iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro: Consider these 5 reasons before upgrading

Apple launched the iPhone 16 series back in late September 2024. If you want a Pro model without any extra bulk, the iPhone 16 Pro is the way to go. Thanks to thinner bezels, this year's model features a 6.3-inch display instead of the 6.1-inch screen found on the iPhone 15 Pro. Apart from a bigger display, there's a new Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 Pro that makes it easier for you to take photos and videos while fine-tuning settings as you do. It's like a dedicated shutter button but supercharged more features. 

Also: The best iPhones you can buy right now (and if you should upgrade to iPhone 16)

The key enhancements on the iPhone 16 Pro come with Apple Intelligence. You get features like an upgraded Siri, Memory Movies in Photos, Notification summaries, and more. Apple Intelligence is also supported on the iPhone 15 Pro, meaning you can access the features without upgrading to the newer model. However, it could be confusing to decide if you need to upgrade (and there are plenty of reasons to). We are here to help. Here are the main differences between the two compact Pro iPhones.

Specifications

You should buy the iPhone 16 Pro if...

1. You want the most compact (and capable) iPhone

Apple is expanding its Pro iPhone lineup with the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, both featuring larger displays thanks to the "thinnest borders on an Apple product." The iPhone 16 Pro retains the Super Retina XDR display but comes with an upgraded Ceramic Shield that is 50% tougher than the one on the iPhone 15 Pro. Both models offer 2,000 nits of peak brightness and 1,600 nits of HDR brightness.

Also: The top 5 iPhone 16 Pro features power users will love

If you've found the iPhone 15 Pro's 6.1-inch display a bit cramped but weren't keen on the 6.7-inch (now 6.9-inch) screen size, the slight 0.2-inch increase could be just what you need.

2. You want the best cameras on an iPhone

The iPhone 15 Pro improved upon its predecessor's cameras but lacked the telephoto lens available on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple has addressed this with the new iPhones. Both models now feature a comprehensive camera setup, including a 48MP Fusion camera, a 48MP ultrawide-angle lens, and a 12MP telephoto sensor with 5x optical zoom.

Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro introduces a new Camera Control button, which acts as a physical shutter key for capturing photos and videos. A single press launches the camera, another takes a photo, and a press-and-hold starts video recording. Light presses offer quick adjustments for lenses, portrait depth, and more. Later this year, Apple will roll out a two-step shutter control with an update.

Also: We tested the iPhone 16 Pro camera system, and it's highly underrated - with one tragic flaw

The iPhone 16 Pro also boasts advanced camera features, including new styles akin to "professional color-grading in real-time." It comes equipped with four studio-quality microphones that enhance audio output. The Audio Mix feature separates background noise from speech and allows editing in three modes directly on the device. Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro offers enhanced pro-grade capabilities, making it a significant upgrade over the iPhone 15 Pro for content creators.

3. You want more reliable performance and better battery life 

The iPhone 15 Pro had its strengths, but I found its efficiency lacking. The battery often struggled to last through the day, and the device occasionally got quite warm. According to Apple's keynote, these issues have been addressed with the iPhone 16 Pro. It now offers up to 27 hours of video playback, an increase from the 23 hours on the iPhone 15 Pro. Streaming video playback has also improved by two hours, making this the best battery life ever on an iPhone Pro.

Also: We've used every iPhone 16 model and here's our best buying advice for 2024

The iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the A18 Pro chipset, built on a 3nm process. It boasts a 17% increase in total system bandwidth, a 15% faster CPU, and a 20% faster GPU compared to the A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro. The new GPU architecture also delivers twice the ray tracing performance of its predecessor. For gamers, the iPhone 16 Pro is a more capable choice.

You should buy the iPhone 15 Pro if...

1. You're sold on Apple Intelligence

The new A18 Pro processor may offer enhanced speed and efficiency, but it's not the only factor powering Apple's latest artificial intelligence features. I've been using Apple Intelligence in beta on my iPhone 15 Pro, and it includes some impressive quality-of-life enhancements.

Also: My biggest regret with upgrading my iPhone to iOS 18 (and I'm not alone)

For example, the notification summary effectively organizes Instagram DMs and WhatsApp messages from friends. You can also access the writing tools and Movie Memory AI features on the iPhone 15 Pro. These Apple Intelligence features are available on both the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro, so you don't need to upgrade solely for AI improvements.

2. You want an iPhone Pro model for less money

The iPhone 16 Pro is stronger than the iPhone 15 Pro and features plenty of hardware upgrades. But these new additions result in a bigger and heavier base Pro. With the new model out, the iPhone 15 Pro can also be purchased for less money, especially if you buy a refurbished or used model. Even if it's just $100 or $200 off, the iPhone 15 Pro is still a formidable phone in 2024.

Alternatives to consider