€200 separates these phones. But is the Pro worth it?
Most buyers agonize over this decision. The iPhone 16 looks capable. The iPhone 16 Pro promises more. Both cost serious money.
Here's the truth: For some people, the iPhone 16 delivers everything they need. For others, the Pro's extras justify every euro.
This comparison reveals exactly which features differ, what those differences mean in real use, and most importantly, which iPhone makes sense for you.
We'll compare displays, cameras, performance, battery life, and build quality. You'll see side-by-side specs, real-world usage scenarios, and honest recommendations based on how people actually use their phones.
Whether you're buying new or considering refurbished models from Remobile, understanding these differences helps you spend wisely.
Let's find your perfect iPhone.
iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro: Quick Comparison
Before diving deep, here's the snapshot view:
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From €949 | From €1,149 |
| Display | 6.1" (60Hz) | 6.3" (120Hz ProMotion) |
| Cameras | Dual (48MP + 12MP) | Triple (48MP + 48MP + 12MP) |
| Chip | A18 | A18 Pro |
| Material | Aluminum | Titanium |
| Storage | 128GB - 512GB | 128GB - 1TB |
| Battery | All-day | Longer than 16 |
| Always-On Display | No | Yes |
The €200 difference buys you: 120Hz display, telephoto camera, better materials, slightly bigger screen, and longer battery life.
Display: 60Hz vs 120Hz Makes a Difference
The display represents one of the most noticeable differences between these phones.
iPhone 16 Display
Size: 6.1 inches Technology: Super Retina XDR OLED Refresh Rate: 60Hz (fixed) Brightness: 2,000 nits peak Always-On: Not available
The iPhone 16's display looks excellent. Colors pop, blacks are deep, outdoor visibility is superb. For most tasks—browsing, social media, video watching—it performs beautifully.
But it's locked at 60Hz. This means the screen refreshes 60 times per second, which has been standard for years.
iPhone 16 Pro Display
Size: 6.3 inches (0.2" larger) Technology: Super Retina XDR OLED Refresh Rate: 1-120Hz (adaptive ProMotion) Brightness: 2,000 nits peak Always-On: Yes
The Pro's 120Hz ProMotion display refreshes twice as fast. Scrolling feels buttery smooth. Animations flow naturally. Games look incredible.
The adaptive refresh rate drops to 1Hz when displaying static content, saving battery while enabling the always-on display feature. You can see time, notifications, and widgets without touching your phone.
Which Display Wins?
Choose iPhone 16 if: You've never used a high refresh rate display. You won't know what you're missing, and 60Hz feels perfectly fine.
Choose iPhone 16 Pro if: You've experienced 120Hz on other devices. Going back to 60Hz feels noticeably choppy once you're accustomed to smoother scrolling.
The display difference alone might justify the €200 premium for some users. It's something you interact with constantly.
Camera Systems: Dual vs Triple Changes Everything
Camera capabilities separate these phones significantly.
iPhone 16 Camera Setup
Main Camera: 48MP (f/1.6, 26mm) Ultra-Wide: 12MP (f/2.2, 13mm) Front Camera: 12MP (f/1.9)
The iPhone 16's dual camera system handles most photography needs excellently. The 48MP main sensor captures sharp, detailed photos in good light. The ultra-wide lens works great for landscapes and group shots.
What it does well:
- Everyday photography
- Portrait mode (using software)
- Night mode
- 4K video recording
- Macro photography (new this year)
What it lacks:
- Optical zoom beyond 2x
- ProRAW format
- ProRes video
- 48MP ultra-wide sensor
iPhone 16 Pro Camera Setup
Main Camera: 48MP (f/1.78, 24mm) Ultra-Wide: 48MP (f/2.2, 13mm) - upgraded sensor Telephoto: 12MP 5x optical zoom (f/2.8, 120mm) Front Camera: 12MP (f/1.9)
The Pro adds a third camera—a 5x telephoto lens that changes mobile photography completely. You can zoom into distant subjects without quality loss.
The upgraded 48MP ultra-wide sensor captures more detail and works better in low light.
Professional features:
- ProRAW format (maximum editing flexibility)
- ProRes video recording
- 4K 120fps slow motion
- Apple Log video
- 48MP macro photography
- Better low-light performance
Camera Comparison: Real-World Scenarios
Everyday photos (good light): Nearly identical. Both phones capture excellent shots you'll love sharing.
Portraits: iPhone 16 Pro produces more natural background blur and better edge detection with its telephoto lens. iPhone 16 uses software simulation that works well but isn't quite as natural.
Zoom: This is where differences become obvious. iPhone 16 maxes out at 2x optical quality. Beyond that, it's digital zoom with quality loss. iPhone 16 Pro offers genuine 5x optical zoom, perfect for concerts, sports, wildlife, or detailed architecture shots.
Low light: Both handle darkness well. The Pro edges ahead with slightly cleaner images and better detail retention in challenging lighting.
Video: Both shoot excellent 4K video. The Pro unlocks 4K 120fps for stunning slow-motion footage and ProRes format for professional editing.
Which Camera System Wins?
Choose iPhone 16 if: You take casual photos, mainly in good light, for social media and memories. The dual camera handles this perfectly.
Choose iPhone 16 Pro if: You're serious about mobile photography, shoot in varied conditions, need zoom capability, or create content professionally. The triple camera system and professional formats justify the investment.
Performance: A18 vs A18 Pro
Both phones are extremely fast. Let's be honest—for daily use, most people won't notice performance differences.
iPhone 16 Performance
Chip: A18 RAM: 8GB Apple Intelligence: Fully supported
The A18 chip is powerful. It handles everything smoothly: demanding games, photo editing, video recording, multitasking. Apps open instantly. Nothing feels slow.
With 8GB RAM, it runs Apple Intelligence features without limitations.
iPhone 16 Pro Performance
Chip: A18 Pro RAM: 8GB Apple Intelligence: Fully supported
The A18 Pro is slightly faster—about 10-15% in benchmarks. In real use? You'll rarely notice this advantage.
Where it matters: intensive gaming at maximum settings, professional video editing, and rendering complex photos with multiple adjustments.
Which Performance Wins?
Choose iPhone 16 if: You use your phone normally—social media, messaging, photos, casual games. The A18 handles everything you'll throw at it.
Choose iPhone 16 Pro if: You're a mobile gamer running demanding titles at max settings, or you edit 4K video on your phone regularly. The extra GPU power helps here.
Honestly? Performance is the least important difference between these phones.
Build Quality and Design
These phones feel different in your hand.
iPhone 16 Build
Frame: Aluminum Weight: 170g Colors: Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, Black, White
Aluminum feels great. It's lightweight, durable, and less slippery than steel. The iPhone 16 weighs less, making it more comfortable for extended use.
The color options are bold and fun—definitely more playful than the Pro's palette.
iPhone 16 Pro Build
Frame: Titanium Weight: 199g Colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium
Titanium adds premium feel and durability. It's stronger than aluminum while staying lighter than steel. You can feel the difference—it just feels more substantial.
The Pro colors are sophisticated and understated. Desert Titanium (bronze) is particularly elegant.
The slightly larger 6.3" display comes with thinner bezels, giving more screen in similar physical dimensions.
Which Build Wins?
Choose iPhone 16 if: You prefer lighter phones and like bold colors. The aluminum frame is perfectly durable for daily use.
Choose iPhone 16 Pro if: You appreciate premium materials and prefer sophisticated aesthetics. Titanium offers better scratch resistance and that luxury feel.
Battery Life: Both Last All Day
Battery performance is excellent on both devices.
iPhone 16 Battery
Apple claims up to 22 hours of video playback. In real-world use, you'll easily get through a full day with moderate to heavy usage.
Charging speeds are identical: 25W wired, 25W MagSafe wireless, 15W Qi2 wireless.
iPhone 16 Pro Battery
Slightly longer battery life thanks to a larger physical battery and more efficient display that adapts refresh rates.
Apple claims up to 27 hours video playback—about 5 hours more than the standard model.
In practice, both phones last all day. The Pro offers a bit more cushion if you're a heavy user.
Which Battery Wins?
Choose iPhone 16 if: You charge nightly anyway. All-day battery is enough.
Choose iPhone 16 Pro if: You want maximum battery endurance or sometimes go 1.5 days between charges.
The difference isn't dramatic. Both deliver reliable all-day performance.
Storage Options
Storage configurations differ at the high end.
iPhone 16 Storage
- 128GB: €949
- 256GB: €1,049
- 512GB: €1,249
No 1TB option available.
iPhone 16 Pro Storage
- 128GB: €1,149
- 256GB: €1,249
- 512GB: €1,449
- 1TB: €1,649
The Pro unlocks 1TB storage for professionals shooting tons of ProRes video or storing massive photo libraries.
Which Storage Wins?
Choose iPhone 16 if: 512GB maximum is plenty for your needs. Most people never fill this much storage.
Choose iPhone 16 Pro if: You shoot professional video or need absolute maximum storage. The 1TB option exists only on Pro models.
Shared Features: What's Identical
Both iPhones share several features:
- Camera Control Button: New physical button for quick camera access and controls
- Action Button: Customizable button replacing the mute switch
- Apple Intelligence: Full AI features on both models
- USB-C: Both use USB-C charging (finally!)
- MagSafe: Wireless charging and accessories
- Water Resistance: IP68 rating (6 meters for 30 minutes)
- Face ID: Same biometric security
- iOS 18: Latest software with identical features
These similarities mean both phones deliver the core iPhone experience.
Price Breakdown: Is €200 Worth It?
Let's be direct about value.
iPhone 16 Pricing
- 128GB: €949
- 256GB: €1,049
- 512GB: €1,249
iPhone 16 Pro Pricing
- 128GB: €1,149 (+€200)
- 256GB: €1,249 (+€200)
- 512GB: €1,449 (+€200)
- 1TB: €1,649
For €200 more, you get:
- 120Hz ProMotion display with always-on functionality
- Telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom
- Upgraded 48MP ultra-wide camera
- Titanium frame
- Slightly larger display (6.3" vs 6.1")
- Longer battery life
- ProRAW and ProRes formats
- 1TB storage option
Value Assessment
That €200 premium is reasonable for what you receive. The 120Hz display and telephoto camera alone could justify it for the right user.
However, the iPhone 16 isn't a compromise phone. It's genuinely excellent. Most people will be completely satisfied with its capabilities.
Refurbished Option: Smart Alternative
Both models are available refurbished at significant savings.
Remobile offers refurbished iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models with:
- New batteries (100% capacity)
- 24-month warranty
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Free express shipping across Germany
Typical refurbished pricing:
- iPhone 16: €700-800 (save €150-250)
- iPhone 16 Pro: €850-950 (save €200-300)
Buying refurbished delivers identical performance while keeping hundreds of euros in your pocket.
Who Should Buy Which iPhone?
Choose iPhone 16 If You:
- Want flagship performance at a lower price
- Take casual photos mainly in good light
- Don't care about display refresh rates
- Prefer lighter phones
- Use your phone for everyday tasks: messaging, browsing, social media, casual gaming
- Want to save €200 for other things
Best for: Students, casual users, budget-conscious buyers, and anyone upgrading from older iPhones who'll be thrilled with either model.
Choose iPhone 16 Pro If You:
- Take photography seriously and need a zoom capability
- Notice and care about smooth 120Hz displays
- Shoot professional content (ProRAW, ProRes formats)
- Want maximum battery life
- Appreciate premium materials and build quality
- Need that 1TB storage option
- Can comfortably afford the €200 premium
Best for: Photography enthusiasts, content creators, professionals, power users, and anyone keeping their phone for 4+ years.
