iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Top 7 Expert Reviews 2025

Are you trying to decide between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro? With so many expert reviews out there, it can be tough to figure out which model is right for you.

In this blog post, we’ve gathered the top 7 expert reviews of 2025 to help you make the best choice. From camera comparisons to design differences, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking for a reliable phone, this guide has you covered!

1. iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro - REAL Differences After 2 Weeks! by Max Tech

Summary:
The review compares the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro after two weeks of use, highlighting 10 key differences. The regular iPhone 16 feels fresh with a new camera bump design and vibrant colors, while the 16 Pro looks similar to older models.

The 16 Pro has thinner bezels, a better 5x telephoto camera, a smoother 120Hz display, and a more advanced main camera sensor. It also offers faster USB-C transfer speeds, better gaming performance, and a more premium titanium build.

The regular iPhone 16, however, has a larger display and feels lighter but lacks some high-end features.

Pros:

• Clear comparison of real-world differences between the two models.
• Detailed explanations of features like the camera, display, and performance.
• Honest opinions on design, usability, and upgrades.
• Includes personal experiences and examples, like using the 5x camera for videos.

Cons:

• Some points, like bezel thickness, might not matter to everyone.
• The review focuses heavily on the Pro model’s advantages, making the regular 16 seem less appealing.
• Doesn’t discuss battery life or price differences, which are important for buyers.

My Take:
I think this review does a great job of showing the real differences between the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. The 16 Pro seems like the better choice if you want the best camera, smoother display, and premium feel.

However, the regular iPhone 16 is still a good option if you like the new design and don’t need all the extra features. I wish the review talked more about battery life and price, though, because those are big factors when choosing a phone.

Overall, it’s a helpful video for anyone deciding between the two models!

Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2. iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro Camera Test - SHOCKING Differences! by Max Tech

Summary:
This video compares the cameras of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, showing the differences in photo quality, zoom capabilities, and special features.

The reviewer takes many photos in different settings, like daylight, low light, and zoomed-in shots, to show how each phone performs. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 5x telephoto lens, better zoom quality, and a LiDAR sensor for night mode portraits, which makes it stand out.

The regular iPhone 16 still takes good photos but lacks some of the advanced features of the Pro model.

Pros:

1. The video is very detailed, showing many examples of photos taken with both phones.
2. It highlights the strengths of the iPhone 16 Pro, like the 5x zoom and better night mode.
3. The reviewer points out small differences that most people might not notice, like framing and dynamic range.
4. It helps viewers decide which phone is better for their needs, depending on how much they care about camera quality.

Cons:

1. The video is long and could be more concise. Some parts feel repetitive.
2. The reviewer doesn’t explain technical terms like "LiDAR" or "dynamic range" for people who might not understand them.
3. Some comparisons, like the macro shots, don’t show a clear difference, which might confuse viewers.

My Take:
I think this video is helpful for people trying to decide between the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, especially if they care about camera quality. The iPhone 16 Pro is clearly better for zoom and low-light photos, but the regular iPhone 16 is still a good choice for everyday use.

If you love taking professional-looking photos or zoomed-in shots, the Pro is worth the extra money. However, if you just want a good camera for regular photos, the iPhone 16 is a solid option.

The video could be shorter and easier to follow, but it does a good job showing the differences.

Rating: 4.1/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3. iPhone 16 Buyer's Guide - DON'T BE FOOLED! by GregsGadgets

Summary:
This video is a detailed guide to help you decide which iPhone 16 model to buy. It explains the differences between the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, focusing on features like battery life, display size, camera quality, and performance.

The reviewer also warns about common mistakes buyers might make, such as choosing older models that won’t support new Apple Intelligence features.

The video highlights the pros and cons of each model and gives advice on which one might be best for different types of users.

Pros:

1. Detailed Comparison: The video clearly explains the differences between all four iPhone 16 models, making it easier to decide which one to buy.
2. Helpful Tips: The reviewer points out mistakes to avoid, like buying older models that won’t support future software updates.
3. Honest Opinions: The reviewer shares their personal thoughts on which models are worth the money and which ones aren’t.
4. Focus on Key Features: The video highlights important features like battery life, camera quality, and display differences, which are crucial for buyers.

Cons:

1. No Hands-On Experience: The review is based on specs and announcements, not actual testing of the phones.
2. Repetitive: The reviewer mentions Apple Intelligence and camera features multiple times, which can feel repetitive.
3. Limited Focus on Budget: While the video mentions older models, it doesn’t give much advice for people on a tight budget who might still consider them.

My Take:
I think this video is really helpful for anyone trying to decide which iPhone 16 to buy. The reviewer does a great job breaking down the differences between the models and explaining which features matter most.

I agree that the Pro models seem like the best choice for people who want better cameras and battery life, but the regular iPhone 16 is still a good option for those who don’t need all the extra features.

The advice to avoid older models makes sense, especially if you want to use Apple Intelligence in the future. Overall, this video is a great resource for anyone thinking about upgrading to the iPhone 16.

Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4. Don't WASTE Your MONEY! iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro Explained by Kyle Erickson

Summary:
This review compares the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two models. The reviewer, Kyle Erikson, discusses design, display, camera performance, video capabilities, battery life, and overall user experience.

While the iPhone 16 Pro offers advanced features like a 120Hz ProMotion display, a telephoto lens, and enhanced video recording options, the iPhone 16 provides a more affordable option with many of the same core features.

The review emphasizes that the choice between the two depends on personal preferences and how you plan to use the phone.

Pros:

1. Detailed Comparison: The review thoroughly examines the differences in design, display, camera, and performance, helping viewers make an informed decision.
2. Real-World Testing: The reviewer shares insights based on three weeks of hands-on experience with both phones.
3. Balanced Perspective: The review acknowledges the strengths of both models, making it clear that the iPhone 16 is a great choice for most users, while the Pro model caters to those who need advanced features.
4. Useful Tips: The mention of Apple’s 15-day return policy is helpful for undecided buyers.

Cons:

1. Limited Focus on Battery Life: While battery life is mentioned, the review doesn’t provide a detailed comparison of how long each phone lasts under different usage scenarios.
2. Overemphasis on Camera: The review spends a lot of time on camera features, which might not be as important to users who prioritize other aspects like performance or battery life.
3. Sponsorship Plug: The segment about Reflex lenses feels like an ad and distracts from the main comparison.

My Take:
I think this review does a great job of breaking down the key differences between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. It’s clear that the iPhone 16 is a solid choice for everyday users, while the Pro model is better suited for tech enthusiasts or content creators who need advanced camera and video features.

However, I wish the review had spent more time discussing battery life and performance in real-world scenarios, as these are important factors for many buyers.

Overall, it’s a helpful guide for anyone trying to decide between the two models.

Rating: 4.3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5. iPhone 16 Plus vs 16 Pro Max: REAL-World Differences after 1 Week! by Max Tech

Summary:
This review compares the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max after one week of use. The reviewer highlights key differences in design, display, features, cameras, performance, and overall feel.

While the 16 Plus offers a fresh design and attractive colors, the 16 Pro Max stands out with thinner bezels, a 120Hz ProMotion display, better cameras, and faster performance.

The review also notes that many features, like the Action Button and Apple Intelligence, are available on both models, making it harder to justify the Pro Max's higher price for some users.

Pros:

1. Design: The 16 Plus has a fresh, retro-inspired camera bump design and more vibrant colors, while the Pro Max offers a premium titanium build.
2. Display: The Pro Max has thinner bezels and a 120Hz ProMotion display, making it feel more immersive and premium.
3. Cameras: The Pro Max has a superior camera setup, including a 5x telephoto lens, upgraded ultra-wide camera, and 4K 120fps slow-motion video.
4. Performance: The Pro Max has a slightly faster A18 Pro chip and a 120Hz display, which enhances gaming and overall smoothness.
5. USB-C Speed: The Pro Max supports much faster file transfer speeds compared to the 16 Plus.

