Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Updated Sep 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Apple iPhone 18 Pro is the better pick — it scores 76/100 to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro's 70, leading on Chip and Memory. Choose the Apple iPhone 16 Pro instead if design & weight and miscellaneous matter most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Key takeaways

  • Apple iPhone 18 Pro leads Apple iPhone 16 Pro overall by 6 points (76 vs 70 out of 100).
  • Apple iPhone 18 Pro stands out on Storage capacity: 256 GB (100% more), Benchmark Antutu score: 3,402,829 (82% more), Benchmark Geekbench multi-core score: 12,641 (53% more).
  • Best value: Apple iPhone 16 Pro (from $999) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro leads overall
Apple iPhone 18 Pro
76
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
70
Why it stands out
  • Storage capacity: 256 GB (100% more)
  • Benchmark Antutu score: 3,402,829 (82% more)
  • Benchmark Geekbench multi-core score: 12,641 (53% more)

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Sep 2026.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is a premium, compact-sized flagship smartphone powered by the A20 Pro processor and 12 GB of RAM. It features a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display protected by Ceramic Shield 2 and runs on iOS 27. This device is tailored for users seeking top-tier processing power, modern wireless standards, and a uniform high-resolution triple-camera array.

Best for advanced mobile photography using high-resolution ultra-wide and telephoto…Best for high-speed home networking over Wi-Fi 7Best for power users requiring strong multitasking performance from 12 GB of RAM
Pros
  • High-resolution imaging across all three rear cameras, each sporting a 48-megapixel sensor
  • Equipped with fast Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 connectivity standards
  • Robust physical build featuring IP68 water and dust resistance and Ceramic Shield 2 display protection
  • Generous 12 GB of RAM paired with the advanced A20 Pro chipset for heavy multitasking
Cons
  • Storage capacity is locked at 256 GB with no option for physical expansion
  • Weighs a substantial 211 grams, which is relatively heavy for a 6.3-inch smartphone
  • Lacks a fingerprint biometric sensor, relying exclusively on the facial scanner for secure access

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

The iPhone 16 Pro is Apple's flagship high-end smartphone designed for users who demand advanced performance and premium features. It combines the latest operating system advancements with professional-grade hardware specifications. This device is best suited for tech enthusiasts, content creators, and power users who rely on their smartphone for demanding tasks.

Best for Power UsersBest for Pro CreatorsBest for Ecosystem Adopters
Pros
  • Features an integrated design approach where Apple customizes both the hardware and software for optimal performance.
  • Possesses durable build quality with a front screen protected by advanced materials for scratch resistance.
  • Offers comprehensive ecosystem integration, allowing simple connectivity to accessories like AirPods or seamless file sharing via AirDrop.
  • Designed to maintain value over time compared to general smartphone categories.
Cons
  • The device utilizes a proprietary Apple ecosystem, making data transfer from alternative platforms straightforward but exclusive to its unique method ('Move to iOS').
  • While appearing durable, the design and features are complex, potentially leading to feature bloat or unnecessary complexity for casual users.

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple iPhone 18 Pro3,402,829
Apple iPhone 16 Pro1,871,052

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Battery capacity

Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life

Apple iPhone 18 Pro4,056 mAh
Apple iPhone 16 Pro3,582 mAh

Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.

Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

211 g199 g
Apple iPhone 18 ProApple iPhone 16 Pro

Apple iPhone 18 Pro is 12 g (6%) heavier than Apple iPhone 16 Pro.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple iPhone 18 Pro rates higher at 84/100 versus 78/100 for Apple iPhone 16 Pro — a 6-point lead. Apple iPhone 18 Pro is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Apple iPhone 16 Pro are compared side by side above across every spec in the smartphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 84/100 for Apple iPhone 18 Pro and 78/100 for Apple iPhone 16 Pro.
At launch, Apple iPhone 16 Pro was the more affordable option ($999) versus Apple iPhone 18 Pro ($1199). Weigh that against the overall scores (84/100 vs 78/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
If you want the higher-rated smartphones option overall, Apple iPhone 18 Pro (84/100) edges out Apple iPhone 16 Pro (78/100). But if Apple iPhone 16 Pro is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.

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