Apple just dropped the new iPhone 16’s. The question is… should you upgrade? In this article, I’ll be discussing my 5 reasons why I’m sticking with my iPhone 15 Pro and NOT upgrading to the 16 Pro.
But, spoiler alert, if you’re using an older iPhone, this year’s upgrade might just blow your mind.
Let’s break down what’s new with the iPhone 16 Pro. We’re talking, the first iPhone designed specifically for Apple Intelligence, the new camera control button, new 48MP ultra wide camera, 4K 120 fps Dolby Vision, Thinner bezels, a new (larger) smaller standard 6.3” size, the new A18 Pro Chip, and the new desert titanium colour (and much more).
Those new features sound amazing, right? But, here’s my biggest issue.
I have an iPhone 15 Pro.
But why specifically?
The Camera
Reason number One — I’m staying loyal to my iPhone 15 Pro because, I take a lot of photos and videos with this iPhone and the camera, is still a straight-up monster!
The 48MP main camera with last year’s addition of ProRAW, giving you more control and customisation over how your finished photo looks. It’s already delivering crazy detail and colour.
Sure, the iPhone 16 Pro has that new 48MP ultra wide, dolby vision up to 4k at 120 fps and the latest generation photographic styles, but unless you’re shooting at an expert level, and if you are then you’ve probably also got a dedicated DSLR camera, the 15 Pro’s camera is more than enough for everyday and at least pro-level photography.
Performance
Reason number Two. Performance.
The A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro is already a speed demon. From intense gaming to editing 4K videos on the go, this thing handles it like a champ.
The iPhone 16 Pro does come with the new A18 Pro chip, but let’s be real, unless you’re doing some hardcore pro-level tasks every single day, then the extra horsepower isn’t even noticeable in daily use.
This phone is a machine, and I haven’t once felt like it’s slowing me down.
Design
Let’s talk design! Reason three, I’m not switching.
The design changes on the iPhone 16 Pro are….minimal. Both phones have that titanium frame, and honestly, both are still going to feel premium in hand (which should be a minimum for smartphones at this price range).
Those iPhone 16 Pro tweaks like the bigger standard screen size, the tougher Ceramic Shield front, slightly higher pixel resolution, aren’t game-changing.
Battery Life
Reason four, and this is a big one, battery life! The iPhone 16 Pro has slight battery improvements, such as up to 27 hours video playback, 22 hours streamed video playback and up to 85 hours audio playback, but guess what? The iPhone 15 Pro already delivers amazing all-day battery life, and to most people in the age of the powerful smartphone, having an all day battery is the least I expect from my phone and if it’s doing that, like the 15 Pro does, then that’s fine.
Cost
Reason Five — Cost. Let’s talk dollars and pounds here!
The iPhone 16 Pro is brand new, and the price? It’s not cheap. We’re talking $1,000+ for a phone that’s only marginally better (in my opinion) than my 15 Pro, which I only bought just 12 months ago.
That’s right — this phone is practically new-ish and it’s going to be supported my Apple’s updates to iOS for a number of years to come.
Guess what? My iPhone 15 Pro is still running flawlessly! The performance, battery life, camera — it’s all still top-tier. I mean, why more money when the phone in my hand is barely out of its box?
Unless you really need the latest and greatest phone every single year, which in an ideal world I’d love to, sticking with a phone that I’ve already got and is working perfectly makes a lot more sense.
Conclusion
The iPhone 16 Pro is impressive, no doubt about it. If you’re coming from an older iPhone, maybe an iPhone 12 or 13, the upgrade could be a big, noticeable leap forward. You’ll benefit from the upgraded cameras, titanium design and the support for Apple Intelligence.
But for us iPhone 15 Pro users? The leap just doesn’t feel that massive. Apple really delivered last year, and the 15 Pro still feels incredibly powerful and future-proof. So yeah, I’m sticking with my 15 Pro — for now.
What do you think? Is the iPhone 16 Pro tempting enough for an upgrade, or are you rolling with your current setup?
If you would like to see the video version of this article, check out the YouTube link below: