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iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro: In-Depth Comparison

Compare the Apple iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro to see if the new model is worth the extra cash
Which? Team
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro

Compare two of Apple's most popular smartphones to see what they have in common, and which features stand out.

  • Overall test score (members only)
  • Bottom line
  • Which? test lab verdict (members only)
  • Similarities and differences
  • Full test results (members only)
  • Specifications

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro

Prefer to spread the cost? Check contract deals on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro: bottom line

Amy Axworthy, Which? mobile phones expert, says:

Amy Axworthy

It's one of the smallest upgrades we've seen in recent years to one of Apple's most advanced phones. The addition of a 5x zoom lens is one of the biggest exclusive changes that you'll notice, and that's saying something.

Both the Phone 15 Pro and 16 Pro have superb processing speeds, comprehensive camera systems, and battery lives that can drain quickly due to awesome screen brightness. Both will get Apple Intelligence when it launches in the UK in December 2024. You'll likely find the 15 Pro for a better deal and the saving is worth going for.

Which? test lab verdict

Which? members can get the verdict from our lab results, and see our full test scores. Already a member? Log in here.

What's the main difference between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro?

Key Similarities

  • Both phones feature a 6.1-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate.
  • Both models have a 48MP main camera, although the upgraded iPhone 16 Pro 'fusion camera' features additional software enhancements. 
  • Both phones feature the customisable Action Button, which allows for quick access to functions like the camera or flashlight.
  • Both models have a similar build, with a titanium frame, rounded-square camera module and Dynamic Island notch.

Key Differences

  • The iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the A18 Pro chip, which claims faster performance compared to the A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro.
  • The newer phone has an improved 12MP ultra-wide lens (48MP compared to 12MP on the 15 Pro), and the telephoto lens now offers 5x optical zoom (up from 3x).
  • The 16 Pro has a slightly larger display at 6.3 inches compared to the iPhone 15's 6.1-inch screen, and a slightly higher resolution.
  • An additional camera button on the 16 Pro offers quick photo and video capture and advanced controls like zooming through gestures.

Read our full lab-tested review of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro, and check prices below. 


iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro: test results

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iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: full specs

 


iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro
Current pricesSQUIRREL_TEXT_50009169
SQUIRREL_TEXT_50016628
Security*

Currently supportedYes-
Estimated security support expiry dateSep-29Sep-30
Estimated minimum remaining security support (years)55
Brand update policyApple typically supports phones for a minimum of six yearsApple typically supports phones for a minimum of six years
Display

* Currently supported – whether the phone is still supported with important security updates from the manufacturer. Estimated security support expiry date  our estimate for when this phone will no longer be supported, based on typical manufacturer and device-specific support periods. Estimated minimum remaining security support (years) – our estimate of the minimum time left before this phone stops receiving updates. Brand update policy  the brand's official update policy, or our knowledge of how long similar phones have been supported.

Why you can trust our mobile phones tests

Our reviews of the iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro are different – we don't rate phones based on individual experience, but based on the ratings and results we receive from our independent lab, where phones are tested under identical conditions using cutting edge equipment, which means they're all directly comparable. We also purchase every phone we test ourselves, so you can trust that there is no bias in our scores.

  • A Which? overall score is made up by testing various criteria, from key ratings such as battery life, camera performance, ease of use, audio quality and durability. 
  • Behind each of those ratings includes more than 40 individual tests and checks that are weighted differently. This means that the most important things, such as the quality of your pictures and videos, will more greatly impact the score than features such as how easy it is to use the phone’s music player. 
  • To keep things simple, the most important scores are shown as star ratings out of five on each phone’s Test Results page, as an easy-to-compare list of strengths and weaknesses, so you can quickly work out whether a model is right for you.
  • For more, read our guide on how we test mobile phones

At Which? we’re 100% editorially independent and work entirely on behalf of the consumers.

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