battery Life (Typical Use)(hours) | 19 hours | — | — |
| Base Model Price (2024/2025)(USD) | $999 (discontinued) | — | — |
| Release Year | 2023 | — | — |
| CPU Performance Improvement(%) | Baseline (0%) | 30% faster | |
| Ultra-Wide Camera Aperture(f-stop) | ƒ/2.4 | ƒ/1.2 | |
| Video Playback Battery Life(hours) | Up to 26 hours | Up to 27 hours | |
| Display Refresh Rate(Hz) | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion | |
| Starting Storage Capacity(GB) | 256GB | 256GB | |
| Telephoto Zoom Capability(x optical zoom) | 3x | 3x (with improved processing) | |
| Display Size(inches) | 6.3 | 6.3 | |
| Battery Life (Video Playback)(hours) | 27 hrs | 27 hrs | |
| Weight(grams) | 187g | 187g | |
| Starting Price (USD)(USD) | $999 | $999 | |
| Wired Charging(W) | 27W peak | 27W peak | |
| Main Camera(MP) | 48 MP f/1.78 | 48 MP f/1.78 | |
| Street Price (May 2026)(USD) | $759 (Certified Refurb) | $759 (Certified Refurb) | |
| Refresh Rate(Hz) | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion | |
| Main Camera(MP) | 48MP with f/1.8 aperture | 48MP with f/1.8 aperture | |
| Optical Zoom(times) | 3x optical | 3x optical | |
| Video Recording(fps at 4K) | 4K at 120fps | 4K at 120fps | |
| Base Price(USD) | $999 | $999 | |
| Display Diagonal Size(inches) | 6.3 inches | 6.3 inches | |
| Optical Zoom Magnification(x) | 5x optical | 5x optical | |
| Major OS Update Support(years) | 7 years | 7 years | |
| Base Model Price (USD)(USD) | $999 | $999 | |
| Display Brightness (Peak)(nits) | 3,000 nits | 3,000 nits | |
| Main Camera Megapixels(MP) | 48MP (quad-pixel 12MP effective) | 48MP (quad-pixel 12MP effective) | |
| Wired Charging Speed (Full Charge)(minutes) | ~45 minutes (45W) | ~45 minutes (45W) | |
| Software Support (OS Updates)(years) | 7 years guaranteed | 7 years guaranteed | |
| Multi-Core Performance Gain(%) | Baseline | Baseline | |
| Battery Life(hours) | 27 | 27 | |
| RAM(GB) | 12GB | 12GB | |
| Starting Storage(GB) | 128 | 128 | |
| Telephoto Resolution(MP) | 12MP | 12MP | |
| 4K Video Capability(fps) | 4K 60fps | 4K 60fps | |
| CPU Performance (Single-Core)(Points) | 2,580 | 2,580 | |
| GPU Performance(% improvement) | Baseline A18 Pro | Baseline A18 Pro | |
| Telephoto Zoom(Maximum optical) | 12x dual telephoto system | 12x dual telephoto system |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- A17 Pro (6-core CPU)Processor PerformanceA18 Pro (6-core CPU, 30% faster)(winner)
- ƒ/2.4 apertureUltra-Wide Camera Apertureƒ/1.2 aperture (2x brighter)(winner)
- Not presentCamera Control ButtonCapacitive camera control button(winner)
- A17 Pro GPUGPU Performance BoostA18 Pro GPU with 20% faster performance(winner)
- Physical action button (customizable)Action Button ControlAction button + Camera Control button(winner)
- $999Starting Price$999
- Base battery capacityBattery Life ImprovementUp to 27 hours video playback (3% improvement)(winner)
- Processor Performance
iPhone 15 Pro
A17 Pro (6-core CPU)
iPhone 16 Pro
A18 Pro (6-core CPU, 30% faster)(winner)
- Ultra-Wide Camera Aperture
iPhone 15 Pro
ƒ/2.4 aperture
iPhone 16 Pro
ƒ/1.2 aperture (2x brighter)(winner)
- Camera Control Button
iPhone 15 Pro
Not present
iPhone 16 Pro
Capacitive camera control button(winner)
- GPU Performance Boost
iPhone 15 Pro
A17 Pro GPU
iPhone 16 Pro
A18 Pro GPU with 20% faster performance(winner)
- Action Button Control
iPhone 15 Pro
Physical action button (customizable)
iPhone 16 Pro
Action button + Camera Control button(winner)
- Starting Price
iPhone 15 Pro
$999
