Should I Get an iPhone 16 or 16 Pro? A 2025 Buying Guide by Fone4u
With the launch of the iPhone 16 series in 2025, numerous Apple enthusiasts and first-time customers alike are asking the same question: Do I purchase the iPhone 16 or upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro? Choosing the phone according to your needs, preferences, and budget. At Fone4u—your go-to destination for smartphones in Ireland.
Design and Build
Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro initially appear very similar. Both have the new upgraded design Apple revealed this year with thinner bezels, curved edges, and Dynamic Island for all. But the iPhone 16 Pro comes with a titanium frame, making it lighter but tougher than the usual aluminum used on the iPhone 16. The Pro also includes unique finishes like Graphite Black and Pearl Silver, while the iPhone 16 includes brighter, more vibrant colors for regular consumers.
In hand, the iPhone 16 Pro feels more luxurious and slightly lighter, while the iPhone 16 still delivers that polished Apple look—just with more budget-friendly materials.
Display
You can see one of the standout differences is the display on both phones. The Apple iPhone 16 Pro comes with a 120Hz ProMotion OLED screen that offers smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and highly responsive touch. If you’re big on streaming, gaming, or just want a more seamless user experience, the Pro’s high refresh rate truly sets it apart.
The standard iPhone 16 has a 60Hz OLED display, which still looks stunning with crisp resolution and rich colors, but it doesn't feel as fluid, especially once you’ve experienced 120Hz. For general use, the standard display is more than adequate, but the Pro wins for users who want premium visuals.
A18 vs A18 Pro Chipset
Both are speedy phones, but there is some power difference owing to the chipset. The iPhone 16 runs on the A18 chip, while the iPhone 16 Pro receives the A18 Pro. The distinction? The Pro chip features additional GPU cores and enhanced AI processing, which makes it more ideal for premium apps, gaming, and future-bound activities such as real-time translation, image creation, and 3D rendering.
For mainstream users, the A18 is fast enough as it is. It navigates multitasking, video editing, and general performance with ease. However, if mobile gaming, content creation, or pure top-of-the-line performance from Apple is your thing, then the Pro model has the edge.
The Way for Photo Enthusiasts' Cameras
The iPhone 16 Pro is in a different league altogether. It boasts a triple-lens camera arrangement with a 48MP primary sensor, ultra-wide-angle, and telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This arrangement captures pro-quality photographs and videos with greater light, depth, and detail control.
The iPhone 16 remains with the dual-lens system (wide and ultra-wide), which is perfectly capable for everyday photos and social media. It still benefits from Apple's latest computational photography features, Smart HDR and Night Mode. But it lacks optical zoom and advanced image controls, which are appreciated by both photographers.
If you're the type to adore shooting in RAW, short filmmaking, or generally need the best mobile camera possible, the iPhone 16 Pro is the way to go. If you use your phone's camera primarily for everyday photography, Instagram, or lightning-fast snaps, the regular iPhone 16 will not let you down.
Battery Life and Charging
Both models offer all-day battery life, but the iPhone 16 Pro slightly outlasts its base counterpart, thanks to better energy efficiency from the Pro chipset. Both phones support MagSafe charging, fast wired charging, and improved thermal management in iOS 18.
The difference in battery performance isn’t huge, but for power users who are always on the go, the Pro’s endurance may be more appealing.
Storage Options
The iPhone 16 starts at 128GB, while the iPhone 16 Pro starts at 256GB, with options going up to 1TB. If you want high-resolution photos, 4K videos, or to install large games and apps, the Pro gives you more flexibility.
For light to moderate users, 128GB or 256GB may be sufficient. But if you're someone who never deletes photos or relies heavily on offline media, more storage is definitely a plus.
Price: Is the Pro Worth the Extra Cost?
Here in Ireland, the iPhone 16 is priced more affordably than the Pro model. The iPhone 16 Pro can cost €300–€400 more, depending on storage. This price gap is significant, especially if you're on a budget.
At Fone4u, we recommend assessing how much of those Pro features you’ll actually use. If you want the best display, camera, and performance—the extra investment in the iPhone 16 Pro makes sense. But if you’re looking for excellent value and don’t need the top-tier specs, the iPhone 16 delivers almost everything the average user needs.
Which phone is best in 2025, the iPhone 16 or 16 Pro?
Choosing between both of them depends upon your priorities. The iPhone 16 is ideal for users who want the core Apple experience at a lower price: beautiful design, solid performance, and strong camera features. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro is for those who want it all—the best camera, display, speed, and materials that Apple can offer in 2025.
At Fone4u, we carry both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, as well as refurbished phones and accessories throughout Ireland. If you want to upgrade, switch from Android, or purchase your first iPhone, our staff is here to assist you in selecting the correct device—at the most competitive price.