Cons:

1. Price: The Pro Max is $300 more expensive, and many features are shared with the 16 Plus, making it harder to justify the cost.
2. Design Freshness: The Pro Max feels less fresh compared to the 16 Plus, with a similar design to previous models.
3. Bezels: The 16 Plus has thicker bezels, which make the display feel less immersive.
4. Weight: The 16 Plus feels lighter and less solid due to its aluminum chassis, which may not appeal to everyone.

My Take:
I think the iPhone 16 Plus is a great choice for someone who wants a fresh design and doesn’t need the extra features of the Pro Max.

However, if you’re someone who values a premium feel, better cameras, and a smoother display, the Pro Max is worth the extra money.

Personally, I’d go for the Pro Max because of the 120Hz display and better cameras, but the 16 Plus is still a solid option for those on a budget. 

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

6. Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16: Which One to Get? by GSMArena Official

Summary:
This review compares the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, highlighting their differences in design, display, performance, battery life, and camera capabilities.

The iPhone 16 is lighter, more compact, and less expensive, with better battery life. The iPhone 16 Pro, on the other hand, has a titanium frame, a larger high-refresh-rate display, a more powerful chipset, and a more advanced camera system with features like a telephoto lens and Pro camera options.

The review helps viewers decide which model suits their needs based on these differences.

Pros:

1. Clear comparison of both phones' features.
2. Highlights key differences like display, performance, and camera.
3. Explains which phone is better for specific needs (e.g., budget vs. premium features).
4. Easy to understand for someone who isn’t a tech expert.

Cons:

1. Doesn’t go into much detail about software or user experience.
2. Could have included more real-life examples of how the differences affect daily use.
3. Doesn’t mention price differences, which could be a big factor for buyers.

My Take:
I think this review does a good job of breaking down the main differences between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. It’s helpful for someone trying to decide which one to buy.

However, it could have been more detailed about the price difference and how the phones feel to use in everyday life.

Personally, I’d go for the iPhone 16 because it’s cheaper and has better battery life, but if I were really into photography, I might consider the Pro for its better camera.

 Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

7. iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro vs 16 Pro Max — The Truth Apple Won’t Tell You by Arthur Winer

Summary:
This review compares the iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, focusing on design, display, performance, camera features, and battery life. The reviewer highlights how similar the three models are, with the main differences being size, camera capabilities, and battery life.

The 16 Pro Max is praised for its larger screen and better battery, while the regular iPhone 16 is recommended for those who don’t need advanced features like ProMotion or 5x zoom. The review also mentions the new camera control button and its usefulness for adjusting tone and styles in photos.

The reviewer concludes that for most users, the regular iPhone 16 is sufficient, but power users might prefer the Pro Max for its extra features and battery life.

Pros:

• Clear comparison of the three iPhone models.
• Honest opinion on who should buy which model.
• Highlights practical differences like battery life and camera features.
• Explains the new camera control button and its benefits.
• Mentions the value of older models like the iPhone 15 Pro for budget-conscious buyers.

Cons:

• Doesn’t dive deep into technical specs or benchmarks.
• Some features like Apple Intelligence are not yet available, making it hard to fully evaluate.
• Could have included more details about the iPhone 16 Plus for a complete comparison.

My Take:
I think this review does a great job of breaking down the differences between the iPhone 16 models in a way that’s easy to understand.

The reviewer is honest about what really matters for everyday users, like battery life and camera quality, and doesn’t get too caught up in technical details.

I agree that the regular iPhone 16 is a solid choice for most people, especially if you don’t need the extra features of the Pro models.

However, if you’re into photography or want the best battery life, the Pro Max seems worth the extra cost. Overall, this review is helpful for anyone trying to decide which iPhone to buy.

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Conclusion

Choosing between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro doesn’t have to be overwhelming. After exploring the top 7 expert reviews, it’s clear that both models have their strengths.

The iPhone 16 Pro shines with its advanced camera, smoother display, and premium build, making it perfect for tech lovers and content creators. On the other hand, the regular iPhone 16 offers a fresh design, lighter feel, and great performance at a more affordable price.

Ultimately, your decision will depend on your budget and how you plan to use your phone. Whether you go for the Pro or stick with the standard model, both iPhones are packed with impressive features to meet your needs. Happy shopping!