iPhone 16 Pro vs. 15 Pro vs. 14 Pro vs. 13 Pro (Ultimate Comparison)

Choosing the right iPhone from Apple's Pro lineup can be tricky, especially with new models arriving yearly. From faster processors to enhanced camera systems and AI-powered features, Apple's flagship devices have a lot to offer. But is the latest always the greatest? In this comparison, we'll dive into the iPhone 13 Pro, 14 Pro, 15 Pro, and the latest iPhone 16 Pro, breaking down their key differences in design, performance, camera capabilities, and more. Let’s take a closer look at how these models stack up against each other.

iPhone 13 Pro vs. 14 Pro vs. 15 Pro vs. 16 Pro: Specs

Design and Build Quality

The iPhone series has always been synonymous with exceptional design and build quality, and the latest models are no exception. The iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro showcase a sophisticated stainless steel frame paired with a textured matte glass back, creating an elegant yet sturdy feel. This design not only enhances aesthetics but also ensures durability, making these devices a pleasure to hold. However, this also means that these models are also heavier than their newer counterparts.

In contrast, the iPhone 15 and 16 have embraced a ground breaking shift to titanium construction. This change not only reduces weight but also enhances durability, providing an even more rich experience. The textured matte glass back remains a feature, seamlessly blending with the titanium frame. One of the standout features introduced with these models is the Action button, replacing the Ring/Silent switch. This customizable button allows users to perform a variety of functions with a simple press, enhancing usability and personalizing the device to fit individual needs. The Action button can be programmed to launch the camera, activate voice memos, or even trigger specific shortcuts, offering a level of customization that enhances user interaction.

Additionally, the iPhone 14 Pro models brought forth the innovative Dynamic Island feature, which reimagines the area around the front camera and Face ID sensors into an interactive notification space. This clever design allows users to intuitively access notifications and controls without leaving their current app. While the iPhone 15 was the first standard model to feature Dynamic Island, the iPhone 16 takes it a step further, offering smoother animations and improved integration for an even more seamless experience.

Display Features

The iPhone 16 Pro, 15 Pro, 14 Pro, and 13 Pro showcase a range of impressive display features. Each model boasts a Super Retina XDR OLED display, celebrated for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional contrast ratios, making everything from video streaming to gaming truly immersive.

These devices deliver stunning resolutions, with the iPhone 13 Pro featuring 1170 x 2532 pixels, while the iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro step up to 1179 x 2556 pixels. The iPhone 16 Pro enhances clarity even further with a resolution of 2,622 x 1,206 pixels. The displays maintain a size of 6.1 inches for the iPhone 13, 14, and 15 Pro models, while the iPhone 16 Pro features a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, providing more screen real estate for an enhanced viewing experience.

All models include ProMotion technology, allowing for adaptive refresh rates of up to 120Hz. This results in ultra-smooth scrolling and responsiveness, particularly noticeable in fast-paced content. Apple’s True Tone technology automatically adjusts white balance according to ambient lighting, ensuring optimal visibility in various environments

A significant advancement in the iPhone 14 Pro and beyond is the outdoor peak brightness of 2,000 nits, which dramatically improves visibility in bright sunlight. This feature enhances outdoor usability, making it easier to view content clearly, whether you’re at the beach or hiking in the mountains. The iPhone 13 Pro lags behind in this respect, with a peak brightness that doesn’t quite match the capabilities of its successors.

Camera Technology

The iPhone 16 Series takes mobile photography to unprecedented levels with its sophisticated camera technology, continuing Apple’s legacy of excellence in this domain. The iPhone 13 Pro introduced a robust triple-camera setup featuring 12MP sensors for the main, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. Building on this, the iPhone 14 Pro further enhanced the photography experience by introducing a 48MP main camera that delivers exceptional clarity and detail. This model retains the 12MP ultra-wide and 12MP telephoto lenses, along with 3x optical zoom, offering versatile shooting options for various situations.

With the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple refined its camera capabilities yet again, maintaining the 48MP main and 12MP ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. It provided the same flexible optical zoom options as the iPhone 14 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro addresses the gaps of its predecessors with an impressive 48MP Fusion camera, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto sensor with 5x optical zoom, providing unparalleled versatility. The new Camera Control button is particularly exciting, as it enhances the photography experience significantly. This innovative button serves as a physical shutter, allowing users to launch the camera with a single press, snap photos instantly, and record videos with a simple hold.

