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Apple's new iPhone 16 launch is just around the corner. Like they usually do, the tech giant is expected to launch their new lineup in September. As the launch date approaches, considerable excitement is building up about what new features to expect and how powerful the new iPhones will be.
Amidst all this debate, there is also confusion among consumers about whether to wait for the iPhone 16 or go forward with the previous generation 15 Pro models. Apple's new 16 model could feature the A18 chip or A17 Pro, with the latter being the same chip used to power the iPhone 15 Pro. So what should you do?
This article tries to answer that question by comparing the two models based on the rumored features of the iPhone 16 and will suggest the best course of action.
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Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and solely reflect the writer's opinion.
Would it be smarter to wait for the iPhone 16?
Apple doesn't bring in major changes with their iPhone lineup compared to previous-gen iPhones. The most significant change coming to the base 16 models this time is the change in the camera layout. Apple generally uses its last-gen flagship chip on the new-gen base models. The same could happen this year as well, making the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro equal in terms of performance.
Let's look at all the factors that might make you wait for the iPhone 16.
New chipset
Apple should introduce their A18 Bionic this year with their iPhone 16 lineup. They could use the A18 Bionic in the base models and the A18 Pro Bionic in the Pro models.
Apple also can opt to reuse the chip they used to power the Pro models i.e. the A17 Pro, similar to what they did with base models of 15 lineup. If Apple does use the A18 Bionic, the base 16 models might perform better than last year's Pro models.
Better Apple Intelligence
Apple introduced its version of AI this year, calling it Apple Intelligence. Its release is restricted to only the 15 Pro models and every other iPhone currently present was excluded. This was done to ensure the massive processing requirements of using AI were met.
With a new chip, Apple AI can be used in the base iPhone 16 models as well. Further, the chip can be better optimized to run AI-based tasks. Meaning that the base 16 models will be better at processing and implementing AI in everyday tasks.
Redesigned camera layout
Apple is reportedly changing the camera placement in their base iPhone models to facilitate spatial video recording for the Apple Vision Pro. The cameras are set to be positioned vertically this time changing from the diagonal arrangement in last year's base models. This new refreshing look could be an attractive design change for many new buyers.
Action Button and Capture button
The Action button introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro models is coming to the base 16 models this time. Apple is getting rid of the mute switch from all the models and is making the Action button the new norm.
Along with the Action button, Apple is also rumored to introduce a new Capture button to the 16 models, which will be a dedicated switch for capturing images and videos like that of professional cameras.
Why it's better to buy the iPhone 15 Pro now?
Despite being from the old generation, the iPhone 15 Pro is still a powerful device. With the upcoming 16-series, the 15 Pro is predicted to receive major price cuts, making this a great value purchase in 2024.
120 Hz refresh rate
Apple uses high refresh rate displays only on the Pro models of their iPhones. Going by that pattern, the new base 16 model could also feature the same 60 Hz display, which might feel archaic in 2024. It's better to buy the 15 Pro in that case because the 120 Hz screen makes scrolling and browsing feel extremely smooth.
Better camera setup
The iPhone 15 Pro features a triple camera setup, which uses a dedicated telephoto lens to capture zoom shots. This extra camera helps when you need to zoom into a subject. Further, it also improves the image processing in portrait shots, delivering a better background and foreground separation.
This sums up the comparison between the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 15 Pro. We would recommend to wait regardless of which model you choose. The iPhone 16 could feature the A18 Bionic chip, which would make it a better buy over the 15 Pro because of better battery and software optimizations.
But even if you decide on getting the 15 Pro, it's better to wait for the new models' release as that will make the 15 Pro retail at a discounted price.