iPhone 16 Pro
$999
- Battery Life Improvement
iPhone 15 Pro
Base battery capacity
iPhone 16 Pro
Up to 27 hours video playback (3% improvement)(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size(inches) | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR |
| Peak Brightness(nits) | 2,000 nits | — |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR with always-on | — |
| Peak Display Brightness(nits) | 2000 nits | — |
| Display Peak Brightness(nits) | 3000 | — |
Show 7 more attributesDisplay Resolution(pixels) 2796 x 1290 2622×1206 (460 ppi) Display Refresh Rate(Hz) 120Hz ProMotion 120Hz ProMotion Display Size(inches) 6.3 — Display Technology OLED Super Retina XDR, ProMotion 120Hz, Always-On — Refresh Rate(Hz) 120Hz ProMotion — Display Diagonal Size(inches) 6.3 inches — Display Brightness (Peak)(nits) 3,000 nits — | ||
| Telephoto Optical Zoom(x magnification) | 3x | — |
| Telephoto Lens(x optical zoom) | 3x optical | — |
| Main Camera Resolution(MP) | 48MP with sensor-shift OIS | 48MP with sensor-shift OIS |
| Maximum Video Recording(fps at resolution) | 4K at 120fps | — |
| Main Camera Aperture(f-stop) | f/1.8 | f/1.78(winner) |
Show 15 more attributesMaximum Optical Zoom(x magnification) 5x — Main Camera Sensor(MP) 48MP with OIS — Ultra-Wide Camera Aperture(f-stop) ƒ/2.4 ƒ/1.2 Telephoto Zoom Capability(x optical zoom) 3x 3x (with improved processing) Main Camera(MP) 48 MP, f/1.78, OIS, sensor-shift — Telephoto Zoom 5× optical (12 MP, 120mm eq.) — Main Camera(MP) 48MP with f/1.8 aperture — Optical Zoom(times) 3x optical — Video Recording(fps at 4K) 4K at 120fps — Optical Zoom Magnification(x) 5x optical — Main Camera Megapixels(MP) 48MP (quad-pixel 12MP effective) — Telephoto Resolution(MP) 12MP — 4K Video Capability(fps) 4K 60fps — Video Recording Maximum(fps at resolution) 4K at 120fps + ProRaw — Telephoto Zoom(Maximum optical) 12x dual telephoto system — | ||
| Processor Single-Core Performance(Geekbench 6 score) | 2,900 | ~3,100(winner) |
| Processor Multi-Core Performance(Geekbench 6 points) | 7,200 | — |
| Processor Generation | A17 Pro (2023) | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single-Core(points) | 2,850 | — |
| CPU Performance (Single-Core Geekbench)(points) | 3,450 | — |
Show 13 more attributesGPU Performance (Multi-Core Geekbench)(points) 11,200 — CPU Performance (Geekbench 6 Score)(points) 2,900 — Processor Model Apple A17 Pro — CPU Performance Increase(%) Baseline (A17 Pro) — Main Processor Apple A17 Pro Apple A18 Pro CPU Performance Improvement(%) Baseline (0%) 30% faster Chipset Apple A18 Pro (3nm) — Processor A18 Pro chip — Multi-Core Performance Gain(%) Baseline — Battery Life(hours) 27 — RAM(GB) 12GB — CPU Performance (Single-Core)(Points) 2,580 — GPU Performance(% improvement) Baseline A18 Pro — | ||
| Battery Capacity(mAh) | 3,349(winner) | 3,200 mAh |
| Battery Video Playback(hours) | 29 hours | — |
| Battery Life (typical usage)(hours) | 19 hours | — |
| Battery Life (Typical Use)(hours) | 19 hours | — |
| Video Playback Battery Life(hours) | Up to 26 hours | Up to 27 hours(winner) |
Show 2 more attributesBattery Life (Video Playback)(hours) 27 hrs — Wired Charging Speed (Full Charge)(minutes) ~45 minutes (45W) — | ||
| Wired Charging Speed(watts) | 20W | 25W(winner) |
| Base Model Price(USD) | $999 | — |
| Base Price(USD) | $999 | — |
| Water Resistance Rating(depth (meters)) | IP69 | — |
| IP Rating(rating) | IP68 (6 m, 30 min) | — |
| Weight(grams) | 187g(winner) | 199 g |
| Frame Material | Titanium | Grade 5 titanium |
