iPhone 16 is here, but should you buy it? 15 Pro vs 16 Pro: which is better?

iPhone 16 is here, but should you buy it? 15 Pro vs 16 Pro: which is better?There's a Chinese saying, "The moon is fullest on the 15th, but even rounder on the 16th," but it seems to have no effect on Apple. The iPhone 16 series this year, apart from the usual processor upgrade, added a physical camera button, and changed the colors a bit, seems pretty similar to the 15, 14, 13, and even XR

iPhone 16 is here, but should you buy it? 15 Pro vs 16 Pro: which is better?

There's a Chinese saying, "The moon is fullest on the 15th, but even rounder on the 16th," but it seems to have no effect on Apple. The iPhone 16 series this year, apart from the usual processor upgrade, added a physical camera button, and changed the colors a bit, seems pretty similar to the 15, 14, 13, and even XR. So, is the iPhone 16 series worth buying? Which one should you get? Is now the time to get an older model? Don't worry, hear me out, a long-time fan of 10 years, and I'll break it down for you.

If you're looking at the standard iPhone 16 (including the Plus model), my advice is to wait or go straight for the 15 Pro series. That's because the current price of the 15 Pro series is pretty much the same as the standard 16, and some features are exclusive to the Pro models, not available on the standard version.

First, the screen. The 15 Pro series supports ProMotion, making scrolling and gaming smoother and more power-efficient. The always-on display lets you see the information you need at a glance.

Second, imaging capabilities. The 15 Pro series is still better than the standard 16. Although the 15 Pro and ProMax use different telephoto lenses, the 3x zoom is used in everyday life more often, while the 5x is better for landscapes and slightly further scenes. It's up to you to decide which one you prefer.

Third, the titanium alloy frame. The addition of a titanium alloy frame improves the phone's durability, significantly reducing the chance of damage even without a case. The feel is also better, but this is only true for the lighter color options.

For example, the iPhone 15 Pro Max with 256GB costs 7678 yuan, which is less than seven hundred yuan more than the iPhone 16 Plus with 128GB, and even more expensive than the 16 Plus with the same storage capacity. If you wait for Double Eleven, with platform discounts, the iPhone 15 Pro series price is expected to be even lower.

So, how do you choose between the 16 Pro series and the 15 Pro series? I'd say it depends on the person, and I only recommend the Pro.

If you're just upgrading from the 14, 13, or even older models, and don't want to spend a lot, I still recommend buying the 15 Pro series. There's no other reason than it being the best value for money. Yes, the current 15 Pro series is the most cost-effective iPhone model. It's still eligible for future Apple AI updates, has a telephoto lens, a 3nm chip, and similar battery life. The USB-C port removes the need to carry an extra cable, and most importantly, it's almost two thousand yuan cheaper.

If you have strong photography needs, this year's 16 Pro upgrade is significant.

First, the main camera has been upgraded to a 48MP hybrid sensor, and the ultra-wide-angle lens has also been upgraded to 48MP. The 5x telephoto previously exclusive to the ProMax is now unified on the Pro, making screen photos even better. Plus, the A18 Pro's new video and image encoders make focusing faster and the shutter lag-free, greatly improving the shooting experience.

Of course, the biggest upgrade this generation is video recording capabilities. The 16 Pro can shoot 4K120fps Dolby Vision HDR/ProRes videos, making the already powerful iPhone video recording even more impressive. There are also four studio-grade microphones and new lens coatings, making sound recording and ghosting no longer an issue when filming.

Another upgrade is in heat dissipation and performance, which is also the main concern of many potential buyers. Based on benchmark results, the A18 Pro has seen a 20% improvement in both single-core and multi-core performance, which is a normal increase, but this generation's processor heats up significantly less than the A17 Pro. With Apple's optimized heat dissipation, gamers can expect a great gaming experience.

Finally, the 16 Pro's ultra-narrow bezels and large screen provide a stunning visual experience.

OK, let's summarize.

If you just want to buy an Apple phone, I highly recommend the 15 Pro series. It offers a good price and balanced experience across the board, with great performance; If you want the latest and greatest, I recommend the 16 Pro. The 6.3-inch screen is still large, and there are upgrades in battery life, performance, heat dissipation, photography, and other aspects. If you're not in a hurry, wait a bit longer. Trust me, after the subsidies, you'll be saying "OMG, it's so good!"