Our Recommendation
For most people, the iPhone 16 is the smarter choice.
It delivers 90% of the Pro experience at 80% of the cost. The A18 chip is powerful, the dual cameras are excellent, and the overall experience is flagship-quality.
Save that €200. Invest it in AppleCare+, accessories, or just keep it.
However, if you're genuinely passionate about mobile photography or you've experienced 120Hz displays and can't go back, the iPhone 16 Pro justifies its premium.
The telephoto camera and ProMotion display are the two features worth paying extra for. If neither matters to you, stick with the iPhone 16.
Final Verdict: Choose Smart, Not Expensive
Both iPhones are excellent. You can't make a wrong choice here.
The iPhone 16 delivers everything most people need. Fast performance, great cameras, all-day battery, Apple Intelligence. It's the smart pick for most buyers.
The iPhone 16 Pro adds meaningful upgrades for specific users. If you're serious about photography, love smooth displays, or want the absolute maximum features, it's worth the premium.
Don't buy the Pro because you think you should. Buy it because you'll actually use and appreciate its specific advantages.
Ready to get your iPhone? Compare new and refurbished pricing on both models at Remobile.eu. New batteries and 24-month warranties on all refurbished devices.
Choose the iPhone that fits your actual needs, not the one marketing tells you to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the iPhone 16 and the 16 Pro?
The main differences are the 120Hz ProMotion display (vs 60Hz), triple camera system with 5x telephoto zoom (vs dual cameras), and titanium build (vs aluminum). The Pro also has slightly longer battery life and a larger 6.3" screen compared to 6.1".
Is the iPhone 16 Pro camera much better than the iPhone 16?
Yes, significantly better for serious photography. The Pro adds a 5x telephoto lens for true optical zoom, a 48MP ultra-wide sensor, and professional formats (ProRAW, ProRes). For casual photos in good light, both cameras perform similarly. The Pro excels in low-light, zoom situations, and professional content creation.
Is 120Hz worth it on iPhone 16 Pro?
If you've never used a high refresh rate display, you'll be happy with the iPhone 16's 60Hz. But once you experience 120Hz smoothness, going back feels noticeably choppy. It's a feature you interact with constantly—every scroll, every animation. Many users consider this alone worth the €200 premium.
How much better is the iPhone 16 Pro battery than the iPhone 16?
Both last all day with normal use. The Pro offers about 5 additional hours of video playback according to Apple (27 hours vs 22 hours). In real use, the Pro gives you more cushion for heavy usage days. The difference isn't dramatic—both deliver reliable full-day battery life.
Should I buy the iPhone 16 or save money with iPhone 15 Pro?
The iPhone 15 Pro (refurbished) costs similar to a new iPhone 16. It offers the 120Hz display and telephoto camera that the base iPhone 16 lacks. However, the iPhone 16 has a newer A18 chip with better Apple Intelligence support and the new Camera Control button. For photography lovers, the iPhone 15 Pro might be smarter. For AI features and longevity, choose iPhone 16.
Is iPhone 16 good enough or should I get Pro?
The iPhone 16 is genuinely excellent and enough for 85% of users. Get the Pro only if you specifically need: telephoto zoom, 120Hz display, professional video formats, or maximum battery life. Don't buy Pro "just because"—the standard model isn't a compromise.
Can I buy a refurbished iPhone 16 and 16 Pro in Germany?
Yes, Remobile offers both models refurbished with new batteries and 24-month warranties. Refurbished iPhone 16 costs around €700-800, while iPhone 16 Pro runs €850-950. You save €150-300 compared to new prices while getting identical performance and full warranty protection.
Which iPhone 16 model has the best value?
The standard iPhone 16 offers the best overall value for most buyers. It delivers flagship performance, excellent cameras, and all Apple Intelligence features at €200 less than the Pro. The Pro offers better value only if you specifically need its premium features—otherwise, the savings make more sense.