| Weight(grams) | 187g | — |
| Dimensions(mm) | 149.6 × 71.5 × 8.25 mm | — |
| Build Material | Titanium frame, textured matte glass back, Ceramic Shield front | — |
Show 1 more attributeBuild Material(Type) Grade 5 Titanium — | ||
| Starting Price (USD)(USD) | $999 | — |
| File Transfer Speed (USB)(Gbps) | USB 3.0 (10 Gbps) | — |
| Charging & Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, Thread, UWB, MagSafe | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $999(winner) | $1,199 |
| Base Model Price (2024/2025)(USD) | $999 (discontinued) | — |
| Starting Price (USD)(USD) | $999 | — |
| Titanium Frame Weight Reduction(percent) | 40% lighter than steel | — |
| Neural Engine Cores for AI(cores) | Not supported | — |
| Base Storage(GB) | 128GB | — |
| Starting Storage Capacity(GB) | 256GB | 256GB |
| Storage Options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | — |
| Starting Storage(GB) | 128 | — |
| Apple Intelligence Features | Not supported | — |
| iOS Version Support | iOS 17-18 (limited iOS 18 features) | — |
| Major OS Update Support(years) | 7 years | — |
| Software Support (OS Updates)(years) | 7 years guaranteed | — |
| Release Year | 2023 | — |
| Wired Charging(W) | 27W peak | — |
| Main Camera(MP) | 48 MP f/1.78 | — |
| Street Price (May 2026)(USD) | $759 (Certified Refurb) | — |
| Stylus | None | — |
| Operating System | iOS 18 | — |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro (3 nm) | — |
| Base Model Price (USD)(USD) | $999 | — |
Show 7 more attributes
Show 15 more attributes
Show 13 more attributes
Show 2 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Pros & Cons
12 pros·4 cons across both
iPhone 15 Pro
Pros
- A17 Pro chip delivers excellent performance for gaming and apps
- Exceptional 12MP main camera with ƒ/1.6 aperture and sensor-shift OIS
- 48MP ultra-wide and 12MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom
- ProMotion 120Hz display with exceptional color accuracy
- Durable titanium frame with action button for quick access to functions
- Excellent thermal management for sustained performance
Cons
- Ultra-wide camera's ƒ/2.4 aperture limits low-light performance
- No dedicated camera control button requires menu navigation
iPhone 16 Pro
Pros
- A18 Pro chip is 30% faster in CPU performance with improved AI capabilities
- Camera Control button enables single-handed photo and video operation
- Ultra-wide camera with ƒ/1.2 aperture provides 2x more light gathering in low-light conditions
- Improved thermal design maintains performance under heavy loads
- Up to 27 hours video playback (3% battery improvement over iPhone 15 Pro)
- Enhanced computational photography with Apple Intelligence features
Cons
- Premium pricing ($999) same as iPhone 15 Pro launch but no storage upgrades
- Marginal real-world improvement for non-professional users compared to iPhone 15 Pro
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
For most users, no. The A18 Pro's 30% speed boost won't be noticeable in daily use—both chips handle apps, games, and multitasking flawlessly. The main upgrade justification is the ƒ/1.2 ultra-wide camera (2x brighter for low-light photography) and the Camera Control button for faster photo access. Upgrade if you're a photography enthusiast or professional; otherwise, wait for iPhone 17 Pro or save money with iPhone 15 Pro.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
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Wikipedia
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