Comparing iPhone 16 vs iPhone 14 Pro and 13 Pro: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

What You Should Know

• The iPhone 16 lineup offers compelling reasons for an upgrade, particularly if you’re excited about Apple Intelligence and feel that your current device is underperforming.
• Key features that make the non-Pro iPhone 16 appealing include the innovative Action and Camera Capture buttons, spatial audio-video recording capabilities, new Apple silicon, and upcoming Apple Intelligence enhancements, featuring an advanced version of Siri.
• However, the iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro remain exceptional devices that can endure for many more years. Notably, many of the Apple Intelligence features that set the iPhone 16 apart won’t be available at launch.

Now might be the ideal time to keep your current iPhone. While Apple has introduced significant changes that may entice some to join the iPhone super cycle, there are valid reasons to wait for the excitement to settle down. The features you already have with your iPhone 13 or 14 might outweigh any improvements from the latest model. If you’re still on the fence, here are our main arguments for and against upgrading.

Reasons to Upgrade

Let’s explore the primary advantages of the iPhone 16 compared to the iPhone 14 Pro and 13 Pro.

1. Enhanced Apple Intelligence and New Siri Features

Apple Intelligence marks a major advancement in in-house AI technology by Apple.

Apple Intelligence seamlessly integrates into the iPhone, offering features such as AI image generation, writing assistance, notification summaries, and enhanced Siri capabilities that handle complex tasks with natural language commands. Advanced queries that Siri can’t resolve are sent to Apple’s Private Cloud Computer servers for greater processing.

However, due to its resource-intensive nature, Apple Intelligence and the upgraded Siri are exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and later models. If you’re eager to experience how Apple Intelligence can enhance your iPhone, an upgrade is necessary.

2. Introduction of Action and Camera Capture Buttons

Beyond AI, the new Camera Capture button distinguishes the iPhone 16 lineup. It complements the Action button introduced last year.

The Action button allows you to customize functions like changing settings, launching apps, or starting/stopping recordings, while the Camera Capture button features capacitive touch sensors enabling you to access the camera, capture photos and videos, switch between cameras, zoom, adjust exposure and depth, and utilize Apple Intelligence’s visual features (similar to Google’s Circle to Search).

This update marks a return to physical buttons, providing more control over your iPhone without needing to tap the screen. It’s a dream for photographers, though these features are not available on the iPhone 13 or 14.

3. Spatial Photo and Video (3D) Capture with Vertical Camera Design

The vertical camera design on the iPhone 16 enables the capture of spatial videos and photos (3D). Although the iPhone 15 Pro also supports spatial videos, the entire iPhone 16 lineup is designed for spatial video and photo capture—an industry first for iPhones. Moreover, iPhone 16 includes spatial audio recording, completing the spatial media capture experience.

The videos appear in 2D on your iPhone and most devices. However, if you possess a virtual reality headset, you can stream the videos to experience them in immersive 3D. The spatial photos and videos allow you to conveniently capture and relive memories in 3D, particularly if you own Apple Vision Pro or other similar devices (like Quest 3). If you don’t own such devices, this may not be a sufficient reason to upgrade.

4. A18 Chip

The anticipated hardware enhancements continue with the arrival of this year’s A18 Apple silicon, optimized for AI applications. The iPhone 16 includes studio-quality microphones with wind reduction and audio mixing capabilities. Additionally, it’s lighter than previous models and introduces USB-C support, a welcome change.

The introduction of Apple Intelligence was bound to bring these hardware advancements, both in functionality and aesthetics, making the upgrade seem appealing.

Reasons Against Upgrading

Despite the significant updates, it may not be in your best interest to trade in your iPhone just yet. Here are some considerations:

1. iPhone 16 Is Still Evolving

At launch, the iPhone 16 will lack many of the features that make the upgrade tempting. The devices won’t include Apple Intelligence, which is anticipated to be rolled out in the iOS 18.1 update.

Unless you’re using a slightly buggy beta version, you’ll need to wait for major features like writing tools, image generation, and a contextually aware Siri. When Apple Intelligence features do arrive, they will still be labeled as beta and available only in US English for the time being. Additional languages are expected next year, implying that a stable, globally released version is still months away. This could deter users looking to experience Apple Intelligence in a more mature form.

2. You May Lose Your ‘Pro’ Status

Another factor to weigh if you’re considering swapping your iPhone 13 Pro or 14 Pro for an iPhone 16 is the loss of the telephoto camera, along with the ‘Pro’ designation. The vertically aligned dual-camera design is another indication that you’re using a standard iPhone, while the pill-shaped camera bump has been repositioned horizontally, which may be a downside for some users.

You’ll also miss out on other exclusive Pro features such as a 1TB storage option, adaptive refresh rates, and the always-on display, along with a new flashlight width adjustment (the last two features are available only on the iPhone 14).

3. iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro Will Receive OS Updates for Years

If you’re not particularly interested in Apple Intelligence and your iPhone 13 Pro or 14 Pro is functioning well, you can continue using it for many more years. Despite planned obsolescence, you can expect OS support for the iPhone 13 Pro until iOS 20 and for iPhone 14 Pro until iOS 21. Currently, even the iPhone XR is eligible for iOS 18, meaning both your iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro will receive firmware updates for several more years, excluding any Apple Intelligence functionalities.

4. iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro Remain Fast

Each new iPhone release is celebrated as a performance upgrade over previous models. However, devices that debuted 3 to 4 years ago do not suddenly become obsolete. The difference in performance is often negligible in real-world scenarios and usually reflects only incremental improvements in benchmarks or faster app loading times.

The iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro are still highly relevant. Anyone suggesting otherwise may have ulterior motives.

5. Apple Intelligence Is Accessible on Other Apple Devices

If Apple Intelligence captivates your interest and you own other Apple devices, you can access it without trading your current iPhone.

Besides iPhones, Apple Intelligence will also be available on all Macs and iPads equipped with Apple silicon. However, many Apple Intelligence features are better suited for larger screens.

While the iPhone can manage AI tasks well, utilizing research and writing assistance, as well as image generation, may be more effective when working on a larger screen.

Final Verdict

Choosing the iPhone super cycle upgrade may not be advisable if your current iPhone is in good working order. If you possess another Apple device with Apple silicon, you’re unlikely to miss much from your iPhone. The improved Siri experience might not meet expectations either. Additionally, many of the appealing features, including Apple Intelligence, will be available on other Apple devices. If you can hold out, waiting for the iPhone 17 could be worthwhile, as it may offer the full benefits of Apple Intelligence along with the potential for a slimmer design.

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