Moreover, the iPhone 16 Pro introduces advanced styles that mimic professional color grading in real-time, ensuring that your images look polished and striking. This combination of features makes the iPhone 16 Series a formidable tool for anyone serious about photography and videography.

AI Features and Software

AI integration has become a defining feature of Apple’s latest models. The iPhone 16 Pro comes pre-installed with iOS 18, while the iPhone 15 Pro, 14 Pro, and 13 Pro can also be upgraded to this version. However, only the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro benefit from Apple Intelligence—the standout feature of iOS 18. This limitation likely stems from hardware requirements, such as a powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, which are absent in the earlier iPhone models.

Apple Intelligence introduces innovative writing tools that empower users to optimize, summarize, and create content with AI assistance. Additionally, it allows users to transform simple sketches into detailed artwork. Another highlight is Genmoji, which enables users to create custom animated images based on personal descriptions. This unique tool enhances self-expression by generating playful visuals tailored to individual preferences, making conversations more engaging and visually appealing.

A significant highlight of this integration is the enhanced Siri assistant, now powered by ChatGPT. This new Siri offers an expanded range of responses and capabilities, making interactions more dynamic and personalized. It lets you engage in more natural conversations, provides context-aware suggestions, and even takes actions across various apps seamlessly. For instance, you can ask Siri to find a recipe, set reminders based on your calendar events, or provide summaries of long texts, all while adapting to your unique preferences and context.

Performance and Battery Life

Apple has dramatically transformed its performance capabilities, especially with the leap from the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 13 series to the state-of-the-art A18 Pro processor in the iPhone 16 Pro. According to benchmarks, the A18 Pro delivers an impressive 30% increase in speed compared to the A15 and is also up to 15% faster than the A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 series. This leap allows for seamless multitasking, rapid app launches, and stunning graphics, positioning the iPhone 16 Pro as an exceptional device for both everyday use and intensive gaming.

Battery life has seen remarkable improvements as well, with the iPhone 16 Pro providing an impressive up to 27 hours of video playback. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro closely follow, each supporting up to 23 hours, while the iPhone 13 Pro offers up to 22 hours of video playback. This enhancement means users can indulge in longer viewing sessions, gaming marathons, and browsing without the constant worry of battery depletion.

Notably, the iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro utilize the Lightning port for charging and data transfer. However, the introduction of USB-C ports in the iPhone 15 series marked a significant shift, providing faster data transfer rates and more versatility in connectivity options. The 16 Pro continues this trend, appealing to users who prefer the universal compatibility of USB-C.

Pricing and Availability

Over the years, Apple’s iPhone Pro series saw gradual price increases with each launch. The iPhone 13 Pro debuted at AU$1,699, while iPhone 14 Pro prices started at AU$1,749. The iPhone 15 Pro continued the trend, launching at AU$1,849. Surprisingly, Apple bucked the trend with the iPhone 16 Pro, dropping its price slightly to AU$1,799, offering more value without skimping on premium features.

While the Pro models are generally available for around a year after release, that doesn't mean they're gone for good. Many physical stores may still carry limited stock of these sought-after devices. However, for savvy shoppers looking for great deals, refurbished phones are a golden opportunity. For example, you can currently snag a refurbished iPhone 13 Pro from Phonebot starting at just AU$829 or even lower. This means you can experience cutting-edge technology without the hefty price, making high-end Apple devices more accessible than ever.

Should you upgrade?

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade depends on your individual needs and how you use your iPhone. If you own the iPhone 13 Pro or older, the leap to the iPhone 16 Pro offers substantial benefits, including a powerful A18 Pro chip, advanced camera capabilities, and extended battery life. Users of the iPhone 14 series might also find notable enhancements, particularly in photography and AI features, making it a worthwhile upgrade if you value these improvements.

For iPhone 15 Pro users, the decision is more nuanced; while the 16 Pro introduces refined features and a slightly better performance, the existing model already offers rich capabilities. If you frequently rely on your device for gaming, photography, or content consumption, upgrading to the latest model can significantly enhance your experience. However, if your current device meets your needs, it may be wise to hold off until the next iteration.

If you do choose to upgrade, refurbished Apple iPhones present an excellent opportunity to experience the latest technology while being environmentally conscious. Our devices undergo thorough inspections and repairs, ensuring they meet high-quality standards. With options available across various models, you can find a refurbished iPhone that suits your preferences. Explore our selection today to find your perfect upgrade!