iPhone 16 Released, But Is the iPhone 15 Pro the Real Deal?

iPhone 16 Released, But Is the iPhone 15 Pro the Real Deal?Just now, Apple's annual fall product launch event came to an end, and the rumored iPhone 16 series was officially released. However, after reviewing all the updates, I found that my iPhone 15 Pro can still hold out for another year

iPhone 16 Released, But Is the iPhone 15 Pro the Real Deal?

Just now, Apple's annual fall product launch event came to an end, and the rumored iPhone 16 series was officially released. However, after reviewing all the updates, I found that my iPhone 15 Pro can still hold out for another year. In fact, I dare to predict that the iPhone 15 Pro will be the best-selling model this year's Double 11 shopping festival, not the standard iPhone 16. What exactly makes me so "calm" about the iPhone 16 series? Let's take a look at the updates of the iPhone 16 series.

Standard Edition: Minor Design Tweaks, Performance Enhancements, But Lacking in Highlights

The iPhone 16 series continues the standard and Pro-edition design, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. First, let's take a look at the updates to the standard edition.

In terms of design, the standard edition has undergone minor adjustments. The two lenses have been moved from a diagonal layout to a vertical arrangement, returning to a style similar to the iPhone X and iPhone 12, with the reason being to better capture spatial video. The mute button has also been replaced with the Action button, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, and a new CameraControl button has been added, mainly used to adjust shooting modes, focus, zoom, exposure, and other functions. In terms of color options, the standard version still focuses on a variety of colors, with the classic white color returning, and four other colors available: pink, cerulean blue, deep blue, and black. This time, the color scheme focuses on darker colors, with cerulean blue as the main color, which is a fairly eye-catching option.

In terms of core configuration, the standard edition adopts the A18 chip and implements heat dissipation optimization, aiming to better support Apple Intelligence functionality. Battery life also sees a slight improvement, with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus offering up to 22 hours and 27 hours of video playback, respectively, and 18 hours and 24 hours of streaming video playback.

Pro Edition: Image Upgrades, Powerful Performance, but Hefty Price

The Pro edition has relatively minor design changes, also adding the CameraControl button. With the powerful image capabilities of the Pro series, this button will play a bigger role. The body size has been increased, with the iPhone 16 Pro reaching 6.3 inches and the iPhone 16 Pro Max reaching 6.9 inches, with weights reaching 199g and 227g respectively, a slight increase compared to the previous generation, but the actual perception should not be noticeable.

In terms of color options, the Pro version features Desert Color this year, a vintage color similar to ancient bronze gold. There are also three classic color options available: white, black, and original color, offering fewer choices compared to the standard edition.

In terms of core configuration, the Pro edition is equipped with Apple's most powerful mobile chip, the A18 Pro, which also incorporates heat dissipation optimization, making it the most powerful iPhone phone in terms of performance. Battery life has also been enhanced, with the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max offering up to 27 hours and 33 hours of video playback, respectively, and 22 hours and 29 hours of streaming video playback.

In terms of imaging, both models have finally achieved parity. The ultra-wide-angle pixel has been upgraded to 48 million pixels, both equipped with a 5X telephoto lens, capable of shooting 4K120fps video, and also features mixdown functionality, undoubtedly showcasing powerful image capabilities in video.

In terms of price, the iPhone 16 series maintains its previous price levels, starting at 5999 yuan for the iPhone 16 (128GB), 6999 yuan for the iPhone 16 Plus (128GB), 7999 yuan for the iPhone 16 Pro (128GB), and 9999 yuan for the iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB).

iPhone 15 Pro: The King of Value for Money?

After analyzing the updated information about the iPhone 16 series, we can see that the product updates this time are relatively limited and do not bring about a disruptive upgrade like last year, only a regular product update iteration. On the other hand, the storage space of the phone has been increased without raising the price, which is a relatively affordable move.

However, after careful comparison, I believe the iPhone 15 Pro offers better value for money.

First, the iPhone 15 Pro has higher specifications. It is equipped with the A17 Pro chip, which is more than sufficient for Apple Intelligence functionality. Coupled with high refresh rates, Dynamic Island, and other features, the experience surpasses the iPhone 16 standard edition.

Second, the price is more advantageous. The iPhone 15 Pro currently has a very attractive price on third-party platforms, with the highest configuration, 1TB, priced at only 10198 yuan. If you wait for Double 11 to purchase, you can expect even lower prices with platform discounts.

For the same price, choosing the iPhone 15 Pro is undoubtedly more cost-effective.

So, is the iPhone 16 Pro worth buying?

I think it depends on your needs for the updated features. If you need the CameraControl button, 5X telephoto lens, 4K120fps video recording, and have a sufficient budget, then the iPhone 16 Pro is worth considering.

In Conclusion: The Best Choice is the One That Suits You

Overall, this year's iPhone 16 series can only be considered a routine update, focusing more on system-level improvements, specifically AI enhancements. However, Apple's AI is currently not readily available for actual experience, so it is difficult to make a direct judgment.

Based on the configuration information of the current iPhone 16 series, I personally believe that my iPhone 15 Pro is not outdone, and instead offers better value for money.

In the upcoming Double 11 shopping festival, based on the sales performance of various platforms in the past, the previous generation of iPhone standard editions, namely the iPhone 15, has always been the most popular. However, due to the change to a C-port last year, the iPhone 15 ultimately became a popular product during Double 11 last year. Following this trend, I believe that the iPhone 15 Pro will be the top choice for consumers this year's Double 11, and it is also my recommendation for users of the iPhone 14 series and earlier models to upgrade to.

As for users who already own the iPhone 15 Pro, if you don't have a strong need for features like the camera control button, 5X telephoto lens, and 4K120fps video recording, I don't recommend upgrading.

Ultimately, choosing which iPhone to buy depends on your individual needs and budget. I hope this article will help you make a wise decision.