I put the iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro through a 7-round face-off: Is the upgrade worth it?
The iPhone 18 Pro offers a powerful new processor and improved photography performance, but the two-year-old iPhone 16 Pro still has a lot left to give.
In 2024, the iPhone 16 Pro launched with a 48MP ultra-wide camera, 4K 120 fps slow-mo videos and Audio Mix, leaving a strong impression. However, the iPhone 18 Pro, released in 2026, takes the camera system to new heights, albeit at a higher cost. In this iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro face-off, we examine the key differences between the two models.
The iPhone 18 Pro features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display, matching the size and resolution of its predecessor. However, the refresh rate has been upgraded to 1-120Hz ProMotion, offering smoother scrolling and more responsive touch input. The processor has also been upgraded to the A20 Pro, providing improved performance for demanding tasks.
In terms of camera capabilities, the iPhone 18 Pro boasts an enhanced camera island, replacing the previous camera plateau. This upgrade allows for better image stabilization and more advanced features. The rear camera setup has also been improved, with a main 48MP sensor offering variable aperture, an 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The iPhone 16 Pro, on the other hand, comes with a 48MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
Battery life is another area where the iPhone 18 Pro outperforms its predecessor. With a larger 4,056 mAh battery, the iPhone 18 Pro offers longer usage between charges. The charging capabilities have also been upgraded, supporting 60W wired charging and 25W wireless charging, compared to the iPhone 16 Pro's 30W wired and 25W wireless charging.
Design-wise, the iPhone 18 Pro has undergone several changes compared to the iPhone 16 Pro. The frame has shifted from titanium to anodized aluminum, making the device lighter at 7.03 ounces (199 grams) compared to the 7.44 ounces (211 grams) of the iPhone 16 Pro. The camera plateau has been replaced by a camera plateau, slightly altering the phone's balance. The colors available for the iPhone 18 Pro have also been expanded, with new options like Burgundy and matte black being introduced.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
