Compare iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 16 Plus
Which one is best for you?
iPhone 18 Pro is Apple's newest compact Pro model, while iPhone 16 Plus is a larger everyday phone from the previous generation. Both offer a 48MP Fusion rear camera, Apple Intelligence and a durable build, but the iPhone 18 Pro adds a ProMotion display, a newer A20 Pro chip, an 8x optical-quality zoom and a more advanced front camera.
Both phones share a 48MP Fusion rear camera, Apple Intelligence and a Super Retina XDR display, so you get clear visuals and capable photography on either. Each also features a durable design with Ceramic Shield front protection and supports USB-C charging. These shared strengths make iPhone 16 Plus a dependable large-screen phone, while iPhone 18 Pro adds pro-grade features in a more compact form.
iPhone 18 Pro is the better choice for power users, creators and anyone who wants advanced performance in a manageable size. Its 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz is brighter and smoother than the iPhone 16 Plus's 6.69-inch display, with better anti-reflection. The A20 Pro chip with a next-generation vapour chamber and Dual 16-core Neural Engine is purpose-built for AI and delivers up to 40% better GPU performance than the previous Pro, while the 48MP Fusion Main camera adds a variable aperture, custom Pro controls and 8x optical-quality zoom. You also get an 18MP Center Stage front camera with Dual Capture video and faster wired charging to 50% in around 15 minutes.
Both phones suit different priorities. Choose iPhone 18 Pro if you want a ProMotion display, the newest performance and a more versatile camera, or pick iPhone 16 Plus if you want a larger screen and a reliable everyday experience at a more accessible price.
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Frequently asked questions
iPhone 18 Pro has a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz, while iPhone 16 Plus has a larger 6.69-inch display. iPhone 18 Pro is brighter with better anti-reflection, even though iPhone 16 Plus screen size is bigger. If you value smooth scrolling and brightness, iPhone 18 Pro leads.
Both phones have a 48MP Fusion rear camera, but iPhone 18 Pro adds a variable aperture for improved low-light photos and video, custom Pro controls and 8x optical-quality zoom. iPhone 16 Plus offers 2x optical-quality Telephoto and an Ultra Wide camera with autofocus. For more zoom and pro controls, iPhone 18 Pro is the stronger choice.
iPhone 18 Pro offers up to three more hours of video playback than the previous Pro and faster wired charging to 50% in around 15 minutes. iPhone 16 Plus offers up to 22 hours of video playback with USB-C and MagSafe charging. If faster charging and longer endurance matter, iPhone 18 Pro has the edge.
Yes, both phones support 5G connectivity. You get fast mobile data on either phone, so streaming and downloads are quick.
iPhone 18 Pro uses the A20 Pro chip with a next-generation vapour chamber and Dual 16-core Neural Engine, while iPhone 16 Plus uses the A18 chip. The A20 Pro is purpose-built for AI and delivers up to 40% better GPU performance than the previous Pro. For demanding apps and games, iPhone 18 Pro is more powerful.
iPhone 16 Plus offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of storage, while iPhone 18 Pro comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Both give you room for photos and apps, but iPhone 18 Pro offers up to 2TB if you need maximum capacity.
iPhone 18 Pro has a 6.3-inch display in an aluminium unibody design with colour-matched back glass, while iPhone 16 Plus has a larger 6.69-inch display in an aerospace-grade aluminium design. iPhone 16 Plus is the bigger phone, while iPhone 18 Pro is more compact and premium. If you want a larger screen, iPhone 16 Plus suits you better.
iPhone 18 Pro is better suited to creators, with its variable aperture main camera, 8x optical-quality zoom and 18MP Center Stage front camera with Dual Capture video. iPhone 16 Plus handles everyday photos well but lacks these pro features. If you create content, iPhone 18 Pro is the more capable option.
iPhone 16 Plus offers Apple Intelligence, a 48MP camera and a large display at a more accessible price. iPhone 18 Pro costs more but adds a ProMotion display, a newer chip and a more advanced camera. If price is your main concern, iPhone 16 Plus is a smart, reliable choice.
Yes, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 16 both use Face ID.
iPhone 18 Pro has a Ceramic Shield 2 front that is 3x more scratch resistant and a Ceramic Shield back, while iPhone 16 Plus has a Ceramic Shield front with splash, water and dust resistance. Both are built to last, but iPhone 18 Pro offers stronger scratch resistance. If durability is a priority, iPhone 18 Pro has the tougher front.