Apple recently unveiled its iPhone 16 lineup and other devices at its annual iPhone event. With all the new artificial intelligence (AI) features included, the question arises: Is the iPhone 16 Pro worth the hefty $1,000+ price tag?
Also: Four reasons I’m not upgrading to an iPhone 16 Pro from my iPhone 14
As a current user of iPhone 14 Pro Max, I have my reservations about the new AI-enabled iPhone 16 Pro. However, features like USB-C charging, a new action button, and enhanced camera capabilities might make the upgrade more appealing. If you’re on the fence about upgrading, read on to discover why switching to the iPhone 16 Pro could be a good decision or why it might be better to wait for the iPhone 17.
You should buy the iPhone 16 Pro if…
1. You want Apple Intelligence
Apple’s latest artificial intelligence initiative, known as Apple Intelligence, will be exclusive to the iPhone 16 lineup in the coming months, leaving the iPhone 14 Pro in the dust. While the iPhone 14 Pro will receive iOS 18, it won’t benefit from the advanced AI features, making it quickly outdated. If you value staying current with cutting-edge AI capabilities or already rely on AI tools in your daily routine, the iPhone 16 Pro is likely a worthwhile upgrade.
Also: The 5 best iPhone 16 Pro features that enthusiasts will care about
The smooth operation of Apple Intelligence features necessitates an A17 chip or newer with a minimum of 8GB of RAM, whereas the iPhone 14 Pro features the A16 chip and only 6GB of RAM.
The iPhone 16 Pro boasts the A18 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM, making it an ideal device for optimizing Apple’s AI capabilities.
2. You’d like to experience a larger screen
Apple has maximized the screen real estate on the iPhone 16 Pro by reducing bezels and expanding the display sizes for the Pro models to 6.3 and 6.9 inches for the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, respectively. This enlargement provides users with more screen space for watching videos, playing games, working on documents, and participating in video conferences.
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In addition to the increased screen size, the iPhone 16 Pro features a larger battery compared to the 14 Pro, with a capacity of 3,355 mAh versus 3,200 mAh. Moreover, the new Pro models support faster charging than ever before, with the iPhone 16 Pro offering 40W of wired charging and 20W of MagSafe charging. If you find the charging speed of the iPhone 14 Pro lacking, it might be time to consider an upgrade.
3. You enjoy capturing stunning photos
The iPhone 16 Pro incorporates significant camera enhancements, particularly with the ultrawide camera. The ultrawide camera has been upgraded to a larger, improved Sony sensor, boosting its resolution from 12MP to 48MP.
Also: The iPhone 16’s new camera button is the feature I’m most excited about. Here’s how it works
If photography is a passion and you love snapping pictures with your smartphone, the camera advancements alone could justify upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro. The optical zoom has been increased to 5x, a jump from the 3x zoom on the iPhone 14 Pro. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro will introduce Apple’s new capture button, allowing users to control the camera through gestures like swiping and tapping the touch-enabled button.
You should buy (or keep) the iPhone 14 Pro if…
1. You prefer to wait for substantial upgrades
Despite the addition of Apple Intelligence features, the iPhone 16 appears to be more of an incremental design update rather than a revolutionary overhaul; the design and functionality remain relatively unchanged from the iPhone 14 Pro. If you are satisfied with the aesthetics, performance, and functionality of your iPhone 14, transitioning to the iPhone 16 Pro may not offer a significant leap, especially given that many AI features will be rolled out later.
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Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 could bring more substantial design and functionality enhancements, making it a more enticing upgrade. Additionally, upgrading after two product iterations can be financially burdensome, leading to my next point.
2. You’ve recently paid off your current device
Financial considerations are a key factor in deciding whether to upgrade. The iPhone 14 Pro launched with a starting price of $900, a considerable investment. Many consumers opt for financing options over 12, 18, or 24 months through carriers or Apple. If you have recently paid off your iPhone 14 Pro and are not prepared financially to commit to a new payment plan, it might be wise to hold off on purchasing the iPhone 16 Pro.
As an iPhone 14 Pro Max user, I am content with the performance, battery life, and charging speed of my device. While USB-C charging would be convenient, I do not feel compelled to upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro at this time, but I may consider the iPhone 17 upon its release.