Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro

Our Verdict: Apple iPhone 16 combines a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a 170g body, making it easier to carry than the 211g Apple iPhone 18 Pro. The Pro adds a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz and storage configurations up to 2TB. The lighter model suits straightforward daily use; the Pro is more persuasive for smoother screen interaction and substantial recording or storage needs.

Over a full contract, the 16 works out around £700 all-in, about £516 less than the 18 Pro.

Release Date
20 September 2024 18 September 2026
Expert Rating
4.2
15 reviews
4.6
11 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.3"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
2556 x 1179 1206 x 2622
Pixels Per Inch
461 458
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 18 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Apple A20 Pro (2 nm)
Battery
3,561 mAh 4,056 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
OS
Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 150.0 x 71.9 x 8.75 mm
Weight
170 grams 211 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£26.99/mo (£19.00 upfront) £11.95/mo (£959.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£429.00 £1197.00
Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 18 Pro Apple iPhone 18 Pro
Release Date 20 September 2024 18 September 2026
Expert Rating 4.2
15 reviews
4.6
11 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.3"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 2556 x 1179 1206 x 2622
Pixels Per Inch 461 458
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 18 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Apple A20 Pro (2 nm)
Battery 3,561 mAh 4,056 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
OS Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 150.0 x 71.9 x 8.75 mm
Weight 170 grams 211 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts £26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront
£11.95/mo
£959.00 upfront
SIM-free £429.00 £1197.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16

24 Months

128GB

White

Refurbished

Unlimited

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£26.99 a month, £19 upfront.

Monthly payment will increase to £28.79 on 1 April 2027. Then to £30.59 on 1 April 2028.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10 off)

Apple iPhone 18 Pro
Apple iPhone 18 Pro

24 Months

256GB

Burgundy

15GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£11.95 a month, £959 upfront.

No mid-contract price increases.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 18 Pro cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper on contract at £699.96 over the life of the deal from £26.99 per month with £19.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 18 Pro?

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 461 pixels per inch, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 18 Pro?

The Apple iPhone 16 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 18 Pro?

The Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £429.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 18 Pro?

The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 18 Pro use?

The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro uses the Apple A20 Pro (2 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 18 Pro?

The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 41g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 18 Pro?

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 18 Pro run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.