Apple iPhone 18 Pro leads on display, scoring 68/100 vs 53/100 for Apple iPhone 16. The biggest gap is refresh rate, where Apple iPhone 18 Pro has 120 vs 60 Hz.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs Apple iPhone 16
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's 69, leading on Chip and Memory. Choose the Apple iPhone 16 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 overall by 7 points (76 vs 69 out of 100).
- Key differences: refresh rate, where Apple iPhone 18 Pro has 120 vs 60 Hz; optical zoom, where Apple iPhone 18 Pro has 4 vs 1; geekbench single-core score, where Apple iPhone 18 Pro has 4,732 vs 3,263; battery capacity, where Apple iPhone 18 Pro has 4,056 vs 3,561 mAh; RAM capacity, where Apple iPhone 18 Pro has 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- Best value: Apple iPhone 16 (from $799) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro leads overall
Apple iPhone 18 Pro
76
Apple iPhone 16
69
Key differences
- Refresh rateApple iPhone 18 Pro 120 vs 60 Hz
- Optical zoomApple iPhone 18 Pro 4 vs 1
- Geekbench single-core scoreApple iPhone 18 Pro 4,732 vs 3,263
- Battery capacityApple iPhone 18 Pro 4,056 vs 3,561 mAh
- RAM capacityApple iPhone 18 Pro 12 GB vs 8 GB
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPhone 18 Pro3,402,829
Apple iPhone 161,721,149
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 163,561 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Scores by Category
Head-to-head score per category, out of 100
Apple iPhone 18 Pro wins 9 of 14 categories · Apple iPhone 16 wins 2
Apple iPhone 18 ProApple iPhone 16
- DisplayApple iPhone 18 Pro leadsApple iPhone 18 Pro68Apple iPhone 1653
- Rear CameraApple iPhone 18 Pro leadsApple iPhone 18 Pro78Apple iPhone 1668
- Power & BatteryApple iPhone 18 Pro leadsApple iPhone 18 Pro66Apple iPhone 1659
- BenchmarkApple iPhone 18 Pro leadsApple iPhone 18 Pro91Apple iPhone 1670
- ChipApple iPhone 18 Pro leadsApple iPhone 18 Pro86Apple iPhone 1678
- MemoryApple iPhone 18 Pro leadsApple iPhone 18 Pro90Apple iPhone 1676
- SecurityTieApple iPhone 18 Pro85Apple iPhone 1685
- Design & WeightApple iPhone 16 leadsApple iPhone 18 Pro45Apple iPhone 1666
- MiscellaneousApple iPhone 16 leadsApple iPhone 18 Pro85Apple iPhone 1692
- StorageApple iPhone 18 Pro leadsApple iPhone 18 Pro55Apple iPhone 1635
- CellularTieApple iPhone 18 Pro84Apple iPhone 1684
- Front CameraApple iPhone 18 Pro leadsApple iPhone 18 Pro81Apple iPhone 1673
- ConnectivityApple iPhone 18 Pro leadsApple iPhone 18 Pro74Apple iPhone 1671
- SensorsTieApple iPhone 18 Pro85Apple iPhone 1685
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Apple iPhone 18 ProApple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 18 Pro is 41 g (24%) heavier than Apple iPhone 16.
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
Pros
- Three 48 MP rear cameras
- 12 GB of RAM and A20 Pro chip
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0
Cons
- Non-expandable storage
- No fingerprint scanner
- Weighs 211 grams
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is a flagship smartphone powered by the A20 Pro chip and 12 GB of RAM. It features a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display and a 48 MP triple camera system.
Best for High-resolution mobile photographyBest for Heavy multitasking
Apple iPhone 16
Pros
- Apple A18 chip with 8 GB RAM
- 48 MP rear camera with OIS
- Wi-Fi 7 and 5G cellular support
Cons
- Storage starts at 128 GB without expansion
- 60 Hz display refresh rate
The iPhone 16 runs on iOS 18 with the Apple A18 chip and an 8 GB RAM. It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, dual cameras including a 48 MP rear sensor, and IP68 water resistance.
Best for Apple ecosystem usersBest for Mobile photography
Watch-outs
Compromises to know before you buy
Apple iPhone 18 Pro
No notable compromises found.
Apple iPhone 16
- 60 Hz display — less smooth scrolling than 90/120 Hz rivals.
Value for Money
What the price difference buys you
Launch prices — enter today's prices (same currency for both).
Apple iPhone 18 Pro
Apple iPhone 16
Detailed Specifications
The specs that count most, side by side
Memory
| Feature | Apple iPhone 18 Pro | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
RAM capacity | 12 GB50% more | 8 GB |
Storage
| Feature | Apple iPhone 18 Pro | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
Storage capacity | 256 GB100% more | 128 GB |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 18 Pro | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
Resolution | 1206 × 2622 px | 1179 × 2556 px |
Refresh rate | 120 Hz100% more | 60 Hz |
Display technology | ||
Protection |
Rear Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 18 Pro | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
Rear camera aperture | 1.488% less | 1.6 |
Optical zoom | 4300% more | 1 |
Has High Dynamic Range (HDR) | Yes | Yes |
Has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) | Yes | Yes |
Cellular
| Feature | Apple iPhone 18 Pro | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
Cellular technology |
Design & Weight
| Feature | Apple iPhone 18 Pro | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
Weight | 211 g | 170 g19% less |
Power & Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 18 Pro | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
Battery capacity | 4,056 mAh14% more | 3,561 mAh |
Has wireless charging support | Yes | Yes |
Has fast charging support | Yes | Yes |
Benchmark
| Feature | Apple iPhone 18 Pro | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
Geekbench single-core score | 4,73245% more | 3,263 |
Miscellaneous
| Feature | Apple iPhone 18 Pro | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
Dust & Water resistance |
Security
| Feature | Apple iPhone 18 Pro | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
Has a fingerprint scanner | No | No |
Specification Note
Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs Apple iPhone 16 comparison
Apple iPhone 18 Pro has the bigger battery: 4,056 mAh vs 3,561 mAh for Apple iPhone 16 (14% more). Real-world battery life also depends on the chip, display and software.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro launched in Sep 2026, 24 months after Apple iPhone 16. It scores 76/100 vs 69/100 head-to-head — a clear step up. Launch prices were $1,199 vs $799.
Which would you buy?
Cast your voteOther Popular Comparisons
Explore more product comparisons
Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
VS
Apple iPhone 18 Pro
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
VS
Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone Duo
VS
Apple iPhone 18 Pro
Apple iPhone Duo
VS
Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
VS
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 18 Pro
VS
Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone Air
VS
Apple iPhone 18 Pro
Apple iPhone Air
VS
Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
VS
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 18 Pro
VS
Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
VS
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 18 Pro
VS