Apple continues its tradition of launching multiple iPhone models each year, and the recent release of the iPhone 16 series has sparked significant debate among consumers: should they choose the new iPhone 16 or opt for the previous year’s iPhone 15 Pro? This question arises every time new models hit the market, and with substantial differences in features and pricing, it’s worth exploring the details to help buyers make informed choices.
The iPhone 15 Pro offers impressive specifications, featuring an OLED display measuring 6.1 inches with a resolution of 2556 by 1179 pixels (460 ppi) and supporting a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Apple A17 Pro processor, boasting Geekbench scores of 2920 (single-core) and 7447 (multi-core). Users can expect strong performance coupled with 8 GB of RAM, and it includes several other features such as Always On Display and triple optical zoom capabilities.
On the other hand, the newly unveiled iPhone 16 also sports the same OLED display dimensions and resolution, but its refresh rate is limited to 60 Hz. The heart of the device is the Apple A18 processor, which surpasses its predecessor with Geekbench scores of 3283 (single-core) and 8094 (multi-core). One notable enhancement is the iPhone 16’s larger 3561 mAh battery which allows for slightly longer video playback time, at 22 hours compared to the iPhone 15 Pro’s 23 hours of video playback.
But what about the iPhone 16’s camera? It features dual optical zoom with its 48+12 MP camera setup, compared to the 15 Pro’s more advanced 48+12+12 MP configuration. This means enthusiasts of portrait photography or optical zoom might prefer the capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 introduces some user-friendly features such as the Camera Control button and faster charging via MagSafe, where users can attain up to 25W charging speeds compared to 15W on the iPhone 15 Pro.
When considering pricing, the iPhone 16 is available for approximately 75,000 rubles, which is significantly more affordable than the iPhone 15 Pro’s current price point of 88,000 rubles. The price difference of 13,000 rubles could be pivotal for many consumers, especially for those who regard the additional features of the Pro model as non-essential. TechRadar encapsulates this sentiment, stating, "The difference of 13,000 rubles is significant enough to sway consumers toward the newer iPhone 16, even if it lacks some premium features compared to the iPhone 15 Pro."
Moving on to the larger models, the iPhone 15 Pro Max competes with the iPhone 16 Plus. The Pro Max version has similar OLED display dimensions and refresh rate as the Plus model but includes even more compelling enhancements like the superior 48+12+12 MP camera with five-fold optical zoom capabilities. It's powered by the same Apple A17 Pro chip and namesake features including the Always On Display.
While the iPhone 16 Plus offers the A18 processor for slightly improved performance, its camera configuration lacks notable advancements compared to its Pro counterpart. The Pro Max is currently priced around 104,000 rubles and stands as the flagship choice for those who prioritize the premium smartphone experience.
Despite the iPhone 16 Plus being cheaper at approximately 95,000 rubles, some users may feel the added expense for the Pro Max is justified considering its features. An evaluation might favor the Pro Max for its overall experience, making it the premier choice for photography enthusiasts and heavy users alike, as indicated by one reviewer: "While the iPhone 16e delivers decent quality photos, it definitely lags behind the Pro model, especially concerning optical zoom capabilities."
With options ranging from the economical iPhone 16 to the luxurious iPhone 15 Pro Max, consumers are left deliberated on what suits their needs best. Considering features like display refresh rates, battery life, and photography capabilities will undoubtedly help fans of the Apple brand navigate this year’s flagship offerings, ensuring their choice on which iPhone to purchase is ideally suited to their usage patterns and budget constraints.